Joe, in light of the terrible tragedy with Sam Vincent, and being reminded every day how dangerous our roads are, I just wanted to share my experiences of the last week with you. On three different occasions, not two, not one, THREE, I watched law enforcement vehicles make their own road rules. I was going down a back road and a trooper came up on me lights a flashing at a high rate of speed. He literally came out of no where. Assuming I had done something wrongs I got over. He blew by me. “He must be responding to something”, I thought. As I proceeded on I came into town on the same road and at the convenience store I pulled into their he was. This time out of his car carrying on a very jovial conversation with a young lady at one of those rent a movie things. Unbelievable, he blew by me to do that? Sure there could have been another reason for it but it’s highly unlikely given the timing of it.
The next occasion I found myself going down rt. 13 and looked down as we all do to realize I was going 65. At that instant another trooper blew by me like I was standing still. No lights or anything. As I approached the next intersection I slowed for a red light and looked over at a restaurant to watch the officer get out of his car in civilian clothes. Getting a bite to eat I guess. Finally today I was on my way home when another law enforcement officer again blew by me like I was parked. Again, no lights or anything. Changed lanes with no signals. Even rode people’s bumpers. As I got to the next red light he was stopped there waiting first at the signal. As traffic moved again he flashed lights to get around people he eventually came up on. If there was something he was responding to I’m sure he would have flashed and went through the light when he could. He did not and he was first at the light when I got there.
Point being, I think some of these guys need to be looked at. I don’t claim to know all the protocols and things like that but I’m sure I’m not the only one that watches this “above the law” mentality. There are so many good officers that it’s a shame to see what you could clearly call an abuse of power. After the horrible tragedy of last week we don’t need to be reminded how we need to be more careful on our roadways. I totally respect law enforcement Joe. I am grateful how they place their lives on the lives to protect us all but no one is above the laws we all have to follow. I’m not saying that all of our officers are this way but if you watch things carefully you will see blatant instances like these and its just not right.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
33 comments:
my pet peeve with law enforcement officers is many, many, many times they will NEVER use signal lights. They just brake and turn. very unprofessional.
Amen ! I've seen so many similiar instances that it is not even funny. Exsessive speed, no signals, tailgateing etc., Not driving role models thats for sure.
8wt
Never throw rocks when you live in a glass house. Unless you know something about what they do you shouldn't make comments against the very people who protect your life every day. They are your guarding angels. Do I see them do things I question? Yes. But they are doing a very thankless job for little to no money for it. Have you ever stop to think that when the call came across the radio the girl at the movie rental place might have said she was being robbed or raped? They don't know what is going on until they get there. Don't judge until you know what happen. I'm sure you have broken the speed limit or pushed a yellow light before. We all have.
For anyone who has ever tried to make a left turn from Northwood Drive onto Naylor Mill Rd, you know it can be very difficult most of the time. Well not if you have lights and a siren! Every single day i see the County Boys use their lights and siren to stop traffic so they can make a left turn without having to wait. They don't have the lights on when approaching the stop sign, but once they think they have waited a little too long in traffic they flip them on and blow the siren to get through.
This happens all the time. People in a position to enforce the rules should be held to a higher standard.
They are not "above the law". By law, they are allowed to drive differently than the rest of us.
If you ever do see an officer who appears to be overly reckless, you can always report them to the local barracks and they WILL investigate. Officers have been disciplined and some have even lost their jobs.
Please remember that sometimes officers have to drive what seems to be erratic because the other cars don't know the rules of the road when it comes to emergency vehicles. Having driven an ambulance for 10+ years, I've seen my fair share of drivers who don't know what to do, or who simply don't care.
9:28....Most people aren't asking for a higher standard of behavior, merely the same standard of behavior....and 9:39--- in an emergency, the police and other first responders DO and MUST drive "differently" than the rest of us, but I'm unaware (but welcome enlightenment) of any law that says they can, at will, use their emergency lights to facilitate their movement through normal traffic in a non-emergency situation..and the argument that "there may have been a reported rape or burglary" doesn't hold water---if that was the case, you can bet there would be about 10 -15 police cars converging and on the scene...if you want to try to come up with an excuse for someone breaking the law, come up with something that doesn't insult someones intelligence....a thankless job for no money?? lol!! It's a VOLUNTARY POSITION!
I have friends that are officers and believe they do not act like some of the others I see on a daily basis. So many times going to Ocean City to work I see officers weaving in and out of traffic either headed home or to work that are not going to an emergency. I had on come up from behind me the other day in a marked car at a high rate of speed so I eased over to the shoulder to let him by. After he got along beside me and I saw he was in street clothes I decided if he could drive like that I'd hang with him. WoW what a ride to Salisbury that was 85 MPH all the way to Walston Switch Road. Now knowing the what the letters on the tag relate to he wasn't from either Berlin Nor Salisbury all I can say is I wish he was just ahead of me everyday on my way home! I will give one officer credit from two weeks ago he never went above 60MPH but for the most of them they break the law on a daily basis as far as traffic goes.
I have a lot of family in law enforcement. This is one of the first complaints I have read and did not take offense to. This person is speaking out of concern, not judging, not being nasty as most typically are. You can't argue with it. It happens. Regardless of why it happens, whether the cops are right or the civilian is right. It happens.
Seriously, it is a thankless job. Which is one reason I did not choose to follow inthe footsteps of my family! There is nothing worse than a whining cop! Should they get paid more... absolutely. Should they get more respect... absolutely. But don't whine about it being thankless and think that makes you a better person! We all have thankless jobs of some sort! Gimme a break!
I know a guy who was not allowed to become a police officer --- they said his aim was too good...
Get their tag numbers and call in a complaint, that will help a little bit. If they are not reported to their superiors, this kind of stuff will continue.
10:43 You have no idea what your talking about. I'm suporting the police. Not for one minute did I say I was better than them. I don't like people knocking the police when they have no idea what they are doing. By the way my job is a thankless job but I get paid very well. Deep down you wished you was a cop but you just didn't have what it took to be one. Money had nothing to do with it.
10:25
You have no idea what those cops did that day. One person get's on here and says something and right away you think its gospel. You just don't have the first clue what the police do.
Well let me say this guy should work for the C.I.A. three police contacts in what two days ??? Hmmmm does liar liar pants on fire come to mind LOL. The F.B.I. teaches a course on credible witness statements. This person is full of baloney. This person is the one who saw "everything". If this was not posted and this same person were asked to repeat the statement two months from know it would be like reading two different books.
Sorry the police drive horribly. It is not permitted under the law unless they are responding to a call. The reason some do stick out more then others is because the are habitual offenders and should be dealt with. So yes there are bad drivers both in and out of uniform.
Back to this poster or should I say imposter. Two cops just end up at locations just hanging out. Pushed traffic to get to a Red Box and talk to a girl ?? Go to eat? Where is the donut in this story it is the only thing missing. Old cliche's. They are all here.
Joe your poster may have had 1 encounter that was negative and embelished the rest.
The truth I think the whole thing is B.S. So much detail and no tag numbers. No description of the officers.
The love ya but hate ya sernario. I love the cops but i see this. Never a true statement. If you loved the cops report the tag number to the offenders department. It saves lives. be prepared to support your statement with facts,details.
@10:40 am
I used to do the same thing on my way to work. There was an MSP officer that apparently left for work the same time that I did each morning. I would "ride" with him at about 80 mph until it was time for my turn-off. I did this just about every morning for quite a while when he worked that shift. After a while, he would even wave in his rear view mirror when I made my turn, knowing that I was speeding right along with him.
A police officer was speeding through an intersection when his side was red with no lights or sirens on and smashed into my aunts car when she had a green light. The only reason she wasn't killed was that another car slid under hers as she spun around and prevented her from flipping over. The officer had admitted that he wasn't going to an emergency and he was in the wrong. I understand that the police are there to protect us but when they are contributing to hurting people that's when I have a problem.
11:04... did you read my comment? Try reading it again and comment back. I don't wish I was a cop. You are right I don't have what it takes. I like to feel appreciated and I like the peace of mind knowing I probably won't get shot at at work! You are right.. I will give you that! I thought my comment was very supportive of police officers. They are human! I didnt even say YOU don't support the police. Good for you, you are one of the few who makes good money as a LEO! Sorry for supporting MOST officers in believeing they don't get paid enough! Please don't take offense to that!
Really Joe, why do you let such idiots on here!
HA!They can do what they want and often do.At least in Salisbury they dont hang out in parking lots with the teenyboppers like they do in SOME towns.....
From my experience its the young rookie cops that think they can do what they want and intimidate the rest of us.
For all the good cops out there (Mike Lewis, Gary Baker) Thank you for what you do!
11:08..."you have no idea what those cops did that day" ?? ...lol...neither do you....and oh yeah, I DO have a clue on what cops do....My brother in law was an Anne Arundel cop for years, then became a Detective, then an Arson investigator. My son is a Firefighter (full-time paid) and my other brother in law was a cop, too. Several guys I know are cops, one is a MSP undercover narcotics officer....I know a lot about what cops do...and I have these discussions with them, too. Some of the things they have said to me I won't repeat here so as NOT to besmirch the community of police. The FACTS--- FACTS are that police routinely violate the law and protect other cops who violate the law too. and I ain't just talking about speeding, either. I don't care that you "risk your life to protect"...thats what you signed up for, just like I did when I joined (at 17yrs old) the military. DON'T use it as an excuse to break the law, JUSTIFY anything, or make yourself feel like you are better than those you SERVE. Hear that? SERVE! Your job is to protect your community and give your life, if necessary, for the greater good. What I mainly care about is that the LAW is applied and enforced evenly and fairly and no one - cop, politician, whatever -- is thought to be (by themselves or by others) to be immune from it. Isn't THAT what the "rule of law" is all about? Don't be so sensitive...
We all appreciate what our law enforcement officers do, and we all acknowledge that they literally put their lives on the line.
However, they are expected to follow the rules that everyone else has to. A few years ago, as I recall, an MSP officer was involved in a fatality on the Nanticoke River Bridge at Vienna. While the road conditions were bad, it was found that the officer was exceeding the speed limit and therefore contributed to the death.
Because of that accident, I recall that the superintendent of the MSP put out an edict that MSP officers were to go the posted speed limit unless their lights were flashing. How often, however, have we seen police officers--not just MSP--exceed the posted limit by considerable amounts when they have no flashing lights or blaring sirens. We have a right to object to these actions.
12:19 go back and read what you wrote and sleep on it tonight.
1:46...WELL PUT... the 'free speech' clause of the Constitution (Bill of Rights) was intended to allow citizens to criticize and complain about THE GOVERNMENT ---their agents and representatives-- with fear of prosecution or retribution....we DO have the RIGHT to object to actions by these agents (in whatever form they take)....so power to you, 1:46....and for anyone whose feelings might be hurt by said criticism, that, along with risking your life every day, also comes with the territory....and for the record, I sincerely recognize the sacrifice, of your self and of your families, that police in this country perform. Its one helluva tough job to do right all the time. So, please, don't shoot me in a late night traffic stop...
On occassion, I do respond to calls quickly, silently, and without my lights on. Why? Because I'd like to get there without letting some potential suspect know that I'm almost on top of them. Not too long ago, I responded to an armed robbery following the suspect up to a grocery store. Due to heavy traffic I had to use my lights and siren to get through traffic. According to the witnesses present, the suspect got a ride from somebody else and left the area just before I got there.
Had it been later at night with little or no traffic present I would have been able to respond silently and without my lights on. Maybe he would have still been in the area, relaxed, and confident that he was going to walk away freely, as I pull up next to him undetected
Silent/panic alarms at stores or banks?? No I do not turn on my emergency equipment responding to those calls. Getting there quickly and quietly is essential to catch a suspect in the act.
I know there are male and female officers abusing the system, but don't just ASSUME that the LEO is abusing the system just because his or her emergency equipment is off. If you see repeated abuses of power (like the LEO headed to work doing 80mph on a daily basis on Rt 50) and there is a pattern to it then report it with a tag number, date time and location.
This would do a lot more to fix the problem than bitching on the internet. Also if you see an officer talking to his/her partners or teenyboppers in the parking lot what is wrong with that? How much time do you spend at work socializing or surfing the internet? I think cops talking to teens can be a very good helpful thing. If the teenager gets to know us they might trust us and be more willing to report things to us BEFORE crime happens, or be HONEST with us when they have knowledge of a crime that has all ready occurred. When breaking up out of control college parties, students that recognized us and were comfortable with us were much more cooperative and even helpful when leaving the area.
I guess my bottom line on this is stop assuming the worst of us - what you see doesn't always tell the whole story.
3:53 - AMEN! Many people are too quick to judge with little facts.
Let me get this straight,
Three officers blew by you. That's terrible conduct for a police officer and you may want to use some discretion as well.
3:53 PM
good response
I have a dead aunt and cousin out west due to a police car running through a red light.
I appreciate and respect law enforcement, but traffic protocols are something that need to be driven home by leadership, pardon the pun.
Anytime you see this sort of thing and can get the identifying number or tag, or even the mile marker and time, call it in. Or write to the chief, sheriff or barracks commander.
Funny, but I bet that some of the same posters complining that the LEOs break the law by speedin also complained when Joe posted the article stating that troopers were going to start ticketing anyone going over 55 (even a few mph over). I think someone even stated that it was like a new tax to do so. Or maybe some of the same posters that complain every time Joe posts a police report that includes an arrest for marijuana related crimes. Now we want police to be reprimnded (even fired) for speeding, but we want them to stop worring so much about stopping speeders and arresting people for smoking pot, because they are not "real crimes". Come on people, you can't have it both ways!
10:25
You are so lost. 10 to 15 officers would respond. Where are you from? imaginary ville. This are doesn't even have 10 to 15 working at a time in the whole county. Wake up.
If using a cell phone or two-way radio is illegal soon in Delaware..
it will soon be illegal everywhere else...
did the two MD State Troopers that rear-ended vehicles and caused fatalities on the Vienna Bridge understand that using a laptop going 70 plus MPH contributes to their own negligence?
5:57....10-15 might be an exaggeration, but you missed the point...not that many on duty, huh?? when a bank gets robbed (or should I say AFTER --lol) there sure seems to be more than 10-15 on duty....I went by Bank of Delmar after the robbery there and the place looked like a cop convention...that was just at the location itself...there were MORE cops scouring the area for suspects. Whose lost?? Too bad when there is a reported robbery of a citizen, just ONE cop (in his golfing attire) shows up to laugh with the victim (I'm using the description given by the lady who posted the original statement)...who did you say was lost again? And when the cops put up one of those Nazi "checkpoints" are you saying EVERY cop on duty is right there, because the last time a post was here about a Nazi "checkpoint" (let us see your papers!), I think there were several State Police, several Sheriff officers and even a Natural Resource officer (was Donald Duck on the lam??). THAT, if what you say is true, was one heckuva good time to rob a store...who's lost?? I've seen ten police on the way to Ocean City before on Route 50....you need some directions yet, because I'm pretty sure I know who's lost...
Get their tag #?? I'd love to, but they are always going fast enough to make that impossible. Sometimes it's all you can do to see the color of the car before they are GONE! Even if they're on the way to a call, they should still be using common sense. I feel that some drive this way simply because they can. Accusing the writer of lying only makes you look bad, by the way.
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