Madera County Sheriff's Department

[Sandman]

[concerned]

It is not bad now but it was 1st class when Ed Bates was sherif.

[concerned]

I have voted twice now and it still hasn't counted my vote.

[shansard]

I had jury duty today and I noticed that both deputies who are going to testify during the trial look like they are about 12, but they seemed nice.
Other than that I've never had any run-ins with local law enforcement.

[Yosemite Joy]

I think they are for the greater good.. I am sure that there are some things about the Sheriff's Dept that are not so good, but I am sure they aren't like LAPD.

I haven't ever had any problems with the local coppers..

[only1alphafemale]

I have a few problems with them. If you go our late at night...they pull you over, and then want to search your car! Even on the way home from Vons at night! I grocery shop between 11:00 and closing there,, and get damned tired of getting home with melted food !
There are several other complaints I have too.. and I have voiced...but they seem to fall on deaf ears....

[only1alphafemale]

OH.. and I have heard things over the scanner....like
" see all those cars coming down the hill? They are all from the pines...."
Then what do I hear? People getting pulled over left and right..!
there are far to many things like that i have heard over the years......I dont have any trust in the department as a whole, and only have limited trust in a couple of the officers...

[beautiful_mess38]

alpha don't they have to have a reason to pull you over, before they do a search?

[only1alphafemale]

Nope not really, than can conjure up most any reason....and then they dont site you for it...and let you go....with just a warning..

Some of the reasons are these, license plate light out....or blocked plate...( did this one on my pick up)
etc etc....that last time I went back and looked myself..and it was on ! so it must have a short in it right?

[only1alphafemale]

It seems like when I go out during the day...no problems....but late at night,,,? ( I mean after 10:00 here) It happens alot! Espcially if you are the only driver out there at that time ! Harrassment, and their idea that anyone out after dark..is a criminal......

[Yosemite Joy]

When I was in Criminal Law class they told us that there are over 2000 reasons a cop can conjure to pull you over.

Nonetheless.. I have never, ever had a problem with any police officers, besides in Mariposa. As a young adult (17,18 years old) I was pulled over 7 or 8 times, and some of the times it was no big deal, just warnings for speeding and whatnot. But once as I was leaving Mariposa after a triple-shift at a restaurant I worked for I was tracked by a Sheriff who pulled me over across from the Fairgrounds. He claimed I was "swearving" which was completely untrue. Then he said that he could smell alcohol on my breath, which was not the case. He said that he "had to" search my truck. I asked him if it was a choice on my behalf to let him search... he said he would "find a way" if I didn't let him. Which led me to believe I would be arrested or something. So I let him search my truck. He and his partner trashed my truck, throwing my stuff on the ground, emptying my purse, dumping and smelling all the half full bottles of cocacola and water in the truck.. then they made a call had about 3 other sheriffs come search... all for nothing. He didn't even write me a citation for anything.

Once on my way to BP before they closed to get my cat some food after work, I was speeding and cutting corners. I was pulled over by a nice cop who told me that the truck I owned was once owned by a known to the Mariposa area as a drug user, seller. He told me to be extra careful not to get pulled over by Mariposa police. He also told me that sometimes people they "want to be guilty, become guilty" and to always "watch my step" because no one would believe me over a police officers testimony.

I hate Mariposa.

[Choco-chick]

I have been stopped late at night by I think the CHP during the rain, driving south through Coarsegold for one tail light being out, I thought that was kinda strange.
In Fresno I have been stopped for not having a front license plate and for throwing a cigarette but out the window and I don't even smoke, the officer had to shine a light in my ashtray! AArrgghh!!!
There have been a couple of nice ones though. Up here and in Fresno.

[monkey]

There are always a few bad apples in any bunch, but bascially I think they do a good job that most of us wouldn't want to have.

[BGW]

I work mid-shifts as a rule and in ten years haven't had the late night pull-over happen.(can you hear me knocking on wood?) But then again I have that truck that looks like all the other trucks..newer extended cab 4X4--they are everywhere; I think those trucks kind of blend into the scenery now.

My house was broken into a couple of years ago, and withing 4 hours, the Sheriff's Deputies had found my stuff arrested the guys and had me come to the sub-station to pick-up everything. I was very impressed.

I have to agree...the YOUNG new Deputies are so cute! A couple of years ago 3 or 4 sheriff's did a walk through at my place of employment. The last deputy to walk in looked all of 18...it was a must be 21 venue. I looked him in the eye and asked for his ID!!! Needless to say, it was funny and he ended up waiting by the door. Yep, too cute

[Patagoniamaniac]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by only1alphafemale:
OH.. and I have heard things over the scanner....like
" see all those cars coming down the hill? They are all from the pines...."
Then what do I hear? People getting pulled over left and right..!
there are far to many things like that i have heard over the years......I dont have any trust in the department as a whole, and only have limited trust in a couple of the officers...

yep your right..i agree...we were one of those that got pulled over from leaving the pines..a valuable lessson learned. We dont like to go out anymore because of it..

[MtnEagle]

One of those young ones is probably named Joey, who used to work over at the Boys and Girls Club.

He's a very good person, and I am glad he is part of that group.

The very few times we have needed them, they have been curtious and responded promptly.

http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/stretch.gif

On the other side of the coin, I observed a female deputy parked behind the Sign Carving business one morning, totally ignore a School Bus run a red light at Junction 90, and seconds later come barreling out back towards Rd 426 on 41.

Strikes me as very selective and double standard when it comes to road rules and tickets.

I don't know the whole story so I can't really speak beyond what I saw.

http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/wink420.gif

[John @ 3300ft.]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by only1alphafemale:
OH.. and I have heard things over the scanner...."QUOTE]
only1alphafemale, Do you have the scanner frequency numbers? I seem to not get the local Sheriff anymore on mine.

[John @ 3300ft.]

On vehicle searches;
They can ask to search all they want, but if you just say no, they can't unless they are going to arrest you, you'll know that when they slap the cuffs on. http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/lol420.gif

They can look inside the windows all they want, shine there flashlights inside, walk drug sniffing dogs around it, etc. But they can't rummage through or ask you to show them things/what's in the trunk/glovebox/trailer...

Traffic infractions are not probable cause for a vehicle search.

If you give them any permisson at all, then all bets are off. You can't rescind the offer, or modify it.

Madera Co Sheriff's make tons of drug/dui arrests on people with broken tail/head lights according to the paper.

[Mysteefied]

I was pulled over for my liscence plate light being out, and I was pissed, just had picked my daughter up from Dance class...it was around 8:30pm , SO I told the officer I'd like to take a look at it, and the light was on, then he told me it was dim and that I need to change the bulb, then introduced me to a young man who was, I think he said a "Ranger rider" or something like that, and that he was teaching him the ropes, I don't like to be used as a guinea pig. I have better things to do with my time.

Originally posted by only1alphafemale:
Nope not really, than can conjure up most any reason....and then they dont site you for it...and let you go....with just a warning..

Some of the reasons are these, license plate light out....or blocked plate...( did this one on my pick up)
etc etc....that last time I went back and looked myself..and it was on ! so it must have a short in it right?

[Yosemite_Wolf]

Some of the reasons are these, license plate light out....or blocked plate...( did this one on my pick up)
etc etc....that last time I went back and looked myself..and it was on ! so it must have a short in it right?[/quote]


Yah.. a short in the electrical circuit between the brain and eyeball of the officer who stopped you. He really needs to get that checked out... could cause problems one day. Really bugs me that they stop ya in a second.. but if ya need one to come to your house cos of a break in, rape or whatever... it takes em all nite to get there.

[Lacey]

When I first moved to Oakhurst I was driving home from Fresno one night and got pulled over. It was for a headlight being out. That was fine, but the officer shined his light right in my side rearview mirror. He said that was for safety. Then, a second officer came roaring up with lights flashing and siren blaring. He also shined his spotlight on me. They must have stood out there for 10 minutes talking to each other while they checked my driver's license. They didn't give me a ticket, which was nice of them, but it sure was embarrassing to be sitting there all that time with all the spotlights and flashing lights like I was a common criminal.

One night we were on our way home from the Jade Gazebo and got pulled over. It was an officer we knew. He said he was pulling TC over for not wearing his seat belt. I know for a fact he could not tell whether or not that seat belt was on. He just thought he'd catch him driving under the influence. But he was being influenced by anything but ME that night. hehehe

[BGW]

One night we were on our way home from the Jade Gazebo and got pulled over. It was an officer we knew. He said he was pulling TC over for not wearing his seat belt. I know for a fact he could not tell whether or not that seat belt was on. He just thought he'd catch him driving under the influence. But he was being influenced by anything but ME that night. hehehe


If I remember this story correctly.....wasn't this yet another wonderfully magnificent Swanson moment?

The blocked license plate thing happened to a good friend of mine on her way home from work one night a couple years ago. They claimed her ball hitch was illegally blocking her rear plate. My '82 Chevy P-U came w/ a bumper equipted to hold 3 ball hitches at a time. I had two installed at the time of my friends incident..one had been there when I bought the truck. I did immediately find someone strong enough to bust the hitches loose and take them off. I now keep them and the right wrench inthe tool box. I guess it's another mandantory inconvenience to endure.

