Announced Road Checks

[I'mJustMe]

Why are these things always announced? Every drunk in town will be using a different route.

http://www.thedillonherald.com/pages/full_story?page_label=home_top_stories_news&id=2254989-Road+Check+To+Be+Held+On+Radford+Boulevard+On+Frid ay&article-Road%20Check%20To%20Be%20Held%20On%20Radford%20Bou levard%20On%20Friday%20=&widget=push&instance=home_news_1st_left&open=&

[us 378]

I think they are unconstitutional myself. If they no reason to believe you are breaking the law, they have no right to detain you. Just driving on the road late at night is not reason.

[Captain Worley]

The announcements let the citizens know the police are on the job. I really don't think people read them and say,"Man, I need to take a new route home Satiddy night!" and if they do, they'll probably forget when they get their drunk on.

I kinda agree 378. But I think that's why they can only check every third driver or so. they have to pick a number ahead of time and only check the nth car. Least, that's what I've heard.

I'm sure some LEO can chime in and correct me if I'm wrong.

[I'mJustMe]

Ohh. I remember several years ago, people (not me, of course!) would make plans for the weekend, but say, "oh yeah there's going to be a road check out on so-and-so road, so you may want to go home a different way." but you're right about that forgetting thing. people are creatures of habit. they shouldn't be out on the road anyway, and it serves them right to get caught. better getting caught than killing themselves or other people. i was just wondering about that. it's so much more fun to spring it on them. SURPRISE!!! :badgrin:

[anti-babble]

There are laws that govern these checkpoints. They cannot randomly decide which cars to stop or to profile which car to stop. Based on the fact that driving is a privilige and the fact that the safety of society as a whole (on the highway) is tanatamount to an individuals right (privilige) to operate a vehicle on a public highway.

[BTDT]

Every drunk in town will be using a different route.


They're counting on it. They're be 10-88 the area.

[Sarge]

My guess is less that 10% of the people actually read and comprehend the listings. When I first moved here they used Ernies General Store as a staging area on Neely Wingard Road. Had a large parking lot for the vehicles to be place into while awaiting a rollback to haul them off. They usually do it on Saturdays and seem to still have a lot of business.

[General Jack Ripper]

I think they are unconstitutional myself. If they no reason to believe you are breaking the law, they have no right to detain you. Just driving on the road late at night is not reason.

"Ver are your papers? You must have your papers!"

[Sarge]

Perhaps some of the posters here need to read the Constitution. I do not recall any article of the constitution which allows a citizen to endanger others. Nor is there any article which states that Law Enforcement cannot do their job. Also these checkpoints are not just manned at night, most of the activitey I have witnessed has been during the day. Guess what, many of my neighbors are now riding around on Mo-peds (dui mobiles) as a result of daytime stops. These stops not only screen for DUI but for no license, no registration, no insurance.
The last survey I read reported that 25% of South Carolina Drivers are driving uninsured and unregistered. Tell me how that is working out for you when you are involved in an accident with one of these folks.

[I'mJustMe]

hand over the keys, please!! :biglaff:

i say after the first DUI or DUS they should lose their license for 3 years. same goes for driving without insurance and whatever else. maybe that will give them time to grow up. but then, just because they don't have that little card isn't going to stop them from driving if they want to. it's a shame the rest of us have to pay for the carelessness of other people who just don't care.

[ZooFuzz]

I think they are unconstitutional myself. If they no reason to believe you are breaking the law, they have no right to detain you. Just driving on the road late at night is not reason.

The checkpoints are mainly for your protection. You would be surprised how many drivers will be arrested because,
They are under suspension: DUI, Failure to pay traffic ticket, no insurance, failure to pay vehicle taxes, outstanding warrant for: CDV, weapons violation, rape, murder, robbery, ABw/ITK, DUS, drugs, Attempted rape, attempted murder of a Police Officer, kidnapping, child abduction (Amber Alert),, Etc.

These Officers/Deputies/Troopers have just possibily saved your life again. They have taken someone off the roads that don't need to be there in the first place, and no matter how many times they are suspended or go to jail, they will be back on the streets or driving in no time.

[General Jack Ripper]

no matter how many times they are suspended or go to jail, they will be back on the streets or driving in no time.


And still the honest citizen must be detained and delayed in his/her pursuit of happiness.

[anti-babble]

The average delay for a motorist is 60-90 seconds if there is not any violations of the law detected. Sometimes people are alerted to issues that could pose a signifigant risk to themselves and others such as a blown fuse that has caused the brake lights or tail lights to be inoperative. I think most people are more than willing to accept that small delay of it helps eliminate the chance that they will be involved in a collision because of a mechanical issue.

[ZooFuzz]

And still the honest citizen must be detained and delayed in his/her pursuit of happiness.


