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Ask-the-public topic: "Real Criminals."
Often when a person is ticketed for traffic violations or arrested on a low-grade misdemeanor, a remark is made to the effect of the police should be out arresting "real criminals." What do you consider real criminals? Why?
A criminal is an individual who is guilty of a crime. A crime is a violation of a law. While there are various degrees of crime, all crimes are real crimes. So IMO, any criminal is a real criminal.
Traffic infractions aren't crimes, but my response has always been:
"I was trying to get to the real criminal when you got in my way by driving like a jackass."
I usually tell people that give me that line on traffic stops that I meet most of the real bad people on their way to or from doing something real bad by making traffic stops. The statistics prove me right too.
"I was trying to get to the real criminal when you got in my way by driving like a jackass."
I usually tell people that give me that line on traffic stops that I meet most of the real bad people on their way to or from doing something real bad by making traffic stops. The statistics prove me right too.
Love 'em both!!!
there just pissed they were busted. imagine if all departments strickly looked for robbers, murders, rapist, etc. most crimes would end up while people are driving.
Criminals usually have a disregard of the law; so that usually means they also have a tail light out, expired registration, no insurance, expired license, speed, etc.
Careless driving can result in death -- most definitely traffic offenders are criminals (according to me).
I've reminded a couple of people who've used the "real criminal" whinning that more people are killed as the result of auto accidents than there are killed in homicides or armed robberies every year.
I think there was a story a while back when an officer pulled someone over for speeding and had a gut feeling about that person. He ended up finding probable cause to search the vehicle and in the trunk was a gun, knife, duct tape, and rope. The officer later found out that the guy was on his way to murder his ex-girlfriend.
Most officers do what they do to help prevent "real crimes" from happening.
The "Son of Sam" David Berkowitz... picked up for loitering.
Oklahoma City Bomber Timothy McVeigh... traffic stop.
Ted Bundy... traffic stop.
"real criminals?"
Just tell them that we don't have esp and the only way to catch the "real criminals" is to make traffic stops. Otherwise, we'd never catch anyone.
Since this forum is so good at weeding out crap,I figured we wouldn't get a "negative" type answer.BUT,I am glad it was asked,have some new "ammo" for my repretoire(sp) :biggrin1:
Hahah. That's awesome.Quote:
Originally Posted by MacLean
I would pay to see people's faces if you say that to them.
Amen! Isn't it funny how they usually have a warrant out for them, too? If they can't keep their vehicle in proper order, they probably can't do the same with the rest of their life.Quote:
Originally Posted by ms1600
I mentioned this elsewhere -- but got this one the other day. Guy was very upset that I dared to cite him for his months-expired safety inspection and wasn't trying to get the guys who stole his other car (recovered within a couple days of the theft) or burglarized his house twice in the last 3 months. (H'mm... maybe a certain small businessman has another problem, but that ain't for me to say.)
I told him that one way I catch criminals is by stopping cars... like when the car turns out to be stolen.
I had to reach my quota and you're the last one I need. Pay or appeal...20 days.
I tell them that all the real criminals have been caught and they are all that is left.
:)
:eek: :doh: :rofl:Quote:
Originally Posted by JLK
A lot of states don't have "infractions" when dealing with traffic. In some states, a traffic violation is a crime and subject to arrest. I can remember in SC years ago, you paid the traffic fine on the spot or when to jail. Typically that was the Highway Patrol, but, some departments also had this policy. Also, in SC, violation of a traffic law (state statue) the punichment is fine or JAIL, So, violating a traffic law is a crime here.Quote:
Originally Posted by MacLean