Around the same time as the blocked plate incident. another friend got pulled over for 'obstructed view' violations. She had, as most of do, something hanging from her rear view mirror. What I learned from her experience is that it is not our job to decide what items hanging from the rear view mirror actually block DO block our view and create a driving hazard, it is up to the Officer to decide. Now, there are things sold in stores made specifically for this purpose i.e. the little novelty chimes. Are stores selling illegal items? Can we legally purchase them? And since it is something specifically designed for the rear view mirror, does that make it exempt from the law?

[only1alphafemale]

Swanson.....and ALL of his wonderfull egomaniacle self-appointed actions..... BAH!

He is NOT a good example of how a law enforcement officer should conduct himself by any means.

He has had alot of complaints against him, but he endures none the less.. WHY?
Because he gets the BUSTS ! ....( as I was told by another deputy/friend of mine )
However, in all fairness, as to how this deputy operates? He also told me that 85% of the arrests here in Oakhurst are for drugs...... WOW! http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/wow1.gif

As far as the thingys hanging from the rear view mirror?
Yes they can be considerred illegal..if they can be viewed as an obstruction or impairment to the drivers vision, etc.

This is dependent to each offciers "belief" of whats an impairment and whats not..
This being another thing tha is left up to the discretion of the officer/deputy.
I too got pulled over for the trailer ball hitch obstructing the license plate..... I had just left Vons, with my groceries for two weeks in the back of the truck.
( I only shop about 11:00 pm as there are no crowds..and its the best time for me) and as my groceries were thawing out, he wanted to search the vehicle. I told him ok....WOW! was that a mistake !!! Dont if you have a choice allow that man to destroy and thrash your vehicle !! I thought I was being co-operative...but the mess he left?? There was no excuse for it ! My groceries were visible clearly in the back of my truck ..etc..
and his personnal comments? Well,...I wasnt exactly flatterred by it....!

I checked with the CHP about the license plate obstruction being a "real" law as it didnt make sense to me that a vehicle that comes as it is from the factory, has an "illegal" element to it. (The position of hitches and the position of the license plate...)
I was to avoid to avoid being pulled over all together, with that being the cause, to turn the tow ball upside down. NO obstruction, and the ball is still there when needed.

This still does NOT alleviate all the other "reasons" we as citizens in Oakhurst get pulled over for.....like the license plate lite is burned out.. or a clearance lite is out...or not wearing your seat belt, or crossing over the middle line...(WHEN THE ROAD WAS SO NARROW AND THERE WASNT EVEN A LINE THERE!! LOL) etc etc..the list is endless !
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS !
Here is something that some of you may not know, but should know. If you are pulled over for what ever reason they give you, and ask to search your car, and you allow it, and they let you go with just a warning? Thats all good. HOWEVER! If it continually happens? like three , OR four times?
You have grounds to file harrassment charges against the officer. The main reason for this is the fact that the officer, never once wrote you a ticket...for any of the infractions he told you were in violation of ...just FYI
As far as the danglies etc... its the same as when the peddlers fair comes to town.
One example of how backwards things are..
Go and check out the knives being sold at some of the booths. They will have there,that they can sell to you, but however, are illegal for you to posess in the state of California !
Thats just one example of how screwed up things can be here....DID ANYONE HERE KNOW THAT OWNING A BLOW GUN IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA? WAS ILLEGAL? AND CARRIED A MISDEMEANOR? My attourney and several others too didnt realize it.. so if you have a blow dart gun..GET RID OF IT ! Or spend 3 years on misdemeanor probation in the state of Madera !

[Coldwolf]

Originally posted by beautiful_mess38:
alpha don't they have to have a reason to pull you over, before they do a search?

If they ask if they can search, and you say no, that gives them reason to search. Because they say you are trying to hide something.

[Coldwolf]

Originally posted by Yosemite Joy:
When I was in Criminal Law class they told us that there are over 2000 reasons a cop can conjure to pull you over.

Nonetheless.. I have never, ever had a problem with any police officers, besides in Mariposa. As a young adult (17,18 years old) I was pulled over 7 or 8 times, and some of the times it was no big deal, just warnings for speeding and whatnot. But once as I was leaving Mariposa after a triple-shift at a restaurant I worked for I was tracked by a Sheriff who pulled me over across from the Fairgrounds. He claimed I was "swearving" which was completely untrue. Then he said that he could smell alcohol on my breath, which was not the case. He said that he "had to" search my truck. I asked him if it was a choice on my behalf to let him search... he said he would "find a way" if I didn't let him. Which led me to believe I would be arrested or something. So I let him search my truck. He and his partner trashed my truck, throwing my stuff on the ground, emptying my purse, dumping and smelling all the half full bottles of cocacola and water in the truck.. then they made a call had about 3 other sheriffs come search... all for nothing. He didn't even write me a citation for anything.

Once on my way to BP before they closed to get my cat some food after work, I was speeding and cutting corners. I was pulled over by a nice cop who told me that the truck I owned was once owned by a known to the Mariposa area as a drug user, seller. He told me to be extra careful not to get pulled over by Mariposa police. He also told me that sometimes people they "want to be guilty, become guilty" and to always "watch my step" because no one would believe me over a police officers testimony.

I hate Mariposa.

well....now I understand alot....like the great deal I got on the truck..and why Mariposa SO kept looking at me funny...

[Yosemite Joy]

Hahaha Coldwolf! I looooved that truck!

[Yosemite_Wolf]

and to think i just got a letter from Madera Co Sheriff's Assoc.. asking for donations... they even included a "cool "MCSA" sticker to put on my car window... HA HA HA HA HA HA
If they think that i would give them money.. they can keep thinking!

[Yosemite Joy]

I got one of those... I put it on my tire so I could drive over it. It slowly shredded over two days. Aw, well, guess that answers Madera Co. Sheriffs question of me donating.

[hawkeye]

Wow, you all have no idea what we do and what we face as cops. Seems like everyone here has a complaint about being pulled over or how they were talked to. I wish some of you would spend a day in my or a deputy's shoes. One girl earlier whined because the bright light was shined in her mirror? One of the most frequent ways a Peace Officer gets killed in CA in a traffic stop. I don't care who you think you are, I want to see everything in your car as I approch. "Oh but I'm a local and harmless", not to us pulling you over, we don't know you or your background.
When people are scared, feel threatened, or intoxicated they do things and actions that they didn't think they were capable of. "Oh, I've never or will never do that", BS, I've had it happen to me from a harmless nobody who was scared because she thought she would get in trouble with her husband for getting pulled over. The Sheriff's here have a hard job not knowing what to expect from one call to the next, so excuse us for being careful when we do our job. My main goal and the goal of all deputies is to go home safe when the shift is over. You want to complain because you did something stupid and got caught?!..... try having the thought of not seeing your family again because some scared punk thought he/she could run or fight us because they dont want a ticket, or only had a few drinks.
I challenge each one of you to do one, if not a few ride alongs to see what we deal with everyday. It's more than you see on "Cops", it's about the feeling of the unknown when we respond to a new call.

[Coldwolf]

Hey Hawkeye. Welcome to the OOL.

Just remember that each of us is a person with feelings too. Don't use us as training objects, even though you are training. And if you have to pull us over, do it for a real reason. Getting pulled over in my truck for a trailer hitch that obstructs a number on my plate? Well, I guess if the Deputy were either 1 foot off the ground, or .........wait a second, he called in the number before he got out of his vehicle!

Must not have been TOO damn obstructed, huh?

[citizen]

At the roadblock but me so sorry mr.cop
I bet you anything me gonna get stopped
At the roadblock but me so sorry mr.cop
I bet you anything me gonna get stopped
Hey mista coppa said now why'd you stoppa me? na na
I wasn't driving the car badly
I said don't go lock me up because me smoke sensi
Yes, this is the ghetto but i live 'cross the sea
Say now mr.officer come charge me all the time
You got me for possession but i'll swear that its not mine
No matter what you do or say
It's bound to come right back this way

[citizen]

There are good cops and there are bad cops. It's a job I don't want. I'm glad there are people out there that are willing to do the job.

MUCH RESPECT

With that said, we have some very good deputy's up here. One of them, Larry Rich, is running for Honorary Mayor of Oakhurst. Deputy Jacob Tallmon is another good one up here.

Some of the newer guys that are around use too much force sometimes. I can understand when someone resists, but I have heard from many people now that some of these cops are rough before the person puts up a fight. Is that needed? Strong arm the person even if they are doing everything they are told to do?

And yes, the cops in this town are pretty corrupt in this town compared to the big city. The cops up here have nothing better to do than find stupid reasons to pull you over. In the city, you would never get pulled over for half the stops made in this town.

Small town. That's how it goes.

[John @ 3300ft.]

Originally posted by citizen:
At the roadblock but me so sorry mr.cop
I bet you anything me gonna get stopped
At the roadblock but me so sorry mr.cop
I bet you anything me gonna get stopped
Hey mista coppa said now why'd you stoppa me? na na
I wasn't driving the car badly
I said don't go lock me up because me smoke sensi
Yes, this is the ghetto but i live 'cross the sea
Say now mr.officer come charge me all the time
You got me for possession but i'll swear that its not mine
No matter what you do or say
It's bound to come right back this way
Hope you let the weed wear off before driving...
http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/smoking.gif

We gotta go...

[citizen]

There you go smoking again John. That's not very healthy. No medical value at all with that.

And yes, driving while intoxicated on anything is not good. That goes for Alcohol, Marijuana, Vicodin, Morphine, anything that alters your mind.

Oh John, found another good website for you: http://www.changetheclimate.org/

[Mibrew]

I guess I'm lucky, Ive never had a problem with any of the officers up there, and I always found them as preety cool, but then I dont live there full time, and have never been pulled over, and don't want to be....

By the way... I drive a Jeep that has Oakhurst Forums plate on it http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/wink3.gif

Welcome to Oakhurst Forums Hawkeye http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/yes.gif

[beautiful_mess38]

I havent been pulled over up here either (knock on wood).
But it does make me angry when a cop will pull you over for something stupid when there is all those speeders and reckless drivers out there.

People speed all the time on rds.222, 41 & 49. Heck yesterday a car was speeding past Rivergold while the kids are being dropped off. pissed me off. but this morning there was a CHP sitting out there. (finally)
I have a friend her husband is a CHP for Fresno County. She prays her husband comes home everyday. He says you want to see bad go ride in a patrol car in Tulare County.
I do respect most cops, but then there are others that dont deserve the respect.

[Mysteefied]

Welcome Hawkeye
It's nice to hear things from your perspective.

[BichonLover]

I'd hate to imagine what life would be like without law enforcement.

[BGW]

I have to agree about both deputy Rich and Tallmon. Larry seems to have managed to keep a good balance of being both a local and a deputy. It's not easy to become a Peace Officer in your hometown it's almost like you start out knowing too much about people specially your friends. Jacob was hugely responsible for the retrieval of the things stolen when my house was broken into. He had a great eye and memory for detail.

BUT...My all time favorite is Brian Cunnings. His background is facinating and I don't believe I have ever seen him outwardly show he was having a bad day; even prior to going in for his recent surgery.

I am not saying it doesn't happen, but most of the people that I know that get pulled over frequently for the smallest of infractions tend to be known by the Deputies or have a guilt by association issue going on.

Personally, I was aware of more questionable Officer tactics when I lived in the valley. I also think, we will see Swanson mellowing with age! Though over zealous at times, he was getting the busts. That's a tough one to wiegh out. Aggressive tactics to get the criminals or criminals running loose and unchecked?

[John @ 3300ft.]

Originally posted by Mibrew:
Snip...
By the way... I drive a Jeep that has Oakhurst Forums plate on it http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/wink3.gif

What kind of Jeep do you have 'Brew?

I almost bought a Rubicon, but liked the longer wheelbase of the Unlimited... but too difficult for my dog to enter/exit... So I got the Cobra http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/wink3.gif
Now they make the Unlimited in Rubicon trim. That would have made it a harder decision http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/yes.gif

[John @ 3300ft.]

I got a speeding ticket by the CHP around 99/152 on Memorial Day... http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/sneaky.gif
I thanked the Officer for writing me up for only 10MPH over the limit so I could take driving school... http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/eusa_dance.gif
He really liked my car... He followed way back behind me for 20 miles... It was only a matter of time and a stretch of clear road. http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/laugh.gif

[Yosemite_Wolf]

Hawkeye.. glad to see that there are good officers out there.. cos there are so many egotistical arseholes driving around the county. I dang sure do appreciate it when i do get pulled over (and havent been since 1998).. and the officer sees my nurses scrubs and just sends me on my way http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/happy.gif.....
I do still chuckle at the fact that when i had a San Luis Obispo Search and Rescue sticker on my rear window.. no cop EVER stopped me... even if i was speeding!! But where the heck were you guys last sunday when i turned on my left turn indicator to turn into my house on Yose Spgs Pkwy.. and this B**ch behind me was in too much of a hurry to wait 2 secs for me to turn left.. and so she buzzed by me on the right.. on the dirt AND nearly taking out my right fender!! I i
was fast enuf i would have taken her plate # and fone YLP Security/Sheriffs... but i was too pissed off! (she did get a earful of my LOVELY loud horn!)

once again Hawkeye.. thanks for the good work! just sorry you have arseholes to give ya all a bad name!

[Mibrew]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by John @ 3300ft.:
I got a speeding ticket by the CHP around 99/152 on Memorial Day... http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/sneaky.gif
--------------------------------------------
John, I got nailed on 152 about 3 miles from 99 a couple of years back, and tag me going 97 mph, and he was going the other way on 152.

Sorry to hear about your ticket, that why I want that radar detector the Newcomer helped me find...its the best on the market

[Coldwolf]

I Always drive the speed limit, and obey All laws. Always.

[Mibrew]

All laws...hmm... ok if you say so...

http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/rasta.gif

[Yosemite Joy]

Originally posted by Coldwolf:
I Always drive the speed limit, and obey All laws. Always.