The problem here is, it's real hard to tell the bad guys from the good guys. I have no problems going through a checkpoint, for one thing it shows me that Law Enforcement is doing the job that they were hired for.
Example: SCHP (approx.8 yrs ago) attempted to stop a car on 2 Notch road, the driveer would not stop and a 10-0(pursuit) was started at and up to speeds of 90 plus. The driver hit the median wall near SC215 and bush bonded (ran) from Troopers. They cornered him near an exit ramp and took him into custody. This young man was born in 1965 and will not be allowed to even try to get his license back until the year 2025. His rap sheet included:
Failure to stop for a blue light (13 times),
DUS (9th offense),
DUI (11th offense),
Failure to pay traffic ticket (26 offenses),
poss. & poss. w/ intent to sell,
Assault with intent to kill,
Simple assualt, between his driving record and his rap sheet, it totaled 32 pages.
Not to mention all the lives that he indangered while running from the police with little to no regard for human life.

I think checkpoints are a great Law Enforcement tool and should be enforced at every chance.


JUST FYI, at one of theses checkpoints a good friend (SCHP Trp) was working when a drunk pulled up to the ckpt, the driver was ordered from the vehicle because he smelled of alcohol, when he would not exit the vehicle, the Tpr reached in to cut off his car and the driver put the vehicle in gear and the Trooper was dragged 90 feet before being stopped. This young Trp never recovered and was retired after only being on a job that he always wanted to do after only being on the Patrol for 6 years, he nows works with MADD and still has problems with his right arm.

Several years ago a Trooper was checking tags on one of the SC interstate rest areas at approx 2AM and the tag popped up with a warrant from the FBI. We recovered the money, the weapon, the car, and the robber.

Anytime you thing that an LEO is violating your rights or is being
unconstitutional, think about the scum that they are taking off the streets, protecting your life and the lives of your family and friends.

It is a hard thankless job for both officer and dispatchers.

I have lost many a friend in my years in LE and think about all of them everyday, they gave their lives to protect others so that they might live, work, abd enjoy their families for another day, protecting your rights to complain about them because they took about 10-15 minutes of your time to make sure everything was correct and safe for you and the next driver.


Check out some of the good guys that gave their lives in the line of duty on a thread title " Bad Cop.......Good Cop "
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=bottom><TD>http://www.friendsofsc.com/forums/images/misc/navbits_start.gif (http://www.friendsofsc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2363#)</TD><TD></TD><TD width="100&#37;">South Carolina's Web Board (http://www.friendsofsc.com/forums/index.php) > South Carolina State Goverment (http://www.friendsofsc.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=4) > South Carolina Law Enforcement (http://www.friendsofsc.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=80) </TD></TR><TR><TD class=navbar style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; PADDING-TOP: 1px" colSpan=3>http://www.friendsofsc.com/forums/images/misc/navbits_finallink.gif (http://www.friendsofsc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2363) Bad Cop........................Good Cop </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[I'mJustMe]

I'm thankful every day for LE, any area. I have family members and friends who have been on the SCHP for many many years. thought about it myself, actually. what gets me is the scum like Zoo is talking about, got a record a mile long, and still roams around free to wreak havoc whenever and wherever the opportunity arises. why aren't these a$$holes locked up for good after the first couple offenses and not given the chance to go out and kill innocent people? i guess that's just the way it works. we can't afford to keep them all locked up but as soon as they're out, they're doing the same thing over again. it's just a bad situation, and these losers just don't care enough to want to stop. why should they? most of them, like this guy, probably grew up in it and that's all he knows.

[General Jack Ripper]

The average delay for a motorist is 60-90 seconds if there is not any violations of the law detected. Sometimes people are alerted to issues that could pose a signifigant risk to themselves and others such as a blown fuse that has caused the brake lights or tail lights to be inoperative. I think most people are more than willing to accept that small delay of it helps eliminate the chance that they will be involved in a collision because of a mechanical issue.


Amazing, Sir. Do you really believe what you said?

How, in the space of 60 to 90 seconds, can the officer learn anything about the operator of a MV? An initial greeting, attitude check, behavioral observation and retrieval of appropriate paperwork alone will take nearly that long. Then there is the computer check. And, if what you say is true, then an inspection of lighting on the MV must be done which will also take time.

If a mechanical check is the goal, as you imply, then why not hold that "curtiousy inspection" in front of the WalMart on a voluntary basis.

Just because you, Sir, are on the "inside" with your LE buddies, doesn't mean that the average citizen is completely gullible. Your comment was insulting as it assumed that such an explanation would be accepted by any of us "potential perps".

[General Jack Ripper]

The problem here is, it's real hard to tell the bad guys from the good guys. I have no problems going through a checkpoint, for one thing it shows me that Law Enforcement is doing the job that they were hired for.
Example: SCHP (approx.8 yrs ago) attempted to stop a car on 2 Notch road, the driveer would not stop and a 10-0(pursuit) was started at and up to speeds of 90 plus. The driver hit the median wall near SC215 and bush bonded (ran) from Troopers. They cornered him near an exit ramp and took him into custody. This young man was born in 1965 and will not be allowed to even try to get his license back until the year 2025. His rap sheet included:
Failure to stop for a blue light (13 times),
DUS (9th offense),
DUI (11th offense),
Failure to pay traffic ticket (26 offenses),
poss. & poss. w/ intent to sell,
Assault with intent to kill,
Simple assualt, between his driving record and his rap sheet, it totaled 32 pages.
Not to mention all the lives that he indangered while running from the police with little to no regard for human life.

I think checkpoints are a great Law Enforcement tool and should be enforced at every chance.


JUST FYI, at one of theses checkpoints a good friend (SCHP Trp) was working when a drunk pulled up to the ckpt, the driver was ordered from the vehicle because he smelled of alcohol, when he would not exit the vehicle, the Tpr reached in to cut off his car and the driver put the vehicle in gear and the Trooper was dragged 90 feet before being stopped. This young Trp never recovered and was retired after only being on a job that he always wanted to do after only being on the Patrol for 6 years, he nows works with MADD and still has problems with his right arm.

Several years ago a Trooper was checking tags on one of the SC interstate rest areas at approx 2AM and the tag popped up with a warrant from the FBI. We recovered the money, the weapon, the car, and the robber.

Anytime you thing that an LEO is violating your rights or is being
unconstitutional, think about the scum that they are taking off the streets, protecting your life and the lives of your family and friends.

It is a hard thankless job for both officer and dispatchers.

I have lost many a friend in my years in LE and think about all of them everyday, they gave their lives to protect others so that they might live, work, abd enjoy their families for another day, protecting your rights to complain about them because they took about 10-15 minutes of your time to make sure everything was correct and safe for you and the next driver.


Check out some of the good guys that gave their lives in the line of duty on a thread title " Bad Cop.......Good Cop "
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=bottom><TD>http://www.friendsofsc.com/forums/images/misc/navbits_start.gif (http://www.friendsofsc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2363#)</TD><TD></TD><TD width="100%">South Carolina's Web Board (http://www.friendsofsc.com/forums/index.php) > South Carolina State Goverment (http://www.friendsofsc.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=4) > South Carolina Law Enforcement (http://www.friendsofsc.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=80) </TD></TR><TR><TD class=navbar style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; PADDING-TOP: 1px" colSpan=3>http://www.friendsofsc.com/forums/images/misc/navbits_finallink.gif (http://www.friendsofsc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2363) Bad Cop........................Good Cop </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>



When an offender has such a colorful and storied "rap sheet" as the one you mentioned above, how will a routine license checkpoint change the outcome? What will have changed? After 11(!) DUI's and the rest, why would this offender need to be randomly discovered at a checkpoint? And when arrested, what would change? The offender obviously will not be jailed unless he makes a big break as he did on the night you related.

Your second point (which you offered as "FYI") is to elicite sympathy for injured or fallen officers. In an apparent effort to circumvent logical debate, you ask me to forgive the curtailment of my liberties by relating touching stories of heroic deeds by fellow officers.

I am proud of those people who have been injured or have lost their lives in LE. There, I am sympathetic. You have that.

However, using those tragedies to win a debate on the limiting of a citizen's liberties and his right to be free from undue government interference without probable cause is a truly sad tactic

You, Sir, are better than that.

[ZooFuzz]

When an offender has such a colorful and storied "rap sheet" as the one you mentioned above, how will a routine license checkpoint change the outcome? What will have changed? After 11(!) DUI's and the rest, why would this offender need to be randomly discovered at a checkpoint? And when arrested, what would change? The offender obviously will not be jailed unless he makes a big break as he did on the night you related.

This is a question that you need to ask the courts, judges, and defense lawyers without morals, that give this scum minor sentences, minor fines, and are far to nice because it's a PC world we wouldn't want to hurt their feelings.

Your second point (which you offered as "FYI") is to elicite sympathy for injured or fallen officers. In an apparent effort to circumvent logical debate, you ask me to forgive the curtailment of my liberties by relating touching stories of heroic deeds by fellow officers.

JR, you either misunderstand, don't understand, or can't understand. I'M not using this incident to gain your sympathy or for an injured brother, this was used to remind people out what roadchecks are all about, taking dangerous people off the road and into jail, because if this drunk would do this to a Trooper, then he would not hesitate to hit/run man, woman, or a child.

I am proud of those people who have been injured or have lost their lives in LE. There, I am sympathetic. You have that.

Thank you.

However, using those tragedies to win a debate on the limiting of a citizen's liberties and his right to be free from undue government interference without probable cause is a truly sad tactic

I did not use this information to win anything or to limit your rights. Personally I believe that anyone injures or maims a LEO should get automatic 10 years hard labor, anyone who kills an LEO should get the death penalty without interference from anyone.

You, Sir, are better than that.

And your right, I am better than that, i have been working in LE for over half my life and it's the one thing that I truely believe in, protection of my family, my friends, and protection of the public.

[General Jack Ripper]

Let's address some of these issues:



This is a question that you need to ask the courts, judges, and defense lawyers without morals, that
give this scum minor sentences, minor fines, and are far to nice because it's a PC world we wouldn't
want to hurt their feelings.

Yes, I think we can both agree that a person with 11 DUI's shouldn't be on the highway. Yet, the disruption of people's lives by the OFFENDER's acts should not be compounded by LAW ENFORCEMENT's acts under the guise of protecting them.


JR, you either misunderstand, don't understand, or can't understand. I'M not using this incident
to gain your sympathy or for an injured brother, this was used to remind people out what roadchecks
are all about, taking dangerous people off the road and into jail, because if this drunk would do
this to a Trooper, then he would not hesitate to hit/run man, woman, or a child.

This is circuitous logic. How does the resistance of arrest by an offender equal the indiscriminent mayhem you imply? I suggest it does not. A man who might punch out a cop may be one who would never harm a child. The two are not related.


I did not use this information to win anything or to limit your rights. Personally I believe that anyone
injures or maims a LEO should get automatic 10 years hard labor, anyone who kills an LEO should get the
death penalty without interference from anyone.

LEO's are NOT a special class of citizen. There should be NO special laws that set them apart and above the average citizen. You know, Sir, that each citizen has the RIGHT and DUTY to resist an illegal arrest "unto the point of death".


And your right, I am better than that, i have been working in LE for over half my life and it's the one
thing that I truely believe in, protection of my family, my friends, and protection of the public.

Good. I KNOW you are an ethical and moral person. I have no doubt of that. But I suggest that you are like the man working at the paper mill who says, "What smell?" You are too close to the problem of LE taking liberties from the citizens and you cannot see it.

I would add a line to your Abe Lincoln quote: You cannot promote freedom by ignoring the rights of the average citizen.

[anti-babble]

Amazing, Sir. Do you really believe what you said?

How, in the space of 60 to 90 seconds, can the officer learn anything about the operator of a MV? An initial greeting, attitude check, behavioral observation and retrieval of appropriate paperwork alone will take nearly that long. Then there is the computer check. And, if what you say is true, then an inspection of lighting on the MV must be done which will also take time.

If a mechanical check is the goal, as you imply, then why not hold that "curtiousy inspection" in front of the WalMart on a voluntary basis.

Just because you, Sir, are on the "inside" with your LE buddies, doesn't mean that the average citizen is completely gullible. Your comment was insulting as it assumed that such an explanation would be accepted by any of us "potential perps".

Most people have their information ready when they pull up to the Officer. A few seconds by the window talking to the driver allows hm to detect the odor of alcohol or drugs and verify that the person has a license. A computer check is not performed on every person that comes through comes through the check.

A "mechanical check", as you call it, is more of an inspection of the lighting on the vehicle (most of these checks are performed at night) and an observation of the glass and tires. This can be done as the vehicle approaches the officer.

I think you are offended because you think the operation of a motor vehicle, on a public highway is a right, when in fact, it is a privilige.

[General Jack Ripper]

I think you are offended because you think the operation of a motor vehicle, on a public highway is a right, when in fact, it is a privilige.

Thank you for your post.

No, Sir, I am not offended for that reason. I understand that driving is a "privilige".

I am offended by the concept that somehow LE has granted me this privilege. This privilege is granted to me by my fellow citizens. It is not a favor granted by the government except as the citizens grant it.

I am equally offended when asked while walking to "show my papers" without probable cause.

This concept that LE is somehow the shepards of the citizenry is what offends me. That LE should somehow be granted special laws to protect them from the citizens. That LE is better than others in this society because they pin on a badge. THAT is what offends me.

I am offended by the Patriot Act and by roadside checks that presume I am guilty without probable cause. I am offended that LE believes that if I turn around when nearing a checkpoint that I have committed a crime.

I am offended by punk officers who pick on and intimidate teenagers because adults are not so easy.

I am offended by ego-challenged cops who think any direction they might toss out while wearing a uniform is a "legal order".

I am offended by the "thin blue line" where good cops protect and sanction bad cop behavior.

However, I am NOT offended by the thousands of men and women who wear a badge and understand that "to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States" is in the oath for a reason. Those, I thank and appreciate.

[JDidGirl]

Personally... I don't have a problem with any of it... road blocks, license checks, general stops for whatever reason. Basically, law enforcement officers are just doing their job and if I'm not doing anything wrong then what do I need to be worried about?

[General Jack Ripper]

When they came for the communists,
I remained silent;
I was not a communist.

Then they locked up the social democrats,
I remained silent;
I was not a social democrat.

Then they came for the trade unionists,
I did not speak out;
I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews,
I did not speak out;
I was not a Jew.

When they came for me,
there was no one left to speak out for me.

[BTDT]

Thank you for your post.

No, Sir, I am not offended for that reason. I understand that driving is a "privilige".

I am offended by the concept that somehow LE has granted me this privilege. This privilege is granted to me by my fellow citizens. It is not a favor granted by the government except as the citizens grant it.

I am equally offended when asked while walking to "show my papers" without probable cause.

This concept that LE is somehow the shepards of the citizenry is what offends me. That LE should somehow be granted special laws to protect them from the citizens. That LE is better than others in this society because they pin on a badge. THAT is what offends me.

I am offended by the Patriot Act and by roadside checks that presume I am guilty without probable cause. I am offended that LE believes that if I turn around when nearing a checkpoint that I have committed a crime.

I am offended by punk officers who pick on and intimidate teenagers because adults are not so easy.

I am offended by ego-challenged cops who think any direction they might toss out while wearing a uniform is a "legal order".

I am offended by the "thin blue line" where good cops protect and sanction bad cop behavior.

However, I am NOT offended by the thousands of men and women who wear a badge and understand that "to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States" is in the oath for a reason. Those, I thank and appreciate.


Evidently you are someone that was detained or arrested either on a traffic stop or at a roadcheck and was discovered violating the law whether major or minor, and now you wish to express your anger because you think you were somehow wronged and ALL LEO's are at fault. Regardless what is said in this thread, nothing is going to satisfy you.


GJR quote(I am offended by the Patriot Act and by roadside checks that presume I am guilty without probable cause. I am offended that LE believes that if I turn around when nearing a checkpoint that I have committed a crime.

9 out of 10 people that turn around are guilty of either being drunk, carrying drugs, or under suspension.

[General Jack Ripper]

Evidently you are someone that was detained or arrested either on a traffic stop or at a roadcheck and was discovered violating the law whether major or minor, and now you wish to express your anger because you think you were somehow wronged and ALL LEO's are at fault. Regardless what is said in this thread, nothing is going to satisfy you.


GJR quote(I am offended by the Patriot Act and by roadside checks that presume I am guilty without probable cause. I am offended that LE believes that if I turn around when nearing a checkpoint that I have committed a crime.

9 out of 10 people that turn around are guilty of either being drunk, carrying drugs, or under suspension.





I have not been arrested at a traffic checkpoint. I have not been detained at a traffic checkpoint. I have no anger at LEO's in general.

I am not looking for satisfaction. I am trying to point out that if we allow the basic rights afforded by the Constitution to erode bit by bit we will be living in a police state.

And where does the "9 out of 10" statistic come from? Personal experience? Is this statistic available from a reputable source?

If I come upon a checkpoint that will delay me longer than I feel I wish to be delayed, and turn around to take another route, that is my business. That action should not be used as probable cause to run me down. Although this has never happened, I know others who have suffered this fate.

[JDidGirl]

I take this as a personal attack on my charactor. I am personally offended by your statement.

I ask that you delete it.

In lieu of your deleting this insult, I will ask that the moderators delete your post.

No offense General, but this isn't the first time that you've been asked that question and you didn't react in such a manner. A few of us thought that at the beginning when you first started posting and you very nicely corrected that assumption. If you ask for this post to be removed then you'll need to go back through many, many threads and have those removed too.

[BTDT]

I take this as a personal attack on my charactor. I am personally offended by your statement.

I ask that you delete it.

In lieu of your deleting this insult, I will ask that the moderators delete your post.

It was not a personal attack. It was just a question.

[General Jack Ripper]

Thank you, Jaded Girl. You are correct. This has happened before.

Is it wrong that I will not continue to accept such attacks?

[General Jack Ripper]

Thank you, Mr. BTDT. Enough said about that.

Back to our debate...

It has been the trend in our country since 9/11 to make personal rights and freedoms secondary to security and law enforcement.

This erosion of the provisions of the Constitution bit by bit will lead us to a police state. It will subjugate the citizens of this country into slavery.

That is what upsets me. That we are running toward disaster at breakneck speed.

[JDidGirl]

Thank you, Jaded Girl. You are correct. This has happened before.

Is it wrong that I will not continue to accept such attacks?

Well, considering that we all know how POC is then I think we can all understand your frustration with being compared to him. I don't think it was meant as a personal attack, but rather a sly question. You've made your feelings clear on that matter... you won't get anymore POC comments... at least not from me.


Thank you, Mr. BTDT. Enough said about that.

Back to our debate...

It has been the trend in our country since 9/11 to make personal rights and freedoms secondary to security and law enforcement.

This erosion of the provisions of the Constitution bit by bit will lead us to a police state. It will subjugate the citizens of this country into slavery.

