Surely this can't be legal...

“We really need more mental health services in this city…”

Yes we do. We need another way of dealing with our mental, that is’nt police force.

moosenator said :

123qwe said :

Do you really think that the cops would search through people cars in a public place without lawful excuse? These people are doing a job for which they are remunerated with a meagre income.

Hang on for a minute. Perhaps yes, they would quite happily search any good citizens car for no reason and hope that they get busted by some ass-clowns that have nothing better to do than to talk shit whilst sipping on lime flavoured beer. Then they might have the opportunity to be relieved of their job so they too could make a start on an arts degree.

See sections 209 and 210 of the ACT Crimes Act 1900 if you really need to know if it is legal or what.

How f#!@ing naive are you?

Pigs are nothing but murderous and corrupt individuals who are questionably endowned and compensate by putting on a uniform so they can feel important.

Of course they break the law all the time undertaking unlawful searches.

We really need more mental health services in this city…

Nice effort at FOTM, but you forgot caps lock (so we can hear what you’re writing better) and more of these !!! (to really capture your outrage).

But is moonsentor just a troll?

If not, then Moosentor don’t stop now! The points you make are interesting, tell us more.

How f#!@ing naive are you?

Pigs are nothing but murderous and corrupt individuals who are questionably endowned and compensate by putting on a uniform so they can feel important.

Of course they break the law all the time undertaking unlawful searches.

Oh my, I think we might have a “Flame Of The Month”, mind you and more lengthy response might have secured it. Keep going Moosenator – your contributions are gold!

I’ll bite on the last 3.

Dellish – ACT Policing is the same as anywhere else that does community policing with the following exception – the AFP or ACT policing area of the AFP if you like panders to the public far more than any other state Police force.

Wishuwell – been discussed many times – who do you think would make up the ACT Police force – the same people who are here already just under a different banner at a far greater cost to the ACT Govt.

Moosenator – little blue piggies please. Obviously someone upset you at some stage. Please report to the nearest supermarket isle, lie on the floor and bang your little fists – someone might take notice then.

123qwe said :

Do you really think that the cops would search through people cars in a public place without lawful excuse? These people are doing a job for which they are remunerated with a meagre income.

Hang on for a minute. Perhaps yes, they would quite happily search any good citizens car for no reason and hope that they get busted by some ass-clowns that have nothing better to do than to talk shit whilst sipping on lime flavoured beer. Then they might have the opportunity to be relieved of their job so they too could make a start on an arts degree.

See sections 209 and 210 of the ACT Crimes Act 1900 if you really need to know if it is legal or what.

How f#!@ing naive are you?

Pigs are nothing but murderous and corrupt individuals who are questionably endowned and compensate by putting on a uniform so they can feel important.

Of course they break the law all the time undertaking unlawful searches.

Since the AFP tender for the job of policing the ACT if you’re not satisfied with the current arrangements put pressure on your local member. Wonder what it would be like to live in a city where the local police were answerable to the citizens instead of telling said citizens how its gonna be.

I would like to make one note, has anyone attended a year 12 graduation ceremony? Have you noticed the cops at the ceremonies pulling cars over to check and inspect? I was at AIATSIS attending a book launch at the same time a graduation ceremony must have been at the museum.

Police were pulling cars over in the car park blocking exiting traffic to go through hotted up cars dropping off the kiddies. It started jamming all sorts of cars, bikes, limo’s to inspect 4 done up cars. Pretty low and stupid really… But we also need to remember that in ACT we have the AFP – quite different to your local police.

No academy Woody – a college – it’s all about the adult learning environment.

Your comments wreak of anti-police sentiments and biased assumptions (rant rant rant)

Jesus, you police fanboys love a good cry, don’t you? Don’t they teach HTFU101 at the academy these days?

Oh and just the other day I saw 80 cops looking in a house, get in through a window and just randomly search it…………………………….

On Friday night I saw a group of four police peering into cars with torches in the mooseheads car park. I thought it was a little unusual – couldn’t imagine what they’d expect to find on the seats. Bags of drugs? A body?

…or someone hiding from them in the back seat?

Oindge said :

The warrant theory seems the most plausible.

Actually that is probably the least plausable.

For that to work they would have had to convince a magistrate that they had grounds to suspect that a search of each individual car would locate some evidence, so that would take an hour or so. Of course to convince the magistrate they would have to know something about the owners of each of the cars in advance.

They get the warrants, wow, the cars they are looking for are all conveniently parked together in an alley, that was lucky. Now they have to make reasonable attempts to contact the owners to have them present for the searches, again probably an hour or so standing around near the cars waiting.

The owners arent answering their phones? So a locksmith needs to be found in the early hours of the morning, another hour or so before he gets there.

The two most plausable stories are that the the owners of the cars were there at the time, or what you think you saw is not what actually happened

bigfeet said :

Maybe you saw a couple of bus drivers in their uniforms who had just finished work, one of them had a flat tyre but no tyre iron or jack and the others were searching the boots of their cars to help him out.

When did bus drivers start wearing police uniforms?

Feel free to call me names or question my attitude but don’t assume that my brain and eyes aren’t getting along. Unless everyone present at the party (sober persons included) all had the same miracle hallucination, then it is clear what physically happened.

The warrant theory seems the most plausible.

Again… unless that had a warrant for each specific car, or unless they heard someone calling for help from the boot of each car they would not seach a car without the owner being present.

You agree they had no special key, so they either smashed their way into a lot of cars, in which case it would be all over the front page of the Canberra Times, or the owners were there and unlocked their cars for the coppers for whatever reasons.

What you saw and what you think you saw are more than likely two entirely differant things.

Maybe you saw a couple of bus drivers in their uniforms who had just finished work, one of them had a flat tyre but no tyre iron or jack and the others were searching the boots of their cars to help him out.

Special G, Tooks: I have to agree with you, everything you said was perfectly reasonable (and I’m not going soft). The whole idea of a master key sounds silly (baton meet glass).

The original story ‘Sounds like’ (who the fcuk knows) that the cops had information about something in a car.

It is interesting the what can and can’t you record thing. Ever heard of Brent Darrow?

123 thingummy-bob ranted

123qwe said :

Do you really think that the cops would search through people cars in a public place without lawful excuse? These people are doing a job for which they are remunerated with a meagre income.

Hang on for a minute. Perhaps yes, they would quite happily search any good citizens car for no reason and hope that they get busted by some ass-clowns that have nothing better to do than to talk shit whilst sipping on lime flavoured beer. Then they might have the opportunity to be relieved of their job so they too could make a start on an arts degree.

See sections 209 and 210 of the ACT Crimes Act 1900 if you really need to know if it is legal or what.

Now THAT’S a solid 24-carat RANT! Excellent work. Carry on.

(And the reason why we’re suddenly getting all that lime-cordial-flavoured beer is that the yanks wouldn’t drink it, and that’s saying something).

Not that I support them, but within the last few posts I smell a FOTW.

On Friday night I saw a group of four police peering into cars with torches in the mooseheads car park. I thought it was a little unusual – couldn’t imagine what they’d expect to find on the seats. Bags of drugs? A body?

hmm…

@Aussie Aviator?

Did you READ my comments?

Aussie_Aviator said :

Do you know what this sounds like to me Oindge ?
Your comments wreak of anti-police sentiments and biased assumptions.

I clearly said that in the past I worked with and liked police recruits (save for a few idiots) and still see them around the place, so I know Canberra has a decent force. I also said that I’ve never had any trouble with police and they’ve always been really polite.

Wait, now that I read that paragraph back it really REEKS of “anti-police sentiments”. Sorry, I retract all my statements. God bless you, Mr Aviator.

Aussie_Aviator said :

You have made a dreadful attempt to trivialise a situation which in every respect was most likely legitimate and therefore lawful. Do you really know the full story of what was happening, or are you just bounding off into nowhere land with a wild assumption based on limited observations ? Were you drinking alcohol at the time ? If so, what was your state of sobriety? Perhaps this is your attempt at gaining 15 seconds of fame ?

