9 June 2009

Police?

| Warpiglet75
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Anyone had any unnecessary and full on encounters with police lately?

Is it just me or are they picking up more people for really insignificant things?

Are they ruder?

What’s going on?

I’m law abiding but they seem to pull me over constantly!

[ED – While I’m thrilled to be seeing more police out and about over the last few years I can’t say they’ve been any bother to me personally]

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“I am glad that there are individuals in our society who try to help others and uphold the law.”

And it is a pleasure and an honour to do it for people who think that way

Dammit Peterh, I was right there with you until those last four words. I’m going to pretend that the word ‘the’ is really ‘natural’.

vg said :

This thread is hilarious.

Who needs recruit training? Prospective recruits should just be directed to this thread, as everyone seems to be able to explain how Police should do their job. Think of the money saved which could be directed to other things, like courses where Police could learn how to explain to people things like:

a) why your taxes pay Police wages –
b) why Police are ‘just public servants’
c) why Police have to give drunks lifts home when the taxi rank is full; and
d) how best to get out of the standard conversation at a party where some twat, who got a speeding fine 5 years ago, spends all night regaling you of the tale once they find out you’re a copper (because that never happens).

Actually, on 2nd thoughts, lets throw open the Police Advisory board to everyone who wants to give their opinion. God knows Police could do with more people, who wouldn’t know policing if it bit them on the ass, giving them an opinion as to what they should be doing and how they can do what they’re doing now better. There just aren’t enough of those sorts of people around….are there?

vg,

a) why your taxes pay Police wages – they are govt employees??

b) why Police are ‘just public servants’ – hehehe. how many public servants carry a sidearm?

c) why Police have to give drunks lifts home when the taxi rank is full – we need a drunk tank in each police station. That’ll learn em!

d) how best to get out of the standard conversation at a party where some twat, who got a speeding fine 5 years ago, spends all night regaling you of the tale once they find out you’re a copper (because that never happens). I had a very interesting discussion with a copper who was on the port arthur taskforce. Poor bugger. I could see that the strain of what he had witnessed was taking a toll on him. he mentioned that they (senior officers) had recommended that he go to counselling.

It is probably the moment when it hit home what coppers have to go through. certainly, there are bad ones, and good, but the instances of dealing with drunks, speeders, theft etc are nothing in comparison with having to deal with the sight of a massacre, accident that is fatal, murder etc. I am glad that there are individuals in our society who try to help others and uphold the law.

Spideydog said :

I actually laughed at that 🙂

and

vg said :

This thread is hilarious.

inappropriate use of sunglasses is no laughing matter.

so, where is SuperNiet?

I can at times get a little carried away 😉

—-> Olive branch —–>

Spideydog, We seem to have been at cross-purposes right throughout this. Probably my doing. Sorry

YapYapYap said :

I must be (still wrong). After all that is the whole point of your last post isn’t it; everyone’s right to an opinion. Your opinion.

Wow, this is getting confusing. So firstly you falsely accuse me, then when I defend myself, you accuse me (falsely again) that the “only real opinion is mine”.

Ok, you win. I will now forthwith agree with everything you have to say, because otherwise I would be saying that my opinion is much more important than yours. That could never mean, that I am 1. defending myself from your false remarks and 2, have an opinion of my own.

I must be (still wrong). After all that is the whole point of your last post isn’t it; everyone’s right to an opinion. Your opinion.

ant said :

p1 said :

And to Spidey, sorry, you were a bit too subtle for me. I’ll be more alert next time!

No probs ant.

farq said :

Spideydog said:

Spideydog said :

“The whole police force is corrupt, yell and scream at the members of the public in all cases.

who said anything about corruption? you know something the rest of us don’t?

otherwise, you getting you are getting close, but you forgot the bit about wearing sunglasses even on overcast days! 🙂

I actually laughed at that 🙂

This thread is hilarious.

Who needs recruit training? Prospective recruits should just be directed to this thread, as everyone seems to be able to explain how Police should do their job. Think of the money saved which could be directed to other things, like courses where Police could learn how to explain to people things like:

a) why your taxes pay Police wages
b) why Police are ‘just public servants’
c) why Police have to give drunks lifts home when the taxi rank is full; and
d) how best to get out of the standard conversation at a party where some twat, who got a speeding fine 5 years ago, spends all night regaling you of the tale once they find out you’re a copper (because that never happens).

Actually, on 2nd thoughts, lets throw open the Police Advisory board to everyone who wants to give their opinion. God knows Police could do with more people, who wouldn’t know policing if it bit them on the ass, giving them an opinion as to what they should be doing and how they can do what they’re doing now better. There just aren’t enough of those sorts of people around….are there?

And on the subject of Police, what have they done with SuperNiet? He seems to have disappeared. I miss his reports on the news, high piping voice, quivering with outrage, but being quite good at conveying his message without using long silly words and bureacrateeze.

I already addressed that point. If this person says it is true, they have the avenues to make a complaint. I made the point that I found it hard to believe, being in a highly public place where everybody these days have a camera on hand, not to mention that that area is covered by video surveillance. His version could easily be proved.

He made a point that he had no reason to make things up, I pointed out that he COULD have a million and one reasons to make things up (if he was that way inclined) Simply because someone says something on a website, doesn’t automatically make it true.

I am allowed to disagree with someone aren’t I….. free speech and everything. Or is it only if they agree with YOU ??

You are still wrong.

p1 said :

One of the officers came up all intense and demanded to know what we were doing on one of Canberra’s busiest roads.

One of my comrades replied with a calm and steady voice “Bobsledding”

The other officers seemed to have trouble taking it seriously after that.

A technical question on police; are all cops “officers”? Surely sargents, by definition can’t also be officers?

That is just brilliant, I love it. Ah, memories. Drunken japes (that didn’t involve wrecking stuff or upsetting the citizenry).

As for sergeants, I’m not sure they get out much. Are they the ones who get to wear the black hats? Some of those came to get Eastman, when he walloped teh manager of our office. Soemwhat portly and mature. But I always thought they were senior Consts.

And to Spidey, sorry, you were a bit too subtle for me. I’ll be more alert next time!

Spideydog said :

Sic said :

To top the night off when a couple of younger male officers finished their shift, they drove up the interchange in their van, did a U-turn, then drove past the entire 3 hour long taxi line flipping everyone the bird with both hands, no hands on the wheel!

Yeah right…..that really happened !!!!

Spideydog said :

Sic said :

Exactly why would I need to make that up?

You don’t NEED to make it up, but one could think of a million and one reasons why someone would make it up.

Your a anonymous poster on a website ….. People can say what ever they like and the truth can’t be tested.

I’ll go back to “attack” These are your words aren’t they?

You can dish it out………..

that should read, ‘you are getting close’, my bad.

Spideydog said:

Spideydog said :

“The whole police force is corrupt, yell and scream at the members of the public in all cases.

who said anything about corruption? you know something the rest of us don’t?

otherwise, you getting you are getting close, but you forgot the bit about wearing sunglasses even on overcast days! 🙂

YapYapYap said :

I simply responded to this challenge:

Spideydog said :

Point out exactly the poor policing practice you refer to o’ wonderous Yap ? (except the alleged flipping the bird incident that another poster quite rightly pointed out, that there are video camera’s for them to prove the alleged birding)

Perhaps “attack” went a little too far. “Beg to differ” ok with you?

It wasn’t about the attack …. it was off topic. I was getting you to identify the “Poor policing practice I was allegedly specifically attacking” that you accused me of. You won’t find it because you falsely accused me.

ant said :

Spideydog said

Spideydog said :

Have you been convinced ant ?

Absolutely. Like most people, I can be completely swayed by the debater who uses the most abusive, belittling language when making their point. He’s certainly convinced me that the police are in fact civil and professional all the time. I see quite a few other posters have also been convinced. And while I have you, can I interest you in a fine bridge? Very reasonably priced, slightly used.

Ah, you do realise my quote was a joke WITH you ant, don’t you !!!???

farq said :

peterh said :

…I think you will find that it is the new members who haven’t learnt how to control their emotions,…

I think it is the culture of the organisation that says it is okay to be rude to members of the public.

you know, ‘us and them’.

No surprises here ….. for farq.

“The whole police force is corrupt, yell and scream at the members of the public in all cases. They are all arrogant and bash people regularly for fun. THE SKY IS FALLING”

I simply responded to this challenge:

Spideydog said :

Point out exactly the poor policing practice you refer to o’ wonderous Yap ? (except the alleged flipping the bird incident that another poster quite rightly pointed out, that there are video camera’s for them to prove the alleged birding)

Perhaps “attack” went a little too far. “Beg to differ” ok with you?

YapYapYap said :

Well let’s start with the ‘profiling’ of possible offenders (the original point of this post). We can then look at, for eg, pursuit policies – a few houses smashed into just this week and a death or two. We could consider the actions of the officers, who for a laugh it seems, pepper-gassed (criminally assaulted) people taken to the watchhouse.

6-1. Next set.

Your serve

And where exactly does that have anything to do with me !!!!! You attacked me with the following quote.

YapYapYap said :

Attacking anyone who criticises poor policing practices is, well, poor policing practice.

I will ask you again ….. Where exactly did I attack people criticising poor policing practice ??

You need a new scoring system, it seems just like your examples, they are both back to front.

Your serve. Try and keep it in the same court.

SammyLivesHere9:46 pm 10 Jun 09

In the few times I’ve had to have a police officer attend, due to either someone trying to break-in or blow up the letter box they have been very professional and helpful.

