Government

Florida Highway Patrol Illegally Ticketing Drivers for Obeying Law

It seems that Florida state troopers don’t like it when drivers warn others about speed traps.

The Florida Highway patrol is illegally ticketing driver after driver for obeying the law, according to a report from 10 News in Tampa.

Illegal Police Citations Cost Florida Millions In Taxpayer Dollars

That’s what Eric Campbell said happened to him. He said he was pulled over and ticketed for flashing his high beams at oncoming traffic to warn the other drivers of a speed trap. Campbell said the officer ticketed him for “improper flashing of high beams” – a completely constructed offense.

Florida Statue 316.2397 is the legislation Campbell is using to take action against the police. It does not prohibit the flashing of headlights as a means of communications, he said.

If he wins, 10 News says his case alone could end up costing taxpayers $15,000.

Campbell isn’t the only one troopers have targeted. Florida Highway Patrol records show that police cited more than 10,429 drivers under the statute. Campbell’s lawsuit accused patrols of wrongfully applying state law in order to generate revenue.

So how much money are these lawsuits over false citations costing Floridians? If each person illegally cited was awarded $15,000 that would be $156,435,000 in damages. Throw in at least another $1,042,900 in ticket refunds.

Those costs aren’t stopping Campbell from seeking reparations. Really, police should be thanking him for helping slow people down, he says in this video.

Comments (443)

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  • YepImaConservative
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 4:01pm

    I tend to agree with you. Based on the comments here you would think we’re surrounded by anti-establishment/authority Liberals.

    Report Post » YepImaConservative  
  • Al J Zira
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 4:00pm

    Police in every state and town have been minimalized and turned into nothing more than mobile ATM’s for their superiors. The revenues they generate are counted on as part of the budget every year. If this isn‘t the total misuse of power and resources I don’t know what is.

    Report Post » Al J Zira  
    • Edct
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 4:37pm

      Highway partol and many cops are being more disrespected every day because they have lowered themselves to prostitute tax collectors….very sad…and cops wonder why ther public hates them more every day and more of them get shot….not that hard to figure out.

      Report Post »  
    • ChiefGeorge
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 4:41pm

      Agreed, I really appreciate police when they are used in a responsible way to enforce laws pertaining to keeping the peace and not so much when they are solely and obviously being used as a tax collector by enforcing every jot and tiddle of the law. If I see no cop and notice people speeding I might wave my hand for them to slow down. Am I now in breach of the law for somehow trying to enforce it?

      Report Post » ChiefGeorge  
    • HKS
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 4:42pm

      Yep, cops be not much more than revenue collectors. Do what they can to rape and pillage the constituents. Politicians are quite creative in revenue collections especially at the end of the month, quotas you know.

      Report Post » HKS  
    • chazman
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 5:04pm

      … I hate the idea of getting a ticket, and I haven’t had one in over twenty years, but keep this in mind, people: cops make many felony arrests while enforcing traffic laws. Any speeder warned by someone flashing their highbeams, well, that person who was warned could have just murdered someone, or committed any number of felonies, and the cops are looking for them. But this time he/she gets away because of someone flashing their high beams … just sayin’…

      Report Post »  
    • gotcha2ic1980
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 5:14pm

      Wow – I actually dont know how to respond to these responses…..All I can say as a police officer that if these state troopers are doing this then its wrong. EDCT I dont wounder why more cops are getting shot I know why. Its because more idiots with guns are using them. Guns dont kill people, people kill people and until you put a vest on and walk a mile in my shoes i dont think you can talk about why cops wonder why our fellow officer are getting killed by senseless gun fire…..All of you go to work every day….some in desk jobs, some construciton and all fairly safe….Its disheartening to know that I put on a vest and gun every night and go out on to the streets where….drunk drivers kill, gangbangers rob, steal and Kill, meth addicts on a high steal from homes. When the bullets start flying and every one is running away we go running toward the gun fire to protect those running away. Your Response (Well thats what your paid to do) My response: yes we are and we are paid to write traffic violations. And because of those tickets Fatal Crashes are down, since 2005 Fatal Crashes are down 22% those are a lot of people that are alive. Now with every profession there are people that just dont belong and they need repremand for their actions. The only unfortunate part is that when the crap hits the fan I dont have you to count on! So strap up your boots, put on a uniform, go though the coutless years of training, put on a vest and a gun and walk a mile in my shoes!

      Report Post »  
    • vanhelsing2010
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 5:29pm

      Honestly, I’m tired of being told that I must revere a person simply because they wear a uniform. Police officers are county revenue collectors and union members who will retire long before me and live much better, I might add. Sure, there are many who are owed our gratitude for their service, but so are our small business owners, doctors, nurses, clergy, and stay at home moms….
      Thanks to the police officers who have been the thin blue line, but sirs and madams…..that’s what you signed up for.

      Report Post »  
    • Marci
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 5:35pm

      You have that right Al. I lived in Florida two years ago. They DO do this.

      Report Post » Marci  
    • Wolf
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 5:36pm

      @ Chazman… are you serious? Go drink some more koolaid. Sheesh.
      ‘Just sayin’.’

      Report Post »  
    • GIDEON612
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 5:41pm

      It is all part of the grand scheme of Obamanomics.

      Report Post » GIDEON612  
    • kennyg933
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 5:41pm

      Pig’s abuse of power is out of hand. I hope the judgment penalty comes out of the police budget and $1.5million worth of Pig wages are cut as repairations.

      Report Post »  
    • imreddog
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 5:48pm

      Another surprise! The IRS has taught other agencies that they can charge people with the “crime” of breaking a law that doesn’t exist.
      FACT: There is no law that requires the average citizen to file and pay an income tax…. but they may take everything that you own and throw you in jail for violating this non-existant law.
      As far as I know, the reward that is offered in the web site below is still in effect.
      http://www.livefreenow.org/content/view/6/28/

      Report Post »  
    • TSUNAMI-22
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 5:58pm

      I notice many of you act as though the cops initiate these stupid policies on their own. Did anyone stop to think a little further down the road than that?

      Crap rolls downhill and the cops are forced to execute the stupidity and greed from people higher up.

      Try to locate the true initiating source of the bad policy for a change.

      Report Post »  
    • gotcha2ic1980
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 6:04pm

      All I can say is “Held to a higher standard”……..Sure Small business owners deserve your gratitude as well as Nurses, Doctors, and Clergy. I don’t see their professions dissected as we do to the level of the Police….and the reason “Held to a Higher Standard”. When was the last time we read in major news article, that a doctor was caught giving abundant illegal prescriptions. When was the last time we read about a Nurse stealing her patient’s pain medications? When was the last time we read about a Clergy member committing any crime and when was the last time we read about a Small Business owner embezzling money. Not that it’s not happening but that it’s not as scrutinized to the level of Police Officers. As with every profession there are a few bad apples in the bucket. If an officer improperly uses the state statues to benefit his police agency do as the man in the article is doing but to label every officer because of a single mishap that you encountered years earlier is wrong as well. So I don’t see a difference between these officer’s labeling you as a law breaker and you calling these officers tax collectors. I have never cared where the money goes only that they obey the law.

      Report Post »  
    • highcarry
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 6:13pm

      the only good cops are the ones who believe i have the right to defend myself.

      Report Post » highcarry  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 6:27pm

      Was it illegal to use a CB radio to warn of smokey ahead?

      Report Post » 13th Imam  
    • ChuckJ
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 6:28pm

      I agree that making traffic stops does prevent crime but there is a difference in ticket writing for money and ticket writing for a crime deterrence.

      Report Post »  
    • Mastermagi
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 6:34pm

      @gotcha2ic1980

      Sir or Madam, we know that cops are people, and some people are bad. The problem with bad cops is that they have the power of their guns, their badges, and the government behind them. Police departments have the duty to weed out these bad cops immediately. Unfortunately, the departments more often than not pretend there is not a problem until it is too late.

      I have family and friends who are cops, but I’m sick of reading about bad cops arresting citizens for nothing. I‘m sick of hearing about bad cops confiscating citizens’ personal property illegally. If you haven’t read The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich by William Shirer, you might want to do so. The tactics used by so many cops today are similar to those used by the SAQ in 1930′s Germany.

      If you are a good cop, thank you. If not, I truly hope you leave the profession. We don’t need any more bad cops.

      Report Post »  
    • nelsonknew
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 6:42pm

      Law enforcement officers have to follow the law, just like everyone else and when they do not, they must be held accountable, just like everyone else. We see EXACTLY what happens when law enforcement makes up their own laws, selectively enforce laws and attack the Constitution……. OPERATION FAST AND FURIOUS.