Yes I was drinking alcohol. However, I’ve never experienced vivid hallucinations after a slow 6 pack of beers (consumed over about 3 hours) AND, as I said, there were about 10 people, some quite sober, who were watching as well.

There were police opening and going through cars in the alleyway.

As for the 15 minutes of fame thing. I suspect there are easier ways of going about that than posting a small piece on a local blog under an anonymous USERNAME.

Aussie_Aviator said :

Are you a perhaps a professional complainer or conspiracy theorist ? Police now have access to ‘Master Keys’ capable of accessing motor vehicles in and around the ACT ! Now I’ve heard everything ! Bwah hahaha !!

If you possessed any credibility prior to posting this tripe, then you certainly have none now!

Neither a conspiracy theorist nor a professional complainer, though if you can find a job that requires me to become a professional complainer I’ll be more than happy to change my tune. I’ll start by complaining about observations made on a local blog. (Hell, maybe I’ll get my 15 minutes of fame! Especially if I never use my real name!)

I also said that they were opening cars with relative ease, what “looked like” a master key, I then went on to say I know nothing about lock picking so I don’t know what they used. All I know is it didn’t take long to get inside.

I’m not too worried about your views on my credibility.

Aussie_Aviator said :

You are the same type of weasel who would run screaming to the media and authorities if Police or any other government body wrongly accused you of committing an act based on assumption. Yet, you would be the first to expect Police assistance if you required it. I know your type only too well.

If you want to make comment upon events or situations, at least base your submissions on fact and not – as is the case in this instance – on supposition !

My submission was based purely on fact. I wrote what I saw and then ASKED A GENUINE QUESTION. I didn’t make accusations, or slander anybody. I was a little facetious but that’s just because I’m a little prick.

*deep breath*

And now @bigfeet

bigfeet said :

The only way that coppers would break into your car and search it(by smashing a window or using a locksmith… there is no such thing as a magic key) without you being present would be if they had a warrant for that specific vehicle , or if they heard someone calling for help or saw someone in distress in the car.

The original posters story is so full of holes it’s ridiculous.

We’ve established that there was no master key, however they were getting in quickly and easily. It’s nice to read everybody’s comments before you make one.

Holes? I’m not writing the Warren Commission here, I’m just reporting an observation.

Here’s a list of my views on the matter that will help with any stern aviators or guys with freakishly large feet who wish to get their panties in a twist:

– ACT Police are generally friendly, hard working people. They’ve never given me trouble.
– Police were searching cars in an alleyway in Civic on Saturday night. Plenty of people saw
– They were doing nothing illegal yet it makes me uncomfortable to know that someone could just search my car while I’m not there.

And last but not least.

Aussie_Aviator said :

Perhaps you need another drink ?

You know what, after reading your comment I think I do…

Danman said :

regardless of the fact that I am a law abiding peace loving citizen, if the posters claims are true, I still would not wish my car to be “Processed” by ANYONE should I not be present.

Gross invasion o privacy – regardless of what I have or have not to hide.

Slippery slope people.

The only way that coppers would break into your car and search it(by smashing a window or using a locksmith… there is no such thing as a magic key) without you being present would be if they had a warrant for that specific vehicle , or if they heard someone calling for help or saw someone in distress in the car.

The original posters story is so full of holes it’s ridiculous.

Do you know what this sounds like to me Oindge ?
Your comments wreak of anti-police sentiments and biased assumptions.

You have made a dreadful attempt to trivialise a situation which in every respect was most likely legitimate and therefore lawful. Do you really know the full story of what was happening, or are you just bounding off into nowhere land with a wild assumption based on limited observations ? Were you drinking alcohol at the time ? If so, what was your state of sobriety? Perhaps this is your attempt at gaining 15 seconds of fame ?

Now, I make reference to this comment: ”Quick sarge, hit ‘em with the torch!” “No, not the torch! Arrrrrrrrrgh!” Did you actually hear this or, once again, is this a baseless assumption in a lame attempt at senseless humour ?

