Cop yelled at me for taking the lane

[kenyonchris]

OK... So you agree with me that it should be reported, but then laugh?



I'd like you to at least turn on your lights before or while whipping an unsafe U-turn from the far right and across four lanes of traffic (as was the case here). Sure, I'd also expect lights while speeding to reach the scene (except when the situation dictates a stealth approach). I don't believe that this is unreasonable, and I'd be surprised to hear that this is any different from departmental expectations.

The only other phone call I can recall had to do with the request that an officer signal a turn so that I didn't sit like a jackass waiting for him to come one direction to find him going another. I don't believe any shooters would have been alarmed to hear an indicator blinking off in the distance.

Sure, my phrasing of "remind him of applicable laws" may have been a little awkward (I was trying to say complain, but complain NICELY), but let me throw it back at you: How should this officers' department be made aware of that action so that he may be re-trained if not with a phone call to the station? I'm honestly left scratching my head.

When the officer was wrong....as was the case in directing the bicyclist to go straight from the right hand lane, which was more than a one time occurance and was potentially dangerous to the cyclist... it certainly needs to be brought to someone's attention. I was laughing because it was being compared to cops making illegal U-Turns. We ARE supposed to signal, and honestly, I try to make sure everyone knows where I am going, ESPECIALLY when I have to do something totally unexpected. And, if I need to, I put my lights on to let people know that something is going to happen, then turn them off. But you have NO idea what happens when I turn my lights on, let alone the siren. People PANIC. I have had people drive INTO oncoming traffic to get out of the way. If I have to....in a situation that dictates I need to run code, it is far worth the risk to put lights and siren to clear the way (usually a life or death situation). If not, we try to navigate as best we can, as quick as we can, as safely as we can. It is against policy to run lights/no siren (I flash my lights if I am going to make a hazardous turn so people know something is happening, but turn them off once I am out of the way).

No, as it has been pointed out, cops are not always right. I certainly am not, I have violated policy by not turning my signal on before turning because I have one hand on the radio mic and one on the steering wheel and I saw my opening and took it...but I try not to have this happen, sometimes it does. A little slack is nice....civilians ask ME for it all the time!!

[witeowl]

A little slack is nice....civilians ask ME for it all the time!!

After everything I've seen police do over the past 37 years, and calling in twice or thrice... I think I've given plenty more slack than I've gotten.

As an ex-cabbie, I'm more than appreciative of all that the police do for us... but I won't hesitate to call in over a dangerous bone-headed move. I figure if I complain and there was a good reason for the move, the complaint will be dropped. No biggie. But if there's no good reason, well, then... I can only hope that my complaint will be heard.

Ah, but whatever. Enough threadjacking. My suggestion regarding the OT stands.

[PamNY]

In NYC? Mr. Silver, you are brave! I wouldn't mess with NYC's finest.

Oh, they are mostly an affable bunch, and often very funny. Of course, I'm a lady walking a bulldog, not a criminal.

My dog thinks people with assault rifles are his friends, because by and large they are. Things have calmed down a bit, but for a long time there were Emergency Services cops in full regalia near the stock exchange. I will always regret that I didn't get a photo of Lloyd with his heavily armed buddies.

Pam