Good Cop, Bad Cop

[fishrdan]

Re: Good Cop, Bad Cop

Nothing but good experiences here...

Except one night when I was fishing by the shore and saw a boat heading down river full bore and then change it's heading,,, directly at my boat stern light clicking on-off, waving flashlight at them, bumping the horn.

WHEW, it's only the Fish & Game guys

 

[NSBCraig]

Re: Good Cop, Bad Cop

Yeah you got what I was saying.

Just talked to my friend last night about it, He used to be with the L.A.P.D.

He said yeah don't ever call me sir unless you are real careful how you use it. He said that's an instant I'm checking you out, what do you have to hide.

It puts them in instant cop mode and I don't want that I'm your neighbor and friend.

Kind of like when I moved into the house I'm renting now by the river people kept warning me that because I'm living right on the border of two towns the police drive down my street all the time as they loop around.

My thoughts are this is great. For one less chance of my stuff being messed with and two since it's kind of easy to recognize my van with the ladder rack and all they can all kind of get to know me. I'm just a regular working guy making a living who doesn't cause any problems, lives in a nice house that I take care of etc.

I also wave as I drive by them and they wave at me.

I don't try to slip under the radar, I want to be obvious.

New Smyrna being the closest beach to Orlando and you can drive on it, so we get lots of tourists (bike week/ biketoberfest/ spring break/ race weeks)

 

[tnduc]

Re: Good Cop, Bad Cop

I got stopped and inspected by the Coast Guard last year. The guys were totally professional, and my kids actually thought it was great . A couple of weeks ago a game warden stopped and checked out my safety equipment and the fish I had aboard. No problem there, he was very friendly and actually gave me a good tip on where to find more trout.

 

[pine island fred]

Re: Good Cop, Bad Cop

Do extensive year round boating in PINE ISLAND SOUND. Never have seen the coast guard or fish and wildlife. On occasion, do see the sheriffs boat cruising around. Have never had any encounters so I cant comment, just as soon they leave me alone and I wont bother them.
Have to assume there is a CG aux. around but have also never seen them. If I was ever offered a courtesy check and sticker, believe I would have to dissapoint them and tell them to get lost. Just me but I get turned off by anyone flaunting any authority, real or perseived. My e mail is stinkin_badges, might give a hint as to how I feel. Sorry, going off the deep end here! Think its time to load up the boat and go to the beach. And no, I dont have a record and unfortunately have to serve jury duty. Wish I could break some small law so they wouldnt call me. regards FRED

 

[sunaj]

Re: Good Cop, Bad Cop

A few seasons ago as I was driving down from Shaver Lake Ca. I noticed that a bevy of Fish & Game, CHP and Sherriff had been directing cars from the highway to an inspection lane, and checked cars for game, checked guns, went through coolers, etc.
Thought I drove past after they started winding down I was outraged over hunters being stopped and searched for simply driving down the highway, Having a game warden stop you in the field is one thing, but driving down the road is another. The thing that suprised me the most was how little support I got for protesting this practise to officials, publically, writing to newspapers, etc. People have become very complacent about law enforcement, and restraining their power over the citizenry. Once you have allowed the public arena to be stifled and controlled by an excessive police force in society you are no longer a free person

 

[scoutabout]

Re: Good Cop, Bad Cop

Been inspected probably six times in twenty years by both the Toronto Marine unit and OPP in the more northern lakes. All routine except for the last one which was several years and a different boat ago. When the guys were finished one of them passed me his card and said, "You ever want to sell this boat, call me." Then they left. SeaRay fan I guess.

 

[marine4003]

Re: Good Cop, Bad Cop

Yeah you got what I was saying.

Just talked to my friend last night about it, He used to be with the L.A.P.D.

He said yeah don't ever call me sir unless you are real careful how you use it. He said that's an instant I'm checking you out, what do you have to hide.

It puts them in instant cop mode and I don't want that I'm your neighbor and friend.

Absolutely....I was taught to respond to Officers..so if for a second they thought i was being sarcastic or condescending it was a world of *%#@ for me, here its acknowledging there rank, or in civilian, acknowledging your respect.For as many folks that visit my area..there's a small ( in comparison) number of "locals" plus its the Deep South attitude so they (LEO) know pretty quick if its BS or respect.

 

[DRIFTER_016]

Re: Good Cop, Bad Cop

Been inspected probably six times in twenty years by both the Toronto Marine unit and OPP in the more northern lakes. All routine except for the last one which was several years and a different boat ago. When the guys were finished one of them passed me his card and said, "You ever want to sell this boat, call me." Then they left. SeaRay fan I guess.

I had a similar thing happen the first time I took a newly refinished 1971 ord Torino GT out on it's maiden run. When I asked the officer why he pulled me over (I said I wasn't speeding or changing lanes with out signalling) he said "Oh you didn't do anything wrong, I just wanted to check out your car it's pretty sweet!!"
I wish all encounters were like that!!

 

[bassboy1]

Re: Good Cop, Bad Cop

Never got checked on locally, as the DNR or Corps of Engineers doesn't have enough money. Most I have seen them do is ticket parking infractions at boat ramps.

But, in Ocean Isle NC, we got pulled over twice. Apparently our little 12 foot Sea King, that showed its age, coupled with a 4 horse Evinrude sure looked guilty. The first time, the pair of guys pulled us over, checked for PFDs, fish, and licenses. We had a fairly new style of license, where you call in your name, and they assign you a number, and use the credit card # to pay. The guy hadn't heard of that type before, so when we gave him the sheet of paper that just had the number on it, he was amused, but when called in, it showed it was legit, so he was then surprised, and let us go on our way.

The second time a day later, the same boat pulled us over, with a different officer, again, checked PFDs, fish, and licenses. He knew about this type, so he didn't make us wait, and said he would call it in after we got on our way. He also checked for registration which we didn't yet have, as we had bought the boat 2 days before leaving for vacation, so dad offered to pull out the bill of sale, but he told us not to worry about it, and sent us on our way.

 

[Bass Tracker TX17]

Re: Good Cop, Bad Cop

A few seasons ago as I was driving down from Shaver Lake Ca. I noticed that a bevy of Fish & Game, CHP and Sherriff had been directing cars from the highway to an inspection lane, and checked cars for game, checked guns, went through coolers, etc.
Thought I drove past after they started winding down I was outraged over hunters being stopped and searched for simply driving down the highway, Having a game warden stop you in the field is one thing, but driving down the road is another. The thing that suprised me the most was how little support I got for protesting this practise to officials, publically, writing to newspapers, etc. People have become very complacent about law enforcement, and restraining their power over the citizenry. Once you have allowed the public arena to be stifled and controlled by an excessive police force in society you are no longer a free person

I agree 1000000 %

I can't add anything to this because If i start I won't be here and this is a top notch Forum.

I'll just say I have a very hard time having my space invaded and leave it at that.

 

[pine island fred]

Re: Good Cop, Bad Cop

Got back from the beach and it was a beautiful day except the gulf water is to warm and it isnt JULY yet. Next weekend will be at place called CLATOR LAKE, west of ROANOAK VA. Anyone around across from the boat ramp, stop by for a beer and hot dog. Cant wait to be in some fresh water for a change.
Have to comment on the post regarding calling people SIR. My carrier was in aviation. Everyone is SIR and now MAM if it is female voice on the radio. Stews or now they are called flight attendents, were always address as MAM. Never knew of anyone being upset being called sir. While I am here, maby someone can answer a question for me. Why do law enforcement officials volunter to tell you what they do or did for a living without you asking? Family members do the same thing. My brother, uncle, husband, whatever, is a cop. So what? Is that supposed to be something special. Dont remember anyone telling me they are a farmer, factory worker, mechanic, without me asking. Think about it. FRED

 

[cmchesse]

Re: Good Cop, Bad Cop

New to boating. In fact, today was the first day I was able to go out for any length of time without problems.

My only experience is the CG Axillary at the boat ramp for a voluntary safety inspection. It was great. I did not get my sticker that day, but I understand the safety rules and requirements better and will have my sticker when I get the nav lights working.

 

[alamosaddles]

Re: Good Cop, Bad Cop

Former USCG officer and former LEO here. I agree on the comment concerning too much complacency with some of the abusive LE practices which occur. That said, 95% of LEOs are good officers and they try to do their job appropriately. Unfortunately, that small percentage, 5% amounts to alot of actual individual officers who are abusive of the privilige and responsibility which accompanies the badge. This 5% of the officers are the ones one usually hears the complaints and stories about.

I / We have been stopped 4 times on the water over the past few years. 2 times by the CG, 1 time by Fish and Wildlife and one time by Miami Dade PD on the water. Both CG stops were very smooth, all CG officers were very polite. Perhaps my USCG Courageous cover, which initiated the conv of my being a former coastie helped? Dunno, but they were polite and professional before they even saw my cover on the console.

The Fish and Wildlife stop was when we were fishing the mangroves, it lasted about 15 seconds, he did not board, asked if we had fishing licenses, we responded we purchased them online and only had the license number available, and he was satisfed, never even asked for the numbers. He was very polite and smooth.

Miami Dade PD on the water, two years ago during the Columbus day regatta....Myself, wife and two friends on our 19ft bay boat....No alcohol on board, just basking in the sun, country music playing at a nice comfortable level, we are anchored in a designated anchor zone....PD approached, and rudely ordered me to pull up my anchor and move...no reason given....When I politely asked why we had to move from the designated zone, immediately threatened, if I didnt pull anchor within 30 seconds, I'd be going to jail. No reason given, no reason that I could see why...They just wanted to break up boats converged in our area, much like NOPD forcefully disperses crowds on Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras just as a matter of procedure, whether it's necessary or not.

This last encounter is the type of encounter that people see as abusive and as an example of how law enforcement works. Like I said though, this is NOT typical, just an exception. These few officers who behave this way need to be weeded out..they should be flipping burgers and dropping fries at the local BK instead of carrying a pistol and a chip on the shoulder.

 

[Thinblueline22]

Re: Good Cop, Bad Cop

Why do law enforcement officials volunter to tell you what they do or did for a living without you asking? Family members do the same thing. My brother, uncle, husband, whatever, is a cop. So what? Is that supposed to be something special. Dont remember anyone telling me they are a farmer, factory worker, mechanic, without me asking. Think about it. FRED

Personally, I make it a point NOT to say what I do for a living even if asked. I will say that I work for the city, sometime I even make up my occupation (social worker, teacher, janitor). Most of my friends are the same way, we don't volunteer that we are police officers. Can't comment on the family member thing though, have not experienced that.

Keith

 

[Fu-Inator]

Re: Good Cop, Bad Cop

While on active duty military at a bar one time, a buddy and I were asked if we were cops by some "biker-dudes"... lol. We told them we were military and they ended up buying us some beer.

Being new to boating, I'm actually looking forward to my first inspection. It will validate if all my reading, research, check lists, and safety tips payed off. I will take any inspections and advice they are willing to dish out at this point.

 

[Andy in NY]

Re: Good Cop, Bad Cop

I have been speaking to the president of the lake association and she mentioned that there isnt much police presence out there... largly because the lake is divided by the county line. But the topic came up because of people disobeying the no wake zone in the narrows and there being no one to enforce it.


On a side note, to the guy who mentioned being pulled over in the torino so the cop could check it out... I work for a radio station, and long story short a local car dealer gave me a gently used 1996 ford taurus as long as we got it lettered to say "fat kid andy's (thats my radio name there) free car from XXXXXXX sales" and the morning show guy decided to put bumper stickers ALL OVER it. like 250 of them! it was covered top to bottom in station stickers.

Well, Im headin to work one day and I see red lights, so I stop and the trooper asks why I dont have my headlights on in the rain. I say "I have daytime running lights..." he walks to the front and looks, and says "oh, okay. So, whats the deal with the car???"

I laughed the rest of the way to work, then gave the officer a shout out on the air...

 

[INJUN]

Re: Good Cop, Bad Cop

I once was a member of the USCGAUX and performed a few vessle safety checks(VSC). I never had any problems with the boat owners. If you'd like to get a VSG, contact your local USCGAUX Flotilla. They are free. You will only be shown what is wrong or missing, etc., and no citations are given if your boat fails. It is what it is; a safety check.

My father-in-law was in his boat and I in mine, each of us pulling my lobster traps. He was using a copy of my liscence along with a letter from me giving him permission to pull my traps in my absence. I was told this was okay to do when I got my liscence from the Depts'. HQ. However, he got boarded and given a ticket for not having a liscence (his 2 lobsters were confiscated, not put back in the water). This happened with me nearly along side of them both. I was then boarded and found okay, no tickets. I explained to the officer that I was told by his HQ, that it was okay for my f-in-law to pull my traps, but he told me that was not the rule and I'd have to be on board his vessel with my licsence on me. Oh well. It was done professionally and had no problem with the way things went. I followed up on his statements and found he was telling it right. In hindsight, I guess I should have gotten in writing from the HQ.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Good Cop, Bad Cop

I went out in the boat last night to watch some local fireworks and decided to call the local Coast Guard station to tell them where and when I would be underway, just in case they needed an "asset" in the area involved. While the night turned out to be pretty uneventful (for me, at least - they were actually quite busy), I did end up having an interesting conversation with a Petty Officer at the USCG station.

I had called him on the cell phone just to let him know that I was ashore at the boat ramp, and would no longer be available. While talking, we got into a discussion about the cost of providing SAR responses. One of the things that he told me is that it costs the USCG about $12,000 per mission to operate one of their "Dolphin" helicopters. One of the reasons why this came up is because there had been a phony mayday call earlier in the evening and a SAR was being contemplated.

So, while we discuss the ups and downs of being inspected and/or boarded, one of the things that seems appropriate to keep in mind, is just what it costs various governmental agencies to provide the service that they do. Along with that, we must realize that they too get frustrated sometimes. Like all governmental agencies, they fight the limited budget issue all of the time, and must get really POed when those dollars go to waste over stupidity.