I just wanted to say I appreciated the officers over at Park & Crescent and at Taylor for their efforts in directing traffic, providing information, and making sure people were as safe as possible (yes, I saw at least one ninny make at effort at walking around the stalled train) this morning. For all the carping, I think we are very fortunate in our village police force and management.

I have to agree with you, Darl....with every experience I've had with our police force (from both the victim and offender side), they've been nothing but polite, helpful, and logical. I truly appreciate the efforts of our police force as you do.

I must agree. When I made a dumb illegal turn and got stopped, the officer let me off because of his appreciation for my husband! (Marine Corps plates) Of course he told me to go home and thank my husband....You know he loved that!!!

quote:

Originally posted by US4:
...the officer let me off because of his appreciation for my husband! (Marine Corps plates) ...

Does everyone agree that it is a good thing for police to decide how they enforce traffic laws based on whether or not they approve of the vehicle's specialty license plates?

Whatever happened to handing them a $50.00 along with your license. Works in Chicago, well until they installed those stupid dash cams.

If you put one of those police boosters stickers on your bumper does that help you get out of a ticket too?

I am not saying it is right or wrong...I must admit...I was very surprised...and happy. But since you mention it, fighting in a war and displaying a booster sticker are quite different. (in my opinion)

Unnecessary, repetitive and redundant quote removed. --Ted E.

I think a police officer is given a certain amount of discretion when deciding when or when not to write a ticket. If a warning or admonition is enough to remind the driver of certain minor offenses, then so be it.

A u-turn is not the same as driving 30 MPH over the limit in a school zone. If the offender is polite and understanding that what they did was incorrect, chances are they will be let off with a warning or minor scolding. A lot of times police will pull you over for minor infractions in order to see if there is a deeper problem. I allegedly rolled through a stop sign heading northbound on Main at Duane about 6-7 months ago. The officer asked where I was coming from, and...as I was sober as a church mouse...wrote me warning and away I went.

In this case, it sounds like the officer was simply stating his appreciation for what a veteran did for the country. Chances are that the guy in town who has the vanity plate SCHLONG would have received the same treatment. I have no problem with that.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Ted E.,

quote:

Originally posted by J.R.B.:
I allegedly rolled through a stop sign heading northbound on Main at Duane about 6-7 months ago. The officer asked where I was coming from, and...as I was sober as a church mouse...wrote me warning and away I went.

You should be ashamed! I saw the dash-cam video. I rolled the stop, you just missed it all together!

I wasn't meaning to besmirch the service of people in our armed forces. I am really curious if those police booster stickers really do anything.

A number of times I've been called and asked to donate and when I've told them, "No, I already give to a number of charities." I usually get a response of, "So, you don't feel the police are worthy of your support as well?" At that point I consider, this is a police officer that knows my phone number and I wonder if this means I am now on the "ticket with prejudice" list.

It has always been my thinking that most if not all of the charities trolling the general public via phone during the dinner hour are scams. With the advent of caller I.D., I don't need to speak to them any longer...or anyone else. To ease your mind, police officers don't work the phone lines looking for money. They are run by fundraising firms who typically retaining the majority of money raised in order to raise funds for their own benefit. So sleep well...and don't answer the phone. BTW, one trick they have started using is to call you from a cell phone so you are compelled to pick it up.

The Illinois Attorney General seems to feel the same way:

IAG

Here are some notes from the IAG site:

"Some Notes on Police, Firefighter and Professional Fund Raiser Solicitations

Some police and firefighter organizations are not charitable but instead are unions or social groups that will not use your donation for charitable purposes.

"Advertising" in so-called "ad books" will probably not reach the general public, and usually less than 20 % of the money you contribute benefits the police, firefighters or community.

Police officers and firefighters never know you contributed.

Any coercive statements, direct or subtle, that infers that giving is a way to get better protection or special treatment is a crime and should be reported to the respective police department, the State's Attorney and the Attorney General's Office.

Professional fund raisers often charge 80 percent to 90 percent of your contribution as a fee. Consider funding volunteer organizations."

You want to donate money to benefit police or firefighters, do so locally. Call the GEPD or the GEVFD and get their input as to what is needed and where to send the $$$.

quote:

Originally posted by J.R.B.:
Chances are that the guy in town who has the vanity plate SCHLONG would have received the same treatment. I have no problem with that.

There's seriously a guy in town with this vanity plate??

DTM: I've often wondered the same thing when I get those calls....especially when they come right before a buttload of parking and sticker infractions in my neighborhood....

I'm surprised that one got past the Sec of State. I thought there was supposed to be a prohibition agains "off color" vanity plates.

That really surprises me, too....or maybe he just has a heckuva sense of humor

I must concur on it being the best place ever, though.

I've never seen it (or at least haven't noticed it), so now I'm totally going to have to pay attention to every vehicle I see in town

Hahahaha at that FL plate!!!!