Just got home from Leonardtown (approx 2:30) and observed some rather erratic driving on the part of a police officer.

Heading south on Rt5 there was a police car three cars in front of me tailgating (any other car would have been described as driving aggressively or in an intimidating fashion) an older blue car (Don't know the make/model) for several miles. The car turned off at the light next to A&W and police car accelerated away.

Myself and the other two cars caught up to the police car at the rt5 greatmills road intersection. The police officer was indecisive in selecting a turn lane moving from one to the other then cut off a red Chevy cavalier to get back into his original lane. I pulled up next to him, and behind a large construction truck. When I looked over the police officer was on his cell phone carrying on a very animated conversation and laughing.

After making the turn the vehicle in front of him maintained speed at the speed limit and the police officer tailgated (the note above on tailgaiting applies here as well) until there was enough space between the truck and myself for him to move over. He proceeded to weave in and out of traffic without turn signals until he got in front of the pack ahead and sped off. The truck in front of me turned off and I once again found myself next to the police officer at the light in front of Great Mills High School. He was still on his cell phone. When the light turned green the officer sped off once again. He was caught at the Chancellors run light and I end up stopped next to him once again. The officer is still on the cell phone. The light turns green and he pulls away once more. Only this time he nearly side swipes a guy in a green hatchback just before the bike shop.

I caught up to him once again at the light in front of McKays grocery store. This time I decided to wait a second then pace him to see how fast he was going. That section of the road is marked 40MPH. He was still pulling away from me when I decided to slow down out of general concern. Great Mills road drops to 35MPH right at the driving range.

Let me summarize this for you...

I do not know how fast he was traveling (I slowed dwon while he was still pulling away from me) but I know for a fact that it was well above the posted speed limit. The officer was swerving in and out of lanes without using his signals. The officer was tailgating at dangerously close distances. I donot know how long the officer was on his cell phone but I first witnessed it at the rt5/Great Mills intersection and he was still on it at the driving range.

There was no apparent emergency. There very may well have BEEN an emergency but their was no indication of one. The officers behavior and actions would seem to indicate no emergency as well.

A. No lights, no siren.
B. The officer stopped at every light and waiting for it to turn green.
C. The officer was on his cell phone having an in depth conversation.

I have the tag number and the car number and am venting here while I decide whether to call and file a complaint.

I say call and make a complaint. I know then tend to drive fast just because they are cops but thats a bit much!!

That's a tough call-as to whether reporting the officer or not-if you do, don't do it from home or use your cell phone! :coffee:

File the complaint but understand they enforce the laws but do not have to abide by them. Sucks.....

That's a tough call-as to whether reporting the officer or not-if you do, don't do it from home or use your cell phone! :coffee:
:yeahthat:

Lug, Was it a County or State?

File the complaint but understand they enforce the laws but do not have to abide by them. Sucks.....
Oh yes they do!! They are not above the law.

Report him!!

Oh yes they do!! They are not above the law.

Report him!!
That does not keep them from THINKING they are!

Oh yes they do!! They are not above the law.

Report him!!I know that Mikey. But what I mean is that they get away with it because who will prosecute?

Please tell me what you think will happen to this turd if Lugnut files a complaint? Slap on the wrist? They'll probably joke about it at the barracks.....

Oh yes they do!! They are not above the law.

Report him!!
Would you report him? And give your name and contact info? If it were a county boy? :popcorn:

Would you report him? And give your name and contact info? If it were a county boy? :popcorn:
:shrug:

I know that Mikey. But what I mean is that they get away with it because who will prosecute?

Filing an anonymous complaint would defeat the purpose. If I decide to do so I'll do it in person and submit a written description.

However, I am nearly convinced that this would be an exercise in futility. It would come down to his word against mine. And I do not have a badge or a government position to lend "legitimacy" to my complaint.

:yeahthat:

Lug, Was it a County or State?

County, marked car.

:shrug:
I'm just sayin'... :shrug:

I think your good standing as a citizen of this county should make you legitimate enough to file a complaint on someone who is obviously not being very porfessional. You don't have a criminal record, you don't have anything to gain by messing with the officer.. There is no reason for them not to comsider your complaint valid. Enough complaints and someone is bound to stand up and take notice.

Isn't the sheriff the guy in charge of keeping his officers in line? Take it to the top, and if you get flack.. Take it to Ken Rossignol..:lol:

I'm just sayin'... :shrug:
I probably wouldn't. One goober with a badge not worth making my life miserable.

Give Zylak a call 301-475-4200 ext 1900. Ask him about what a citizen should do when you observe one of his officer's doing something that you would be stopped and cited for.

Thank you Ken.

Today (Sunday) is obviously out of the question. I'll call tomorrow.

Time is of the essence-if you have time to post here-I'd do it today-just my $.02
Good luck with this!

Time is of the essence-if you have time to post here-I'd do it today-just my $.02
Good luck with this!
Shoot him an email then. david.zylak@co.saint-marys.md.us

go to the www.firstsheriff.com site and download a complaint form-go to Resources and click on Forms and Documents-the go to Ethics Commission-it is a PDF file. Have that in hand when you visit the sheriff's office.
Good luck my friend!

go to the www.firstsheriff.com site and download a complaint form-go to Resources and click on Forms and Documents-the go to Ethics Commission-it is a PDF file. Have that in hand when you visit the sheriff's office.
Good luck my friend!

I've already downloaded and filled the form out. But thank you for taking the time to post it.

