Pulled over by a non-uniform officer.

[SoonToBeCop]

I was pulled over by and unmarked police car and the officer was wearing sweat pants and a football jacket. He gave me a parking ticket because i was parked in a fire-zone. This took place in Delaware County Pennsylvania, a sub of Philadelphia. Is this aloud or do all police officers need to be in uniform to give a ticket?

[acreature]

It's not uncommon. When we have training; firearms, DTs, continuing ed classes, etc.... we are typically not uniformed and we are in marked or unmarked cars. We are expeected to answer when needed and take care of blatant violations occurring in our presence. Although a parking ticket is rather small. And we are required to dress appropriatley.....

[Norm357]

That would NEVER happen in GA. Disclaimer, laws vary by state.

[Toeknee112]

I don't know how "aloud" it was but it would be "allowed" here...

[greenlead]

Here, a marked patrol car is perfectly acceptable in proving authority.

[Joeyd6]

We have plain clothes officers all over....called anti-crime and they drive unmarked...unobvious (not caprices, crown vics or impalas) all the time. They do regular enforcement and are a great asset when my uniform or marked car will ruin a good collar.

[Norm357]

Like I said, laws may vary. :D It is forbidden by state law here to work traffic in an unmarked vehicle.

[Joeyd6]

Just FYI...CT has cars you would not dream of as unmakred....Pontic Grand Ams, etc.... AMAZING the $ they invest!

[mcsap]

In PA, the law says that for officers initiating traffic stops it is PREFERABLE that they bein uniform. Whether or not they are in a marked car is irrelevant. There is no requirement that I be in uniform to issue a ticket.

And quit parking in fire lanes.

[michiganstud]

I was pulled over by and unmarked police car and the officer was wearing sweat pants and a football jacket. He gave me a parking ticket because i was parked in a fire-zone. This took place in Delaware County Pennsylvania, a sub of Philadelphia. Is this aloud or do all police officers need to be in uniform to give a ticket?

Wait, you were 'pulled over' and giving a 'parking ticket'? So where you driving or were you parked? In michigan (yes, different laws for different states) the officer has to be in uniform and in a semi marked vheicle to 'pull you over'. But to give a parking ticket when you are "PARKED" there are no requirements as I know of.

Personally I would go to the jurisdiction that cited you and make them aware of the situation and let them decide what to do with it. If I were a chief I sure wouldn't want any of my guys issuing tickets in sweat pants. LOL

[slick765]

We have plain clothes officers all over....called anti-crime and they drive unmarked...unobvious (not caprices, crown vics or impalas) all the time. They do regular enforcement and are a great asset when my uniform or marked car will ruin a good collar.

luminas, explorers, blazers, jeep cherokees, camaros, *cough* mustangs...

[DltUNH]

Just trying to think this one over, I have a great eye for police vehicles marked or umarked. Not asking for a complete in depth definition, but in general what is a semi-marked vehicle? Never heard to anything being referred to in this manner and am just curious.

[michiganstud]

Just trying to think this one over, I have a great eye for police vehicles marked or umarked. Not asking for a complete in depth definition, but in general what is a semi-marked vehicle? Never heard to anything being referred to in this manner and am just curious.

In michigan a traffic car has to be marked "police" on the passenger side of the vehicle in order to make traffic stops. No unmarked cars can pull someone over. (there are measurement requirements too). So most departments just go with a slick top car with their department logo on the passenger side. They actually have ways to make it low profile, my town uses a white car with a silver "______ POLICE" on the passenger side. Similar departments do different low profile schemes. Our county uses a tan car with gold SHERIFF decal on the side. All the lights on either car are all hidden and the drivers side has no graphics.

[HiTech]

Like I said, laws may vary. :D It is forbidden by state law here to work traffic in an unmarked vehicle.

Norm,
What if it was a Detective that by the nature of his/her assignment doesn't normally work traffic, but they see a violation that they feel needs some attention. Would that be acceptable?

[Norm357]

Norm,
What if it was a Detective that by the nature of his/her assignment doesn't normally work traffic, but they see a violation that they feel needs some attention. Would that be acceptable?

Nope, they would have to follow and call a marked unit. I myself would never pull over for an unmarked unit. I would however be on the phone with 911 saying some freak in a plain jane car was attempting to pull me over.