Quote Originally Posted by Spicoli surfs 'Nawlins View Post
Nah...Sorry Bilbo but this guy made the situation about himself and his authority,looked to assert himself with provocation 'do we have a problem'.....when it was clear,YES officer the problem is that my mother is dying while I answer your questions.... he had little control from the get go as the women ran for the door....and he was not about to let it happen twice.

Some times in a position of authority,you have to adapt and improvise as situations unfold minute to minute.He seemed to lack the ability to think/decide past the by the book strict rulebook mentality 101.The family violated a traffic signal and he detained the occupants and vehicle without incident.He had everything in front of him,license plate,vin # and drivers license,registration to fulfill his paperwork obligations while still addressing the unique situation.He had already called for backup and I personally can see a case in him 'escorting' the distraught family member to verify his information with hospital staff.

Down here,they do not even stop you at times should you run a red light.They have traffic cameras that automatically snap a pic of your plate when you run a red.They look up your info at the presinct....run you for violations.....and actually send a ticket in the mail.No interaction with officers what so ever.

Laws need to be up held.No doubt.But common sense and logic are essential,especially in times like that.
I agree the officer sounded like a complete knob jockey and shouldn't have given a ticket but eveything else he pretty much had to do.

In this country if you jump a light in front of a cop car they will flash you and pull you over. They will definitely follow you and want words if you just carry on driving and don't stop for them.

Then they would need to see ID and insurance from you to back up your story. That's what I'm saying.

He HAD to stop them and talk to them and he HAD to ask for their details else he wouldn't have been doing his job.

The issue is more about his tone imo than the actual detaining.