worst obsersver/ride-along ever?

[texaspsycho]

Whenever I rode as an observer, I usually keep as quite as possible. Silence is sometimes awkward, but, that radio is always going off and never want to be a distraction. However, I've been told that sometimes LEOs had to arrest observers at times for being obnoxious (you were in the wrong for citing that citizen!). Seriously.

Any stories like this to share?

[Sgt. Slaughter]

However, I've been told that sometimes LEOs had to arrest observers at times for being obnoxious (you were in the wrong for citing that citizen!). Seriously.

[Kimble]

I have to agree with Sgt Slaugher here, you can't arrest someone for being obnoxious, they have to commit a crime.

Now if a ride-along showed up for the ride intoxicated, fair game, but just being annoying or disagreeing with an officer's traffic stop isn't going to be grounds for a legal arrest.

[BJJVad]

am I, of you and your post(s).

[texaspsycho]

well, I am sorry you gents feel that way. But hey, can't do much about it your feelings. So, being that I feel like Im on the spot.


The origin of my story (the obnoxious observer) was from a former deputy who worked somewhere in Mo. I worked with him as a helper installing CCTV cameras back in the late 90's. We were specifically discussing the subject of citizen observers. He shared a story with me that he had some liberal minded type female riding-along with him, who had been giving him crap during the short time she was riding along with him. He said that she was continuing to get mouthy and was making it difficult for him to listen to his police radio. He finally warned her, that if she didnt be settle down he was going to arrest her for, if I can recall correctly, "disorderly conduct" or something along those lines. She didnt, and he did. So, her I find myself wondering, "hey, I wonder if this is normal? maybe I should ask-a-cop on this forum I just joined recently."

Look, I am not going to get nasty like some people do when they are doubted, but this conversation with the self-reported former deputy really did truthfully take place. Again, sorry I seem as if I am shoveling crap at y'all.



ROS> perhaps this does not say much of the person who my original post is based on... but, people have been "unlawfully" arrested before and subsequently released. I really don't like using the term "unlawfully arrested" but, human history proves that there are good and bad people in every occupation. Thing is with me, I tend to think that "a'hole cops" can sometimes be a nessecary evil, actually. If a citizen does not want to get entagled with them (the "a'hole cop" type), then they (the citizen) shouldn't break the law.

[cntryboy0531]

Before it ever got to that point with me, I'd just take them back to the station and tell them to GTFO.

[texaspsycho]

Before it ever got to that point with me, I'd just take them back to the station and tell them to GTFO.

I appreciate your input on that without putting me on the firing line. But, is it entirely impossible for a cop, somewhere in the continental US, to arrest an observer for being belligerent (maybe I should have used that term instead of obnoxious)?

Guys, I really am not trying to be a jerk, but I ask a lot of questions and I hope to do so even more here without ruining my credibility as a newcome'er to this discussion group. Criminal justice and criminal psychology is a fascinating subject imho.

[Sgt. Slaughter]

No. You have to arrest someone for a crime - not for being obnoxious, belligerent or whatever other adjective you find to describe someones behavior.

[texaspsycho]

No. You have to arrest someone for a crime - not for being obnoxious, belligerent or whatever other adjective you find to describe someones behavior.

13-2904. Disorderly conduct; classification

2. Makes unreasonable noise;

13-2409. Obstructing criminal investigations or prosecutions; classification

A person who knowingly attempts by means of bribery, misrepresentation, intimidation or force or threats of force to obstruct, delay or prevent the communication of information or testimony relating to a violation of any criminal statute to a peace officer, magistrate, prosecutor or grand jury or who knowingly injures another in his person or property on account of the giving by the latter or by any other person of any such information or testimony to a peace officer, magistrate, prosecutor or grand jury is guilty of a class 5 felony, except that it is a class 3 felony if the person commits the offense with the intent to promote, further or assist a criminal street gang.

Soooo, this is your Arizona Statute. You're telling me, that none of this would apply to a "obnoxious, belligerent or whatever other adjective" police observer.

[Sgt. Slaughter]

Nope.

Parsing and bolding portions of a statute to try and prove your point just doesn't work. Notice the first portion talks about "bribery, misrepresentation, intimidation or force or threats of force".

13-2904:
A. A person commits disorderly conduct if, with intent to disturb the peace or quiet of a neighborhood, family or person, or with knowledge of doing so, such person:

1. Engages in fighting, violent or seriously disruptive behavior; or

2. Makes unreasonable noise; or

3. Uses abusive or offensive language or gestures to any person present in a manner likely to provoke immediate physical retaliation by such person; or

4. Makes any protracted commotion, utterance or display with the intent to prevent the transaction of the business of a lawful meeting, gathering or procession; or

5. Refuses to obey a lawful order to disperse issued to maintain public safety in dangerous proximity to a fire, a hazard or any other emergency; or

6. Recklessly handles, displays or discharges a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.

I'm pretty friggin' sure I know my own state laws, thankyouverymuch.

Oh. I think the kids nowadays call that "pwned"....

[texaspsycho]

Nope.

uh-huh, I didnt know those statutes didnt apply to AZ LEO's. Good to know, I guess.

If some loud-mouthed police oberver not letting you hear your radio in your cruiser refuses to obey your order -in your own cruiser- for them to be quiet, I am not so sure that you'll simply drop them off at the nearest stop with a "lolli-pop and a hug."

[Cat_Doc]

13-2904. Disorderly conduct; classification

2. Makes unreasonable noise;

13-2409. Obstructing criminal investigations or prosecutions; classification

A person who knowingly attempts by means of bribery, misrepresentation, intimidation or force or threats of force to obstruct, delay or prevent the communication of information or testimony relating to a violation of any criminal statute to a peace officer, magistrate, prosecutor or grand jury or who knowingly injures another in his person or property on account of the giving by the latter or by any other person of any such information or testimony to a peace officer, magistrate, prosecutor or grand jury is guilty of a class 5 felony, except that it is a class 3 felony if the person commits the offense with the intent to promote, further or assist a criminal street gang.

Soooo, this is your Arizona Statute. You're telling me, that none of this would apply to a "obnoxious, belligerent or whatever other adjective" police observer.

You cannot pick out the context (bold) you feel supports your argument. I have to get onto rookies about this very same thing.

The culpable mental state in the statute is "knowingly." The elements of the crime are "bribery" "misrepresentation" "intimidation" "force" "threats of force" in order to.....

A liberal POS running her mouth while a citizen observer does not meet the mental culpable state of mind or meet the elements of the crime for Disorderly Conduct under ARS 13:2904.

In order to support your story, you need to find a Missouri state statute or criminal code that applies. For all I know, the Missouri cop could(?) have charged the rider for interfering with his duties under thier state law, but common sense dictates taking the ****bird back to the station and booting their butt out of your patrol vehicle. Citizen Observer ride-alongs are not a right and can be terminated at any time without consequence.

[Sgt. Slaughter]

uh-huh, I didnt know those statutes didnt apply to AZ LEO's. Good to know, I guess.

If some loud-mouthed police oberver not letting you hear your radio in your cruiser refuses to obey your order -in your own cruiser- for them to be quiet, I am not so sure that you'll simply drop them off at the nearest stop with a "lolli-pop and a hug."

You might NOT wanna be a tool on this board or your stay will be a short one, junior. This is as good a time as any to remind you to know your role. You don't know me or HOW I work or would handle anything, let alone a civilian observer.

[texaspsycho]

Nope.

Parsing and bolding portions of a statute to try and prove your point just doesn't work. Notice the first portion talks about "bribery, misrepresentation, intimidation or force or threats of force".

13-2904:
A. A person commits disorderly conduct if, with intent to disturb the peace or quiet of a neighborhood, family or person, or with knowledge of doing so, such person:

1. Engages in fighting, violent or seriously disruptive behavior; or

2. Makes unreasonable noise; or

3. Uses abusive or offensive language or gestures to any person present in a manner likely to provoke immediate physical retaliation by such person; or

4. Makes any protracted commotion, utterance or display with the intent to prevent the transaction of the business of a lawful meeting, gathering or procession; or

5. Refuses to obey a lawful order to disperse issued to maintain public safety in dangerous proximity to a fire, a hazard or any other emergency; or

6. Recklessly handles, displays or discharges a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.

I'm pretty friggin' sure I know my own state laws, thankyouverymuch.

Oh. I think the kids nowadays call that "pwned"....

all I did was pull out the important part "2. Makes unreasonable noise"

How does that not apply to a police observer being loud mouthed?

[Sgt. Slaughter]

all I did was pull out the important part "2. Makes unreasonable noise"

How does that not apply to a police observer being loud mouthed?

You know ZERO, ZILCH, and NADA about statutes or how to interpret them. You don't get to "pull out the important part" (what YOU think is important, anyway) and neglect the rest of what's written. You have to have intent to disturb the peace and quiet, not just solely make unreasonable noise.