      Report Post » nelsonknew  
    • Taquoshi
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 7:13pm

      In my State, all fines from moving violations go to the State and the town/city gets probably about 5% back. And our Governor just laid off a whole bunch of State troopers. Isn’t that special?

      Report Post » Taquoshi  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 7:24pm

      @gotcha2ic1980
      Your logon name says it all. “Got you too I see (since) 1980″. Or is it “Got you too I see (born) 1980″?

      Now if your logon was “2serve&2protect” I might have a different perspective of you. Either way, you are either retired (or about to retire) or a young rookie who likes to “gotcha” the general public.

      Guns are not the problem. Where I grew up every homeowner had weapons in the house. At 13 years old you got your own weapon, learned how to take care of it, to use it and what not to do with it. There was no crime in my neighborhood. The problem is all the liberal, socialist and Marxist lack of respect for others, promotion of illegal drug use and teaching kindergarten children about sex.

      People like this have call names like, “Gotcha”. Normal people don’t like to “Gotcha” to their fellow Human Beings. Maybe you should take a long look in the mirror? 95% of people are generally good but you have to deal with the 5%. After a while you look at everyone as the 5% and it just ain’t so.

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • the hawk
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 7:29pm

      Chazman-Really? THAT had be a reach for even you !
      GOTCHA—-I think theres enough info in your name for me ! Betcha when you were a kid playing ,hide and go Seek. you always wanted to be it !…….Right? maybe you should talk to someone ! There is a difference in ticket writing for money and ticket writing for a crime deterrence. !
      Gotcha probably agrees with the zero Tolerance policies ! no seatbelt 250$……ect…
      ALL i can say is Stay out of my small town !………No Unions for these Nazis ! ! !
      POLICE= locall Dept of Revenue and Inforcement !

      Report Post »  
    • gotcha2ic1980
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 7:39pm

      @MasterMagi

      I am truly a by the book police officer and believe that every citizen is afforded the right by the constitution to use reasonable means to defend them selves. The criminal justice system is not infallible and like every thing else needs some help but for the most part works. Bad guys do bad things and go to jail or prison. I just wish people would realize that there are far more good cops then bad it’s just that the ones that are bad are over shadowing the good. You don’t often hear about the cop that did 45 mins of CPR and saved a ladies life. or the cop that striped down dove into a raging river and saved a man from drowning and these are things that have happened at my department in the last few months…..Now I know that people are angry about some of the bad things that cops do……but why not commend those that lay there life in harms way so that another can live free. See here is the ultimate problem……If you have a problem with something that an officer did file a complaint with the department….People wont fight for their rights….and their right is to file a complaint. Most police officers have video and audio in their cars that record every thing if you have been wrong don’t complain about police officers as a whole complain about Officer So and So and file the complaint with the department. With Unions the way they are there has to be people file complaints on the officers. I just ask that you not label us all bad.

      Report Post »  
    • gotcha2ic1980
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 7:52pm

      The-Monk:
      That right there is why we are the way we are is because people read into things and make assumptions based on a word or set of words. I don’t make assumptions about you….Are you a Monk in a monastery that is a Thi-Chi expert I doubt it.
      Actually gotcha2ic was a avatar for an online character I had in a game in college long before I was even thinking about police work or politics. It has no barring on my work or my philosophy at work. I agree it may have been a little odd but its been my log in name for over 15 years. And Im a community Liason officer and work with the general public on a daily baises and dont get exposed to the abuses that Im getting here so its a little new to me. I have attempted to wrap my head around the nonsense of labeling. I did not write that to be attacked I wrote that to allow people to understand the other side that is being labled because of a few bad apples. You would think that any one with any knowledge and education would understand that there are always two sides to a story….I was just trying to bring to light the other. If my comments offended you sorry but they are the truth…..I am a good cop and deserve to be treated like one.

      LEO-40

      Report Post »  
    • michael48
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 7:59pm

      it’s called Statism SS Revenue ENHANCEMENT….here in Cali-Moscow, if you have a JOB you are now the “RICH”…God forbid if you have a BUSINESS LICENCE…that’s grounds for a one way ticket to GITMO….it’s ALL ABOUT THEM…thier PAY and BENEFITS…the Gambino’s are still HERE..GOV. GUMBAS…and it starts at YOUR MAYORS OFFICE and ends up at the DISTRICT of CRIMINALS…

      Report Post »  
    • Brooke Lorren
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 8:26pm

      Unfortunately, there are a lot of cops who give cops a bad name. Like the one that threatened to put my 50-something year old mom in handcuffs because she bought gas at the pump and didn’t know that the credit card machine was working… or the police officers that issue DUIs to drunk people that sleep in inoperable vehicles… or give seat belt tickets to people while their cars are sitting in the parking lot.

      I know that there are probably plenty of good cops… I just don‘t trust any of them to be around when someone’s threatening my life.

      Report Post »  
    • ramburner
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 8:29pm

      @Gotcha21c1980; I believe you. I have read ALL of your comments and you ARE a caring human being who just does there job. I hope that from the comments made here, you see the “people’s” view of all police. But even more, you see these comments as sort of a suggestion to look at the orders you police are given so that YOU might challenge them before the public gets stung by them. For the people who wrote about the CB notification; YES, it IS against the law and the people who wrote about flashing lights; there are many states that consider flashing lights to be against the law. I am retired now, but when I was in the states, I drove for 30+ years without getting a ticket because I used a thing called a cruise control. If it went around (and it did in Massachusetts) that those who flashed their lights would be ticketed. I just stopped flashing. After all, my concern was “my family”, “my income”, “my insurance rates”, etc. I found that the reason the police were there in the first place was usually that there are a LOT of speeding cars that take other peoples lives in their hands when they recklessly weave in and out and drive at speeds in excess of 100mph when traffic is doing 75 or 80mph. Why do you people always look for someone else to blame? Most of the time, it’s the people who blame others that should be looking in the mirror and correcting THEIR OWN behavior. I am not saying their are no bad cops, but hear what gotcha is saying, please!

      Report Post »  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 8:33pm

      @gotcha2ic1980
      File a complaint? When someone files a complaint the thin blue line gets rather thick. A friend of mine filed a complaint against a Police Officer once and was harassed for about 2 months by a lot of the other Police Officers.
      If you noticed, out of respect, I capitalized the P and O in Police Officer. I do not mean to disrespect you.
      Maybe I should tell you about the hit and run driver with no insurance, driving on a DWLS with knowledge driver’s license, awaiting court on another DWLS with knowledge charge just 8 weeks earlier, a felon with a huge rap sheet including fleeing and eluding, DUI, multiple DWLS’s and drug possession?
      He totaled my car, left it upside down with me inside (trapped) and gasoline leaking. Some witnesses saw it and finally flipped the car over and got me out. They caught him. Guess what happened?
      Because he had such an extensive record he was now a CI. His punishment was $185 for running a stop sign. This police officer (lower case p &o) falsified the police report, wrote him up for running the stop sign, driving on a DWLS without knowledge (not on the police report) and nothing for having no insurance. Since the DWLS w/o knowledge was not criminal, it went to night court and the police officer never showed up and it was dismissed. Oh yeah, he got his driver’s license back 2 months later and I still need an operation that my insurance won’t pay for.
      How would you feel if you were me?

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 8:44pm

      @Gotcha
      OK, I’ll give you the “Actually gotcha2ic was a avatar for an online character I had in a game in college long before I was even thinking about police work or politics”. But put yourself in our shoes. A Cop with the call name, “Gotcha2IC”? Maybe it’s time to caom up with something more fitting to your new title and responsiblities?
      As for me being a Monk.. yes, I am a real Monk of the Vedanta Order. http://www.vedanta.org/
      I also did not mean to offend but you have know idea what it‘s like to be a normal citizen in today’s world.

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • Professional Infidel
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 8:56pm

      Police are there own worst enemy, I’m still waiting for the day when it makes me feel other than paranoid every time there close.

      Report Post »  
    • Favored93
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 9:24pm

      Agreed…
      My heart breaks for our Peace Officers … forgive me I mean Law Enforcement. They strap on a gun belt and vest to stand between us and a bullet or worse and are now used as legal thieves on our streets.
      If Donald Trump were given a hundred dollar speeding ticket does anyone think that would discourage him from speeding? That same ticket would nearly DESTROY my budget.
      I had a cop tell me that giving tickets was the best part of his job! I used to think they were the good guys … now I am not so sure. I still trust them mostly because I don’t WANT TO believe that they are no-longer interested in my safety but after my money so they keep getting pay raises because they made quota.
      We have trusted them with the power even to take our liberty if it is just but far to often that trust is violated because they break the laws they are charged with enforcing and they enforce laws that are themselves illegal! Now we hear of cops MAKING UP a law because they don’t like what we are doing!
      At the point of a gun and with the authority we the people gave them they are robbing US!
      I am a solid God fearing Law abiding citizen. I should NEVER fear the cops and yet every time I see those blue lights my adrenaline goes up and fear is there because in the back of my head I wander “have I broken a law that would land me in jail but not known it?” Like that woman whose little girl saved a bird from a cat and found out that she could spend FIVE YEARS in prison!!

      Report Post » Favored93  
    • Flybot
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 9:25pm

      Agreed the police are nothing more than a gang to make money for the local goverment to increase money taken in.When you really need one good luck.familly members of a police officer free pass,good old boy free pass. They also act like they are the only ones that should be able to defend you or your property rofl like they have more of a right to bear arms than anyone else. Truth of the matter is they consider everyone a turd that isnt a police officer or familly of a police officer. Just remember better to stand thier and be a good little victim for 45 minutes till they arive or you will be the one in trouble. The right to bear arms was not ment to protect yourself from robbers but ment to protect yourself from goverment and thier bullys

      Report Post » Flybot  
    • LOLReally
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 9:39pm

      I recently got a ticket doing 81 in a 65 but he only wrote me up for 74 and I was thankfull. I got caught and I will pay. I knew I was speeding but it’s not too fast for the terrain and most of the time I just gamble and slow down some on corners. Most of you drivers should never get above the speed limit. And if you get pulled over be nice, it could make a $200 difference.

      Report Post »  
    • Favored93
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 9:47pm

      @gotcha2ic1980
      I have no doubt sir that there are more good honest officers out there then bad….at least that is my heart felt hope… and from your post I believe sir you are one of them. And for that I truly do thank you.
      Think about this… It would take literally A HUNDRED of years if a man read non stop 24 hrs a day to read all of the laws that are on the books and yet ignorance of the law is no excuse.
      I do not dispute the fact that most of our traffic laws are necessary and life saving. It is the enforcement of those laws I have real trouble with specifically the fines. I have posted here that a $100 ticket would not hurt Donald Trump but would be close to busting my budget! If we said 24 hrs in jail for speeding as an example would hit all of us the same and speeding would go WAY down.
      Our police are being used and abused as a result of them being used as a HUGE source of revenue for the government. I believe that is immoral! I would HAPPILY pay a little more in taxes to see our police no-longer used in this way. The reason is that the police become more concerned with meeting a ticket quota then public safety! People like my friend begin to be treated as an inconvenience for asking the police to investigate a break into his car! NO JOKE THERE!
      Again I do thank you Sir for standing between my wife,children, myself and a bullet.

      Report Post » Favored93  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 9:49pm

      @ramburner
      Your comments are just and reasonable. I never flash my high-beams at cars when I see a speed trap.
      But it seems that I have been driving a lot longer than you. I was taught that flashing your high-beams has many “good” purposes and it’s the reason car manufactures have included a device to accomplish this task. Here are a few good reasons to flash your high-beams… from the “old school” of driving;
      1-When you see an approaching car with they’re high-beams on “and” it impairs your vision… flash your high-beams to let them know to go back to normal lights. They may have forgotten.
      2-When passing a semi at night, always, always, always flash your high-beams to let him know. His response will be to turn his lights on and off to let you know that it’s safe.
      3-Your‘re driving at night and the vehicle in front of you is driving without they’re lights on… flash your high-beams to get their attention… someone pulling out in front of them might not see them at all.
      4-You notice that the vehicle in front of you has blown a gasket or something and is leaking oil or gasoline or some other fluid that can cause an accident or damage their vehicle in the long run.
      5-You notice that the vehicle in front of you has left something on the roof and you want to get they’re attention. It could fly off and go through someone’s windshield or hit a motorcycle (very bad).

      These are just a few “rules of the road” regarding head-lights that us old-timers s

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • the hawk
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 9:50pm

      GOTCHA, Maybe you should work for Police Pulbic Relations………….I mean going to different police
      offices and tellin them how we see u……………… And bECOME AN oATHER ! pIN ON That badge and I might SALUTE u !………………Untill then PLEASE stay outta our lives ! ! !

      Report Post »  
    • Al J Zira
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 10:45pm

      @CHAZMAN: If that was the intention of the laws that are passed then I would agree but having conversations with a former mayor and some law enforcement the whole system is set up a as fill for budget gaps. The money goes to general funds not to law enforcement needs or to better roads or studies into how to make travel safer. It is strictly for monetary gain.

      Hell, in my area if you get in an accident the police show up and fine someone without witnessing anything. It was never like that years ago. I spoke to a prosecutor about it and he said they look at the police report and decide whether it can be prosecuted going by the report. The other party involved in the accident can say: “I don‘t want to press charges and don’t care about coming to court to testify”. That doesn’t the municipality or state from prosecuting. It’s about the Benjamines.

      Report Post » Al J Zira  
    • Favored93
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 12:00am

      @kennyg933
      Cops are NOT pigs!!! They are being misused to collect revenue instead of keeping the public safe but remember hippy… they still stand between you and the bad guys whether you like them or not!
      Your post is about as disrespectful and disgusting as any I have seen out there.
      I am as angry as any about what I am seeing today but most cops are good honorable men who stand in harms way even for you. Our leaders are just misusing them. Be angry but do not sin. Calling them Pigs just shows your lack of maturity.

      Report Post » Favored93  
    • Favored93
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 12:10am

      @gotcha2ic1980
      You posted……”When was the last time we read about a Clergy member committing any crime and when was the last time we read about a Small Business owner embezzling money. Not that it’s not happening but that it’s not as scrutinized to the level of Police Officers.”
      ———————————————————————————————————————————————————–
      I still trust our police but that is being stretched.
      The reason police are held to a higher standard is because we trust you with what our founders died for…remember give me liberty or give me death…..? We trust you with the power to take our liberty when justice demands it. So when that trust is violated even over something small it scares the HELL out of us. Please remember that while you are out and about doing the job. And remind those who work with you also Sir.

      Report Post » Favored93  
    • Mastermagi
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 9:32am

      @gotcha2ic1980

      By the time the citizen has filed a complaint, the cop has already committed a wrong-doing. This ends up with lost time, lost reputation and, usually, a great deal of lost money for the citizen. Why do we need to protect ourselves from those sworn to protect us at great personal cost?

      As to the dashboard cams, there have been incidences wherein those tapes have been destroyed or altered. How does the public rely on them? Furthermore, if people try to record the cops, they often end up arrested or their equipment destroyed, or both.

      The policies instituted by many police departments today are designed to pit the cops against the citizens, with predictable outcomes. They are no longer there to protect and serve, they are there to command and control.

      Report Post »  
    • gotcha2ic1980
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 2:48pm

      While true, it is unfortunate that police are being used to collect monies for hurting budgets. Writing tickets is a part of the job…not a fun part. Grew up a die hard Liberal (Bad Word). It wasnt until the Government started dipping into my pocket that I started to care about politics and changed how I look at Government. Now I have seen the light and am as far right as any other true blooded american. Back to the Issue of the article. States have cut revenue sharing to Police Departments…mine included. We have laid off officers because of it (Good ones). What really kills me is that they are more willing to cut police budgets than to cut welfare/medicaid forcing departments to find ways to keep up revenue.

      I agree with in large part with all the responses. I believe that one bad incounter with a police officer will scew their preceptions for all police. I have spent a good majority of my career trying to re-lable the police in my area. I know that people have had bad encounters with police…but some fail to mention the times that they were giving a break. Now writing this I do not stand behind Officer’s writing tickets if there is not a violation. But us as officers dont have the luxury of deciding when to listen to our bosses and when not to listen to our bosses. Every one should point there fustration of this event to the top brass of the Florida Hwy Patrol who have allowed this to happen if what they are doing is truely not violation of the law.

      Report Post »  
  • macombman
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 4:00pm

    Little known fact. The police unions are now hiring officers with IQ’s below 100 in other words stupid, so that they can easily be persuaded in the us vs. them mentality. Sounds outrageous? Ask any police officer who has retired about the mentality of the younger cops.