Are you a perhaps a professional complainer or conspiracy theorist ? Police now have access to ‘Master Keys’ capable of accessing motor vehicles in and around the ACT ! Now I’ve heard everything ! Bwah hahaha !!

If you possessed any credibility prior to posting this tripe, then you certainly have none now!

All that your comments have served to do is provide the intelligent reader with a valuable insight into your pathetic & malicious attempt to denegrade members of the ACT Police.

You are the same type of weasel who would run screaming to the media and authorities if Police or any other government body wrongly accused you of committing an act based on assumption. Yet, you would be the first to expect Police assistance if you required it. I know your type only too well.

If you want to make comment upon events or situations, at least base your submissions on fact and not – as is the case in this instance – on supposition !

If you look at this situation logically, do you really believe police officers’ would wantonly commit and illegal act within view (of numerous patrons) of a licenced premises? I think not.

Perhaps you need another drink ?

regardless of the fact that I am a law abiding peace loving citizen, if the posters claims are true, I still would not wish my car to be “Processed” by ANYONE should I not be present.

Gross invasion o privacy – regardless of what I have or have not to hide.

Slippery slope people.

“If it means getting drugs off the street and catching real criminals, I’d be more than happy to let my car get searched occasionally.

The worst they find is the nasty old food scraps Young Master Berlina jams down the back of the seat…”

Give them an inch and they’ll take a mile.

farq – you can take photos in a public place and record your own conversation any time you like.

I can’t see why Police would even be bothered looking in random cars just in case they found something. A search based on that would be inadmissable as an illegal search. Warrants and stop search detain powers are different things and require different things before they can be used/obtained. Read Crimes Act 1900 for more detail.

There is no master key. This is a conspiracy theory that should see you also putting alfoil on your hat.

Cops use a Govt. locksmith should they need one – they do not have training in picking locks. They also carry a baton if they need to smash a window – and a funky thing on a key ring.

Finding 8 cops (bear in mind only 900 in ACT) in one place all intent on being dodgy would suggest large scale corruption in the ACT Police, which frankly there isn’t and I think someone would have noticed if that was the case.

Why would any Cop bother risk losing their job/super and getting a criminal record for something as minor as breaking into cars. It’s not like people leave anything worthwhile in cars anyway. I am even surprised junkies bother.

How many beers/shots/ecstacy tabs/LSD/heroin etc.. had you had before seeing the Police do what you say.

People often see beats coppers as aggressive – this is probably because when you walk up to them and demand a lift home or (insert other stupid drunk question here) people don’t seem to like the response. They tend to be a bit more blunt than most Police – maybe it’s a product of the environment.

i like the lime beers.

As to whether the police need a warrant to record a conversation with you – the answer is no, it happens all the time when you get pulled over by a highway patrol car with only one cop in it (I know this first hand)

However they always inform you they are recording (video too)

farq said :

Somehow I don’t think the plods will be too happy about you taking photos of them. It would just provoke them into an aggressive response.

Seeing how unbalanced the system is I would not be surprised if the cops are allowed to film/record you without your knowledge or consent, but it is probably illegal for you to record/film an officer (even if it catches them breaking the law).

I really want to know the answer to that question actually. I despite my impeccable legal research skills (maybe not) can’t find the laws/regulations governing police powers and what the citizenry can and cannot do in certain situations.

Can’t think of a law that prevents you from taking photos of police in public. That’s usually a habit of slightly unstable people though.

I find it worrisome that our society considers photos of Britney Spears in the back of a car to be of international importance, whereas ensuring the transparency and accountability of those with power is considered ‘unstable’.

vandam said :

Your an idiot champ.

Pool room?

Why don’t you crawl up to the police on your hands and knees and sniff at their butt and crotch and see what happens…?

That was random VY!

Why don’t you crawl up to the police on your hands and knees and sniff at their butt and crotch and see what happens…?

Not really – it’s called “Police Spotting”. 🙂

farq said :

Somehow I don’t think the plods will be too happy about you taking photos of them. It would just provoke them into an aggressive response.

