Non-Immediate Relative Notes on a Traffic Stop

[Timothy]

Out of respect for all involved I have specifically let some time pass before posting the following as to not narrow this incident down.

I was with a female associate as a PASSENGER, on a state highway, speed approximately 85-90 in a 65, despite what I had to say to her about it.

Before you know it a State Trooper lit us up. Approaches, states his name, asks “if there was any particular reason for the manner of travel”. (She already had an envelope out, starts handing it to the Trooper, without a response to his question), and asks “I’m sorry Trooper what”, (as if she didn’t hear the first time), the Trooper states his name again as he is grabbing the envelope and is repeating his question as she cuts him off. “Ohh, you might know my _____(Non-Immediate relative with a different last name), there’s a note in there he said I should include with my information if I ever am asked.”

Trooper glanced at everything, was saying something to the effect of hearing the name before, said he’d say hello if he saw him and for her to wish him well on his behalf, said “be careful” and walked away as I’m sitting there baffled at what was likely one of the shortest stops ever.

After I glance at letter, just a quick scribble on stationary and mind you they both have different last names, and it’s not a close relative for most people.

I asked if this happened often as she drives the state roads frequently. I received a response to the effect of “pretty much”. I said I could imagine the stops with her driving habits that I’ve witnessed so far but every time it goes as smoothly? “Yep”….”I try to keep it down on the local roads but it’s worked there too”.

I asked what the family member’s title is again, (let’s just say for the largest state agency, with what has to be a fair amount with in this position, I was surprised). I said something to the effect of imagining it might work for something lesser in a rural area with an immediate family member working side by side but this seems extreme. Then she just blurted out something (speaking of her relative,again), “he has to be his, (the Trooper’s), bosses boss".

Myself with respect, (would never want to humble someone down and can’t imagine how the Trooper must have felt regardless of his actions and what was spoken), principles which I live by, driving as if I want to live, can’t respect those actions as it speaks for character, or lack thereof, so the “association” was short lived.

My question….Ever since this incident, I was wondering if this was a common occurrence, especially a non-immediate family member that may have a high rank in the same department as you, and you only have a note to go on?

I never really even thought name dropping was that common, but to any Officers who conduct, or used to conduct motor vehicle stops often….Did this really happen much?

Would love some insight on this.

A sincere thank you to those who are able to do this (especially catching those 90+ drivers of CT), on a daily basis, I don’t know where you are able to draw your patience from, but it’s quite admirable.

Please stay safe out there,

Tim

[Sgt. Slaughter]

I've only had it happen once.

Violator: Do you know ______?
Slaughter: Why, yes I do! He's my boss - a great guy. Why?
Violator: Oh, I know him. We're friends.
Slaughter: Cool! I'll tell him you said hello. Please press hard, there are 4 copies.

Never heard anything else about it.

[Samuel]

Dude, do you talk the way you write? :confused:

Do a search on professional courtesy. We don't have to extend it. Sometimes we do, sometimes we don't. Every situation is different and it's up to the individual officer re: discretion/options.

[Timothy]

Samuel,

My apologies if this was in some fashion misconstrued.

I meant no offense to you or any other Officer or Agent on this board.

I was not asking if you make a practice of this, just if it was a common occurrence for someone to try. Essentially for curiosity sake, as I had never heard, much less seen a letter of this nature. Nothing more, nothing less.

As far as my typing and or speaking habits, might you please clarify?

If it's a matter of too much info, it is better to be thorough the first time, correct?
Understandably I may include irrelevant details, or an overabundance of information in this case or others when it's a matter of something I know nothing about and am seeking your input.



Sgt. Slaughter,
- That was classic. Quite funny as well.
As I would more than likely find another violation as well, if I was ever in a law enforcement capacity. Given, things could always change, (First the Photosensitive;) would have to be accepted), but aside from another Officer or VERY CLOSE family, I would consider everyone else fair game.
I'm not risking my life on the side of the road with someone who broke the law and endangering others just for kicks.

Then again, to each their own as I'm well aware of personal discretion.

Thanks-

Tim

[Samuel]

nevermind...

[retdetsgt]

I never cared if the person was immediate or non-immediate relative, name dropping never got anywhere with me.

[Legoate]

Just arrested a subject who kept name dropping a officer friend of mine over and over again stating that they were longtime best friends. I just told the guy "I'll feel really bad about arresting one of XXXXX's friends, but you are still going to jail". Wouldn't you know we ran into officer XXXX at the jail, and apparently they aren't friends. Who woulda known?

[PapaBear]

NO byes by me! I stop you for that speed you get signed up. There may be exceptions; but, as you have described the scenario, no way am I going to give a verbal warning.

[phantasm]

I arrested a guy for violent crime, and he name dropped a detective. Spoke to the detective (who works in my precinct). He had arrested the guy's father for another violent crime a year or two prior, in the same area.

[Roger Dat]

I have discretion, how and when I apply it is not your business.

[kels]

Hand them the ticket and tell them to have the LEO call you. LOL

[SnapShawt]

As others have said, professional courtesy is something we can extend if we wish or not if we don't. Just depends on the situation and violation.

[Ispbear]

I get this from time to time, but no i'm not pursuaded by it. In fact I usually have a little fun with it. In fact I just did this the other day and laughed for the next half hour.

Stop goes like this:

Officer: I need to see your license, registration and insurance. You were running a little fast when I met you.

Violater: I know, (hands me the requested items), Hey do you know Trp. (insert who really gives a sh*t here) he's a good friend of mine (uncle, cousin, stopped me once 3 years ago).

Officer: Yes I know him, I can't stand him, that bastard cheated with my wife on me a couple of years ago. (watch as sweat begins to bead off violaters forehead and go back and write them a ticket knowing you won't hear a word out of their mouths again)



God I love my job somedays!

[manahmanah]

Name dropping makes me more likely to write you. I work in a city of 30,000+, and anybody that has been there for a few years knows somebody on the PD's name, it holds no weight with me, and quite frankly, I hear "I know so and so" so much, it pisses me off. I give WAY more verbal warnings than I do written tickets anyway, if it's your turn for a coupon, it's your turn.

[retdetsgt]

Several years ago, my wife got a ticket for speeding. Although the fine was substantial and it raised my insurance a bit, I'm glad she didn't tell the deputy that her husband was a retired cop and throw my name around.

I also told my kids and my stepsons not to do that. One 28 year old stepson did and the cop called me to tell me that he had stopped him for DUI. I told him to tell the kid to let me know when to pick him up after he was processed. He didn't.....