Coming out of the closet.

[SDKC]

In light of my purchase of an ED and recent events, I figure that I’m going to be hanging around for a while. I thought after reading the 26th of Jan cruise thread, and everyone’s happiness with the way the cops treated you (apart from one so it seems), I thought it was time to come out of the closet and let you all know my job.

I’m doing this thread because of the recent events and media hype over shall we say over zealous drivers. I’m not going to use the word “hoon” because it is a media term, much like “road rage”. I hate that phrase as well.

I like most coppers are just people, doing the job that we chose to do, and like most people we like to be treated the same way as you would like yourself to be treated.

The number one thing that gets drivers into trouble when I pull them over is not loud exhausts, big rims, low clearance, or dark tinting. It is driver attitude. I don't care if you don't respect the law or the police in reality. Make me believe you do when I intercept you and you have a much greater chance of leaving with a lecture and a warning. There is hardly ever a situation where I have decided that someone is getting a ticket when I pull them over, except when it is painfully obvious they are being disrespectful in their driving in front of me.

A few tips on what not to do when I pull you over: (I obviously can’t speak for all the coppers out there and I’m sure that I am not the only copper on these forums but;)

- Don't call me "mate". I do not know you and we are not mates.
- Don't call me a patronizing "sir". That's a bigger mistake than thinking I am your mate.
- Especially don’t call me “brother”
- Don't get out of your car, that puts me on the defensive straight away. I don't know if you are planning on assaulting me, running away, or even trying to get in front of traffic to commit suicide.
- Don't argue the toss with me. Even if you don't necessarily agree, admit you stuffed up and you are sorry and I am more likely to give you a warning. Even if you end up getting a ticket, you can argue the matter in court. It's not going to change my mind on the night and I am not going to take the ticket back because you are complaining or think that I am wrong.
- If you are going to tell me that you have a mate/family member/long lost cousin that is a copper, make sure you can back it up. Chances are I’m not going to know this person, so I’m going to want to speak with him/her. In my experience the coppers that I have contacted have told me to book them to teach their mate/family member/long lost cousin a lesson.
- Don't tell me I should be out catching real criminals instead of picking on you driving your car home. Road related deaths and accidents cost the community more than all other crime combined. More people die on the roads than get murdered each year. Do not think you know my job and what I am best spending my time doing better than I do.
- Don't hang around Noble Park McDonald's or any other place with a large bunch of dickheads. Just like all cops look the same in their car and uniform to you, most cars and drivers in that environment look the same to us. It's unfortunate, but it is human nature to generalise and stereotype to an extent.

Random facts:

- Fog lights are not illegal as long as they are white or yellow, are on a separate switch to the regular headlights, and are not aimed higher than the regular low beam headlights.
- If you choose to have neon lights or whatever they are on your windscreen washers, do not have red. Red is the only colour that is not allowed as red could be construed as brake lights and could cause an accident.
- It doesn't matter whether the light you just went through was red or amber. It wasn't green and that means you can get a ticket for it.
- I don't need to have a radar or laser if I am following behind you to estimate your speed and charge you for it.

Any other questions I might be able to help you with feel free to ask. I have “come out of the closet” to help as I am mechanically illiterate and this is a way for me to contribute. I’m not suggesting that I am an expert, but I am in the right position to be able to answer any questions about the law side of things. If I can’t answer your question, I have the resources to find out.

Or if you want to just flame me, my occupation, and my posts, go for it too chances are I’ve heard it all before.

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