    Report Post »  
    • kenboo1
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 4:51pm

      There has always been an “us vs them” mentality in the law enforcement community. Those officers that rise above it are usually in it for the right reasons yet are ostracized . Then there are the ones who feel they are above the law, and lack common sense or common decency in the application of the law. Take the cop who kills the man they are trying to arrest and said he confused his side arm with his tazer. He should have neither.

      This is obviously a distortion and misapplication of the Florida law. In doing so, the officers involved should pay a price. Government agencies such as the police are prone to slight of hand when financial pressures hit their organizations. Governors, mayors and city councilmen need to police their police.

      Benton Arkansas police officers seem to think they can pull anyone over for any reason. I guess its an epidemic until we stand up and say enough is enough… We have a new seat belt law that allows the police to pull someone over for that. So in the interest of safety and we citizenry lack the common sense to breath correctly need to be pulled over and ticketed for not wearing a seat belt. So now we have to get rid of laws that allow the police any slight intrusion into our lives. But it has to be done within the confines of the law. And when the law is applied incorrectly, those responsible for doing such should pay the price not the citizens.

      Report Post »  
    • the hawk
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 10:10pm

      tHERE ARE MORE SPEED LAWS INFORCED BY SLOW a$$ DRIVERS THAN ANY COP PEROID !

      Report Post »  
    • johnj1952
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 11:27pm

      its been known for years that a GED, is good enough. Then dumb down the entrance exams so more lower IQ people can get all the bennys and carry a gun and have a shiny badge. The people want men and women in the police dept. that are decent and intellagent.

      Report Post » johnj1952  
    • Florida_Freedom_Fighter
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 11:45pm

      They do this in Tampa on roads I drive, they use 4-6 squads in a decreased speed area and pull over multiple vehicles simultaneously. For over a month they were there about 80% of the nights I drove home, I think they should fight some real crime.

      Report Post » Florida_Freedom_Fighter  
    • 408 CheyTac
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 12:10am

      gee, more crooked cops, who would have guessed

      never trust a cop, they are not on your side.

      Report Post »  
    • Wilbur D Pig
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 1:09am

      It’s true that there is sometimes an US vs THEM attitude amongst LEOs. But that is hardly a prevailing sentiment. (Full disclosure: I work in law enforcement). It is comments like what 408 Cheytac said that makes me think he mouthed off to a guy once and got punked for it (maybe even unjustifiably), so now all cops are crooked??? His comment isn’t even two lines long, but has I-can’t-count-how-many fallacies of argumentation. Take that crap over to the HUFF n PUFF Post where it belongs.

      Wilbur D Pig  
    • oldoldtimer
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 2:29am

      Gate City,Va. US-23 Exceed the posted speed limit by 1 mph and the state trooper will ticket you. He loves ticketing public officials.
      US-129 Alcoa/Blount County,Tn the cops are only active after 6 pm. They look for people speeding and DUI. Why after 6? Because that is the only time they can do it safetly because of the high traffic volume during the day.

      Report Post »  
    • WeDontNeedNoStinkingBadges
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 2:46am

      America’s Founders WARNED US AGAINST having a “standing army”. Today’s “police” are that — hired bands of roving thugs to bully the peons. NO! YOU work for US!

      Report Post » WeDontNeedNoStinkingBadges  
    • SpeckChaser
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 3:39am

      They should fire every officer who issued a citation for that offense. I’m fine with the refund but punitive damages only hurt the taxpayer.

      Report Post » SpeckChaser  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 4:06am

      You’re out of line, the city is out of line, my d$$$ is out of line.
      Serpico, from It’s Always Sunny in Philly.

      If you have to flash someone, maybe what you are doing isn’t legal.

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • teamarcheson
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 5:56am

      American Cops have become Union Thugs.

      American police forces have joined sides with the criminals. In the 1930s Germany, the German police joined with the Nazi Party and turned their back on the German people just like the American police have done today. Remember how the police in Madison, Wisconsin helped the Union Thugs create over $7.5 million in vandalism to the State Capital. Mothers better start telling their kids that the police are not our friends anymore.

      Report Post »  
    • one years food ration like glenn says
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 7:20am

      Funny I was always taught by family ,friends and everyone I knew, that flashing ones headlights to warn of a speed trap was illegal and I always waited till well out of the way of the cops sights, to flash mine… Amazing , all this time and it’s NOT illegal. I’m a dope .. Wish people like Glenn were around ( do your homework and investigate ) when I was growing up.. Pffftt……

      Report Post » one years food ration like glenn says  
    • loriann12
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 8:21am

      I disagree with being ticketed for flashing your lights. But the officers were probably told to do this. And I also disagree that ALL policeofficers are bullies. I taught my now 21 year old handicapped son he could always trust a police officer. 9 times out of 10, if you’re not doing anything illegal and are polite, you won’t get harrassed. My son always goes up to officers in restaurants and shakes their hands, or waves to them in traffic. It’s the few bad apples that ruin public opinion of the rest.

      Report Post »  
    • lisalake
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 8:21am

      This is absolutely true—part of the plan!

      Report Post »  
    • SamIamTwo
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 8:34am

      Little known fact…just about everyone in the US has an IQ of 100 and below…wanna guess why?

      Anyhoo, honest officer this is my wife‘s car and I don’t drive it much. I thought I had hit the window wash handle…used in the 60′s…and yes they can stop you if they want get over yourselves and come up with excuses that are above the IQ of 100, eh?

      OP cheap shot.

      Report Post » SamIamTwo  
    • oldfarmer2
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 8:49am

      A lot of the problems we have in Texas are the new officers tha have been trained to think that everyone is a criminal they just need to find it. I live in Alto T. and we definetly need a police dept. We are to the point here of almost needing to post an armed guard at night to keep your stuff from being stolen.

      Report Post »  
    • Hula Calhoun
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 9:59am

      People, get over it. I have no problem with people getting ticketed for warning of a speed trap. If you aren’t speeding in the first place, you don’t need to worry about a speed trap. If someone is robbing a business and someone warns them that the cops are coming so they can get away, would the person giving the warning be considered innocent? Remember the McDonald’s where that woman was beaten until she had seizures? The guy videotaping the whole thing warned the two women who were committing the assault that the cops were coming. Was it okay that he warned them so that they could try to get away?

      Hula Calhoun  
    • SLAPTHELEFT
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 10:10am

      Really split on this one. I left the sheriffs office after an overwhelming vote in favor of joining the teamsters union. Hard to believe the union isn’t steering enforcement of petty laws to generate revenues and union dues.

      My problem is that the police are ever so willing to issue high fee citations to the taxpayers who foot the bill for their pensions and benefits. Meanwhile they drive at higher than posted limits, run red lights and make illegal turns. It is BS. Officers please use common sense when penalizing your sugar daddy taxpayers. We don’t have a POS union bargaining for us.

      Report Post » SLAPTHELEFT  
    • uneedmorekoolaid
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 10:40am

      Remember that there are cut backs in all of these local governments and because of that they are looking to generate revenue anyway they can. People are speeding so pull them over, but these citations are NOT the way to generate revenue. Glad someone is standing up to the cops. Remember the idiots on the road out number those of us with brains and not with so many people out of work there are even more idiots on the road and not flipping burgers or slicing pickles at McD’s.

      Report Post » uneedmorekoolaid  
    • Secret Squirrel
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 11:29am

      .
      Hawk:
      “tHERE ARE MORE SPEED LAWS INFORCED BY SLOW a$$ DRIVERS THAN ANY COP PEROID !”
      Caps Lock. Jeez, don’t you even look before posting?
      Spell check is your friend.

      Report Post » Secret Squirrel  
    • ireport uderide
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 11:33am

      So, Smokey has a problem with drivers alerting other drivers that there’s a
      Krispy Kreme Doughnut shop up ahead.

      Obviously with that many Bears in one place there must be something good happening
      with fried dough.

      Freakin mind readers!

      Report Post » ireport uderide  
    • FreeMan5771
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 12:06pm

      It’s more of this “Rule By Decree” crap that unfortunately more and more police are willing to enforce.

      Fact is, to set up their NWO- where you and I have no freedoms and must do as we are told-the police force will be used to intimidate citizens into obedience. No law against flashing your lights to warn other drivers, then there should be no ticket issued. These speed traps often take speeds down from 70 to 55 or even 45 without much fanfare. If you slam your brakes you will likely get ran over and flattened by a truck, or at best hit by the car behind you. If you continue to drive with the flow of traffic, you risk getting singled out and ticketed. So your choice is to risk the fine, or risk the wreck. Most people risk the fine and the police write the tickets as fast as they can pull drivers over–this is happening all over the country!

      It’s all part of government being able to make up laws as they go, rule by decree, and then have an anti-citizenry police force to enforce that days’ laws as handed down from on-high each morning. It’s unfortunate that most police offers whether they be city, sheriff, or state police are way too willing to jump on these new laws as they are created by a city, state, or federal official on a whim without actually being passed by proper procedure.

      Our way of life as “free citizens” is in DIRE TROUBLE!

      Stand Up NOW! If we accept rule by decree we soon will not even know the law of the land from one day to the next!

      Report Post »  
    • bigfatslob
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 12:13pm

      As a retire Fireman I can atest to this in my carrer also, affirmative action rulings have caused this and an unreported fact is it is cost the citizenry lives in the name of PC and NOT putting the absolute best in uniform !

      Report Post » bigfatslob  
    • mr.goodvibe
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 12:31pm

      Just look at what happened in Dayton Ohio. The justice department made the city police lowere the passing score on the exam to let more “ minorities ” pass and become officers.

      Report Post » mr.goodvibe  
    • Fla Del
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 1:07pm

      I have a solution for all of this. Dont speed and let others take care of themselves.
      Then there is no reason for the police to stop you or ticket you.
      Getting upset at the police for giveing out speeding tickets is silly.
      Warning another driver that is taking your life into his hands, by speeding, should be criminal.
      It is just plain stuid and careless to speed in the first place.

      Fla Del  
    • jzs
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 1:33pm

      My company had a policeman come and talk about safe driving once and I ask him that exact question: is it illegal to flash lights to warn about a speed trap. He said “no it wasn’t” and that, in fact, he was happy for people to flash their lights. The Highway Patrol, he said, just wants people to drive the speed limit, not give out tickets.

      Of course Rick Scott is govenor now, and trying to get extra revenue. Red State has obtained, under the Freedom of Information Act, communication showing the Scott directed the Florida Highway Patrol to hand out thes as well as other bogus fines in order to pay for tax breaks for his crony businessmen. No joke, look it up.

      Report Post » jzs  
    • crypticguise
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 2:25pm

      Hiring officers who have average or lower than average median IQs is not unusual. In the inner cities, the majority of officers have low IQs (Below 100). I personally know a number of police officers. They are good guys, bright and family men.

      Florida has to STOP this NOW. There is NO EXCUSE for police officers writing illegal tickets in this manner.

      Report Post »  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 5:09pm

      Hey JZS,

      And did the nice policeman then ask you what you wanted to be when you grew up?

      Where the heck do you work? Sesame Street?

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • ecurbyy
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 5:46pm

      The mentality of younger people overall is dropping. This is the direct result and intention of the powers that be as a means to keep their power. Just look at how many Obama voters there are. The sad thing is, that dumb people don‘t think they’re dumb, which actually makes them dangerous.

      Report Post » ecurbyy  
    • 19RANDY59
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 7:46pm

      Where do you think Hitler got the Brown shirts from? All you idiots who think the cops are here to protect, and serve, had better wake up.

      Report Post » 19RANDY59  
    • TheSoundOf Truth
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 7:51pm

      JZS, the biggest moron on the internet: Just so you know, this crap has been going on in Florida for years, way, way before Rick Scott got here.

      AND…the cops that issue these fines are not always state cops; in many cases they are local or county cops who issue these sorts of bogus tickets.

      So once again, the JZS spin-wagon comes to yet another screeching halt.

      Idiot.

      Report Post » TheSoundOf Truth  
    • Ruler4You
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 8:10pm

      This isn‘t a ’new’ scam. It‘s been going on since the ’70′s. I know. I was a “victim”.

      Report Post » Ruler4You  
    • ClearwaterCop256
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 8:33pm

      @ MACOMBMAN, that is an IGNORANT comment.

      The police Unions in Florida are basically there for bargaining and fraternity, they do not participate in the hiring process. I,m a police officer and have been one for 21 years…worked for 6 law enforcement agencies, not counting service in the Navy. Law Enforcement agencies are a reflection of the geographical areas in which they serve. Sure the employment standards have generally been high and they should be…even though it’s tough to find good people to put their lives on the line for 30 thousand a year with added bonuses of constant danger, scrutiny, law suits and constant complaints from citizens. I have never been a trooper, Highway Patrol or Traffic cop…but try not to stereo-type and give a little more consideration to the guys since ‘Traffic Stops’ are among the TWO most dangerous situations for officers.

      Report Post » ClearwaterCop256  
    • Constantine Ivanov
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 11:41pm

      What the Governor is doing? Keeps silence? Revelas his own political leaning?

      Report Post » Constantine Ivanov  
    • Wilbur D Pig
      Posted on August 29, 2011 at 3:02am

      Wow, you guys sound like a bunch of left-wing wide-brush-wielding crybabies. THE COPS ARE ALL NAZIs!!!!??? Come on! The average officer is concerned for your safety. And when they see dead kids on the pavement as a result, that tends to make you less tolerant of your garden variety speeders.

      That aside, whether an officer is acting “badge heavy” is usually a matter of perception. I’ve been told that someone hopes I burn in hell for merely following policy (doing my job). The guy was clearly in the wrong, but a person not in their right mind is not usually one to acknowledge it (that of course, can go for the officers as well). A badge-heavy cop shuld be reported to the agency’s disciplinary board. If there are repeated reports then it very well may not be deemed unfounded citizen complaint.

      Report Post » Wilbur D Pig  
    • cemerius
      Posted on August 29, 2011 at 7:47am

      Not that they have to higher anyone with a low IQ! The sad state of our country’s school system has made an IQ of 95 a super genius….all they need to know who the top 10 Idol contestants are and who the little rich “girls” are seeing at the moment…useful idiots that make it so there is no us v them it’s just us…

      Report Post » cemerius  
    • SgtB
      Posted on August 29, 2011 at 10:08am

      @Wilbur D Pig,

      You say that officers who see dead children on the street are less likely to have sympathy for the garden variety “speeder”. Let me tell you something… Cops and their patrol cars are responsible for more bobble headed and inattentive driving than a cupcake at a Jenny Craig convention. Any time a cop car is on the road it causes drivers to be more distracted than they otherwise would be within sight radius of the car. That means that every year more accidents are caused due to cops than they prevent.

      I’ll admit that I speed on the highway. BUT, I have never caused a single accident. In fact, the only accidents that I have been involved in have been while I was sitting stationary at a stop sign and someone else had a brain fart or just couldn’t see around a large vehicle and did something stupid and risky. But back to speeding. The national interstate system was designed for vehicles to travel safely at speeds of at least 120mph between junctions. This is because it was initially developed for military purposes and quick transport of military supplies and troops over land from one coast to the other. That being said, most interstates have long sight lines, wide shoulders, and multiple lanes. Speeding is not the issue. It is inattention to driving and that is caused by police and their cars in spades. How many times have you slammed on the brakes because you thought you might be going over the speed limit just because you saw a cop? Is slamming brake

      Report Post » SgtB  
    • FrankWhite
      Posted on August 29, 2011 at 10:11am

      @macombman Do you realize that half of all people have an IQ under 100? 100 is average.

      Report Post »  
    • SgtB
      Posted on August 29, 2011 at 10:26am

      @Wilbur D Pig cont’d…

      s safe? No, it isn’t. Slamming on the brakes should only be done in an emergency to avoid property damage and possible death. Daily I see people slamming on their brakes and driving with their eyes glued to a little guage on their dash instead of looking at where they are going and being safe.

      To anyone who is saying that speeding is and should be illegal… I bet you are also the type who have fat children because you didn’t let them run around for fear they might fall and get a cut or broken arm. Also, you apparently don’t put a high value on your time. If you valued your time you might want to spend it somewhere other than the road, unless you have a corvette that you drive 55 down the highway just so your sure everyone sees you. BTW, we see you and we‘re pissed off that you won’t drive that speed machine like it was intended. You look like a douchebag driving 55 in a 70 in a Z06.

      Here’s my idea for highway safety. All interstates have a minimum of 3 lanes each way. Outside lane is labeled 55 and is for merging on and off, as well as for all semis and tractor trailers. Middle lane is labeled 70 and is for normal speed traffic. Inside lane is labeled 70+ and has no speed limit, no left lane on ramps, and no police to have to watch for. The result is safer roads with more people paying attention and less taxpayer wasted funding on police to watch over the roads like a nanny watches over play time.

