Warning: California Cops

"CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist)" (ccpbb) 12/07/2013 at 12:21 • Filed to: Cops

2

7

I just saw a red Ford Fusion SE on h-24 that had ca exempt plates and almost undetectable lights (led, Most likely police) in the back window. Couldn't see who was inside. So careful, Bay Area/California opponauts.

Luken10 > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 12/07/2013 at 13:03

0

I'm not sure if I am talking utter nonsense right now, but if I remember correctly undercover cops can not pull you over for traffic violations in California.

iDriveCode3 > Luken10 12/07/2013 at 13:37

0

Not the case, but you're not too far off.

CA has no prohibition from a law enforcement officer in an unmarked car or not in uniform from making traffic stops. The rule you're thinking of has to do with officers whose primary function is traffic enforcement; they must be in uniform and in marked cars (think CHP or, mostly, motorcycle officers for city PD).

I'm currently assigned to a uniformed position in an unmarked car (go figure), but the other detectives and I make car stops all the time.

Luken10 > iDriveCode3 12/07/2013 at 22:22

0

Thanks for clearing that up, good top know. I never see unmarked cars making stops. Is that just because detectives normally have better things to do?

iDriveCode3 > Luken10 12/07/2013 at 22:32

0

Generally, yes. In addition, most detectives aren't wearing vests while they're riding around, nor are they easily identifiable as police officers.

In addition, the standard "unmarked" lights and sirens suck. I don't expect most people to adequately get out of my way or know that I'm coming if I'm going to do something high speed. I don't join pursuits in my unmarked, and only make car stops during daytime.

GrauGeist > Luken10 12/09/2013 at 19:54

0

Technically, a sworn officer (or anyone) can make an arrest for lawbreaking.

The issue is that an unmarked car driven by a plainclothes detective raises the question whether it's an actual officer or impersonator up to no good.

People have been robbed / assaulted / raped by such impersonators, so there is always a heightened element of personal danger in such situations.

If it were me, I'd continue driving and immediately inform 911 of the situation. I would refuse to stop until police dispatch confirmed it was an actual officer making a legal traffic stop. Alternately, I would have police dispatch direct me to an actual police / CHP station with uniformed officer(s) present.

GrauGeist > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 12/09/2013 at 19:56

0

There are shitloads of "E"-plate cars with lights, not necessarily police, not necessarily police lights. It could just as easily be a Fire Department Supervisor (hence red and lights).

CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) > GrauGeist 12/09/2013 at 21:16

0

hm.