Discussion
Last Friday night, just after 11pm, I was stopped by three BiB's. I had driven from my house, into town, to the chip shop, and home again.
I left my house, drove to town, got my food (not the best cod in the world, but not bad at that time of night), and drove home. I took a slightly different, longer, route home, as that evening I had fitted a new radiator and hoses to my car, and wanted to see if it didn't leak (oh ye of little faith).
On the way home, the speed limit was 30mph for a mile or so, then up to 40. There is a fixed camera facing the other way just before the 40 limit starts.
So, I walk out of the chip shop, drive off, and the van follows me. Up through the 30 limit, past the camera (for which I braked slightly, old car, speedo saying 30 doesn't necessarily mean 30!), into the 40 limit, a mile later the blue lights come on, I start to panic .....
I pull up in a layby, remembering something my Dad previously told me, "if you ever get stopped, don't jump out of the car, take yout time, make sure they know you had seatbelts on, and that you've put the handbrake on". So I took my time, belts off, engine off, door open, get out. Plod 1 walks upto the car and says "good evening sir, what are you doing, where have you been, where are you going", I explain, he then enquires why I am taking a longer route home than is necessary. I explain.
All this time Plods 2 and 3 are going over the car with a fine toothcomb, tyres, interior, bodywork, engine bay, etc. Plot 1 explains to me that I have been stopped because the car is declared as SORN. Whilst following me they had checked the car's details on the PNC.
It had been taxed on the previous Saturday, having been declared as SORN for about 3 months. I explained this, and that maybe it hadn't got through the DVLA system, he asked to see the tax disk. I, perhaps taking the p*ss a little, wiped the bottom left hand corner of the windscreen, where the tax disk was. "Could you remove it from the holder please sir", I paused, unlocked the door, slowly removed the tax disk, and gave it to Plod. He spent a good 1 minute inspecting it, shining his torch at it, holding it up to the streetlight, turned, and said "well sir, if you made this yourself, you've done a bloody good job"
So, so far he has asked me why I have taken a longer than necessary route home, and all but accused me of falsifying my tax disk.
Plod 2 then pipes up and says "can I take a look in the boot sir", so I opened the boot, to reveal a fluorescent yellow jacket. It was a freebie given to me a few years ago, no writing on it, just two or three reflective strips. Plod 2 then says "this is not relly a suitable coat to be carrying in the boot of your car sir, as you could be seen as trying to impersonate a Police officer"
WHAT? I literally had to bite my toungue.
After wasting another 5 minutes of my time copying down my licence details, I was sent on my merry way, no words of caution, no apology for making my food go cold, nothing.
So, bored plods with nothing better to do than stop an innocent motorist? Thought they'd caught a "live one" (penalty for a car on the road being declared as SORN is about £5,000?)? Thinking, "ah, there's another chav, he's an easy target, lets follow him"? Or a national crack-down on dodgy cars? (please note that I'm *not* a chav, I despise them, they give people like me a bad name!)
Had I have been older than 19 I could have gotten away with asking for their details without them being more awkward with me, perhaps been a little lippy, rather than sticking to yes and no answers, saying as little as possible.
Anyone else had a similar expierence?
I left my house, drove to town, got my food (not the best cod in the world, but not bad at that time of night), and drove home. I took a slightly different, longer, route home, as that evening I had fitted a new radiator and hoses to my car, and wanted to see if it didn't leak (oh ye of little faith).
On the way home, the speed limit was 30mph for a mile or so, then up to 40. There is a fixed camera facing the other way just before the 40 limit starts.
So, I walk out of the chip shop, drive off, and the van follows me. Up through the 30 limit, past the camera (for which I braked slightly, old car, speedo saying 30 doesn't necessarily mean 30!), into the 40 limit, a mile later the blue lights come on, I start to panic .....
I pull up in a layby, remembering something my Dad previously told me, "if you ever get stopped, don't jump out of the car, take yout time, make sure they know you had seatbelts on, and that you've put the handbrake on". So I took my time, belts off, engine off, door open, get out. Plod 1 walks upto the car and says "good evening sir, what are you doing, where have you been, where are you going", I explain, he then enquires why I am taking a longer route home than is necessary. I explain.
All this time Plods 2 and 3 are going over the car with a fine toothcomb, tyres, interior, bodywork, engine bay, etc. Plot 1 explains to me that I have been stopped because the car is declared as SORN. Whilst following me they had checked the car's details on the PNC.
It had been taxed on the previous Saturday, having been declared as SORN for about 3 months. I explained this, and that maybe it hadn't got through the DVLA system, he asked to see the tax disk. I, perhaps taking the p*ss a little, wiped the bottom left hand corner of the windscreen, where the tax disk was. "Could you remove it from the holder please sir", I paused, unlocked the door, slowly removed the tax disk, and gave it to Plod. He spent a good 1 minute inspecting it, shining his torch at it, holding it up to the streetlight, turned, and said "well sir, if you made this yourself, you've done a bloody good job"
So, so far he has asked me why I have taken a longer than necessary route home, and all but accused me of falsifying my tax disk.
Plod 2 then pipes up and says "can I take a look in the boot sir", so I opened the boot, to reveal a fluorescent yellow jacket. It was a freebie given to me a few years ago, no writing on it, just two or three reflective strips. Plod 2 then says "this is not relly a suitable coat to be carrying in the boot of your car sir, as you could be seen as trying to impersonate a Police officer"
WHAT? I literally had to bite my toungue.
After wasting another 5 minutes of my time copying down my licence details, I was sent on my merry way, no words of caution, no apology for making my food go cold, nothing.
So, bored plods with nothing better to do than stop an innocent motorist? Thought they'd caught a "live one" (penalty for a car on the road being declared as SORN is about £5,000?)? Thinking, "ah, there's another chav, he's an easy target, lets follow him"? Or a national crack-down on dodgy cars? (please note that I'm *not* a chav, I despise them, they give people like me a bad name!)
Had I have been older than 19 I could have gotten away with asking for their details without them being more awkward with me, perhaps been a little lippy, rather than sticking to yes and no answers, saying as little as possible.
Anyone else had a similar expierence?
Sorry have to comment.
Let's split the world into A's and B's.
A's who work in McDonalds give you more than one ketchup per fries, B's refuse to and make you queue up again even if you only need a napkin.
A's who work for the Post Office knock on your door if a letter is a little too big for your box, even if it doesn't say "Do not bend" on it - B's fold it into 4 even if it does.
A's who do your MOT fit a new brake light bulb if your car needs one to pass, B's give you a spotless advice form with "o/s brake light faulty" written on it in smug little writing.
Etc, etc...
You got stopped by some "B's". It happens...sorry about that.
They might have been part of an OTU (Probationers) attempting to fill in their process boxes (hence the "sir" part...geez I don't know anyone who uses "sir" to address mops any more...) but the smart assed comment would seem to point away from this (unless the tutor constable wanted to show his probies what a smooth, funny guy he was - yawn)
Aside from that I can only assume you failed the attitude test, cause if you do that, all bets are off, usually
Let's split the world into A's and B's.
A's who work in McDonalds give you more than one ketchup per fries, B's refuse to and make you queue up again even if you only need a napkin.
A's who work for the Post Office knock on your door if a letter is a little too big for your box, even if it doesn't say "Do not bend" on it - B's fold it into 4 even if it does.
A's who do your MOT fit a new brake light bulb if your car needs one to pass, B's give you a spotless advice form with "o/s brake light faulty" written on it in smug little writing.
Etc, etc...
You got stopped by some "B's". It happens...sorry about that.
They might have been part of an OTU (Probationers) attempting to fill in their process boxes (hence the "sir" part...geez I don't know anyone who uses "sir" to address mops any more...) but the smart assed comment would seem to point away from this (unless the tutor constable wanted to show his probies what a smooth, funny guy he was - yawn)
Aside from that I can only assume you failed the attitude test, cause if you do that, all bets are off, usually
gh0st said:
Wasnt there that guy that got stopped for "doing the speed limit" a while back because "criminals stick to the speed limit to evade detection... "
ah - but again thats genuinely good policing a lot of the time. People who think they've probably drunk a bit too much tend to stick at exactly 30 (apparently)...which is suspicious in itself....trying too hard NOT to get noticed probably has the oppostie effect!