Chuckle.

I think that having a radar detector is, um, stupid. The way I see it, speeding (safely) in a fast car and evading tickets is part of the deal. And if you get pulled over whilst speeding and the cop notes your radar detector you will surely get a ticket. No talking yourself outta that one, you will look as if you obviously want to speed and not get caught. If I am ever pulled over in the S2000 I will beg for the cop to drive it and try not to speed. Haha.

[Californee Girl]

ooOoOo! cop stories!! I have a few...

- I once had a sherriff pull me over for speeding, tailgating, reckless driving, and with no license or insurance. I also back talked the sherrif like the bratty kid I once was. Know what I got for all that? A fix it ticket. http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/yes.gif

- A little more recently (after I became old & ugly) I encountered a young cocky pig who was desperate for some action. He gave me an expensive ticket for pulling a california stop on the 426/427 intersection at 2am while no one was on the road. Did I mention this was the night before the new light went up? My ticket said moderate traffic. http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/freak.gif

- Somewhere between these two events I got pulled over for an exhaust issue. This officer has got to be the nicest guy in Madera County. Sure, he ticketed me, but he apologized for making me late to work and offered his advice on how to fix my car. He pulled me over the very next day for speeding, and signed off his own ticket from the day before. Saved me hundreds when I really needed it. http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/applause.gif

See, so sometimes theyre not so bad. That is when theyre not harassing the medicinal pot smokers http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/laugh.gif

[only1alphafemale]

CW " I Always drive the speed limit, and obey All laws. Always."

The Greatest Sedition Is Silence
____________________________________________
Ok.. the speed limit was a given but the "Always" is what I choked on...lol.....
I always obey all laws too...its a challenge at the very least in this town!!! lol...but those adrenaline rushes?? Hey I am an admitted ! adrenaline junkie to say the least...lol...thats why I barrel raced and gymkhanaed for five years..(however you spell it..!) .....loved that adrenaline ! So I guess its safe to say I have a natural 5 mile and hour over the speed limit foot...and when I am acutally tyrying to speed? I think that adrenaline kicks in...lol..but I dont speed that much. Only on the freeway with 3 or 4 lanes.... I am doing 85...but the flow is still doing 95! *sigh* ......chuckle....

[Mibrew]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Yosemite Joy:
I think that having a radar detector is, um, stupid. The way I see it, speeding (safely) in a fast car and evading tickets is part of the deal. And if you get pulled over whilst speeding and the cop notes your radar detector you will surely get a ticket.
----------------------------------------

Try driving around 400 miles every weekend from the Bay Area to Oakhurst which a lot of us do, it comes in hella handy, this detector is the best...and why would you get a ticket for just having one in your car, they are not illegal except in D.C. or Virginia, you can detect them before they detect you, and your speed is reduce before they even try and place their radar on you.... ask KK she using one now, and no more tickets http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/happy.gif

More info:
Escort's® revolutionary Passport 8500 X50 is the most advanced and sophisticated radar/laser detector ever built. Forbes.com said, "It might be the best radar detector ever made!" Popular Mechanics called it "state of the art." RadarTest.com named it "The World's Best!"

The Passport 8500 X50's new "V-tuned" radar receiver provides extreme detection range on conventional and "instant on" radar, including the new POP mode radar threat, X-band and up to 50% more range than the original Passport 8500 on the all-important K and Ka bands. Digital Signal Processing (DSP) provides maximum range, with minimum false alarms. Conventional Highway and City modes are provided, plus a patented AutoSensitivity mode that intelligently identifies real threats from other known sources of radar. Multiple high-performance laser sensors provide maximum laser warning, with superior off-axis protection. The on-board computer can be reprogrammed to detect new radar and laser threats.

Passport 8500 X50 provides three types of meter displays: standard bar graph, exclusive ExpertMeter™ and SpecDisplay™. In ExpertMeter™ mode the detector can identify band and relative signal strength on up to eight radar signals simultaneously. Or, choose the SpecDisplay™ to see the actual frequency of the radar signal. Programmable options include power-on indication; meter type; AutoMute to eliminate reading annoyances from long radar encounters; two levels of audio tones; and selectable radar and laser bands. Choose dim, medium or maximum brightness levels or select fully dark for discreet night driving. Passport's matrix display uses 280 individual ultra-bright LEDs to provide crystal-clear signal strength and text messages for programming. Comes complete with a comprehensive owner's manual, quick-release windshield mount, a quick reference card and an Escort travel case. Plugs into dashboard socket with included 12V DC SmartCord.

[BichonLover]

350 miles every other weekend....http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/yeahthat.gif

[BGW]

Originally posted by Coldwolf:
I Always drive the speed limit, and obey All laws. Always.

I do believe Coldwolf is referring to the laws of gravity folks!!!! http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/shocked.gif

[only1alphafemale]

lol......It must have been........ http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/rolleyes2.gif

[Raider]

I've never been stoped by a Sheriff's in Madera, only the CHP. Now the Fresno Sheriff's up in Shaver, they use to be real A#*holes.

[Coldwolf]

Originally posted by only1alphafemale:
lol......It must have been........ http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/rolleyes2.gif
Maybe its Newtons laws of motion.

[beautiful_mess38]

Nah, it's the law of physics http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/greedy.gif

[John @ 3300ft.]

Originally posted by Mibrew:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by John @ 3300ft.:
I got a speeding ticket by the CHP around 99/152 on Memorial Day... http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/sneaky.gif
--------------------------------------------
John, I got nailed on 152 about 3 miles from 99 a couple of years back, and tag me going 97 mph, and he was going the other way on 152.

Sorry to hear about your ticket, that why I want that radar detector the Newcomer helped me find...its the best on the market
I've got a radar detector 'Brew! This time the CHP Dude didn't use radar. He was pacing me from WAY back (beyond rearview range http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/laugh.gif). About 2miles after I did the left exit from N.B.99 to W.B.152 http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/yes.gif, he had to have been going over 100 to catch up as quickly as he did. He said he had been pacing me since I got on 99 in Madera. http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/sneaky.gif
My detector is not that good (lots of false alarms) but has saved me from quite a few tickets. That Escort X50 is supposed to be awesome. I was just looking into upgrading to that very unit. The Sharper Image sells it at Valley Fair.
Mostly detectors are only useful when you pick up the scatter of the cop bouncing his beam off of cars ahead of you. They rarely keep their radar active, if there is nobody in front, you cannot slow your car down fast enough after they hit you with it. I have found that CHP's frequently keep their radar on when scanning cars driving the opposite direction of travel on HWY152 though! Also keep in mind, the CHP have radar facing forward AND backward in their vehicles. The Los Banos PD also uses laser, and they like to sit just outside of town. You need to "back it down" before then.

Maybe Hawkeye can give up some of his "secrets" http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/laugh.gif

[Coldwolf]

Originally posted by beautiful_mess38:
Nah, it's the law of physics http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/greedy.gif

I know for sure I obey the second law of thermodynamics. For sure.

[BGW]

Myself? Murphy's Law!!!!

[hawkeye]

John@3300ft and some of the rest of you. Here is a secret to keep you from being in trouble or being caught...Stop Breaking the law, they're there for a reason. What might be minor to you, like a California stop at 2am could save the idiot who is out walking at 2am, or the idiot who has their lights off having fun. You might think some laws are stupid, and I agree some are, but they're there to protect you and others. Just wait until you hit a kid, or drunk some night because "there were no cars around, or I didn't "see" anyone around." Some cops have bad attitudes, but most of the Deputies up here are great people, Jacob and Brian are two of the greatest Deputies I've ever met. Here is a true secret..admit you were in the wrong. We,(law enforcement), have the option of "spirit of the law", versus "letter of the law". on minor infractions, we don't have to give a ticket. Depending on what we find in your background and warrant check, most of the time it's an attitude test that most people fail. Keep that in mind next time you break a "stupid" law.

[jan]

Originally posted by Yosemite Joy:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Coldwolf:
I Always drive the speed limit, and obey All laws. Always.

Chuckle.

I think that having a radar detector is, um, stupid. The way I see it, speeding (safely) in a fast car and evading tickets is part of the deal. And if you get pulled over whilst speeding and the cop notes your radar detector you will surely get a ticket. No talking yourself outta that one, you will look as if you obviously want to speed and not get caught. If I am ever pulled over in the S2000 I will beg for the cop to drive it and try not to speed. Haha. </div></BLOCKQUOTE> LOL>>>All laws huh!! I agree with you-Nice to be so perfect!

[Mibrew]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by hawkeye:
John@3300ft and some of the rest of you. Stop Breaking the law, ,like a California stop at 2am or the idiot who has their lights off having fun. Here is a true secret..admit you were in the wrong. We,(law enforcement), have the option of "spirit of the law", versus "letter of the law". on minor infractions, we don't have to give a ticket. Depending on what we find in your background and warrant check, most of the time it's an attitude test that most people fail. Keep that in mind next time you break a "stupid" law.
-------------------------------------------
For John and Me, it was for speeding on an open Highway where cars around us are going 80 +, when I got my tickets it was early in the morning and no cars around, just that cop going the other way, and I never "cop"<-(pun)an attitude, its mostly the officer that does that, but not all of them, I have many friends that work for Santa Clara/San Jose/Sunnyvale Police Department so I hear all types of stories, and your "all" not that innocent, how about we follow you around to see if you ever go over the speed limit....I'm willing to bet you do...don't you??...come on admit it Hawk....

We'll be watching you, so drive carfull http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/wink3.gif

http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/eyeball.gif

Your O.O. Buddy

Brew ~ ; ]

[Mysteefied]

I think that was well put Hawkeye. I personally know people who automatically get an attitude when they have to deal with law enforcement for anything....it reminds me of dealing with my teenagers http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/rolleyes2.gif http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/laugh.gif

[Californee Girl]

Its not like I complained about the officer that ticketed my husband for doing 70 down Deadwood on his birthday!

I see absolutely nothing wrong with a California stop at 2 am on an empty road where you can see for miles in all directions. Seriously. I also know for a fact that in that particular case I had an excellent attitude. I was midway through the hiring process with Madera Co Sheriff, why would I have a bad attitude with someone Id be working with in the near furture? All I see is a young officer with a bad attitude himself, and the last opportunity he was ever going to have to ticket someone on that intersection. Thats why he was hiding out in the shadowy parking lot next to it. Ill admit to making a few driving mistakes when some officer admits that they do occassionally bait and have some nasty and unnessary attitudes themselves.

On another note, the officer that I had to deal with recently was a great guy. Very fair and level headed. Human even. Now Ive shared more good stories than bad. http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/applause.gif

[John @ 3300ft.]

Hawkeye-
Yeah, I know a bad attitude is not going to go well with the "blue meanies"... http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/laugh.gif
The CHP who ticketed me was a nice guy (Officer E. Jackson). We chatted about cars and guns on the side of the highway for about 10 minutes... http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/cool4.gif

[concerned]

If you obey the speed limit on freeway 41 coming out of Fresno you will get run over by everybody going 80.

[Freeweelin]

Opinion: It should be a requirement to attaining a Drivers License that you understand the "Protocol to being pulled over". Just this evening I witnessed a person being pulled over by the CHP and was totally not obeying the Patrolman's wishes. 1st they pulled over blocking a driveway and partially in the street, second (after the Patrolman requested they move their car" acted as if they didnt know how to drive, third, after instructed to stay in their car, attempted to get out. By this time this Patrolman was beginning to get irritated and certainly was being a hardass. I cant say I blame him, unfortunately that hardass attitude will carry on to the next guy!

[beautiful_mess38]

Originally posted by concerned:
If you obey the speed limit on freeway 41 coming out of Fresno you will get run over by everybody going 80.

I totally agree with you concerned. Going 35 on YLP parkway you can ran over also.
I do go the speed limit. I have 3 little kids that depend on me.
People may get irritated because I drive the speed limit, but I have a responsibilty to my kids to be safe.
If something does ever happen (knock on wood) it won't be because I was speeding. It will probably be because I was ran over by a speeder.

[Mysteefied]

yup, I get the same thing coming up 426 from 41, I try...HARD to go the speed limit of 25MPH and there is ALWAYS someone riding my rear and I'll go up to 30, but I wont go faster, I let them go around me, I know they get irritated, but I'm NOT going to get a ticket just because they want to go 50! there are always accidents on the corner by my house and people speed around that corner of 426 and Elliott like it were a racetrack, I know one of these days I'm going to get hit coming out of my driveway, I'm so careful, but its almost happened so many times already. with my kids in the car. we live in Oakhurst for goodness sakes. CHILL OUT!

[shansard]

I almost got killed twice in the Raley's parking lot today. Once a very shaky driver was going the wrong way down the aisle, the second time a young woman was going 25 and not looking where she was going. Sheesh.

[beautiful_mess38]

Yea! Chill out and slow down..Whats your dam hurry anyway.http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/dance.gif

[jjcheyenne]

I drive to and from work 5 nights a week from North Fork to Childrens Hospital. I usually try to drive 60. Once I get to 41, I end up pulling over 6-7 times to let people who are riding my bumper go by. http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/angry.gif Am I the only one who tries to do the speed limit? http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/confused.gif I am ready to just say the heck with it and go 70-80 like everyone else. But, my luck, I would be the one pulled over for speeding. http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/shout.gif

[Mibrew]

Thats the best thing, is to just pull over and let them pass... http://oakhurstforums.com/icon/yes.gif

[Yosemite_Wolf]

Yeah, cops are always ready to pull you over for something youve done such as a california stop etc. Last nite after the Kenny Chesney Concert.... Messy and I were walking the parking lot (and settng off the car alarms with our magnetic personalities)... this FresnoState police car drove by and totally did a california stop! You think he woulda not given a tix if id done that??

and btw brew.... we saw a new restaurant named after your last nite... BJ's brew house. We tried to go there but the line was so long we bailed.