Can’t think of a law that prevents you from taking photos of police in public. That’s usually a habit of slightly unstable people though.

farq said :

mutley said :

Somehow I don’t think the plods will be too happy about you taking photos of them. It would just provoke them into an aggressive response.

Why? Are all police aggressive?

Out in civic on a saturday night, almost without exception. Best to play it safe and assume they all are.

mutley said :

Seeing how unbalanced the system is I would not be surprised if the cops are allowed to film/record you without your knowledge or consent, but it is probably illegal for you to record/film an officer (even if it catches them breaking the law).

Haven’t you heard of warrants??

Yes. Do cops need a warrent to run an audio recorder during a traffic stop? What about out on the street?

Can I record audio of a cop during a traffic stop?

Nothing at all to stop you from recording conversations with police. You wouldn’t be the only one, I assure you. Buggered if I know why you’d want to though.

Can I record audio of a cop during a traffic stop?

I don’t see why not.

It would just provoke them into an aggressive response.

I suspect the term “aggressive” could also be misconstrued in this case. Aggressive doesn’t always relate to the stereotypical anger and punch-on aggression which I call “Footballer Happy”. I’d see police aggression as “the police are taking an “aggressive” approach to speeding and drink driving this weekend”. Doesn’t mean they are going to punch you for speeding – just being very targeted in their attention to the issue.

mutley said :

Somehow I don’t think the plods will be too happy about you taking photos of them. It would just provoke them into an aggressive response.

Why? Are all police aggressive?

Out in civic on a saturday night, almost without exception. Best to play it safe and assume they all are.

mutley said :

Seeing how unbalanced the system is I would not be surprised if the cops are allowed to film/record you without your knowledge or consent, but it is probably illegal for you to record/film an officer (even if it catches them breaking the law).

Haven’t you heard of warrants??

Yes. Do cops need a warrent to run an audio recorder during a traffic stop? What about out on the street?

Can I record audio of a cop during a traffic stop?

Somehow I don’t think the plods will be too happy about you taking photos of them. It would just provoke them into an aggressive response.

Why? Are all police aggressive?

Seeing how unbalanced the system is I would not be surprised if the cops are allowed to film/record you without your knowledge or consent, but it is probably illegal for you to record/film an officer (even if it catches them breaking the law).

Haven’t you heard of warrants?

Somehow I don’t think the plods will be too happy about you taking photos of them. It would just provoke them into an aggressive response.

Seeing how unbalanced the system is I would not be surprised if the cops are allowed to film/record you without your knowledge or consent, but it is probably illegal for you to record/film an officer (even if it catches them breaking the law).

vandam said :

Your an idiot champ.

Making a story while your half pissed at a pub just shows how dumb you really are.

Do you have any idea what the cops do? Do you have any idea why they were searching the cars? Of course not.

There could be a variety of reasons, all of which are lawful.

Your one of those typical idiots that will be the first one to complain when something happens to you, but at the same time whinge because Police are being proactive and perhaps doing their job, which is low and behold protecting the community.

You did not see what cars were being searched, who they belonged to, or know their reasons for searching the cars. But chances are 8 coppers aren’t going to break into 8 cars just to check out whats in them.

Pop back in your hole you fool and come back when you’ve come up with something worthwhile talking about.

Were you there Vandam? If so, support what you are saying, otherwise take some of your own advice. BTW, has anyone considered that the owners of the vehicle/s may have already been detained?

I was always udner the impression that the cops could search your car if they wanted to.
They have the right to check under the bonnet for illegal engine modifications when doing RTA checks.

I was told that they also have the right to search your car if they believe that they will find something.

Although, I don’t know how they went through a car without the owner present with a magical voodoo key that opens all cars and doesn’t set off any of the alarms.

poptop said :

If I had seen the Police opening and searching empty vehicles, I would have tried for a photo or ten and definitely posted the results here. If I saw someone in civvies fossicking through cars, I would be VERY concerned about what was going on and would probably call the Police.

Why are the actions of Police not subject ot discussion?

If the Police are behaving legally and properly in a public place, their activities should certainly withstand public scrutiny.