      Report Post » SgtB  
    • DreadPirate
      Posted on August 29, 2011 at 12:39pm

      Here’s a kicker for you. Years ago, I tried to get into the AZ DPS as a telecommunications technician. Just the guy that runs wires and keeps their phone system running, not even an actual cop. I got declined because of my “dangerous drug history.” We had to (under lie detector) list off every drug we’ve ever tried over the course of our lives. In college, I went a little nutzo from being raised very sheltered, and experimented with a lot of different drugs. Never became hooked on anything. And most of them were only one time try-outs. But I couldn’t get the job because I had tried meth ONCE. I had tried acid ONCE. I think those were the only ones on their list of dangerous drugs. And this happened 17 years before I applied for the job. How does that disqualify me when I see some of these idiots they have on the force? Not to mention the stuff you hear about on the news of officers getting TEMPORARY suspensions (or not even that) for getting caught with drugs. So yeah, maybe they’re dumbing down the police force. But then, shouldnt’ they WANT the druggies. Maybe I didn’t do ENOUGH.

      Report Post » DreadPirate  
    • Jaycen
      Posted on August 29, 2011 at 2:36pm

      Speeding tickets are an easy way to boost revenue. It’s a simple “I got you on radar”. Tough for the individual to dispute, and a small enough fine most people will just pay.

      We want the cops to target criminals, right? So those arguing that speeding or flashing lights is bad behavior equate “criminal” to “speeder” or “light flasher”? Seriously?

      If flashing lights cause someone to slow down, that’s a bad thing? Or do you just like the idea of “someone getting punished”? Progressive Liberal mindset much?

      If you’re going to nail someone for a driving offense, how about cracking down on tail gaiting? That’s more dangerous than speeding and causes more accidents. It’s rude, dangerous and it’s illegal.

      Report Post » Jaycen  
  • mule creek ridge
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 3:56pm

    If you exceed the posted speed limit you deserve a ticket for exceeding the speed limit.
    If you think the speed limit is unreasonable ,file a petition to gain support to change the limit.
    Otherwise graciously accept, and pay the ticket given to you by one of the people we pay to hand them out.
    Mr. Campbell: Good for you!! Fight that ticket til they give in. That officer,and any officer, that gives out illegal tickets,and any court that processes them, should be sued by we the people who employ them. And maybe even FIRED.

    Report Post »  
    • kenboo1
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 5:02pm

      Agreed!! But are you also saying that flashing ones headlights to alert oncoming drivers is illegal? That’s what this is about! Not speeding… If you read the story you see that he was ticketed for warning other drivers moving into the kill zone! Doing so made the police mad… Oh… This probably hit too close to home!!!

      Report Post »  
    • JLGunner
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 5:41pm

      Being a resident of the Tampa / St Pete area I know all to well about these practices. Tampa police were actually had a trap where they would pull you over for fallowing to close. Its rush hour bumper to bumper traffic and the fines were heavy. Seatbelt tickets were $30 now they are $130.00. Don’t give me that crap that you care about my safety, its the insurance companies pushing this bs. Every time someone goes on some self serving crusade they cost me more money and I’m not talking just traffic tickets. All it would take to sink many families is one of these tickets costing up to $700.00. Punish the crime but stop trying to recover lost “revenue” through extortion like fines.

      Report Post » JLGunner  
    • RRFlyer
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 9:07am

      The police should be concerned with Slowing speeders down, even if citizens are helping them do that. I know of places in heavy traffic where a police car is parked with no one in it. The idea is to slow down people before they have to fine them. It’s counter productive to entice people to speed so they can ticket them.

      Report Post »  
    • Anteraan
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 11:19pm

      Good luck getting those petitions to do any good with government. If you really think that governments are going to just give up an important source of revenue, you’re an idiot and/or delusional.

      And as for people who think “There is no good reason for speeding”, you must not know how to drive. Do some research of major speed/safety studies in the U.S. and you’ll see that most roads are 10+ mph underposted.

      Report Post »  
    • SgtB
      Posted on August 29, 2011 at 10:38am

      Speed limits are all unreasonable and they cause people who wish to go slower to drive faster and people who wish to drive faster to stare at their dash all day. Speed limits only cause inattention to driving and make people more prone to causing an accident. Further, the presence of police to enforce those “laws” creates even more bobble headed non-sense and even less attention to the physically demanding act of driving.

      I’ll admit that I speed EVERYWHERE and I have caused NO accidents. The only times I’ve been in an accident were while I was stopped and the other car was traveling at low speed and simply made an error in judgement (like turning left when SHE couldn’t see what the other vehicle turning left in front of her was hiding.. a conversion van traveling about 35 mph), It isn’t speed that kills. It is stupidity. Just like a gun, a car is a useful tool and a dangerous weapon. Also like a gun, the most dangerous thing to do with a car is use it without paying attention to what you are doing. If you can drive 90 and never cause and accident, why is that a bad thing? If you drive 40 all the time and are involved in accidents all the time speed isn’t the issue, it is you that is the issue.

      Report Post » SgtB  
  • swampbuck
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 3:55pm

    I think in GA they call it interfering with a police investigation..lol

    Report Post » swampbuck  
    • GeorgieJo
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 2:06am

      I THINK many states are BROKE and the cops have been told to TICKET everything. Recently drove through FL GA and TN….Cops were everywhere.

      Report Post »  
    • oldfarmer2
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 8:54am

      in Texas it has always been obstructing justice’

      Report Post »  
    • jb.kibs
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 10:34am

      how so, what case would they be interfering with?

      Report Post »  
  • swampbuck
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 3:52pm

    i HAVE ALWAYS HEARD IT WAS ILLEGAL, AT ANY RATE I NEVER DO IT YOU PAY YOUR MONEY YOU TAKE YOU CHANCES.

    Report Post » swampbuck  
    • proliance
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 4:23pm

      Actually, it would be covered by the first Amendment.

      Report Post » proliance  
    • Vechorik
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 6:11pm

      I don’t warn others when I see law enforcement people trying to do their job. It’s like covering up for a criminal. You wouldn’t cover it up if you saw someone stealing, would you? What’s the difference of covering up for someone breaking the law of the land? If I warned them, then I‘m guilty and part of the crime they’re committing.

      Report Post »  
    • dscon
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 6:42pm

      vechorik,
      these guys are not there to serve or protect anything but their
      pension and their boss’s income stream!
      i will attempt to thwart that to no end.

      Report Post »  
    • one years food ration like glenn says
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 7:28am

      @PROLIANCE.. The first amendment is right to free speech , not right to free actions, you dope.

      Report Post » one years food ration like glenn says  
    • jb.kibs
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 10:34am

      illegal to flash your lights? really? illegal to warn someone that someone else is on the side of the road? then hazard lights are just as illegal, so are any emergency lights. this hypocrisy has to stop.

      Report Post »  
    • ireport uderide
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 11:44am

      I think the Constitution covers your choice to alert on-coming traffic that law enforcement has found a new Krispy Kreme or that there’s a UFO up ahead or that you saw Bill Clinton picking up a teenage hitch hiker…

      Cops and Prosecutors may want to enforce the law but they can’t claim they are capable of reading peoples minds.

      The Constitution clearly states, “innocent until proven guilty”, not, “innocent until proven intent”.

      Report Post » ireport uderide  
    • aChristianPatriot
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 5:52pm

      one years food ration like glenn says
      I don’t think I would call anyone a dope because one day you will have to eat those words… The action is flashing the lights… what is the message when flashing the lights… do you think (he/she) is sending a message just like morris code? Dope??? Maybe not…

      Report Post »  
  • geonj
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 3:48pm

    what a joke. i have no problem with people flashing highbeams to warn drivers of speed traps. but lets be honest here. if you don’t want a speeding ticket, obey the law of the land and don’t speed. fool.

    Report Post » geonj  
    • BBomber66
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 3:17am

      I’ve driven through the SE at 8-9 miles over the posted limits on the interstates without any problems. The gendarmarie get testy when you get the 13-16 over. When the posted limits fall to 50 and 55 I generally drop to 4 over or go with the flow. The locals know what is allowed in their areas. I hate the nervous nellies who see police on the side of the road and jump on the brakes. Had one guy blow by me when I was doing 79 in a 70. He slows down makes me look bad. The trooper wasn’t fooled. I got to watch him get pulled over. Yes, I slowed to 74, but never hit the brakes.

      I remember when there were several different signals and communications between drivers, learned mostly from early trucking. Most were courtesies: I’m coming up on you; your clear to come back over; hazard ahead; and yes the bear is in the woods on the left or right side.

      Clamping down on the flashing lights is Big Brother stuff from the elites who think they know more than we do and want to enforce their views on us simply because they think they can. Ohio keeps the 65 mph on their interstates not only because they can, but also because Ohioans are unsafe drivers when they exceed it.

      Report Post » BBomber66  
    • jb.kibs
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 11:04am

      this has nothing to do with drivers speeding or not speeding.
      it has to do with drivers who turn their lights on then off again. and get a ticket for that action.

      Report Post »  
  • TruthLover
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 3:46pm

    Florida’s not the only state where you can get pulled over and/or ticketed for flashing high beams. Shoot – you can even get pulled over for communicating with truckers using your lights or brake lights in Illinois. (Quel Suprise, Eh?)

    A lot of truckers won’t use their lights anymore because of bullheaded cops on a rampage like this. That’s dangerous in my book.

    Report Post » TruthLover  
    • starboard
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 3:54pm

      I will continue to warn those coming toward me just as I have been warned in the past. And this is as good a time as any to thank those that have,

      Report Post » starboard  
    • CatB
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 4:19pm

      I always flash my lights when a trucker wants to change lanes and I am letting him in … it is a courtesy .. and for safety. They usually flash back a “thank you” .. if they don’t anymore I will understand. MY safety is worth more than having to fight some cop and a ticket ..

      TEA!

      Report Post »  
    • Chuck Stein
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 4:35pm

      @ Starboard
      Right On! The lights flashing is a warning to oncoming cars — it can be used for things like gravel spilled onto the road, for example. A speed trap is “dangerous” for reasons besides the possibility of getting a ticket — there a police walking along the roadside, for example. A warning is useful for SAFETY.

      Report Post »  
    • one years food ration like glenn says
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 7:32am

      @STARBOARD.. Quick question, How do you warn, or rather, how WOULD you warn the people behind you? WOW !!

      Report Post » one years food ration like glenn says  
    • JohnnyRaiden
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 9:42am

      @vechorik dude, what? That’s a piss poor argument. A better example would be if you witness someone stealing and tell them to stop. Your not aiding them in breaking the law, your telling them to stop doing it.

      Report Post »  
  • Ballot_Box_Revolution
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 3:35pm

    I got a ticket for failing to come to a complete stop at a stop sign, in a neighborhood, during a hurricane (the one after charlie). I seen the police car sitting there before i even got to the stop sign, I was doing about 10 mph because the rain was coming down so hard. I felt like i stopped enough…..but one thing for sure, I was not in danger of harming anyone….i could see that there were no cars coming to the intersection well before i reached the stop sign….I did not count to 3…if that is my crime i guess i deserved it.

    It is the only moving violation I have ever received…

    Report Post » Ballot_Box_Revolution  
    • fdmike
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 4:24pm

      yes, im sorry ballot…but if what you said is exactly what happened during the course of your interaction with the intersection, than yes, that is deserving of a stop sign violation. Of course, the officer could have used judgment and discretion, but if an officer is willing to exit his vehicle in the pouring rain, most likely you are getting the ticket.

      Report Post »  
    • Oddness
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 4:29pm

      Same exact thing happened to me. I was in a company vehicle and had to pay the 130 or so fine personally and go to traffic school by order of the company. My company was behind me but insurance required it. Total cost out the door was much higher in the end. Bottom line I too didnt sit for a 3 count.Yes I was in the wrong. Im sure I have done this numerous times before without even thinking and probably more things. The officer had a choice to make that day and he made it.

      Now if there was a camera there I would surely get ticketed every time without hestation, and from what I hear in NY the rear end accident rate has increased because people slam on the brakes and cause rear end accidents. But when anyone uses any situation to turn honesty into a reversal for fortune, I think its just wrong.

      If I were your police officer that day I would have warned you and said good day. It would have built my respect level for the good police officers who sacrifice for us daily and enabled that officer to have yet another cooperative citizen in his hour of need. Stay in the light :)

      Report Post » Oddness  
    • Favored93
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 10:17pm

      It is obvious to me that the “spirit of the law” is no-longer a standard our “leaders” use. Safety is no-longer the driving force. Money is now the point of enforcement. The seat belt laws are a great case in point. The statistics that show the deaths and injury CAUSED by seat belts are ignored and the revenue from the tickets given for a seat belt violation more then speak for themselves. They are now over a hundred dollars in OH.
      The officer that ticketed you was obviously more concerned with his quota then whether you were safely driving on the streets you and I pay for.
      Does this anger any one else? These tickets are harsh! $100 truly nearly KILLS my budget! Can the police not see this kind of “law enforcement” can and does break the backs of families! How much does it cost us to travel the highways and byways in this country? The constitution GUARANTEES our right to travel them unimpeded without just cause. How much does it cost now for a plate? What about license renewals and fees?
      Every year I feel robbed and abused by this system because we are a nation of kings that are fast becoming slaves.
      Thank our police though guys. They still stand between us and a bullet!

      Report Post » Favored93  
    • duckman1911
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 11:12pm

      I dont flash my lights for people aproaching a so called “speed trap”. The man/woman in that police car is doing what we all do everyday. Doing what his/her boss told him/her to do because thats the job and he/she has to provide for their famlies. I have been pulled over serveral times and have never had a bad experience with the officer that pulled me over even when I was carrying my gun. I have been ticketed and i’v talked myself out of some. It takes nothing more than being respectful and curtious. As with any line of work there will always be a few that give the rest a bad name.

      Report Post » duckman1911  
    • jb.kibs
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 11:01am

      jail me, after i don’t pay your illegal fine, for flashing my lights warning people of side of the road obstacles. see what my attorney does to you. good luck.

      then, go ahead and make “flashing lights” illegal, see what happens to all of the drivers of emergency vehicles. they will be in violation of your little regulation. they then SHALL remove the hazard lights, turn signals and any LED light from all cars. (leds flicker at 120htz, flicker = flashing repeatedly … that’s an offense for every “flash” / 120 fines per second) …

      “sorry sir, i was trying to get the bugs of my windshield and accidently turned on the lights, then turned them off immediately.” good game turds.

      Report Post »  
  • Badler
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 3:35pm

    It is scary that the police are in unions.

    Report Post »  
    • LinkedIn G
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 5:00pm

      It’s scary that any government employee is in a union.

      Report Post » LinkedIn G  
    • oldfarmer2
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 9:05am

      At the point that any public servent joins a union are they still a public servent ?

      Report Post »  
    • jb.kibs
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 10:37am

      yeah, because policemen have always been treated SO unfairly… control freaks…

      Report Post »  
    • davidjbloom93
      Posted on August 29, 2011 at 1:55pm

      Whats even scarier, is that most people dont even realize that police dont work for them or have their intersts/safety in mind. The truth is… that police are agents acting on behalf of an incorporated city, in other words, a corporation , which in turn dont really have any authority, and only have the interests of the corporation in mind and only protect the corporation from you, the citizen.

      Report Post »  
  • lanurse1
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 3:30pm

    Actually this is a 1st amendment issue~~motorists have a right to free speech and the flashing of headlights is as much speech as morse code.

    Report Post »  
  • ProudTeaPartyMember
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 3:30pm

    Time to pare the “police state” down. These bozos have to be told THEY WORK FOR US.

    Report Post » ProudTeaPartyMember  
  • Charybdis
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 3:28pm

    A slap-down via the high-cost in revenue lost is the only language a would-be police state will understand. I fully support this guy’s lawsuit. If they really were just trying to keep the roads safer they would appreciate this guy’s effort to help people keep their speed down. Now maybe they’ll think twice before stomping on the faces of their own citizens!

    Report Post »  
  • Zorba53
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 3:25pm

    Geez, you have to wonder why Obozo hasn’t gotten in on a scam like this. It sounds like this is right up his alley!!!

    Report Post »  
    • DREDGE
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 4:48pm

      Are you kidding, he is against any authority, other than that which protects his own ass! He could give a fart in the wind about your welfare unless your a certain shade with a certain amount of cash in the bank.

      Report Post »  
  • Dangerous Dave
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 3:25pm

    I’m not surprised that the FHP are doing this. Welcome to the United Police States of America. Is it a coincidence that they wear brown shirts?
    On the other hand, I have been let off with warnings twice in the past 3 years by local police DPs (rolling through a stop sign at a deserted 4-way, and going 31 mph in a 20). I think it helps that I have valid insurance, a valid license & registration, and no moving violations since 1997.