I agree that the jacket comment was just silly, but aside from that, they were acting exactly right if you ask me - though was v unfortaunte for you that you had food in the car to get cold.....
oh, and Ive had many, many similar situations. going too slowly was my favourite.... (M1, 2:00am, driving rain, 500 yards from roadworks which would force me to 50 anyway....got to stand in driving rain for ten minutes....very pleased!)
Not saying this is how it should be done (cause traffic stuff is REALLY not my bag) but...
I stopped a motorcycle with a filthy number plate the other week (been green laning). I got out of the car with a rag. As I approach the bike I see it's tidy (but dirty) and taxed. Without saying a word I point to the number plate, clean it, smile at the rider, give the thumbs up, then get back in the car.
As I drive off the rider is smiling at me and shaking his head, blissfully unaware that the PNC check has already come back as a local keeper and negative.
I'm guessing that my stop did him more good than me behaving like a pedantic arse, gave him something to talk about in the pub and if he sees a copper getting a pasting in the future he may be tempted to help.
If I can tempt everyone I stop to "maybe" help, I got an army out there...
I stopped a motorcycle with a filthy number plate the other week (been green laning). I got out of the car with a rag. As I approach the bike I see it's tidy (but dirty) and taxed. Without saying a word I point to the number plate, clean it, smile at the rider, give the thumbs up, then get back in the car.
As I drive off the rider is smiling at me and shaking his head, blissfully unaware that the PNC check has already come back as a local keeper and negative.
I'm guessing that my stop did him more good than me behaving like a pedantic arse, gave him something to talk about in the pub and if he sees a copper getting a pasting in the future he may be tempted to help.
If I can tempt everyone I stop to "maybe" help, I got an army out there...
Nightmare said:
Wasnt there that guy that got stopped for "doing the speed limit" a while back because "criminals stick to the speed limit to evade detection...
ah - but again thats genuinely good policing a lot of the time. People who think they've probably drunk a bit too much tend to stick at exactly 30 (apparently)...which is suspicious in itself....trying too hard NOT to get noticed probably has the oppostie effect!
I am often followed at the speed limit whilst it is clear that plod is doing some checking.
I put it down to the 18 year old rusty car and my ability to look and drive like I'm pissed when totally sober. I usually retune my radio to BBC radio 3 so when they ask me to turn the music down it'll be something classical.
I am waiting to be stopped for a road side check, when I will point out that all four tyres are the same brand and the squeaking from the brakes is a characteristic.
madant69 said:
N
As I drive off the rider is smiling at me and shaking his head, blissfully unaware that the PNC check has already come back as a local keeper and negative.
I'm guessing that my stop did him more good than me behaving like a pedantic arse, gave him something to talk about in the pub and if he sees a copper getting a pasting in the future he may be tempted to help.
If I can tempt everyone I stop to "maybe" help, I got an army out there...
good man.....
madant69 said:
Not saying this is how it should be done (cause traffic stuff is REALLY not my bag) but...
I stopped a motorcycle with a filthy number plate the other week (been green laning).
Are you sure it was a green lane and not a bridle path ? Can HE prove he had right of use ?
I remember that conversation after riding along the pennine way for 2 hours after I somehow got me turn mixed up and ended miles from where I wanted to be.
Thank god you've stopped me, officer, cause I'm completely lost. I'm looking for this Youth Hostel (Points to somewhere miles away) I think I'm here (Points to somewhere miles away). Worked for me !!! (In 1984)
I once got stopped for trying to overtake a panda car doing 30mph in a 60mph zone. Asked me if I had a problem with his driving? I asked if he would have pulled me for doing 30 in a 60. Told me to drive more carefully and left.