That is what upsets me. That we are running toward disaster at breakneck speed.

Considering what is going on in our world today... I for one am fine with knowing that police are out in full force doing their jobs... keeping me and my loved ones safe. If... to make their presence known... it means that I may be subject to a car stop, road block or license check every once in a while then I say so be it. I'm not saying that I don't understand your point... I do; however, I think the benefits completely outweigh the negatives.

[BTDT]

[quote=JDidGirl;102458]Well, considering that we all know how POC is then I think we can all understand your frustration with being compared to him. I don't think it was meant as a personal attack, but rather a sly question. You've made your feelings clear on that matter... you won't get anymore POC comments... at least not from me.

Same here, it never happened.

[General Jack Ripper]

Thanks, Jaded.

Yeah, I get what you're saying. I like it when that sherrif's patrol car eases through my neighborhood at 3 am. Makes me feel safer. And if/when I should need an officer, I will call one and be glad he/she comes.

I'm not mad or angry at cops in general. And I do believe that the vast majority are fine people.

It's the overall system that gives me cause for concern. And LEO's (fed, state, local) are the hammer of that system. I only ask that those LEO's question the orders and procedures they are directed to follow and to stand up for the Constitution when required.

[General Jack Ripper]

Thanks, BTDT.

No problem.

[BTDT]

It's the overall system that gives me cause for concern. And LEO's (fed, state, local) are the hammer of that system. I only ask that those LEO's question the orders and procedures they are directed to follow and to stand up for the Constitution when required.

I agree, I saw many young hardworking sharp Troopers/Officers work and performed their duties with the upmost professionalism and honor and be passed over for promotion because the next guy who basically breezed through his duties was promoted becase he knew someone or had someone in his family to pull strings.

[JDidGirl]

I agree, I saw many young hardworking sharp Troopers/Officers work and performed their duties with the upmost professionalism and honor and be passed over for promotion because the next guy who basically breezed through his duties was promoted becase he knew someone or had someone in his family to pull strings.

That happens in every job... not just in law enforcement. It's just a little different because so few other places does one risk their life on a daily basis and can still be passed by for a promotion.

[JDidGirl]

It's the overall system that gives me cause for concern. And LEO's (fed, state, local) are the hammer of that system. I only ask that those LEO's question the orders and procedures they are directed to follow and to stand up for the Constitution when required.

See, and now it becomes a very fine line you are talking about. If law enforcement doesn't do enough then they aren't doing their jobs and the public is screaming. If they do too much then they are trampling on people's rights and the public is screaming. It's very hard to make everyone happy... damned if you do... damned if you don't.

[General Jack Ripper]

See, and now it becomes a very fine line you are talking about. If law enforcement doesn't do enough then they aren't doing their jobs and the public is screaming. If they do too much then they are trampling on people's rights and the public is screaming. It's very hard to make everyone happy... damned if you do... damned if you don't.


Very true, very true.

It is indeed a balancing act. We have to depend on the good conscious of the LEO's. Each man and woman with a badge must consider the big picture and resist the drift towards the abridging of citizens' rights.

We NEED cops. Most of us are glad we have 'em. But we also need them to defend the rights which others have fought and died to protect. We must never dishonor those brave men and women in a uniform other than a policeman's blue who have won us the freedoms we enjoy.

[anti-babble]

GJR, I am glad that I do not offend you. You may not share the view that Police Officers are the domestic guardian of your freedoms but they are. They are charged with enforcing the laws, regardless of whether or not they agree with them. They are charged with maintaining the peace and standing between people of differing viewpoints , if necessary, to ensure the peace. They are charged, by society, to ensure that those that have been granted the privilige, by the public, to drive on a public roadway do so in a safe and sober manner. They do not hold license checks to harass the innocent, they hold them so that they can detect those that have violated the public trust and pose a risk to the other motorists on the highway.

There are narrow exceptions to the law that allows Police Officers to do some acts that are forbidden by law for others to do. But there are stringent circumstances that must exist for this to happen in most cases.

Cops can speed and violate traffic laws if certian circumstances exist.

Cops can carry a concealed weapon on their person. Even in places that concealed weapons permit holders cannot.

Cops can enter a residence without a warrant when certian stringent circumstances exist. The same goes for some searches.

Cops do have the ability to restrict persons movements, in certian circumstances, if they are attempting to keep the peace or conduct an investigation.

As for your statement that citizens have a duty to resist an unlawful arrest, even unto death. That is dangerous advice to give anyone because most people cannot discern between a lawful arrest and an unlawful one. A citizen who is being lawfully arrested may believe that it is unlawful and could wind up getting injured or killed or injuring or kiling the officer and getting charged with murder.

The proper advice would be to go along quietly and contest your arrest through the LEA's internal affairs unit and through the court system. If the officers conduct or decision was deemed improper then you should file a civil suit.

