Sent an email to the county police commissioner

[slngsht]

Hi,

 

I normally don't feel compelled to bother emailing anyone regarding police driving habits, but here it goes.

 

I REGULARLY see MC officers driving significantly (way more than 10 MPH) over the speed limit, not using turn signals, tailgating, rolling through stop signs, passing on the right, etc... No emergency lights or sirens on.

 

Today, at about 2:20 PM, I was travelling on Darnestown Rd, between Shady Grove and Travillah road.

 

Police cruiser flies up... judging by my speed and how fast I was passed, doing about 60MPH (speed limit is 40). Tailgated the car in front of me. Made a left onto the shopping center with 7-11 and Burger king. Didn't bother with turn signal, or even using a turn lane.

 

Normally I just shake my head and go about my business, but I was curious what official business had this officer in such a hurry, so decided to stop and see.

 

The officer met up with 2 other officers and they walked into the 7-11. Browsed the magazine rack for 10 minutes and walked out with snacks (2 of them purchased Red Bull drinks).

 

I did jott down the tags...

 

MC 0898 was the one I saw driving

 

The other 2 cars in the lot were MC 0664 - MC 0893

 

Since I've never seen a cop car pulled over, whatever the department's policy is regarding this type of driving is obviously not working. Besides the safety aspect, and the "obey the law" angle, the county ALWAYS complains about not having enough cash for this or that. Perhaps if cruisers normally don't drive like maniacs, the department would save some money in gas.

 

Awaiting your response.

[WestTexasS2K]

That seems to happen alot here as well. The cops on regular basis drive 20 + mph over the limit. No sirens no lights, even with lights and sirens they are only allowed to drive 10 mph over the posted limit. Maybe that is why they had 2 fatal accidents with citizens in the last year and totaled 11 cars.

 

Another thing that gets me is city is talking about raising taxes to pay for fuel for city vehicles. My wife and I went into hastings last night to find a cruiser parked next to the curb car running. I thought maybe he is working a shoplifting or something. I went to the magazine rack and there the officer was standing looking at magazines. We were there for 30 min the whole time this car is parked and running empty with the officer inside looking at magazines. I also sent the police chief and email about this as well. Most departments do something if you have enough info time, place, car# or tag#.

 

I work for the fire dept and we are ordered to turn trucks off anytime we stop unless we are on a call.

[locostv8]

That seems to happen alot here as well. The cops on regular basis drive 20 + mph over the limit. No sirens no lights, even with lights and sirens they are only allowed to drive 10 mph over the posted limit. Maybe that is why they had 2 fatal accidents with citizens in the last year and totaled 11 cars.

 

Another thing that gets me is city is talking about raising taxes to pay for fuel for city vehicles. My wife and I went into hastings last night to find a cruiser parked next to the curb car running. I thought maybe he is working a shoplifting or something. I went to the magazine rack and there the officer was standing looking at magazines. We were there for 30 min the whole time this car is parked and running empty with the officer inside looking at magazines. I also sent the police chief and email about this as well. Most departments do something if you have enough info time, place, car# or tag#.

 

I work for the fire dept and we are ordered to turn trucks off anytime we stop unless we are on a call.

 

You must live in Houston.

[chetcpo]

Just a year or so back, here in Charleston, a city cop blew a light while speeding with no lights and siren. He crashed into a couple and killed a woman. It nearly took an act of congress, but after months of complaints and a hefty lawsuit they finally fired the guy. He probably just works in the next town over now.

 

I'd frankly be afraid to report any wrongdoing by our State Police. They are notorious for corruption and every couple of months there are reports of people being driven to abandon mine sites and beaten half to death, or in the latest case a lawyer was taken into an interrogation room at the barracks and beat until his spinal fluid drained from his nose and many of his facial bones fractured. A few years back they were having a party for a trooper and were making a bunch of noise late at night. The guy who lived above the party called and complained. 5 minutes later a half dozen drunk state troopers broke down the dudes door and beat him half to death.

 

Don't mess around with the police, they really are above the law in some places.

[gjslutz]

In Ohio a local group of OSP (state Cops) sat a trap for a local lawyer that beat several tickets for clients. They announced their attentions and the route he was taking on their radios. They pulled him over and gave him a ticket. He pulled the radio tapes and went after them in court. Now there are a few of them pursuing other carriers. First good lawyer I knew. I think he purchased a new Corvette with he got from them, he also runs in SCCA.

[slngsht]

I think he purchased a new Corvette with he got from them, he also runs in SCCA.

 

Aside from the fact that taxpayers paid for that, it's pretty

[Sean]

Aside from the fact that taxpayers paid for that, it's pretty

Money well spent, IMHO. I'd rather have my tax dollars spent weeding out the bad ones early than have it spent on their career-long salaries and subsequent pensions.

[slngsht]

an update on this story...

 

got a couple of emails back regarding my complaint. At least it looks like they took some action... All I can ask for :thumbs:

 

 

xxxxx,

Your driving complaint has been received and investigated by this department. The incident has been documented and the officer has been counseled concerning safe driving practices. Further disciplinary action may occur after review of the officers job performance.

 

Sincerely,

 

Sergeant xxxxxx

Patrol Supervisor

Montgomery County Dept. of Police

Rockville District

1451 Seven Locks Rd.

Rockville, MD. 20850

240/xxx-xxxx

 

 

Dear xxxxxx:

 

 

 

The Department of Police has completed its investigation regarding your concerns with Police Officer 2 xxxxx. During the investigation all pertinent information was examined closely. We have taken the appropriate corrective actions against PO2 xxxxx. We are precluded from disclosing the specific details of this action.

 

I want to express to you my sincere appreciation for bring this matter to my attention as well as your participation in the complaint process. A relationship of trust and confidence between the police department and the community is essential. I hope that any future interaction you may have with our Department is of a positive nature.

 

If you have any further questions, you may contact me at 240-xxx-xxxx.

 

Sincerely,

 

Captain xxxx xxxxx, Director

 

Internal Affairs Division

 

xxxxx.xxxxx@montgomerycountymd.gov

 

 

 

 

 

By: xxxx xxxxx

IAD Case No. 08-0102-INT

 

 

 

[scannon]

I hope your name and email address were kept confidential. You do not want an officer with a grudge knowing who you are and where you live and what you drive, BTDT.

 

That said, congratulations for having the balls to take action and to the police for following up.

 

Skip

[MHKflyer52]

I hope your name and email address were kept confidential. You do not want an officer with a grudge knowing who you are and where you live and what you drive, BTDT.

 

That said, congratulations for having the balls to take action and to the police for following up.

 

Skip

 

:iagree: Have to agree with Skip on this subject......now are you planing on moving to another state or just entering the Witness Protection Program :jester: : :lol: :lol: :lol:

[slngsht]

heh, I have my own friends on the police force if necessary :yesnod: