Cheshire experiments! Civvies trap drivers!
Discussion
According to Mail on Sunday - several police forces are interested in following Cheshire's project which involves volunteers standing at the roadside wielding £300 speed guns. These people pass the information onto the police who then decide whether to send "stern letter" or issue NOIP!
Anyone over 18 can apply for this voluntary "job" (Huh? No Pay???)
Inspector Brian Rogers: "We are not looking for vigilantes, but for people who work under our rules"
Supporters say it resolves a manpower problem and improves the quality of life in the community! Opponents say it creates another level of bureaucracy and paperwork!
Hmmm! Did not the case against Brunstrom's daughter fail because the speed gun was not operated by a cop?
This over-emphasis on one aspect of driving is getting more ridiculous by the day!
Anyone over 18 can apply for this voluntary "job" (Huh? No Pay???)
Inspector Brian Rogers: "We are not looking for vigilantes, but for people who work under our rules"
Supporters say it resolves a manpower problem and improves the quality of life in the community! Opponents say it creates another level of bureaucracy and paperwork!
Hmmm! Did not the case against Brunstrom's daughter fail because the speed gun was not operated by a cop?
This over-emphasis on one aspect of driving is getting more ridiculous by the day!
apache said:
Sadam Hussein used to employ people to spy on their colleagues much in the same way.
Whatever the intention it's totally inappropriate to use civilians in this manner
Lived in Moscow and Leipzig during Cold War! (Student days!!!!) Spying and grassing on neighbour was fact of life there too! Lots of evidence and horror stories in Leipzig's Stasi Museum! (Yes - latest TOURIST ATTRACTION! in Leipzig!!) Final solution: the very dire prisons and Siberia!
Look at Nazi history - they did pretty much the same thing! Final solution: the camps!
Can see the weird one in Wales signing up to this!
But then the "Sun" and "Camwoman" will go after the daughter with vengeance! 
Pray how do they deal with problems arising from lack of objectivity.
For example, imagine three scenarios.
Person A clocked at SL plus 20, but is let off by the civilians (ie not reported) as he is a local and an all round good egg up the local golf club.
Person B clocked at SL plus 10, reported as an outsider.
Person C clocked at SL plus 2, reported as although a local there has been a bit of past argy bargy about height of their garden hedge say.
I know there is nothing new in law about this as anyone can make a statement and if they feel like it bring a prosecution but, all in all, not keen.
For example, imagine three scenarios.
Person A clocked at SL plus 20, but is let off by the civilians (ie not reported) as he is a local and an all round good egg up the local golf club.
Person B clocked at SL plus 10, reported as an outsider.
Person C clocked at SL plus 2, reported as although a local there has been a bit of past argy bargy about height of their garden hedge say.
I know there is nothing new in law about this as anyone can make a statement and if they feel like it bring a prosecution but, all in all, not keen.
We have got a similar scheme in South glos busy bodies who have nothing better to do wait for a clear sunshining day then get out the camera and aim it about. I parked in their line of fire and was eventually asked to move at which point we had a discussion about the merits as they saw it and how I saw it. When was the last time they saw a policeman? at the meeting 6 months ago was the answer, why are they never out in the rain? people don't speed in the rain! So if you are a burglar Wickwar is the place to rob and if you are irresponsible you are safe to do whatever speed you like in the wet!
Roadrage said:
I say bung any twat that signs up for this, in the boot and take down the wood some re education.
heh heh! I like your way of thinking.. but not very "PH" these days. Oh sorry, I meant to write "PC". 'cos I am very afraid that with the recent shoddy publicity we are all becoming a bit too worried what other people think, and not holding true to the ideals. We need a perception change of those in charge, NOT having to change ourselves. Or is it only me?
Its a bit of a waste of time at the moment cos the road is up.
spaximus said:
We have got a similar scheme in South glos busy bodies who have nothing better to do wait for a clear sunshining day then get out the camera and aim it about. I parked in their line of fire and was eventually asked to move at which point we had a discussion about the merits as they saw it and how I saw it. When was the last time they saw a policeman? at the meeting 6 months ago was the answer, why are they never out in the rain? people don't speed in the rain! So if you are a burglar Wickwar is the place to rob and if you are irresponsible you are safe to do whatever speed you like in the wet!
I'm not surprised in the slightest at this, i.e. only out to catch drivers no matter how good the conditions. In my experience, the vast majority of people who sign up to this "shop your neighbour" type of thing are saddos with no other form of power in their lives and relish their new "importance".
Flat in Fifth said:
Pray how do they deal with problems arising from lack of objectivity.
For example, imagine three scenarios.
Person A clocked at SL plus 20, but is let off by the civilians (ie not reported) as he is a local and an all round good egg up the local golf club.
Person B clocked at SL plus 10, reported as an outsider.
Person C clocked at SL plus 2, reported as although a local there has been a bit of past argy bargy about height of their garden hedge say.
I know there is nothing new in law about this as anyone can make a statement and if they feel like it bring a prosecution but, all in all, not keen.
I saw a TV programme some time ago about civilians being given speed guns. One scene clearly showed the reading on the gun as 39 and the guy operating it called out to the woman with the clipboard, "Oooh, 49 that one"
What fun this promises. After all, you will not be liable if you obstruct them in any non-violent way, 'cause they won't be police officers.
You will be able to distract them, laugh at them, park in front of them, call them names (so long as it's not racist), taunt them, jam their laser-guns and generally make their lives a misery.
They will have no special protection in law and the floodgates for 'not-guilty' pleas will be opened. Any good barrister will tear them apart in court, and will they want to go to court to be aggressively questioned? I think not.
Also, how long before one of them gets his laser gun, and probably himself, hit with a jack handle?
You will be able to distract them, laugh at them, park in front of them, call them names (so long as it's not racist), taunt them, jam their laser-guns and generally make their lives a misery.
They will have no special protection in law and the floodgates for 'not-guilty' pleas will be opened. Any good barrister will tear them apart in court, and will they want to go to court to be aggressively questioned? I think not.
Also, how long before one of them gets his laser gun, and probably himself, hit with a jack handle?
[quote=Cooperman]cause they won't be police officers.
You will be able to distract them, laugh at them, park in front of them, call them names (so long as it's not racist), taunt them, jam their laser-guns and generally make their lives a misery.
They will have no special protection in law quote]
Somehow I just don't think that is going to happen.
Common law Breach of the peace, Public Order Act, Protection from Harrassment Act, Highways Act - all with a power of arrest if Plod attends to their call for HELP.
...still feel lucky??
DVD
>> Edited by Dwight VanDriver on Monday 9th February 15:03
You will be able to distract them, laugh at them, park in front of them, call them names (so long as it's not racist), taunt them, jam their laser-guns and generally make their lives a misery.
They will have no special protection in law quote]
Somehow I just don't think that is going to happen.
Common law Breach of the peace, Public Order Act, Protection from Harrassment Act, Highways Act - all with a power of arrest if Plod attends to their call for HELP.
...still feel lucky??
DVD
>> Edited by Dwight VanDriver on Monday 9th February 15:03
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