Well put. This isn’t about whether they were acting lawfully or unlawfully, whether what they were doing was right or wrong. It’s simply about the healthy act of questioning authority and ensuring that everything is above board. That is what keeps people free.

I don’t think we have enough information to accurately determine just what was going on here.

Leave your computer unlocked and logged in to RA when you went to lunch, RealitySkin?

i like boobs

“They had what looked like (or rather what at least was being used like) a master key.”

That is a bit freaky. It makes sense for them to have such a key for emergencies, like kid locked in car on hot summers day.

Random searching of cars, although it must be legal, is a big invasion of privacy as far as I’m concerned and a dangerous path to take. I think there are very few crimes that justify the police carrying out such actions, if this was to bust someone with a few ecstasy pills or some such minor thing then the crime doesn’t justify the effect such police actions have on society.

Invasion of peoples privacy should be treated with caution and respect. Having ones possesions riffled through in view of the public, not because you are suspected of commiting a crime, but because you parked in a public parking area is insane.

How ironic it is that Canberra holds one of the few copies of the Magna Carta.

Whilst I fully support the efforts of our police in enforcing the law, it is kind of a worry that a sample of cars seemingly selected at random could all meet the threshold for a reasonable suspicion that they contained somthing illegal or stollen.

If it means getting drugs off the street and catching real criminals, I’d be more than happy to let my car get searched occasionally.

The worst they find is the nasty old food scraps Young Master Berlina jams down the back of the seat…

Wow. This turned from some Gossip Girl meets CSI snooping to some sort of debate on the merits of the police force.

To reiterate what I already said: I was just doing a bit of citizen tabloid reporting. But, my question of whether it was legal or not was genuine. And The ACT Crimes Act didn’t exactly clear things up.

@123qwe who said:

123qwe said :

Do you really think that the cops would search through people cars in a public place without lawful excuse?

No, not really. But it’s not some concept so far out that I can’t possibly fathom it for fear of going insane.

@Jean Claude who said:

vandam said :

Your one of those typical idiots that will be the first one to complain when something happens to you, but at the same time whinge because Police are being proactive and perhaps doing their job, which is low and behold protecting the community.

No I’m not.

I know that most police are good people who do their job to the best of their ability and I have never complained about being treated unfairly because, gasp, I’ve never been treated unfairly.

A few people here seem to be split into the “police are perfect” and “police are evil” groups which have more to do with the sake of argument that any kind of real position. No, not all police are morally upstanding citizens. I used to work at the Police College in Barton serving food when I was in high school and believe me, there were a fair few egotistical douche bags who I’m sure damn near blew their loads the second they got to touch a gun. There were also great guys who were super friendly all of the time and who I still see on the beat around Civic. To assume that all police are fascist pigs is just as stupid as assuming all police are righteous crusaders.

The point is: I don’t care. I just thought it was interesting.

As for the master key thing, that’s what it seemed like. However they may well have just been using standard locksmith equipment, what ever that is. I don’t know anything about picking locks. I didn’t even think a master key was possible until I saw them opening the cars so easily.

Spam Box said :

I can’t for the life of me see why this guy is getting abused for the post.

I’m getting abused because not even sarcasm and self-deprecation can stem the tide of snark and anger that runs rampant as soon as someone trades their name for a username. Rage on!

Well wombat_stew – what was it all about?

I can’t for the life of me see why this guy is getting abused for the post. For one thing I find it interesting that the police apparently have a master key. If thats true then it’s news to me and is certainly of interest.

I have on a couple of occasions seen police trying to get into cars with one of those flat metal things, once when an old guy had locked his keys inside and the other time there was a toddler locked inside, if they had a master key I would have thought they would use that instead.

I was in one of the cars that got pulled over and searched.

If I had seen the Police opening and searching empty vehicles, I would have tried for a photo or ten and definitely posted the results here. If I saw someone in civvies fossicking through cars, I would be VERY concerned about what was going on and would probably call the Police.

Why are the actions of Police not subject ot discussion?

If the Police are behaving legally and properly in a public place, their activities should certainly withstand public scrutiny.

Do you really think that the cops would search through people cars in a public place without lawful excuse?

Sure – it’s possible. Do you really think that all cops are honest all of the time, and never, ever do anything unlawful? Your “they’re police, it must be above board” worldview is pretty naive. I’m glad somebody is watching the watchers and asking questions, as is the want and duty of a responsible citizen.

Note to self – make police uniform and break into cars with impunity knowing that sheeple will always look the other way, or even defend me.

I suppose ‘Post-Modern Literature And Foreign Film 101’ still managed to ask ‘Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?’

Much respect to Oindge because Vandam made an entirely correct point (sandwiched between inappropriate insults) except for the completely ludicrous “all of which are lawful”.

I agree with all the people who are having a go at the poster. This sought of post gets old fast, perhaps a bunch of Public Servants reliving their old ‘Anarchy’ days.

vandam said :

Your an idiot champ.

Making a story while your half pissed at a pub just shows how dumb you really are.

Do you have any idea what the cops do? Do you have any idea why they were searching the cars? Of course not.

There could be a variety of reasons, all of which are lawful.

Your one of those typical idiots that will be the first one to complain when something happens to you, but at the same time whinge because Police are being proactive and perhaps doing their job, which is low and behold protecting the community.

You did not see what cars were being searched, who they belonged to, or know their reasons for searching the cars. But chances are 8 coppers aren’t going to break into 8 cars just to check out whats in them.

Pop back in your hole you fool and come back when you’ve come up with something worthwhile talking about.

Making a story half pissed in a pub? I posted this a day after it happened half pissed in my room.

I may have given this the wrong title. I’m not some super-crazy-anarchist-fuck-the-system idiot. Just a riotact-is-good-for-snoopy-gossip idiot. I just thought I’d share some of Canberra’s little happenings with everybody.

Ingeegoodbee said :

This is undoubtably a worthy post. Infinitely better than the mindless “I live in Hawker and heard a loud noise last night – Does anyone know what it was?” posts.

What he/she said.

Swaggie said :

A late contender for the PPOTY (Pointless Post of the year)?

Pointless? Yes. Boring? No.

Vandam, perhaps you need to work on educating the community rather than abusing them?

This is undoubtably a worthy post. Infinitely better than the mindless “I live in Hawker and heard a loud noise last night – Does anyone know what it was?” posts.

I don’t doubt that when our plods do actually get off their fat butts and go out and do some law enforcement they mostly do it legally – assuming that one of the smarter ones amongst them has clued them up on what’s legal and whats not … My guess is if they’re seaching cars in a lane behind bars and nightclubs then they would be looking for narcotics – Christmas is coming up and they’ll be needing to get that gear our of the hands of the dealers and onto the streets – how else dp you think that they pay for their Christmas party?

Belray

belray said :

As much as I agree with you in principle, your reply is sarcastic, crass and uncalled for. Why don’t you explain sections 209 and 210 of the ACT Crimes Act 1900 to us rather than just quoting it?

Oindge has covered the crux of it, however the following link will further assist you: http://tinyurl.com/5lo6rs

Your an idiot champ.

Making a story while your half pissed at a pub just shows how dumb you really are.

Do you have any idea what the cops do? Do you have any idea why they were searching the cars? Of course not.

There could be a variety of reasons, all of which are lawful.

Your one of those typical idiots that will be the first one to complain when something happens to you, but at the same time whinge because Police are being proactive and perhaps doing their job, which is low and behold protecting the community.

You did not see what cars were being searched, who they belonged to, or know their reasons for searching the cars. But chances are 8 coppers aren’t going to break into 8 cars just to check out whats in them.

Pop back in your hole you fool and come back when you’ve come up with something worthwhile talking about.

123qwe said :

Do you really think that the cops would search through people cars in a public place without lawful excuse? These people are doing a job for which they are remunerated with a meagre income.

Hang on for a minute. Perhaps yes, they would quite happily search any good citizens car for no reason and hope that they get busted by some ass-clowns that have nothing better to do than to talk shit whilst sipping on lime flavoured beer. Then they might have the opportunity to be relieved of their job so they too could make a start on an arts degree.

See sections 209 and 210 of the ACT Crimes Act 1900 if you really need to know if it is legal or what.

Okay, so I grabbed myself a lime beer and Googled the relevant sections of the Crimes Act. Which said, among other things:

(1) This section applies if a police officer suspects, on reasonable grounds, that—

(a) a thing relevant to an indictable offence or a thing stolen or otherwise unlawfully obtained, is in or on a conveyance; and

(b) it is necessary to exercise a power under subsection (2) to prevent the thing from being concealed, lost or destroyed; and

(c) it is necessary to exercise the power without the authority of a search warrant because the circumstances are serious and urgent.

“The circumstances are serious and urgent”?

What sort of freak parking conspiracy requires the police to seriously and urgently bust into about 9 cars in an alley? Maybe they were all parked in front of hydrants, but then, couldn’t they have just written tickets faster and with a more stern and serious tone?

See, THIS is the real world stuff they just don’t teach me in ‘Post-Modern Literature And Foreign Film 101.’

Spam Box said :

Good question phototext – how were they gaining entry to these cars Oindge?

They had what looked like (or rather what at least was being used like) a master key.

… your reply is sarcastic, crass and uncalled for. Why don’t you explain sections 209 and 210 of the ACT Crimes Act 1900 to us rather than just quoting it?

After all it is the RiotACT.

I thought the reply was good. If you want to know what is in the Crimes act, you have been given the sections to read, try Google. If you have some spare time feel free to share you findings with us.

“As much as I agree with you in principle, your reply is sarcastic, crass and uncalled for. Why don’t you explain sections 209 and 210 of the ACT Crimes Act 1900 to us rather than just quoting it?”

I’m sure that JB would love to see my reply being described in such terms. That sort of stuff sparks interest in his website. To be honest my spray was constructed in the vain hope of getting the FOTW award.

People on this site do not need to be spoon fed information. I have merely pointed out to Oindge a good place to start his/her quest to find the answer to the question. BTW, I dont think I quoted anything.

Perhaps the moral of the story boys and girls is ‘think about what you are posting before hitting the go button’.

A late contender for the PPOTY (Pointless Post of the year)?

Swaggie, I beg to differ, these first hand accounts are far more interesting and revealing than the usual post that is a third hand reprint of some reporters opinionated view with hidden agendas.

Who me???

A late contender for the PPOTY (Pointless Post of the year)?

I expect they where doing it legally. The rules of evidence prevent them from using any evidence which has been gathered illegally. Thus had they carried it out illegally and found something they could not use it as evidence to charge the individual\s responsible.

123qwe….Ha ha
God I love this site !

Good question phototext – how were they gaining entry to these cars Oindge?

123qwe said :

Do you really think that the cops would search through people cars in a public place without lawful excuse? These people are doing a job for which they are remunerated with a meagre income.

Hang on for a minute. Perhaps yes, they would quite happily search any good citizens car for no reason and hope that they get busted by some ass-clowns that have nothing better to do than to talk shit whilst sipping on lime flavoured beer. Then they might have the opportunity to be relieved of their job so they too could make a start on an arts degree.

See sections 209 and 210 of the ACT Crimes Act 1900 if you really need to know if it is legal or what.

As much as I agree with you in principle, your reply is sarcastic, crass and uncalled for. Why don’t you explain sections 209 and 210 of the ACT Crimes Act 1900 to us rather than just quoting it?

Are you asking if it’s legal to search a boot or to shine a torch in innocent standersby’s eyes?

I’m confused.

Where the owners there or do the police have a special car master key thingi ?

Do you really think that the cops would search through people cars in a public place without lawful excuse? These people are doing a job for which they are remunerated with a meagre income.

Hang on for a minute. Perhaps yes, they would quite happily search any good citizens car for no reason and hope that they get busted by some ass-clowns that have nothing better to do than to talk shit whilst sipping on lime flavoured beer. Then they might have the opportunity to be relieved of their job so they too could make a start on an arts degree.

See sections 209 and 210 of the ACT Crimes Act 1900 if you really need to know if it is legal or what.