The concept behind our society is that the people have the power. The choose from among themselves and elect those that they represent them and pass laws that protect and enhance our way of life. Anytime you pass rules/laws it becomes necessary to have persons that will enforce those rules/laws. These people are expected to follow the same rules/laws that they enforce. By and large most of them do. From time to time some of them don't.

What amazes me is the same people that scream that cops are no different than anyone else and should have to follow the same rules are the first to scream that cops look out for cops when a cop gets arrested. How is he getting special treatment if he got arrested?
They are also the first to scream that the cop should be held to a higher standard and punished more severely because he is/was a cop. So much for equal treatment.

[ZooFuzz]

COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - State troopers and deputies from Richland and Lexington counties caught nearly 70 crimes during a traffic checkpoint in Columbia early Saturday morning.
Law enforcement officers were stopping cars on Elmwood Avenue from midnight until 2:00am Saturday, and issued 69 charges or citations.
The cases break down as follows:

11 DUIs
13 Driving Under Suspension
9 open containers
10 driver's license violations
10 vehicle license violations
5 possession of marijuana
1 possession of crack
1 stolen vehicle
3 wanted fugitives arrestedhttp://glitter-graphics.org/images/empty.gifhttp://i8.glitter-graphics.org/pub/1192/1192578l12605l148.gif

[Cliff]

OMG~Violating civil rights !!!! http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p47/KE4MIV/Smilies/old.gif

[swampfox]

There are those who make a living violating the civil rights of others, and many more who wish they could.

[Mrwonderful]

OMG~Violating civil rights !!!! http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p47/KE4MIV/Smilies/old.gif


Take the time to Google the USupreme Court decisions on traffic (roadside) traffic stopps. 100% legal if done properly, and these were.

[Cliff]

Excellent suggestion, but if you knew me you wouldn't have made it.
I was being facetious .

[RPWeed]

COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - State troopers and deputies from Richland and Lexington counties caught nearly 70 crimes during a traffic checkpoint in Columbia early Saturday morning.
Law enforcement officers were stopping cars on Elmwood Avenue from midnight until 2:00am Saturday, and issued 69 charges or citations.
The cases break down as follows:

11 DUIs
13 Driving Under Suspension
9 open containers
10 driver's license violations
10 vehicle license violations
5 possession of marijuana
1 possession of crack
1 stolen vehicle
3 wanted fugitives arrestedhttp://glitter-graphics.org/images/empty.gifhttp://i8.glitter-graphics.org/pub/1192/1192578l12605l148.gif

Good show, ladies and gentlemen!

[Sarge]

Concur.

[us 378]

Take the time to Google the USupreme Court decisions on traffic (roadside) traffic stopps. 100% legal if done properly, and these were.

Hopefully they were done legally. I believe that means they announced the stops ahead of time publicly.

I just wish there was a way they could verify insurance on cars, fake insurance cards are the rage and the cops can't verify insurance on those stops. Easy for anyone to print up one up on their computer. Only if they get into an accident do they get caught.

[JDidGirl]

Actually there is a way to verify insurance. Call the number provided on the insurance card and verify the policy number with the call center. It's a little time consuming (and probably wouldn't work well during a traffic check situation), but it can be done.

[us 378]

Edit: I think they can do un-announced checkpoints also just searching around. But Lexington COunty does put out a schedule of checkpoints. Here is an example.

http://www.lex-co.com/Sheriff/media.aspx?mid=1223

[us 378]

Actually there is a way to verify insurance. Call the number provided on the insurance card and verify the policy number with the call center. It's a little time consuming (and probably wouldn't work well during a traffic check situation), but it can be done.

I wish they would do that. What is it, 1 out of 4 drivers don't have insurance in SC? Very time consuming though and possibly, they might not be allowed to call the company themselves w/o probable cause. Maybe someone in law enforcement here can explain.

I think in South Carolina, certain traffic offenders have to have a certain form from the state an SR-22, If your involved in an accident and can't prove insurance, I think there is a verification form the police will give. Why everyone doesn't have to get an SR-22, I don't know.

Maryland has a much better system. Insurance companies report directly to DMV. You don't even need to carry an insurance card in Maryland because when they run your license and tag, it shows up in their database. Yea, there is a way around it in Maryland, register your tags out of state.

[anti-babble]

Insurance Companies in SC are required to notify SCDMV if there is an insurance cancellation. SCDMV will then suspend their tags.

[us 378]

Insurance Companies in SC are required to notify SCDMV if there is an insurance cancellation. SCDMV will then suspend their tags.

They are supposed to do but I suspect it's not being done. Just too many uninsured cars out there.

I just registered a car I just bought and they only asked for the name of the insurance company when I got the tags and I could have answered anything for they only wanted the company.

I use GEICO but they asked for no card, no number, nothing at the Batesburg-Leesville DMV. Naturally if you give them a company you don't use, they won't ever receive a cancellation notice.

