Quote Originally Posted by witeowl View Post
I haven't done so for cycling reasons, but I've done the following in similar situations:

- Note the time and the intersection (if possible badge or car #)
- Call the non-emergency police line (NOT 911)
- identify the officer using the above and VERY POLITELY explain the situation and that you would like the officer to be reminded of the applicable law(s)

I've done this for sudden and illegal U-turns (without siren/lights) and other questionable acts by officers. The people I spoke with are always polite, understanding, and even sound somewhat grateful that this is being reported. I think they realize that their officers are only human and can use occasional "policing" themselves.
LOL. This makes me laugh. An officer telling a cyclist to go straight from a right turn only lane is putting that cyclist in jeopardy and his department needs to be aware of that action so that he may be re-trained.

I would hate to be the poor LT. though who has to field the calls from people who would like the police to "be reminded of the applicable laws." I don't know how many he takes a day, because we never hear. Someone needs me, I turn around, I get there a quickly as I can, and I don't run code, as per policy, unless the situation dictates (lots of situations are jeopardized by lights and sirens..robberies in progress, crazy people, drug busts, people with guns...all are alarmed by sirens). When responding to a call or attempting to stop a vehicle, we are, BY LAW, not held to the traffic code, regardless of whether we are running code or not. If I am just tooling down to the QT to get myself a smoothie, I adhere to the posted speed limit and make only legal, safe turns. And God help the officer who does otherwise on his way to lunch or a break and gets complained on. Our department is very clear about that. But 95% of all complaints come in on officers who are trying to get somewhere to help someone.

And, again, if someone is scratching on your window in the middle of the night, you want me to wait to make the next legal U-turn and proceed at the posted speed limit? Or you want me to whip it around, get my butt there, and hook him up?