    Report Post » Dangerous Dave  
  • RabidPatriot
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 3:24pm

    I’m not sure why this guy should get $15,000 but he should be reimbursed for his time and legal fees for fighting this if he wins. The individual officer should have to pay half and the Chief should have to pay the other half out of pocket. I think that would solve any future problems of this sort.

    Report Post » RabidPatriot  
    • dmforman
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 3:27pm

      I don’t think the guy is getting $15,000. That is how much the case will cost the state.

      Report Post »  
    • swampbuck
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 3:59pm

      @dmforman … you mean the tax payers

      Report Post » swampbuck  
    • TheSoundOf Truth
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 7:56pm

      What tax payers? There isn’t any state income tax in Florida. The only people paying “taxes” are toll payers, citation payers, or property tax payers.

      Report Post » TheSoundOf Truth  
  • wboehmer
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 3:22pm

    If the police abusie the law, they have to stop. If they compound the original abuse, they need to be punished.

    Report Post »  
  • RugDog
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 3:22pm

    I have done it, I will continue to do it. Those FL cops are steamy piles of obama.

    Report Post » RugDog  
  • applehill
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 3:22pm

    When state and local government rely on tickets as revenue there is no end to the means they will use to ensure the income. S.C. has passed a law allowing them to ticket a automatic $100 for going 5 miles over the speed limit. Police have ticket quotas. Like all quotas, they are expected to meet a minim requirement.

    Report Post » applehill  
    • Mil-Dot
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 4:26pm

      Actually, they can ticket you for 1 mph over the limit. The 10 mph grace is done by the officers themselves. Pretty soon. You will see tickets for 1 mph over. That is how evil and desperate govts are for your money.

      Report Post »  
    • Secessionista
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 4:57pm

      I’ve been ticketed for 72 in a 70 in Texas by a state trooper on HWY 59 around Ganado. I was driving the speed limit but he matched my speed as he entered the freeway right next to me and I legally moved to the left hand lane to allow him onto the freeway. He then proceeded to drive right next to me at the speed limit. I sped up to 72 to move ahead and get back over to the right hand lane. As soon as I moved into the right hand lane, he turned his lights on. I allowed him plenty of room.

      What ********. His little traffic stop woke up both of my infants who were asleep in the back seat, in their car seats.

      Further, that dumb ass Texas Highway Patrolman who got shot in the “cop killer” case also pulled me over years before that and was very threatening and harassing against me for no reason. In fact, it was a Sunday morning, I was a 17 year old kid, driving to church. I came to stop at a stop sign and turned right. I saw him, he was about a quarter of a mile away. In my rear-view mirror, I saw the smoke coming out of his tailpipe as he floor-boarded it. He ran right up on my ass and then turned his lights on. He walked up to the window and asked why I “cut him off”. Boy, you could have seen the steam coming out of my ears as I told him that I saw the exhaust smoke coming out of his car and I saw what he did. He didn’t write me a ticket but I think it was because he knew I would be contesting it. He would have if he thought he could get away with it.

      Report Post » Secessionista  
    • Brooke Lorren
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 10:38pm

      They already give tickets for going 2 over… and will give seat belt tickets to cars sitting in parking lots… and will hand out DUIs to drunk people sleeping in non-operable vehicles.

      Report Post »  
  • swega
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 3:21pm

    I’m so glad the police are protecting and serving the public in this manner. I’m sure flashing headlights is something the public needs to be protected from. Makes me wonder if the mantra that speeding and traffic tickets are done for public safety is a bunch of bull and is really more of a revenue generator. I‘m sure it couldn’t be that.

    Report Post » swega  
  • MrObvious
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 3:21pm

    These kinds of things usually happen as a result of orders from a high placed individual.
    In this case, whomever gave the order, to begin ticketing drivers who flash their headlights to warn of speed traps, should be investigated and, if their orders turn out to be part of a pattern, fired.

    Report Post »  
  • TPaine
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 3:18pm

    I do this all the time! we have several local radar speed traps that operate on a regular basis, and if I see one of them, I warn anyone coming toward them with my high beams. I also have a lawyer I can call for various problems. Lawsuit, anyone?

    Report Post » TPaine  
    • SCHEXbp
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 3:30pm

      It has been a long-standing tradition, (at least from the late 60s thru the mid 80s, before everybody had one), for BMW owners to flash each other in recognition – i. e., see their kidney bean grilles. If I drove a BMW & got such a ticket, I would find an old club member & get testimonials, if not copies of local & state BMW Club mags where that practice is often mentioned in the articles.

      Report Post »  
    • ProbIemSoIver
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 10:12pm

      I live here in Florida. I might go out with another individual holding a Video camera and I with a sign
      disclosing speed traps. I would have two issues to contend with;

      1) The warning to motorists of the presence of a speed trap
      2) they have a loophole that protects them from being filmed in public in Florida. It is a “wiretap” law.

      It is still ambiguous. People are not Convicted of any crime, but are arrested and detained.

      Filming Public Officials or anyone else in public should be a Constitutional Right that falls under freedom of press. The people have a RIGHT to act as Press. Our main stream media is owned by the global elite, and Biased.

      Report Post » ProbIemSoIver  
    • MHP
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 7:21am

      ProbIemSoIver

      You guys should use Florida’s new state gun law to go after any of these bastards.

      http://www.theblaze.com/stories/gun-rights-win-in-florida-state-law-will-soon-end-local-firearms-restrictions/

      With this provision in mind, which I changed——

      Starting October 1st, any public official who passes or enforces gun regulations below the state level faces a $5,000 personal fine and could even be removed from office by the governor

      ——–to

      Starting October 1st, any public official who enforces illegal regulations or laws (including trumped up tickets) even on the state level faces a $5,000 personal fine and could even be removed from office by the governor, and could go to jail for 90 days.
      Locals/ County, and feds would be dealt with in the same manner.

      This should put a stop to crap like this.

      Do call Gov. Scott tho and discuss this with thim

      Report Post » MHP  
    • Vechorik
      Posted on August 28, 2011 at 10:36am

      It’s sad when laws have to be made to make politicians follow the constitution! I guess it would be good idea though to draw up penalties for breaking the constitution. That’s cool, in fact.

      Report Post »  
  • 82dAirborne
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 3:17pm

    If they win take the money from the trooper retirement fund. No problem. Not for punishment just to slow the troopers down a little.

    Report Post » 82dAirborne  
  • LiberalMarine
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 3:16pm

    And why are we supposed to trust police officers? Especially since they like to give us all of this evidence to prove the contrary.

    Report Post » LiberalMarine  
  • Beverly Barnum
    Posted on August 27, 2011 at 3:14pm

    I got a ticket for just going the speed limit on an Indian Reservation for pulling to the edge of the road so a faster moving tail-gater could pass me on a two lane highway. I was told I was weaving erratically. In Texas, we just call it being polite!

    Report Post »  
    • bikerr
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 4:55pm

      @Beverly Barnum—-I could be wrong but Indian reservations have there own laws and do not apply to all U.S.A laws or local non Indian laws.

      Report Post »  
    • Dinkiecb
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 8:47pm

      In Texas I got pulled over for “not wearing a seatbelt” only problem was…I was wearing it…imagin the officer‘s responce when I offered him my glass’s so he could see I STILL had it on when he approached my car.

      Report Post »  
    • conservativeagent
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 9:56pm

      The DPS in Texas are horrible. I honestly can not think of one time, in any of the interactions with them, that they didn’t have an attitude when they stepped out of the patrol car. Hell, I know of someone that gets so nervous when she sees one, she needs to pull over to collect herself. She has been arrested for DUI numerous times because she is too nervous to perform the sobriety test. The local DPS officer stopped that car (no matter who was driving) just to try to get another arrest for his record, but since she got rid of that car no problem with the lawdogs.

      Report Post »  
    • Favored93
      Posted on August 27, 2011 at 10:53pm

      It is a sad time we live in that a Law abiding citizen has such fear of the police she has to pull over to collect herself. We should not EVER have a need to fear them yet it seems more and more we do.
      I still trust them but it is being stretched more every day. It does break my heart. They were my heroes when I was a boy.
      They do still stand between us and a bullet but I do wander when the bullets will come from them?
      I have a few cop friends and they are honorable men. But some of the stories they tell of officers they know that stretch things, not cross the line mind you but stretch things make me cringe.
      Pray for them for now they are still the good guys.

      Report Post » Favored93  
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