I guess coming from a bigger place with much more of a police presence it’s just hard to get used to never seeing one except for long-weekends, on the road to NSW or when I go to Civic for dinner at night.

Espcially when my road is a raceway at night. One night there was a police car screaming around the corner in hot pursuit of a white commadore…. then I saw the police in action (but with no sirens)..

Excellent! Creative drunkeness. I hope the police found it as amusing as I did reading it!

One of the officers came up all intense and demanded to know what we were doing on one of Canberra’s busiest roads.

One of my comrades replied with a calm and steady voice “Bobsledding”

The other officers seemed to have trouble taking it seriously after that.

A technical question on police; are all cops “officers”? Surely sargents, by definition can’t also be officers?

My father tought me to always approach Police Officers with the “yes sir, no sir, 3 bags full whatever you say sir” attitude, and to save my gripe for a writen complaint to the AFP instead of going looking for trouble. That was after I was pulled over as young fella for running an amber light when I was already on the line, in pooring rain (at a snails pace mind you). When the Officer finished questioning me on my driving “habits”,he then proceded to look over the car, I said ” you neednt check those tyres or lights, its (car) just passed rego, as you can see by the rego sticker. That enraged the more senior Officer who then asked to pop the bonnet. Moto, that I learnt a long time ago, let the cop do his job, then argue it in writing later. If you are that convinced you did nothing wrong, then you will be just as convinced in a court of law!
Pr-amble…..I did contest the amber light fine, and it was waived.

Apoc said :

or a personality test to see if im going to be a smart ass and I find that if you treat the officer with respect you will get the same back at you.

This is the most unnacceptable thing a police officer can do without black and white violating their own standard of conduct.

During day to day driving, to and from work, and around town at night, I find the AFP in the ACT dont necessarily pick on modified cars much unless they are obviously defectable, and on the very odd occasion I will get random breath tested, usually a guise for checking if my car is unsafely defectable, or a personality test to see if im going to be a smart ass and I find that if you treat the officer with respect you will get the same back at you.

This is coming from someone who drives a modified v8 with chrome wheels!

The usual check involves rego/license/tires, their job is road safety, and if you are a smart ass while they’re trying to get their job done, you’re going to get a reaction you wont like.

General duties officers are the most easy going and usually willing to have a polite chat if they’re having a slow night.

bigred said :

Guys if you are going to slag off at our town’s finest, please make the gripes realistic. After all, they give us enough amunition without the need for some of the stuff appearing in this thread, such as the bird example or the RFS sticker dude.

Sod off, I will present my true story again and again, as it was the most disgusting behavior I have ever seen of a police officer.

peterh said :

…I think you will find that it is the new members who haven’t learnt how to control their emotions,…

I think it is the culture of the organisation that says it is okay to be rude to members of the public.

you know, ‘us and them’.

bd84 said :

Police have bad days like everyone else, I’m sure you don’t greet everyone cheefully when you have a bad day. Get over it.

actually, i do. I have to ensure that the interaction I have between my clients and I is a professional one. If i have a bad day, it isn’t their fault. I have to ensure that the face of the company is always seen in a good light.

In regards to coppers who are having a bad day, I am certain that they also try to put a pleasant face on for a new person, after all, they didn’t make their day bad. I think you will find that it is the new members who haven’t learnt how to control their emotions, I have met and dealt with some of the more senior members, you would be hard pushed to know how their day was going, they seem to be happy to talk to you, regardless of the reason.

Spideydog said

Spideydog said :

Have you been convinced ant ?

Absolutely. Like most people, I can be completely swayed by the debater who uses the most abusive, belittling language when making their point. He’s certainly convinced me that the police are in fact civil and professional all the time. I see quite a few other posters have also been convinced. And while I have you, can I interest you in a fine bridge? Very reasonably priced, slightly used.

bd84 said :

Police have bad days like everyone else, I’m sure you don’t greet everyone cheefully when you have a bad day. Get over it.

People acting professionally don’t bring their bad attitude to work. Is that too much to ask from ‘officers’? In any other line of work it would be described as ‘poor people skills’.

Funny no one describes cops as ‘an officer and a gentleman’.

ACT Police do a great job. The public should help them as much as they can.

Well let’s start with the ‘profiling’ of possible offenders (the original point of this post). We can then look at, for eg, pursuit policies – a few houses smashed into just this week and a death or two. We could consider the actions of the officers, who for a laugh it seems, pepper-gassed (criminally assaulted) people taken to the watchhouse.

6-1. Next set.

Your serve

YapYapYap said :

Spideydog, why don’t you just provide us with you bagde number

Oh, and if your referring to my post to ant, that is a friendly jibe I share with ant every now and again.

The ball is on your court …..

Point out exactly the poor policing practice you refer to o’ wonderous Yap ? (except the alleged flipping the bird incident that another poster quite rightly pointed out, that there are video camera’s for them to prove the alleged birding)

Oh, and your badge number too bd84.

If you two are from ACT Policing PR, no wonder the force has its detractors. Face it, there are plenty of cowboys out there (here too it seems) along with the bulk of officers who do a great (and difficult) job. Attacking anyone who criticises poor policing practices is, well, poor policing practice.

Spideydog, why don’t you just provide us with you bagde number

Have you been convinced ant ?

wow bd84, with that persuasive debating style, I am sure you’ve completely convinced all the doubters.

wow listen to all the poor little darlings whinge about the police because they got pulled over when they were doing something wrong or had a defect.

rule number 1: if you’re not doing anything wrong you generally never be pulled over.
rule 2: if you have one blown breaklight, your car is defective.
rule 3: if you’re speeding in a bus lane driving a car with a RFS sticker on the back, you’re breaking the law.
rule 4: if you’re totally smashed in a licenced venue, the police can ask for your details.
rule 5: if you’ve been pulled over by the police 4 times in a month, stop breaking the law.

Police have bad days like everyone else, I’m sure you don’t greet everyone cheefully when you have a bad day. Get over it.

Guys if you are going to slag off at our town’s finest, please make the gripes realistic. After all, they give us enough amunition without the need for some of the stuff appearing in this thread, such as the bird example or the RFS sticker dude.

Warpiglet75 said :

Fair enough all of you for your comments. And yeah I’m well aware that having a brake light out can be hazardous. It was the way I was treated that irked me. Personally I think the police do a particularly good job most of the time and that theirs is a thankless task. I am however a firm believer that being personable goes a long way. Yeah fair enough if he’d had a shite day or whatever but in my line of work, being rude and disrespectful would get me fired. When you add a gun to the belt and plenty of power, the behaviour expectation is higher in my opinion.

Piggo

Could’ve been worse though. Like a defect notice and a $90 fine 😉

To top the night off when a couple of younger male officers finished their shift, they drove up the interchange in their van, did a U-turn, then drove past the entire 3 hour long taxi line flipping everyone the bird with both hands, no hands on the wheel!

Assuming for a moment that this actually happened, report it. Civic bus interchange is absolutely covered by CCTV cameras.

# 50 “on the few occasions I’ve had to call them they usually say “I’m sorry we are very busy and can’t send someone out unless someone’s life is in danger….” is this a rare event ?”

Very rare – they never usually say sorry, they snarl out
‘do you know how much crime is going on all the time in Canberra,’ and hang up.

– Sorry for whinging – I couldn’t help myself. I am happy to read the positive stories re police attending for car break-ins, and traffic stops above. Perhaps things are on the improve.

I have had very limited dealings with the police here (a few RBTs, a missed stop sign, minor speeding naughtiness) but on all occasions, have found them to be professional and courteous (even when I was in the wrong). I think they respond to the way in which they are treated too; I am always very polite and respectful to the officers, apologise (sincerely) for my evil deeds and accepting of whatever fines they see fit to punish me with. Courtesy runs both ways.

SammyLivesHere said :

I don’t know where the Police are in Canberra – I’ve lived her over 8 years and I’ve been RBT’d once; seen hundred of speed vans (but don’t speed); and I never see them in their cars on the roads – I don’t think they are here…. but then again there is always truck loads of them at Mouseheads and in town.. on the few occasions I’ve had to call them they usually say “I’m sorry we are very busy and can’t send someone out unless someone’s life is in danger….” is this a rare event ?

There was no point asking them to come and stop the fireworks on Sunday night after 11pm because they would have been busy in the city… why wasn’t there a website to report the few fireworks sabatours?

It depends where you live… if you live in the city, it would be hard to get police to come out on a weekend. But if you’re out in one of the town centres, they should send police from the nearest station. However, my understanding is not only are the stations short staffed, but they also have limited patrol cars. So even if there’s a full team on board, they may still only have 2 or 3 cars available.

SammyLivesHere8:56 pm 09 Jun 09

I don’t know where the Police are in Canberra – I’ve lived her over 8 years and I’ve been RBT’d once; seen hundred of speed vans (but don’t speed); and I never see them in their cars on the roads – I don’t think they are here…. but then again there is always truck loads of them at Mouseheads and in town.. on the few occasions I’ve had to call them they usually say “I’m sorry we are very busy and can’t send someone out unless someone’s life is in danger….” is this a rare event ? There was no point asking them to come and stop the fireworks on Sunday night after 11pm because they would have been busy in the city… why wasn’t there a website to report the few fireworks sabatours?

dvaey said :

There is a difference between having a bald tyre which can be dangerous, and having a missing globe for your brake light. I was pulled over in a commodore once which had dual brake lights on each side, plus the parcel shelf brake light, because one of the 5 globes was blown.

You are aware of how many rear end crashes occur don’t you. You want as many working lights at the rear of your vehicle as you can have ….. having all your lights working, would be advantageous I thinks !!!! Having lights U/S can create a dangerous situation. Yes, doesn’t look or sound as dangerous as bald tyres, but dangerous in their own right.

I’ve actually noticed increased liquor licensing inspections where a couple of police tour with a couple of public servants.

Only one incident I’m aware of – a bloke had a water in front of him and was looking off his chops, sitting down at a table by the wall. He was drunk – he’d just wandered in off the street and wasn’t served any booze by this particular establishment but it was thought desireable by the pub’s management to give him some water before sending him home.

Anyways, this team of inspectors or whatever you’d call them walked in and didn’t report to the manager immediately (which I thought you’d have to do, but I’m not sure). The first thing they started to do was question this drunk bloke, who wasn’t really too responsive at midnight. The police asked for his license, and the bloke said he didn’t have it on him. The police asked for his details and drunk started to ask why, and said he’d leave. No reason was given, and details were still wanted. Some neighbouring drinkers then told the copper that the bloke hadn’t drunk anything at that venue that night and he wasn’t harming anyone.

Something happened (I was at the far end of the pub at the time), and then another bloke raised his voice at the cop and told him not to speak to his mate that way or something. Drivers license details were taken down etc.

Then the owner, who had been changing a keg out back, came back in and all was well.

I’m not saying the cop was wrong, but sometimes a bit of experience in these situations goes a long way. Pubs have certain characters in them, both local and fly-by-nighter, and wandering in off the street and setting off a powder-keg is I’m sure the last thing anyone wants when on duty. He might check things over with the manager first, next time.

But that’s my only experience with police recently and I don’t think anything was over the top.

Fisho said :

TP 3000 said :

The Police bitched & moaned when I was behind the bus in the bus lane at 11 o’clock at night doing 85k’s. We were like the only 2 vechiles on the road at the time.

You must admit that would have looked a little bit out out of the ordinary. It isn’t something that would normally occur.

Never had any issues with the police or their behaviour. Did get run off the road and boxed in by four police cars on the way to tech one morning, an unmarked car pulled up, a bloke jumps out and looks at me, yells “That’s not him, get moving”, everyone got back in and tore off, never did find out what that was all about.

I remember a few years back that if you wanted to meet the constabulary, all you needed to do was drive a Ford Escort van around.
Likely that the OP is driving a type of vehicle that has been associated with certain indiscretions.

Like the way insurance companies value a car, I’m sure the police ‘value’ certain types of vehicles as well. I will most certainly get pulled over more often in my 12 year old car than I will in my 45 year old car.

Mariact’s post reminded me of my only recent non-traffic dealings with the police. A few years ago my car was broken into and my laptop nicked out of it – a week later it was recovered and I was immediately contacted and reunited with it. The police I dealt with (coincidentally also from the Woden station) were unfailingly courteous, professional and friendly. I know I was extremely lucky to have stolen property returned, but the facts remain.
Like any profession, I’ve no doubt there are “bad eggs” who are in it for the power trip or are just out-and-out arseholes and give the rest of the service a bad name, but from my personal experience the force as a whole does a pretty decent job.

Fair enough all of you for your comments. And yeah I’m well aware that having a brake light out can be hazardous. It was the way I was treated that irked me. Personally I think the police do a particularly good job most of the time and that theirs is a thankless task. I am however a firm believer that being personable goes a long way. Yeah fair enough if he’d had a shite day or whatever but in my line of work, being rude and disrespectful would get me fired. When you add a gun to the belt and plenty of power, the behaviour expectation is higher in my opinion.

Piggo

We had our car broken into last weekend at 2am in our driveway..the police were there within 10 mins from Tuggeranong station and could not have been more attentive and helpful even though we knew our chances of getting our gear back was pretty low. They also called back the next day to update us. I also through the course of my employment rent out a property to four young police officers..they work out of Woden station and are great guys..polite and friendly and a pleasure to deal with. I have nothing but praise for our ACT police and we should support them all.

TP 3000 said :

The Police bitched & moaned when I was behind the bus in the bus lane at 11 o’clock at night doing 85k’s. We were like the only 2 vechiles on the road at the time.

You must admit that would have looked a little bit out out of the ordinary. It isn’t something that would normally occur.

Never had any issues with the police or their behaviour. Did get run off the road and boxed in by four police cars on the way to tech one morning, an unmarked car pulled up, a bloke jumps out and looks at me, yells “That’s not him, get moving”, everyone got back in and tore off, never did find out what that was all about.

I remember a few years back that if you wanted to meet the constabulary, all you needed to do was drive a Ford Escort van around.
Likely that the OP is driving a type of vehicle that has been associated with certain indiscretions.

dvaey – why do they need an ‘excuse’? They don’t need to have any reason at all to pull you over. I think they may call it a random traffic stop. If you haven’t done/or are not doing anything wrong, then you have no problems.

It might piss you off if it makes you late for work, but you may be pleased if they happen to pull over the idiot with property stolen from you in their boot.

I agree with Spideydog.

I once got pulled over for a vehicle inspection, and was given an on-the-spot fine by both the RTA and the AFP, for my worn down tyres. As a poor university student, I was pissed off that I received not one, but two fines, at the same time. Looking back, however, it could have been much worse if I’d been in an accident, or even killed someone, because I wasn’t taking care of my car.

There is a difference between having a bald tyre which can be dangerous, and having a missing globe for your brake light. I was pulled over in a commodore once which had dual brake lights on each side, plus the parcel shelf brake light, because one of the 5 globes was blown. The police dont have to use the brake-light excuse anymore these days anyway, if they wish to pull you over they just call it a ‘random breath test’ and use the laws/powers given to them for RBT stops.

monomania said :

Governments could help the enforcement arm of the justice system by ensuring that laws were fair and that those entrusted with power over other citizens had the ability and were adequately trained to carry out what up till now has been an undervalued job.

I agree with you absolutely… although I would say they are still undervalued; which is reflected in the wages police officers receive and the (limited) support and training provided to them.

When I was younger I regarded the police as the iron fist of government and had little respect. They were being used as a political arm of government. Now I accept that they remain the fist of government but that what they have to enforce is not up to them, or shouldn’t be. They should have no discretion in enforcing the law. Others should do this. Nor should victimless crimes be crimes and what are considered crimes should have nothing to with the state of the health budget. That is up to public education.
Governments could help the enforcement arm of the justice system by ensuring that laws were fair and that those entrusted with power over other citizens had the ability and were adequately trained to carry out what up till now has been an undervalued job.

Spectra said :

The Police bitched & moaned when I was behind the bus in the bus lane at 11 o’clock at night doing 85k’s.

So…you were SPEEDING (be it by however little), in a BUS LANE in a CAR and for some unknown reason the traffic police took an interest in this? Crazy. Clearly they’re just totally out of control.

LOL

Attention Canberra Times: STOP PRESS – URGENT

People are complaining because ACT Policing are doing their job. The public DEMANDS that police sit around ignoring complaints. Some claim that police are even invading personal liberties by actively policing the roads and suburbs when they should be enjoying some hot, fresh Krispy Kremes back at the station.

Citizens are advised to not drive anywhere, in anything, for any reason, so as not to promote these appalling work practices. It is clear that the police will stop at nothing to protect our town.

I agree with Spideydog.

I once got pulled over for a vehicle inspection, and was given an on-the-spot fine by both the RTA and the AFP, for my worn down tyres. As a poor university student, I was pissed off that I received not one, but two fines, at the same time. Looking back, however, it could have been much worse if I’d been in an accident, or even killed someone, because I wasn’t taking care of my car.

Warpiglet75 said :

Eby said :

I wasn’t sure that having a single brake light out was such an offense.

You would think it was a good offence if someone had a brake light out and you ran up their arse because you didn’t get “adequate” warning they were braking. The rules are there for a reason. I love how people think that laws/rules are only good if they are important to them. Technically, you are meant to check your vehicle is in working order every time you get in it, including your brake lights.

Eby said :

So, Warpiglet75: are you going to give us more information or have you chickened out?

Sorry been busy.

I am generally a law abiding citizen I drive a late model mitstubishi wagon – no mods – white. Don’t drive fast etc. Just had a few instances here and there that have baffled (and intimidated me). One was when I was pulled in to be breathalized and told that I have a brake light out. Usually the first I’ve heard of it anyway, they’ve let me off with a caution! The constable was pretty rude in his dealings with me. I wasn’t sure that having a single brake light out was such an offense. All in all they weren’t very polite and gave me a great deal of attitude. And it’s happened more than once and not just for the brake light. ‘Tis but one instance.

I’m just wondering if anyone has encountered this? This kind of attitude has only reared its ugly head in the last couple of years for me (and I’ve been driving 15 years with no more than parking tickets on my record – and they’re paid on time).
Aside from this their services have always been appreciated.

jakez said :

Valuing the security of my person and my life I tend to avoid the police wherever possible.

— Good advice, what I tell my kids.

jakez said :

Except of course for when I have need to utilise their actually valuable services…

— police have a monopoly on violence. an unfortunate but (even I admit) a necessary evil.

TP 3000 said :

I should point out that until I started doing this, I was a Police supporter, but not anymore.

— funny how that happens, it is a pity that the bad encounters tend to colour our opinion more than the good ones.

also a pity police tend to forget that even a brief flash of a bad attitude towards a member of the public can change that person’s opinion of the entire force.

and lets not forget cases like Birch. they really stick in the mind.

Wallly1972 said :

I’ve always found the police friendly and helpful (if a little intimidating).
A few months ago I dropped my mobile. Someone handed it in to the police and they rang a few numbers to find out whose it was. Very appreciated.

Wow, the thin blue line goes above and beyond yet again!

p1 said :

Every other time I have found their behaviour totally befitting of the situation, even when that situation involved four shopping trolleys, tied together, being pushed by half a dozen drunk people through an intersection at midnight just as the red-light camera flashed….

Excellent! Creative drunkeness. I hope the police found it as amusing as I did reading it!

The only time I have felt like the cops were being obnoxious was in the middle of a random stretch of highway on the Nullarbor Plain. They pulled us over, checked rego and wanted to check everyone in the cars ID. Then got all agro when I politely questioned if they were looking for someone in particular, or just random visa over stayer.

Every other time I have found their behaviour totally befitting of the situation, even when that situation involved four shopping trolleys, tied together, being pushed by half a dozen drunk people through an intersection at midnight just as the red-light camera flashed….

Why would any normal person want to be in the police anyway? Sure it must be a buzz when you’re in a high speed chase but having to put up with sh*t like domestic violence, drunken louts and drug dealers/users would surely affect a cop.

Last year, on a Saturday night I was driving (with my wife and teenage kids in our 20 year old, small car) west along Isabella drive. A police car was some distance ahead of me. The police car turned right at the Ashley drive roundabout and I went straight ahead. Next thing I knew, flashing lights and the same police car behind me pulling me over. When I got out of the car the copper was a bit unsure of himself and didn’t really have anything to say. I asked him what the problem was and, thinking on his feet he replied that my number plates had been reported stolen. I replied no, I don’t think so. With that he flashed his torch at my rego label, said OK, got back in his car and drove off.

My number plates would never have been reported stolen.

I believe he thought it was an old car full of teenagers and wanted to give them a hard time. When he realised it was just a regular family on their way home he made up the story about the number plates and went off to find someone else.

[

TP 3000 said :

Well with me I help a few bus driver friends out with back up & spotting passengers in my own car at night. The Police bitched & moaned when I was behind the bus in the bus lane at 11 o’clock at night doing 85k’s. We were like the only 2 vechiles on the road at the time. I have also been with others in the bad suburbs & the Police bitched & moaned about it.

I dive a bright red car, with my ACT RFS stickers on the front & back.

So I now call Police-Traffic Piggies or W***** Detectives. General Duties Officers are just plain lazy in my book.

WTF!! Dude, you sound a lot like one of those crazy RFS people who go round starting fires just so you can put em out. People like you give all the other fantastic volunteers a bad name.

Sic said :

Exactly why would I need to make that up?

You don’t NEED to make it up, but one could think of a million and one reasons why someone would make it up.

Your a anonymous poster on a website ….. People can say what ever they like and the truth can’t be tested.

Spideydog said :

Yeah right…..that really happened !!!!

Exactly why would I need to make that up? The people in front and behind me in the line all saw it, it was absolutely disgusting behavior.

Being a Police officer and upholding high standards of behavior isn’t an easy job, if these morons can’t handle it they shouldn’t be there in the first place.

Sic said :

To top the night off when a couple of younger male officers finished their shift, they drove up the interchange in their van, did a U-turn, then drove past the entire 3 hour long taxi line flipping everyone the bird with both hands, no hands on the wheel!

Yeah right…..that really happened !!!!

TP 3000 said :

Well with me I help a few bus driver friends out with back up & spotting passengers in my own car at night. The Police bitched & moaned when I was behind the bus in the bus lane at 11 o’clock at night doing 85k’s. We were like the only 2 vechiles on the road at the time. I have also been with others in the bad suburbs & the Police bitched & moaned about it.

I dive a bright red car, with my ACT RFS stickers on the front & back.

So I now call Police-Traffic Piggies or W***** Detectives. General Duties Officers are just plain lazy in my book.

Your a what exactly? …… “bus backup and passenger spotter” !!!!!! You were driving in a car in the BUS LANE….. Oh sorry, you have a ACT RFS sticker, how silly of me.

Walk a shift in the shoes of these guys and gals and then give a informed opinion, little forum troll.

Funny thread so far 😉

last question- if you are there for back-up in dodgy neighbourhoods wouldn’t you be more useful in the bus?

I have so many questions TP3000.
Why do bus drivers need back-up? Why did you need to be in the bus lane… as a car driver? The bus lanes I can think of don’t have any stops so what spotting would you be doing? What is spotting? Why can’t the driver do that?

The Police bitched & moaned when I was behind the bus in the bus lane at 11 o’clock at night doing 85k’s.

So…you were SPEEDING (be it by however little), in a BUS LANE in a CAR and for some unknown reason the traffic police took an interest in this? Crazy. Clearly they’re just totally out of control.

Yeah, as has been said we’re going to need a little more to go on here. Cops have better things to do with their time than “constantly” pulling “law abiding” people over. A helpful hint might be to actually tell us what they say when they stop you. Presumably they don’t do it because they’re lonely and just want a chat.