Most other officers I deal with have been fine. Thank god there are much more A's than B's. Unfortunately we remember the B's more.
Most other officers I deal with have been fine. Thank god there are much more A's than B's. Unfortunately we remember the B's more.
The Wiz said:
Should have taken their numbers and made a formal complaint.
Since when did taking a longer way home than necessary become a crime?
Now where is that going to get him? All he'll do is draw attention to himself and his vehicle and future trips to the fish shop will be frought with 'incident'. The coppers sounded a bit 'off' and I tend to agree with you that their attitude wasn't the best. However, you can't go round complaining all the time. What would your day be like at the end of it:
1) Letters to the bus company as one of their drivers pulled out today without indicating.
2) Letter to manager of McDonalds, as the girl on the counter didn't say please or thankyou.
3) Phonecall to area manager of British Gas as their technician wasn't friendly at all as he serviced my boiler.
etc etc etc.
Some things in life have to be taken with a pinch of salt and it's a fact that a small percentage of every occupation are tossers. The police is no exception as it's made up of the 'public'. Complaining about little events like this just take the heat out of real and genuine complaints. Think before you complain...
Street
Streetcop said:
Should have taken their numbers and made a formal complaint.
Since when did taking a longer way home than necessary become a crime?
Now where is that going to get him? All he'll do is draw attention to himself and his vehicle and future trips to the fish shop will be frought with 'incident'. The coppers sounded a bit 'off' and I tend to agree with you that their attitude wasn't the best. However, you can't go round complaining all the time. What would your day be like at the end of it:
1) Letters to the bus company as one of their drivers pulled out today without indicating.
2) Letter to manager of McDonalds, as the girl on the counter didn't say please or thankyou.
3) Phonecall to area manager of British Gas as their technician wasn't friendly at all as he serviced my boiler.
etc etc etc.
Some things in life have to be taken with a pinch of salt and it's a fact that a small percentage of every occupation are tossers. The police is no exception as it's made up of the 'public'. Complaining about little events like this just take the heat out of real and genuine complaints. Think before you complain...
Street
Very, very wise words.
I like to moan, but I rarely actually complain, because it aint worth it. Maybe thats why we like to moan.
Thanks..
It's a difficult one really...
I mean....'bad' coppers that give the rest of us a bad name should be brought to the attention of the management. Trouble is....the really 'bad' coppers are the ones that shirk work, don't pull enough cars and generally get through the day without 'incident'. Consequently, they never get complained about, but that's not what you pay your taxes for etc...
However, the 'good' bobbies that stop lots of vehicles, for whatever reason are more likely to get the backs up of people who don't like it and then later complain. At the end of the day, the police SHOULD be stopping people, but doing it professionally..
Street
It's a difficult one really...
I mean....'bad' coppers that give the rest of us a bad name should be brought to the attention of the management. Trouble is....the really 'bad' coppers are the ones that shirk work, don't pull enough cars and generally get through the day without 'incident'. Consequently, they never get complained about, but that's not what you pay your taxes for etc...
However, the 'good' bobbies that stop lots of vehicles, for whatever reason are more likely to get the backs up of people who don't like it and then later complain. At the end of the day, the police SHOULD be stopping people, but doing it professionally..
Street
madant69 said:
Not saying this is how it should be done (cause traffic stuff is REALLY not my bag) but...
I stopped a motorcycle with a filthy number plate the other week (been green laning). I got out of the car with a rag. As I approach the bike I see it's tidy (but dirty) and taxed. Without saying a word I point to the number plate, clean it, smile at the rider, give the thumbs up, then get back in the car.
As I drive off the rider is smiling at me and shaking his head, blissfully unaware that the PNC check has already come back as a local keeper and negative.
I'm guessing that my stop did him more good than me behaving like a pedantic arse, gave him something to talk about in the pub and if he sees a copper getting a pasting in the future he may be tempted to help.
If I can tempt everyone I stop to "maybe" help, I got an army out there...
Mojo.
Gassing Station | Speed, Plod & the Law | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff