RE: How do you feel about professional courtesy?

There's no reason for a LEO to be rude towards anyone. I've only been stopped three times in the last 12 years that I've been a full or part-time LEO (full-time except for 9 months between full-time agencies). The firsrt time, the trooper recognized me instantly upon approaching my truck. I had the interior light on and both hands on the sterring wheel with my DL, insurance papers and registration. The old truck's suspention had seen it's better days and tended to swerve a bit regardless of how straight one held the wheel. We got a laugh out of it and I was on my way.

The second time, I was going entirely too fast after dropping off the last load before heading back on a Friday afternoon (delivering KW truck parts) in a school zone. I was still working part-time, but wasn't about to tell the officer who stopped me that. I apologized, signed my citation and drove slower from that day forward. The officer recommended that the citation be dismissed upon payment of court cost and completion of driving school. I got 4 hours of CEU's out of it anyway.

The last time was just over a month ago. I bought a 1997 CVPI that had window tint that's just slightly too dark. I was stopped in the daytime, so I put my front windows down and had my DL, insurance papers, registration and ID all in my hand resting on the steering wheel. He asked me if the car was a city car or not, asked me if the tint had been on it when I bought it and bid me a nice day. I didn't inform the officers that I was armed, nor did they ask. I assume that LEO's are armed and see no need of asking one if he/she is oor not. I keep my pistol well concealed and see no need in advising the other officer that I'm armed unless they ask. If you don't say "I'm armed" in the first place and unless officer isn't planning to get me out of the car and pat me down I see no need to.

RE: How do you feel about professional courtesy?

I extend professional courtesy to all law enforcement officers. I don't ticket every John or Jane Doe, so why should I ticket a cop? In fact, I rarely know if I'm going to issue a citation until after I make contact with the subject. Usually, if a person I stop takes responsability for their actions I give them a warning and a smile. I then send them on their way. However, if the person I pull over begins with the whole, "I didn't run that stop sign." Then it's a citation for sure.

I would also lilke to add that I follow the rules of the road (the majority of the time, hell no one is perfect). In fact my wife and her sisters like to say that I'm driving Miss Daisy.

RE: How do you feel about professional courtesy?

I've rarely been stopped since I've been a LEO. The few times that I have I kept my hands on the steering wheel and already had my DL, registration and insurance out. Two out of three of those times I didn't show my ID or tell the officer who stopped me that I was a LEO because I was speeding and deserved a ticket. I got it and paid it. One of the other two times was because of my window tint, on those two occasions I showed also had my Police ID out along with my DL. We talked for a couple of minutes and sent me on my way. The last time my vehicle looked similar to one that had been taken in a car jacking within a few minutes before. Just like before i had my ID and DL out with my hands on the steering wheel. We talked for a couple of minutes and I was on my way. I didn't advise the officers that I was armed, and they didn't ask me if I was. Both times I produced ID they should have pressumed that I was armed, as I pressume that all LEO's are armed whether on or off duty because I am. Another LEO shouldn't have any "high tension" just because they've stopped another LEO who's armed any more than they should have any high stress when they meet them in other circumstances, i.e. training seminars, schools, etc.

RE: How do you feel about professional courtesy?

I offer professional courtesy to law enforcement regarding traffic violations. (I also understand that the average joe citizen is going to violate traffic laws, so I offer them the same courtesy).
The biggest reason for me to offer professional recognition is when it "hits the fan" its your fellow officers, in or out of your jurisdiction, that you may have to rely on to back you up. In my opinion, bad blood between agencies could have implications when working together.

RE: How do you feel about professional courtesy?

I offer professional courtesy to law enforcement regarding traffic violations. (I also understand that the average joe citizen is going to violate traffic laws, so I offer them the same courtesy).
The biggest reason for me to offer professional recognition is when it "hits the fan" its your fellow officers, in or out of your jurisdiction, that you may have to rely on to back you up. In my opinion, bad blood between agencies could have implications when working together.

Professional Courtesy

I offer professional courtesy to law enforcement regarding traffic violations. (I also understand that the average joe citizen is going to violate traffic laws, so I offer them the same courtesy).The biggest reason for me to offer professional recognition is when it "hits the fan" its your fellow officers, in or out of your jurisdiction, that you may have to rely on to back you up. In my opinion, bad blood between agencies could have implications when working together

Bad Blood

We've got that in this here between some officers both inner-dept and inner-agency.  Not only because of Traffic infractions but also because of false testimony against fellow officers.  It's called CYA because it's "Law Suit" time.  Some of these younger officers don't accept personal responsibility and find it easier to blame another officer for their poor judgements\actions.  They fling s**t in hopes that it sticks to someone else.  Few know how to stand up like a man and take the punishment when they error. 

I have first hand knowledge when it comes to being a departmental scapegoat.  It is not pretty, it makes you feel terrible and become very distrustful.

 I could not do that to a citizen, let alone a brother officer as I have to sleep with myself at night! 

Last edited @ 9/12/2007 3:35 PM

RE: How do you feel about professional courtesy?

In 26 years as Street Police Officer , now retired I always extented professional courtesy when I could. Every Profession extends courtesy to thier own . I was stoped and extended the courtesy for minor traffic offense ,  due not familiar area. Never did I misuse the courtsey as to put an officer in a compromised situation . I did care to abide all laws , as to be role model for my six children. I did not want them to grow up thinking daddy would get me off the hook mentality. I always stated I would abide by the Officer discreation to extend the courtsey and not my demand of the courtsey. I belived that when standards are lowered , due to PC .A person may be allowed to be an Officers that should not be. All being said be safe and get home to your families that need you.

Last edited @ 8/24/2008 7:30 AM