Very nice policeman today, VERY decent.
Discussion
Steviesam said:
lol, Why would I lie?
I am 42 years old, not 12.
A newish saloon Volvo, had strobes behind the front grill and at the back, and inside the back window was a POLICE sign in red (the ones that light up)
My first post explained pretty much what happened,-he asked if I would like to see the video (I declined), he asked if I had my license (I did) which he and his colleague looked at (in their car) and when he returned he gave me a talking to as described. He was pleasant and professional.
Why would a fake cop pull anyone over?
Because that's how they get there kicks, pretending and pulling someone over and giving them a warning for speeding must be the ultimate for one of these sad freaks.I am 42 years old, not 12.
A newish saloon Volvo, had strobes behind the front grill and at the back, and inside the back window was a POLICE sign in red (the ones that light up)
My first post explained pretty much what happened,-he asked if I would like to see the video (I declined), he asked if I had my license (I did) which he and his colleague looked at (in their car) and when he returned he gave me a talking to as described. He was pleasant and professional.
Why would a fake cop pull anyone over?
One thing worth noting is that a driver is only obliged to stop if required to do so by a police officer in uniform. This is why officers in plain clothes do not usually do traffic stops.
Edit: I see that 10PS has already introduced this point.
Edit: I see that 10PS has already introduced this point.
Edited by anonymous-user on Sunday 24th August 15:59
Breadvan72 said:
One thing worth noting is that a driver is only obliged to stop if required to do so by a police officer in uniform. This is why officers in plain clothes do not usually do traffic stops.
Quite. Can be dangerous too. 2 friends of mine were killed in a polac trying to stop a car in plain clothes.Breadvan72 said:
The power conferred by section 163 has to be exercised by an officer in uniform.
This is true. However, the act and wording of it does not clarify what is meant by "uniform". It has been accepted that any item of clothing that identified him as a police officer will suffice. Sometimes plain clothes officers will wear a force issue stab vest, or cap or similar. Maybe this one had something identifiable? Maybe not , and he was being a bad boy and hence why no ticket.tenpenceshort said:
340600 said:
tenpenceshort said:
Purely thinking put loud; what power did the plainclothes officer use to pull over the OP?
Section 163 of the Road Traffic Act. The only issue would be if the OP decided not to stop.XCP said:
There is no power to stop vehicles whilst in plain clothes. The police can merely ask. If the motorist stops all well and good. As has been said it is only an offence not to stop when the officer is in uniform.
I've always found this a bit silly. Would you be able to say that a policeman is wearing uniform? When he's behind you, at night, with lights blinding you? I wouldn't.I would be interested in the views of police officers reading this thread. Officers on a frolic? Made up story? If you are not in uniform but have a car with blue lights, would you stop a speeding motorist going over 100 mph? If you are an armed response officer, do you keep your sidearm in the boot or have it with you while on duty? If you do not have the weapon visible, would you tell this errant motorist that you are an armed police officer?
Mk3Spitfire said:
340600 said:
If the Officer was armed he'd have been wearing a stab vest with POLICE written on it.
I don't think they always do actually. Our covert AFO's are routinely armed but don't always stab vests as far as I'm aware.Doubt it's made up...no point.
If I was in plain clothes and someone went past at silly speed I would probably give it a tug. I'd show my badge straight away though.
Covertly armed AFO's routinely carry sidearms, but as the name suggests, they should be hidden. I can't see why this scenario didn't happen.
If I was in plain clothes and someone went past at silly speed I would probably give it a tug. I'd show my badge straight away though.
Covertly armed AFO's routinely carry sidearms, but as the name suggests, they should be hidden. I can't see why this scenario didn't happen.
Guidancefrom Wilts Police website
The following is advice for anyone who feels vulnerable where she (or he) has to stop. In many cases there may be several of you in the vehicle or you are confident you can deal with the situation, in which case this advice may not be for you.
An unmarked police car can stop vehicles, but it must contain a constable who MUST be in uniform in order to carry out the stop.
If a car flashing for you to pull over or stop is unmarked, unless you are 100% certain it is the police, do not stop. Drive steadily to the nearest public place (for example a petrol station where they are open till late, a police station or somewhere there are a lot of people) and then stop. If you are in a relatively deserted area, as a last resort, consider looking for a house that is obviously occupied and pull into the driveway. (You can always apologise to the householder afterwards.)
Try and signal that you have acknowledged the request to stop and indicate the action you are taking (put your flashers on or signal by pointing from the driver's window etc.). Don't drive off at great speed making the police think you are trying to get away.
Keep the doors locked until you are happy it is the police. Have your mobile at hand just in case. You can ask to see a warrant card, which should carry a name and photograph, through the closed window.
The following is advice for anyone who feels vulnerable where she (or he) has to stop. In many cases there may be several of you in the vehicle or you are confident you can deal with the situation, in which case this advice may not be for you.
An unmarked police car can stop vehicles, but it must contain a constable who MUST be in uniform in order to carry out the stop.
If a car flashing for you to pull over or stop is unmarked, unless you are 100% certain it is the police, do not stop. Drive steadily to the nearest public place (for example a petrol station where they are open till late, a police station or somewhere there are a lot of people) and then stop. If you are in a relatively deserted area, as a last resort, consider looking for a house that is obviously occupied and pull into the driveway. (You can always apologise to the householder afterwards.)
Try and signal that you have acknowledged the request to stop and indicate the action you are taking (put your flashers on or signal by pointing from the driver's window etc.). Don't drive off at great speed making the police think you are trying to get away.
Keep the doors locked until you are happy it is the police. Have your mobile at hand just in case. You can ask to see a warrant card, which should carry a name and photograph, through the closed window.
Gassing Station | Speed, Plod & the Law | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff