Urgent:Working on story about PBA stickers

[MagEdit1129]

I am working on a light-hearted piece for Reader's Digest about people who put PBA or FOP stickers on their cars in hopes of getting out of a ticket. I need to speak to officers who have pulled over any of these people for a traffic violation. Also, I have some general questions about these stickers. How would you describe them to someone who has never heard of these stickers? Do you look for these when you pull someone over? How do you address the fact they have a sticker? What questions do you ask them? Do you tend to be more lenient with them or are you more eager to ticket them because they are trying to beat the system? How do most people obtain these stickers- through donations or are they given to them by officers? Where do most people display these on their car? Do they ever bring the sticker to your attention if you do not mention it? Care to share any funny stories related to this? I need to wrap this story up by the end of the week. Please call my office line (914-244-5436) or e-mail me (tconry@rd.com) if you are able to help me with this project. Thank you, Tara Conry

[Kimble]

To you tend to be more lenient with them or are you more eager to ticket them because they are trying to beat the system?

Some think that having those stickers means it's a "get out of a ticket free card," but I assure you it is not. I'm not in patrol anymore, but during the 3 years of combined PT and FT patrol, I never paid attention to them. I had my decision made whether I was going to issue a citation or not before I approached the door, and more often than not was inclined to give a verbal or written warning over a citation (unless it was an egregious violation). Someone could easily talk themselves into a ticket by acting like an @$$, but whether or not they had an FOP or PBA sticker made no difference.

Now, on the other hand, if the sticker said "member" (instead of "supporter") I would always ask if they were a law enforcement officer, as those stickers/license plates are reserved for cops. Having them without being one (or the spouse of a cop) was a totally different can of worms.

[MagEdit1129]

This information is very helpful! Can anyone else comment on this topic?

[Johninaustin]

Going to be location dependant, no one around here is even going to know what one is, even if they DID notice it.

Same with DARE bumper stickers. Every druggie has one. ;)

[kels]

I fall under the catagory of "dont know what you are
talking about"

If you dont have LEO identification to show, you are not going
to get much slack. No matter what what group you belong to.

[ChesCopPodz]

Here we have stickers that the state police or sheriffs association gives out when someone donates. Since I'm not a member of either group, I don't care if you have 10 years' worth of stickers wallpapering your rear windshield.