But, to answer your question, I haven’t been pulled over in 4 years, even for so much as a breath test (and prior to that it was, in all fairness, because I was not being strictly “law abiding”).

I should point out that until I started doing this, I was a Police supporter, but not anymore.

Well with me I help a few bus driver friends out with back up & spotting passengers in my own car at night. The Police bitched & moaned when I was behind the bus in the bus lane at 11 o’clock at night doing 85k’s. We were like the only 2 vechiles on the road at the time. I have also been with others in the bad suburbs & the Police bitched & moaned about it.

I dive a bright red car, with my ACT RFS stickers on the front & back.

So I now call Police-Traffic Piggies or W***** Detectives. General Duties Officers are just plain lazy in my book.

I’ve always found the police friendly and helpful (if a little intimidating).
A few months ago I dropped my mobile. Someone handed it in to the police and they rang a few numbers to find out whose it was. Very appreciated.

So, Warpiglet75: are you going to give us more information or have you chickened out?

James-T-Kirk said :

My experience is that much good, clean fun can be had simply by leaning on the windowsill of the car, cupping your right ear while waiting at traffic lights – That has caused a number of police cars driving across the intersection to slam brakes on – in hope of yet another ‘dangerous mobile phone user’ being removed from the streets.

They always just drive off when I remove my hand from my ear, and demonstrate that there is nothing there.

Mwa Ha Ha Ha!!!

Wow. You must lead an interesting life if that is your kind of entertainment.

James-T-Kirk11:15 am 09 Jun 09

My experience is that much good, clean fun can be had simply by leaning on the windowsill of the car, cupping your right ear while waiting at traffic lights – That has caused a number of police cars driving across the intersection to slam brakes on – in hope of yet another ‘dangerous mobile phone user’ being removed from the streets.

They always just drive off when I remove my hand from my ear, and demonstrate that there is nothing there.

Mwa Ha Ha Ha!!!

To the OP, more info please! As it’s evident so far that most of us aren’t attracting attention from the police. Heck, I figure if they wanted to “get” people, there’s plenty of people around doing silly things, on the road and in other places that they coudl knock themselves out on. Any clues as to what it is that is drawing them to you?

VYBerlinaV8_the_one_they_all_copy10:49 am 09 Jun 09

I called the cops Saturday night (twice) to quiten down a very noisy party several streets away from home (my kid couldn’t sleep at 11pm because of driving bass pulsating through the neighborhood), and they were polite, helpful and effective.

I’ve also been pulled over a few times this year for breath testing, which I think is a good idea.

The cops put up with all sorts of crap in this town, mostly caused by idiots. I think they’re generally pretty good.

Lady_from_Holt10:48 am 09 Jun 09

No, I’ve noticed it too and I drive a little white ford festiva (not even go-faster red). I’ve been pulled over a number of times lately late at night on my way to pick up the other half after his long nights of boozing. Though I can’t agree with you on the rude side of things, they all have been very polite to me.

Easter long weekend I was utterly disgusted with ACT Police, someone high up had obviously foreseen a problem with the taxi line in civic for the long weekend and there were a large number of police standing in their usual place across the road outside dick smith. Now you would think that with so many of them they would quickly and easily take car of any dropkicks but every time someone got rowdy they would wait until a taxi driver would hurl abuse at them and threaten a complaint to come over and sort it out. To top the night off when a couple of younger male officers finished their shift, they drove up the interchange in their van, did a U-turn, then drove past the entire 3 hour long taxi line flipping everyone the bird with both hands, no hands on the wheel! Unfortunately being intoxicated and the end of a long night standing in the cold I didn’t even think to get the car number or plates from the van to make a complaint.

Are you a Massey?

to the OP, are you driving a fully sick car, or a car that looks like a moving defect? I have to say that i have never had any problems with the police, ever. Then again, I don’t give the officer any lip, but remain courteous, responding to their questions truthfully, and answer them as if i was a small child – i use sir a lot. Must be a throwback from my early years…

Is it because of the bald tyres on your 200SX? 😉

Take a photo of yourself [and your car] and post it here, let us decide what you need to change to stay below the wrath of the police 🙂

Clown Killer10:02 am 09 Jun 09

I would imagine that there would be very (very, very) few police who deliberately go out of their way to antagonise law abiding citizens just because they’re bored.

If you’re coming to the attention of the police on a regular basis, you might want to have a think about what you’re getting up to and who you’re hanging around with.

Valuing the security of my person and my life I tend to avoid the police wherever possible.

Except of course for when I have need to utilise their actually valuable services, which I am forced to do as self defence is a murky murky thing these days and private protection agencies are only (and quite ironically) for the Rosie O’Donnells of the world.

Examples please? I mind my own business…& oddly enough, the Police leave me alone to do exactly that.

Can only guess mate but its got to be something to do with the type of car you drive or the condition or modifications done to the car.

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