The other abuse in SC are these so called paper "dealer tags". A lot of states don't give you "dealer tags", either it's an official temp tag or just the real thing. It's better than what it was in SC when you didn't even put on a tag on your car until so many days....

Anyhow, still frustrating to see how many uninsured cars are on the highway.

[Cliff]

Funny!?, she made a copy of my card.
Same office.

[us 378]

Funny!?, she made a copy of my card.
Same office.

I wonder if you had a different clerk?

Thinking about it, I didn't even have a copy of the insurance card at the time for that car, it was in my email box after I called GEICO. If DMV had asked, I would have had to come back later.

I had just paid the taxes in Lexington, called the insurance company while coming back to B-L to add the car, and then just told DMV I had GEICO. When I got home, I just printed my insurance card out on my printer. A few days later, they sent another insurance card, which was also on printed paper. Now maybe the fact I had GEICO on the other car perhaps was on the computer there.

I guess the point is, I could have faked the insurance and/or printed out a fake GEICO card. At least in my case.

[Cliff]

I wonder if you had a different clerk?
Maybe. She made copys of everything, even my old security clearance ID.
I basically did the same as you, think it may have been you or ab that suggested B-L to avoid the hassle.
I had to make several trips, remember the birth certificate crap?

[ZooFuzz]

Checkpoint Instructional Video (http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1286231962244)
This video has officers from around the State and really explains why we conduct public safety checkpoints.
Length: 9:46


You will need a Facebook acount to view this.

[Cliff]

Thanks~ But, I'll pass.

[Captain Worley]

I'm with Cliff...I don't do Facebook.

[watchdogforjustice]

Because the US Supreme Ruled that is the correct way to do it. Between the police having little or no common sense these days and our rights being continuously taken, it is good that the US Supreme Court is attempting to control them.

[JDidGirl]

Because the US Supreme Ruled that is the correct way to do it. Between the police having little or no common sense these days and our rights being continuously taken, it is good that the US Supreme Court is attempting to control them.

I'm not sure where I get what you mean by the comment "Between the police having little or no common sense these days and our rights being continuously taken..."? The great majority of law enforcement officers are out doing their jobs - risking their own lives, by the way & paid very little to do so - in order to protect your life and the lives of your friends and loved ones.

[Lakal]

Pretty good video, Zooey. I saw that James Crawford and I have one facebook friend in common!

[us 378]

Lexington County was nice enough to post on it's website the upcoming checkpoints in the county starting Aug 5thhttp://www.lex-co.com/sheriff/images%5Cpress%5CTRAFFICADVISORY30.jpg

[ZooFuzz]

http://www.lex-co.com/sheriff/media.aspx?mid=1330 Road Check Schedule



<TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100&#37;"><TBODY><TR><TD><TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="95%" bgColor=white><TBODY><TR><TD align=left><TABLE style="WIDTH: 100%; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" id=ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_DataList1 border=0 cellSpacing=0><TBODY><TR><TD><TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD>Traffic Enforcement Advisory 41</TD></TR><!--<tr><td> Download PDF (http://www.friendsofsc.com/forums/press/Releases/pdf/10-10-254%20Traffic%20Enforcement%20Advisory%2041.doc)


</td></tr>--><TR><TD>

The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department and South Carolina Highway Patrol have issued a public advisory of scheduled traffic-enforcement operations for the seven-day period that will begin on Thursday, October 21.

Lexington County Sheriff James R. Metts said deputies and state Highway Patrol troopers will concentrate on specific offenses or on problem areas identified by patrol observations, complaints from citizens and statistics concerning traffic collisions. Motorists should be aware of this increased activity and should exercise caution when traveling in these areas.

State Highway Patrol troopers will assist deputies in conducting traffic safety patrols in problem areas, Metts said. The Sheriff’s Department regularly works in cooperation with the Highway Patrol to enhance traffic safety on roads in Lexington County by conducting scheduled and unscheduled public safety checkpoints and other enforcement efforts.

The planned special operations are listed below. However, they are subject to change without notice.



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[JDidGirl]

Is it just me, but those links aren't working when I click into them. What am I doing wrong now?

[ZooFuzz]

Is it just me, but those links aren't working when I click into them. What am I doing wrong now?



Go to this link and try it.
http://www.lex-co.com/sheriff/media.aspx?mid=1330 Road Check Schedule

[ZooFuzz]

Mandatory Speed Enforcement

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2xnWYx8YK8


This is not a WARNING!!!

[Cliff]

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p47/KE4MIV/Smilies/crackingup.gif

[RPWeed]

Mandatory Speed Enforcement

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2xnWYx8YK8


This is not a WARNING!!!

LOVE IT!!! Hahahaha!!!!

[RocDocsWife]

I posted that on FB.....lots of "shares".....