Report him. I would call in anybody driving like an a$$. Don't get me started on all the bus drivers!

I'd file a complaint. Not saying that anything would come of it but at least it would be on record. To my way of thinking it ain't no different than a civilian filing a complaint about my driving. If I'm doing something wrong I'd expect to hear from the authorities. I'd like to believe the cops are accountable for their actions and if it were determined he/she was on a medium call perhaps nothing would come of it, but if he/she was just pushing the limit for nothing it would at least go in their record.

I have seen police and ambulances at busy intersections turn on their lights, go through the insertion and then turn their lights off. Kind of dangerous to do just cause you don't want to wait.

I have seen police and ambulances at busy intersections turn on their lights, go through the insertion and then turn their lights off. Kind of dangerous to do just cause you don't want to wait.


I have seen this numerous times myself.Yesterday,I was leaving St. Mary's Square making a left onto great Mills Road. A state policeman was behind me at the light. When it turned green I stayed in the left lane. He was behind me and then decided to go into the right lane. He passed me and a little further he decided to get back into the left lane in front of me. He did not use a turn signal. Right before the light at McKay's he suddenly decided to make a left turn. Again no turn signal. He then headed back toward L.P. with no lights flashing or siren. :whack:

I filed a complaint and got back a letter back from the Chief basically stating that he knew the vehicle involved and the officer driving and assured me that he was a safe driver and that they didn't think my complaint was legit.

So I wrote back and said "thank you for your recommendation of the driving skills of this officer. If I have learned one thing about a bureaucracy, it is that every letter is filed, and now I feel assured that not only is my complaint but also your strong support for his driving skills now resting in a file, should an accident ever occur and the lawyers need to seek out those responsible and their superiors who left them on the road."

I got another letter the next week informing me that the officer in question was taking a 'refresher' drivers safety course.

It sometimes works...

I would file the complaint and also file copies to the County Commissioners
as well. They can put some pressure on the Sheriff. They are representatives
of the citizens of the County and the Sheriff has to go to them for his funds.
Remember...Money talks! Also that would give your complaint a little more
weight...maybe. At least the Comissioners would know what the Deputies
are up to.

If it was/is a State Officer I would file copies to the Superintendent of the
State Police as well as the Barracks Officier in Charge. Again, let the "stuff"
roll down hill (and it will). By going to the top, at least something will be done
because it gets the attention of the big boss.

I have another story about local cops putting lives at risk for no reason.

I was heading south on Rt 4 just south of Prince Frederick. I was heading down that long hill towards the Mr. Tire. I was in a cluster of about 40 cars and all cars were really hauling butt. Folks who’ve driven that piece of road know that cars are always clustered together and they’re all running ba$$s-to-the-wall down that hill. Speeds of 70+ are quite common and everyone is running it.

I was towards the end of the pack and all cars were running about 70mph. Halfway down the hill I observed folks in the front of the pack were on the brakes for no apparent reason. Initially it didn’t concern me since American drivers are always on the brakes for no apparent reason. However, within seconds after that, cars further back in the pack were also on the brakes and some were on the brakes REALLY HARD (but still for no apparent reason). The end result is that the entire pack of about 40 cars comes to a complete stop with many cars “locking” the brakes and narrowly avoiding a collision with the car in front.

The reason for the tie-up is that the local police decided to set up a radar trap mid-way down that long hill and enforce it with “man-it-the-road” technology!! It turns out there was a “live” officer standing in the MIDDLE of Rt-4 flagging over the two lead cars for doing about 70mph. This stunt almost resulted in a California-style, chain reaction wreck that almost always cost lives. Are the cops that desperate to line their coffers with a $100 ticket that they would put scores of lives at risk to do it?

I have one too...My youngest son was coming down 234 on a friday night..He was supposed to be home at 11:30 and he was running a little late...He got stopped at 11:21. He pulled out of Thompsons Corner Rd and was heading toward Clements...She (County Cop Lady) saw him go by and took off after him...Got him down by Chaptico Park..She called me at 11:32 and asked me if I was ____ ____ father...I said yes with my heart in my throat...She said that she just stopped ____ for speeding but she didn't get a pace on him...She told me that she had to do 125 MPH to catch him...She charged him with Negligent Driving....She also told me that she just came off a teen fatality and she didn't want another...She was noticeably shaken...He told me that he was doing about 65 but for her to tell someone that she did 125 on one of the county roads was a little much I thought...What if a deer had of jumped in front of her....Oh BTW $280.00 fine...

I have another story about local cops putting lives at risk for no reason.

I was heading south on Rt 4 just south of Prince Frederick. I was heading down that long hill towards the Mr. Tire. I was in a cluster of about 40 cars and all cars were really hauling butt. Folks who’ve driven that piece of road know that cars are always clustered together and they’re all running ba$$s-to-the-wall down that hill. Speeds of 70+ are quite common and everyone is running it.

I was towards the end of the pack and all cars were running about 70mph. Halfway down the hill I observed folks in the front of the pack were on the brakes for no apparent reason. Initially it didn’t concern me since American drivers are always on the brakes for no apparent reason. However, within seconds after that, cars further back in the pack were also on the brakes and some were on the brakes REALLY HARD (but still for no apparent reason). The end result is that the entire pack of about 40 cars comes to a complete stop with many cars “locking” the brakes and narrowly avoiding a collision with the car in front.

The reason for the tie-up is that the local police decided to set up a radar trap mid-way down that long hill and enforce it with “man-it-the-road” technology!! It turns out there was a “live” officer standing in the MIDDLE of Rt-4 flagging over the two lead cars for doing about 70mph. This stunt almost resulted in a California-style, chain reaction wreck that almost always cost lives. Are the cops that desperate to line their coffers with a $100 ticket that they would put scores of lives at risk to do it?


I have seen this happen in Calvert SO MANY TIMES! My favorite are the IDIOT COPS who sit at the bottom of the bridge.......during rush hour and cause back-ups that go to Food Lion (in Solomons) and don't clear out for HOURS! They stand out in the middle of the road and flag drivers over for "speeding".

Of course the "Topper" to this is the guys who race down Route 4 (definitely going way over the speed limit) to get to the bottom of the bridge to stop speeders!

I have another story about local cops putting lives at risk for no reason.

I was heading south on Rt 4 just south of Prince Frederick. I was heading down that long hill towards the Mr. Tire. I was in a cluster of about 40 cars and all cars were really hauling butt. Folks who’ve driven that piece of road know that cars are always clustered together and they’re all running ba$$s-to-the-wall down that hill. Speeds of 70+ are quite common and everyone is running it.

I was towards the end of the pack and all cars were running about 70mph. Halfway down the hill I observed folks in the front of the pack were on the brakes for no apparent reason. Initially it didn’t concern me since American drivers are always on the brakes for no apparent reason. However, within seconds after that, cars further back in the pack were also on the brakes and some were on the brakes REALLY HARD (but still for no apparent reason). The end result is that the entire pack of about 40 cars comes to a complete stop with many cars “locking” the brakes and narrowly avoiding a collision with the car in front.

The reason for the tie-up is that the local police decided to set up a radar trap mid-way down that long hill and enforce it with “man-it-the-road” technology!! It turns out there was a “live” officer standing in the MIDDLE of Rt-4 flagging over the two lead cars for doing about 70mph. This stunt almost resulted in a California-style, chain reaction wreck that almost always cost lives. Are the cops that desperate to line their coffers with a $100 ticket that they would put scores of lives at risk to do it?


Someone left me a comment that said "don't speed dummy".

(why would someone leave a comment like that behind the scenes and not show his face?)

Anyway, speed does not kill.

When you have a pack of cars all going the same speed, all is safe. If you doubt it, go to Germany and drive on the Autobaun. Death rates on the Autobaun are much lower than on U.S. Interstates and guess what - there are no speed limits on the German Autobaun!!

What kills is when you have a bunch of cars and everyone wants to go a different speed. Or - when you have a bunch of cars all going at the same rate and a cop walks out into the middle of the road. Lives are lost when that happens.

In California, cops do not use radar to enforce speed limits. Why?? Because they know the result will be what I saw on Rt-4. Lives will be lost when folks start hitting the brakes.

If a pack of 40 cars is traveling at 70+ mph and the first two cars slam on the breaks what is the result? Around here you have a 40 car pile-up. Why? Because people love to drive up you azz! Does anyone know what the 2 second rule is? Not here they don't. I was coming back from Waldorf today on rt5 and had to pull to the inside lane because everyone wanted to ride my butt. Funny I was already 7 over the speed limit. Yup, I was illegal also but I don't tailgate. This is the biggest causes of accidents in this area. Except for stupidity. Sorry for the soapbox speech. Carry on with your regular program.

I have another story about local cops putting lives at risk for no reason.

I was heading south on Rt 4 just south of Prince Frederick. I was heading down that long hill towards the Mr. Tire. I was in a cluster of about 40 cars and all cars were really hauling butt. Folks who’ve driven that piece of road know that cars are always clustered together and they’re all running ba$$s-to-the-wall down that hill. Speeds of 70+ are quite common and everyone is running it.

I was towards the end of the pack and all cars were running about 70mph.

It turns out there was a “live” officer standing in the MIDDLE of Rt-4 flagging over the two lead cars for doing about 70mph. This stunt almost resulted in a California-style, chain reaction wreck that almost always cost lives. Are the cops that desperate to line their coffers with a $100 ticket that they would put scores of lives at risk to do it?

What is the rule of thumb for following another vechicle? If you follow those guidelines, you will be able to control your car and speed to the point where you will never rear end another car. 70 IS speeding.

Lugnut, report him. They are driving like idiots, yet they expect us to follow the rules.

When you have a pack of cars all going the same speed, all is safe. If you doubt it, go to Germany and drive on the Autobaun. Death rates on the Autobaun are much lower than on U.S. Interstates and guess what - there are no speed limits on the German Autobaun!!



Contrary to popular belief there are speed limits around the towns and everyone is not traveling the same speeds. A volkswagon does not go as fast as a Mercedes 500SL.

The autobahn is straight, flat, isnt riddled with stoplights or turnoffs like all of southern maryland is.

As speed increases the time you have to react is lessened dramatically because you not only travel a set distance faster but it also takes farther to stop. The kinetic energy your car has also increases by the square of velocity (speed doubles, energy quadruples).

This is usually the argument that someone who speeds gives. Think about this.... to travel 25 miles at 55 mph takes 27 minutes...to travel the same distance at 75 mph takes 20 minutes. Is it really that important that you excede the speed limit by 20 miles per hour to save 7 minutes?

Lugnut, it does not matter that it is Sunday. The Sheriff's Office is open 24-7. If you want to file a complaint, call (301) 475-4040 and ask to speak to the duty officer. When the station clerk asks what it is in reference to, say that you would like to file a complaint against a deputy. It may actually be easier to go to HQ in Leonardtown to file the complaint. Again, tell the station clerk that you would like to speak with the duty officer.

FYI, Ken, the number you provided is the extension for the duty office, not Sheriff Zylak.
Don't waste your time with the duty officer. When it comes down to a squabble with his men, he will not be your friend. Talk to the Sheriff or just forget about it.

The average driver isn't trained as a defensive driver. Rottncop was running code (lights and siren), had a person actually pull into an intersection, and STOPPED. RC saw him, managed to manuever his car hard to the side, jumped the curb, and bring his own car to a stand after flying though the air over the median. RC described his thought processes, to avoid hitting the other car, which surely would have killed one or even both. The other driver just took off, but not without being seen by the second trooper heading for the same code call. Lucky for the dumbo who stopped mid intersection, the second cop was watching RC and couldn't identify him....but the guy just froze. Lucky for RC he is a trained professional driver, REQUIRED to take defensive driving courses every few weeks, and to AVOID things like that. These courses are extreme driving to the max. Unbelieveable what they can make a car do. Like stunt drivers. Teens certainly should NOT be driving excessive rates of speed, their brains aren't developed nearly enough to react in time to avoid killing themselves or someone else if something appears out of nowhere. Heck many adults can't do it.

There is always an internal investigation when a trooper is involved in an accident. ALWAYS and not every trooper comes away clean. It's a difficult process. Much like if a trooper's wife has an injury, like i had, smashing my face, he is investigated as well and this investigation never "really" closes. So there ARE controls in place, at least at the state level.

Much like if a trooper's wife has an injury, like i had, smashing my face, he is investigated as well and this investigation never "really" closes. So there ARE controls in place, at least at the state level.
I'm confused. They investigated your husband for spousal abuse because you had an accident? That seems a little bit ridiculous not to mention a waste of taxpayers money. Is there more to the story that I just don't understand?

The average driver isn't trained as a defensive driver. Rottncop was running code (lights and siren), had a person actually pull into an intersection, and STOPPED. RC saw him, managed to manuever his car hard to the side, jumped the curb, and bring his own car to a stand after flying though the air over the median. RC described his thought processes, to avoid hitting the other car, which surely would have killed one or even both. The other driver just took off, but not without being seen by the second trooper heading for the same code call. Lucky for the dumbo who stopped mid intersection, the second cop was watching RC and couldn't identify him....but the guy just froze. Lucky for RC he is a trained professional driver, REQUIRED to take defensive driving courses every few weeks, and to AVOID things like that. These courses are extreme driving to the max. Unbelieveable what they can make a car do. Like stunt drivers. Teens certainly should NOT be driving excessive rates of speed, their brains aren't developed nearly enough to react in time to avoid killing themselves or someone else if something appears out of nowhere. Heck many adults can't do it.

There is always an internal investigation when a trooper is involved in an accident. ALWAYS and not every trooper comes away clean. It's a difficult process. Much like if a trooper's wife has an injury, like i had, smashing my face, he is investigated as well and this investigation never "really" closes. So there ARE controls in place, at least at the state level.
I appreciate the cops, but they drive like azzhats here. Got their families in the car, not in uniform, and it makes them think they can break every rule we are supposed to follow. THEY ARE NOT EVEN ON DUTY. Thank God our tax dollars are paying for them to take their family to Outback and they can drive REAL fast to go there and use my tax dollars on gas to get there.

I appreciate the cops, but they drive like azzhats here. Got their families in the car, not in uniform, and it makes them think they can break every rule we are supposed to follow. THEY ARE NOT EVEN ON DUTY. Thank God our tax dollars are paying for them to take their family to Outback and they can drive REAL fast to go there and use my tax dollars on gas to get there.

they're ALWAYS on duty. ALWAYS. Many times we have sat in the car while he is at an accident scene, often not even in st mary's. he is REQUIRED to offer assistance no matter where he is.

And if you were in an accident, and he was off duty he'd stop and render assistance, making his family wait. Its a part of the job we learn to live with. if he's in a restaurant and the owner knows him, and has trouble with a patron, he is asked for assistance, and he gives it. ALWAYS. YOUR tax dollars don't pay for that. No amount of money could.

I'm confused. They investigated your husband for spousal abuse because you had an accident? That seems a little bit ridiculous not to mention a waste of taxpayers money. Is there more to the story that I just don't understand?

yes. it's required. there is a huge amount of stress in the job they do. the state wants their familes to be safe as well. its routine. the accident i had was nothing but routine. i fell into a bookcase, and smashed my cheekbones, and nose beyond belief. this same injury could have easily been caused by an angry person. they were there in the emergency room as i was being treated. immediately. no ifs ans or buts. troopers are always under a microscope by the public (as you all have done) by their peers and superiors.

They are held to a higher standard across the board.

yes. it's required. there is a huge amount of stress in the job they do. the state wants their familes to be safe as well. its routine.
That's absolutely horrible! Sorry your family had to go through that.

When you have a pack of cars all going the same speed, all is safe. If you doubt it, go to Germany and drive on the Autobaun. Death rates on the Autobaun are much lower than on U.S. Interstates and guess what - there are no speed limits on the German Autobaun!!



Guess what? you are wrong.
there is a listed max speed for the autobahn, 130 KPH. or in Americaspeak about 81 mph. there are sections of the autobahn that have speed limits as low as 37 mph.

Speed limits

Despite the widespread belief of complete freedom from speed limits (and a lobbying effort that has the same influence and deep pockets as the American gun lobby), some speed regulations can be found on the Autobahns. Many sections do indeed have posted limits ranging from 80 to 120 km/h (50-75 mph), particularly those with dangerous curves, in urban areas, near major interchanges, or with unusually constant heavy traffic. In construction zones, the limit may be as low as 60 km/h (37 mph). Also, some sections now feature nighttime and wet-weather speed restrictions, and trucks are always regulated (see table below). Still, about half the Autobahn system has no speed limit, but there is always an advisory limit of 130 km/h (81 mph). This recommendation is generally seen for what it is-- an attempt by the government to cover itself without having to upset millions of Porsche and BMW owners (AKA voters.) However, if you exceed the advisory limit and are involved in an accident, you could be responsible for some of the damage costs even if you are not at fault

Anyway, speed does not kill.


It's the sudden stop that kills ya.:yay:

It's the sudden stop that kills ya.:yay:

sometimes if you are not wearing the seatbelt and get thrown from the car, it can be the long fast slide on the pavement that kills you.

You have the public and the police that drive safe and you have the public and the police that don't. One is under protection of the fraternal order.

Speeding Cop ,no emergency lights, kills Kim Tucker crossing the street in Mechanicsville, nadda zip, zero.

When was the last time you seen a cop in the hit parade? We know they drink and drive, we see them at the bars.
We know they speed, we see them on our roads.

And whats with that FOP or FPO tag on their private cars?

What is the rule of thumb for following another vechicle? If you follow those guidelines, you will be able to control your car and speed to the point where you will never rear end another car. 70 IS speeding.

What's your preferred scenario?

1 – Driving 70-mph safely even though it’s illegal
2 – Stopping those driving 70 to enforce the law even though it puts life at risk.

What's your preferred scenario?

1 – Driving 70-mph safely even though it’s illegal
2 – Stopping those driving 70 to enforce the law even though it puts life at risk.

how about those that feel the need to drive 70 in a 55 just do the 55 and stop putting every body at risk by causing the different speeds and the need for the police to stop them.

or, would that just be too easy?

What's your preferred scenario?

1 – Driving 70-mph safely even though it’s illegal
2 – Stopping those driving 70 to enforce the law even though it puts life at risk.
Doesn't the MVA handbook tell us to keep up with the flow of traffic?

Doesn't the MVA handbook tell us to keep up with the flow of traffic?think that might be a reference to not doing 30 in a 55?
Somehow I find it hard to think that the state would tell you to drive 100 mph if you had to do it to keep up with the other cars on the road

How about you answer one of the 2 questions?
how about you ask 1 of the 2 questions in such a way that it would not require someone accepting an unsafe and illegal method of driving?

how about you ask 1 of the 2 questions in such a way that it would not require someone accepting an unsafe and illegal method of driving?



How about you answer one of the 2 questions that I asked rather than creating your own answer to a question that I didn’t ask.

If you cannot answer, then step aside.

the ONLY life it puts at risk are those who are unfortunate enough to be followed by someone who doesn't have the sense to leave enough distance between his car and the car in front of his to control his own car. Insurance will tell you it often comes down to who could have last avoided the collision, hence, those folks who rear end someone are "generally" found at fault, especially in a scenario such as you describe.

Afterall, I'm the one asking the questions. If my questions don't work, look for some that do.

What's your preferred scenario?

1 – Driving 70-mph safely even though it’s illegal
2 – Stopping those driving 70 to enforce the law even though it puts life at risk.
Driving at 70 in a 55 is NOT safe for those who are not trained professional drivers. regarding your choice # 2... see my previous post. so my answer would be:
C-none of the above.

the ONLY life it puts at risk are those who are unfortunate enough to be followed by someone who doesn't have the sense to leave enough distance between his car and the car in front of his to control his own car. Insurance will tell you it often comes down to who could have last avoided the collision, hence, those folks who rear end someone are "generally" found at fault, especially in a scenario such as you describe.

Distance between cars is a good point here. It’s not uncommon for a group of cars on the German Autobaun to be driving 100+ mph yet have only 10 feet of separation between each of them yet no accidents occur.

How is that possible? It’s possible because German drivers not only know that other folks on the Autobaun know how to drive safely at 100+, but they also know that cops won’t be jumping out in the middle of the road “pulling them over” for driving 100+

Distance between cars is a good point here. It’s not uncommon for a group of cars on the German Autobaun to be driving 100+ mph yet have only 10 feet of separation between each of them yet no accidents occur.

How is that possible? It’s possible because German drivers not only know that other folks on the Autobaun know how to drive safely at 100+, but they also know that cops won’t be jumping out in the middle of the road “pulling them over” for driving 100+Are you in Germany right now?

Any competent civil engineer will bring up the rule of the 85th percentile. This rule dictates that any speed limit should be set at the speed of 85% of the traffic of that road. 55 is an arbitrary limit set to save gas in the 70's.

55 and most of the speed traps to enforce it are a joke, and are now used as a trap hence the term "revenue enforcement".

My two cents.

i simply can't comment on this. i've never driven one. nor do i understand how they are made. i'm not sure where you are getting your accident stats from either...so your point is worthless unless you can comeup with some FACTS to back up the claims you make regarding accidents, speed of travel, and distance between cars actually on the road.

:deadhorse:

What's your preferred scenario?

1 – Driving 70-mph safely even though it’s illegal
2 – Stopping those driving 70 to enforce the law even though it puts life at risk.

Item #1 doesn't consider the ever present tailgater and how about the jackass that always cuts in and out trying to get to the front of the line? These people are ALWAYS there and much more dangerous at 70 mph.

Item #2 is a gross exaggeration. I see this police operation at least once a week, especially on heavily traveled RT 895 out of Baltimore. The nearest thing to a problem is tailgaters.

Face the facts, most drivers do not have the attention span or the ability to react in time to drive 70mph.

Distance between cars is a good point here. It’s not uncommon for a group of cars on the German Autobaun to be driving 100+ mph yet have only 10 feet of separation between each of them yet no accidents occur.

How is that possible? It’s possible because German drivers not only know that other folks on the Autobaun know how to drive safely at 100+, but they also know that cops won’t be jumping out in the middle of the road “pulling them over” for driving 100+
Some people are disappointed the first time they drive on the Autobahn. They come with visions of a twenty-lane superhighway where cars are barely a blur as they whiz by. In reality, the Autobahn looks like a typical freeway, and despite rumors to the contrary, not everyone is hurtling along at the speed of sound. The stories of speed anarchy are only half correct-- many sections of Autobahn do in fact have speed limits.

Guess what? you are wrong.
there is a listed max speed for the autobahn, 130 KPH. or in Americaspeak about 81 mph. there are sections of the autobahn that have speed limits as low as 37 mph.

Speed limits

Despite the widespread belief of complete freedom from speed limits (and a lobbying effort that has the same influence and deep pockets as the American gun lobby), some speed regulations can be found on the Autobahns. Many sections do indeed have posted limits ranging from 80 to 120 km/h (50-75 mph), particularly those with dangerous curves, in urban areas, near major interchanges, or with unusually constant heavy traffic. In construction zones, the limit may be as low as 60 km/h (37 mph). Also, some sections now feature nighttime and wet-weather speed restrictions, and trucks are always regulated (see table below). Still, about half the Autobahn system has no speed limit, but there is always an advisory limit of 130 km/h (81 mph). This recommendation is generally seen for what it is-- an attempt by the government to cover itself without having to upset millions of Porsche and BMW owners (AKA voters.) However, if you exceed the advisory limit and are involved in an accident, you could be responsible for some of the damage costs even if you are not at fault
Been there and done that. and the tickey you get is a failure to maintain control... The SUGGESTED speed limit is 120Kph on almost all of the autobahns, and you will not get stopped or ticketed if you are caught doing three times the limit.

FEW accidents on the autobahn, and most are caused by American drivers in the fog. Germans don't slow down for most anything and especially NOT fog. Americans, as soon as the littlest bit of fog hits, they hit the brakes, then they get a German doing 180K up the azz.. They even teach Americans that are stationed there NOT to slow down in the fog, but they do, and the ending is always the same.

Most of the remaining accidents on the autobahn aren't really ON the autobahn but on the exit ramps.. after you've been driving at 120+ MPH for an hour or so.. you slow WAAAAAY down for the exit ramp speed of 60K or 35 MPH.. or at least you THINK you're going that slow, but in reality you hit the exit ramp at 60 - 70 MPH.. relatively a snails pace after 100 - 140 MPH, but too fast for the exit ramps.. and off the road you go..

Are you in Germany right now?

Here are my origial questions. Answer either if you want. Don't do like some
of the others and create your own answer to a question I'm not asking.

What's your preferred scenario?

1 – Driving 70-mph safely even though it’s illegal
2 – Stopping those driving 70 to enforce the law even though it puts life at risk.

Some people are disappointed the first time they drive on the Autobahn. They come with visions of a twenty-lane superhighway where cars are barely a blur as they whiz by. In reality, the Autobahn looks like a typical freeway, and despite rumors to the contrary, not everyone is hurtling along at the speed of sound. The stories of speed anarchy are only half correct-- many sections of Autobahn do in fact have speed limits.
The autobahn (depending on which one we are talking about) was EVERYTHING I expected and wanted it to be.. I had a little Omni GLH when I was over there, with no catlytic converter.. used to spit flames out of the back. Went to Frankfurt to pick up my ex's grandma.. got on the A-bahn.. got up to speed and didn't think anything of it, until I looked over and her knuckes were turning white on the dashboard.. I got up to speed.. and was flowing with the traffic through Frankfurt at 110MPH..

It's a true myth that the autobahn is accident free.... Check out the statistics, it's not good! In fact the autobahn is so infamous for fatalities youtube features the highway on it's website. Lot's of grisly stuf for ya to feast your eyes on. http://www.youtube.com/results?search=Unfall

It's a true myth that the autobahn is accident free.... Check out the statistics, it's not good! In fact the autobahn is so infamous for fatalities youtube features the highway on it's website. Lot's of grisly stuf for ya to feast your eyes on. http://www.youtube.com/results?search=Unfall

He doesn't want to be bothered with facts, will you just answer his question? :roflmao: :killingme

Distance between cars is a good point here. It’s not uncommon for a group of cars on the German Autobaun to be driving 100+ mph yet have only 10 feet of separation between each of them yet no accidents occur.

How is that possible? It’s possible because German drivers not only know that other folks on the Autobaun know how to drive safely at 100+, but they also know that cops won’t be jumping out in the middle of the road “pulling them over” for driving 100+
I never witnessed that..

Here are my origial questions. Answer either if you want. Don't do like some
of the others and create your own answer to a question I'm not asking.

What's your preferred scenario?

1 – Driving 70-mph safely even though it’s illegal
2 – Stopping those driving 70 to enforce the law even though it puts life at risk.
Traffic stops don't put lives at risk... I'm really not sure where your head is.

What the hell are you smoking?You didn't notice what they were growing on the other side of the garage? :cool:

ran this thread off in the ditch-what the pluck does all this have to do w/a cop in Leonardtown? :lalala: Hey Lugnuttttttttttttttttttttttt

This whole thing began to sway from my original post.

My original post is that even if folks are doing XXXmph, you don’t throw a cop out in the middle of Rt-4 in front of a pack of 40 cars doing XXXmph. It doesn’t matter if they’re speeding or not. Hunan lives can and will be lost by trying to slow down a huge pack of cars like that.

Distance between cars is a good point here. It’s not uncommon for a group of cars on the German Autobaun to be driving 100+ mph yet have only 10 feet of separation between each of them yet no accidents occur.

How is that possible? It’s possible because German drivers not only know that other folks on the Autobaun know how to drive safely at 100+, but they also know that cops won’t be jumping out in the middle of the road “pulling them over” for driving 100+
10' separation at 100+ mph? That's bull#### and you know it. Tall tales like that make the rest of your posts worthless.

10' separation at 100+ mph? That's bull#### and you know it. Tall tales like that make the rest of your posts worthless.

Going back a few years, I was taught a car length for every 10mph.

not really- :whistle:

This whole thing began to sway from my original post.

My original post is that even if folks are doing XXXmph, you don’t throw a cop out in the middle of Rt-4 in front of a pack of 40 cars doing XXXmph. It doesn’t matter if they’re speeding or not. Hunan lives can and will be lost by trying to slow down a huge pack of cars like that.
I think it's hilarious that you blame the cops for traffic fatalities. What a Maroon!

I have a huge problem with the Hunans, don't you?

I'm not sure what a "Hunans" is

It's a true myth that the autobahn is accident free.... Check out the statistics, it's not good! In fact the autobahn is so infamous for fatalities youtube features the highway on it's website. Lot's of grisly stuf for ya to feast your eyes on. http://www.youtube.com/results?search=Unfall
It's been a while since I have been on the autobahn and when I hear these story's about how safe it is, it must have changed a ton. Those people can show you how to have a real accident.

And you are a Crashtestdummy yes?

I think it's hilarious that you blame the cops for traffic fatalities. What a Maroon!

Frankly, missy kain, he does have a point. I've seen radar set up on the hills of rte 4 during rush hour..and safety would be much better served if they ran a running roadblock as opposed to radar set up at the bottom of hills and people cresting the previous hill running into a sea of brake lights. The population of Calvert has increased tremendously, instead of cars doing 70 with light traffic, its now 70 with heavy traffic..It is what it is, people are always going to be in a hurry.

It's been a while since I have been on the autobahn and when I hear these story's about how safe it is, it must have changed a ton. Those people can show you how to have a real accident.

I'm not a U.S. basher like some until it comes to driving

AMERICAN DRIVERS SUCK!!!!

I'm not sure what a "Hunans" is

It was quoted from your post, azzhat.

I'm not a U.S. basher like some until it comes to driving

AMERICAN DRIVERS SUCK!!!!
I'm confussed... I thought you just said the cops suck???? :buttkick:

OK folks - It's 11:30pm. It’s time to make choice.

1 - tuck the kids in bed.
2 - Kiss the wife goodnight.
3 - hang out on the Internet and trash-talk.

I'll be back tomorrow to find out which of you losers chose option #3

I'm confussed... I thought you just said the cops suck???? :buttkick:
a confussed hunans?

OK folks - It's 11:30pm. It’s time to make choice.

1 - tuck the kids in bed.
2 - Kiss the wife goodnight.
3 - hang out on the Internet and trash-talk.

I'll be back tomorrow to find out which of you losers chose option #3
We will be waiting with baited breath... Ya got your hiney kicked tonight. If I were you, I'd stick to the wife and kids who evidently have not read your posts. :jameo:

Oh, the hunanity!!!
Dayum! Now I'm in the mood for Chinese! :huggy:

Good night, I'm outa beer.

Oh hush up, missy kain, he did have a point about the radar in Calvert County.
Wanna share a shrimp and broccoli??? :love:

I don't belong to all those secret forums and know those code words.
Paranioa will destroy ya!

I simply wanted to eat the Hell outta some Chinese! :lmao:

You aren't familiar with "shrimpin'??


http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Shrimpin


:barf:

Sum ting wong!

You aren't familiar with "shrimpin'??


http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Shrimpin


:barf:
Thank you Dear God, In heaven that I am not a gay guy! :lmao:

Amen sista gurl! :yay:

Amen sista gurl! :yay:
Is that the yuckiest thing you have ever seen or what? :jameo:

That's the last thang I want in my head before goin to bed-thanx fttrsbeerwench! :smack:

That's the last thang I want in my head before goin to bed-thanx fttrsbeerwench! :smack:
Gross but in a weird way.... well, ya know what I mean! :killingme

Call the Sheriff and let him know, He needs to know that he has some idiots working for him.As far as turning lights on to go thru the intersection and turning them off, Thats part of running code, Yes we are always on duty and can be called out at anytime, (ie) when your all snuggly and warm in your bed, As far as your tax dollars paying us, pay a little more, we could use a raise and have the same salary as the other 2 counties and the State Police. And I also pay taxes so get a new line.

FYI, Ken, the number you provided is the extension for the duty office, not Sheriff Zylak.
I took it directly off of the top bar at http://www.firstsheriff.com/ , though I notice going to Command Staff the extension for the Sheriff changes to 1910. Maybe you should have them fix the web page if it is wrong.

I say make a complaint they think they can just get away with anything.
Cant stand it especially when they are out at the bar and seeing them drink all night and leave there, and Im the one who gets pulled over for my tag light out (I know this was my fault and was a safety issue) But if they were pulled over and flashed their badge, they would be on their way

Traffic stops don't put lives at risk... I'm really not sure where your head is.

My head is in the real world. Some folks continue to live in the theoretical world. In the theoretical world, nobody speeds, nobody tailgates, and all cars travel at the same rate. In the real world, folks die when cops run out in the road in front of a pack of 40 cars doing 70mph. This is the world I’m stuck with. I’d love to enter the Land of Oz where you live, but I can’t find it.

I’d love to enter the Land of Oz where you live, but I can’t find it.
Maybe if you slow down a bit and take life more seriously you wouldnt miss the turnoff to Oz.

oddly enough, very few people behind me are ever going more than 5 over the speed limit. the speeders always seem to be in front of me.

strange dont you think?

Maybe if you slow down a bit and take life more seriously you wouldnt miss the turnoff to Oz.
It should be easy enough to find, after all it's the yellow brick road.

I have this guy figured out I think.
he is pissed off because
1) he got the ticket for speeding when the officer stepped out and pointed at him
or
2) he was one of the cars tailgating at a high rate of speed when the officer stepped out and pointed at the front cars, and he now has to replace a once perfectly good pair of shorts.

I have this guy figured out I think.
he is pissed off because
1) he got the ticket for speeding when the officer stepped out and pointed at him
or
2) he was one of the cars tailgating at a high rate of speed when the officer stepped out and pointed at the front cars, and he now has to replace a once perfectly good pair of shorts.
:yeahthat:

Maybe if you slow down a bit and take life more seriously you wouldnt miss the turnoff to Oz.


You're making my point very easy.

THERE IS NO LAND OF OZ!! Do you actually believe there is?

You're making my point very easy.

THERE IS NO LAND OF OZ!! Do you actually believe there is?
and there is NO RIGHT TO SPEED!! (cool use of caps dont you think?) Do you actually believe there is?

Folks, I gotta get outta here.

On another thread I mentioned the HATE that I see on this forum. It’s so rampant that it’s almost comical. You folks here hate everything. You hate where you live, you hate the roads, you hate the restaurants, you hate the radio stations, you hate the cops, you hate the local government, you hate EVERYTHING.!! You folks are so filled with hate it’s unbelievable.

I came here 11 years ago and even though SoMd ain’t a great place to live, I deal with it. Some folks here are only happy #####ing about it - or #####ing about something else.

This place also has no Internet etiquette either. It’s just a non-informational waste of storage. This thread is just another example. MOST threads don’t even have a chance from the start. Check out this thread on cats. It was 6 posts in before anyone actually talked about cats!! The problem is that ALL threads here are this way. Are there even any moderators here? Certainly Southern Maryland can’t be this screwed up.

http://forums.somd.com/showthread.php?t=77443

You're making my point very easy.

THERE IS NO LAND OF OZ!! Do you actually believe there is?
But there is the Oz Farm. :biggrin:

Oz Farm: A combination organic farm and retreat, Oz Farm sits on 240 acres of land in the Mendocino valley—far from the hew and cry of daily life elsewhere. Visitors stay in cabins, yurts or geodesic domes—with nightly prices that can be under $100—and can cook, exercise or just hang out in the communal barn. Visitors provide their own cooks and food, but fresh, organic produce is often available from the farm. 41601 Mountain View Road, Point Arena, California, 415.626.8880 for reservations.

But there is the Oz Farm. :biggrin:

Oz Farm: A combination organic farm and retreat, Oz Farm sits on 240 acres of land in the Mendocino valley—far from the hew and cry of daily life elsewhere. Visitors stay in cabins, yurts or geodesic domes—with nightly prices that can be under $100—and can cook, exercise or just hang out in the communal barn. Visitors provide their own cooks and food, but fresh, organic produce is often available from the farm. 41601 Mountain View Road, Point Arena, California, 415.626.8880 for reservations.

Forget it, Ken, he has no sense of humor.

I called on county cop parking in a Handicapped Parking spot. Was told that they do not issue tickets to their officers. I could make a complaint over the phone and he would be counseled by his superior. However, if I wanted to be sure that it was addressed, I would have to come in and file a formal written complaint.

Only thing I hate is Japanese beetles!
Love ya man!

About the Autobahn...my understanding from a friend of mine that's living there is that the Autobahn has gotten much worse in the past couple of years because of the EU open borders. Now there are a lot more tractor trailers on the Autobahn and some of them will pass a truck that's doing 100kmph by going 101kmph. That causes people that are going 160kmph to all hit the brakes and backs up traffic. There is also a lot of construction going on right now to widen the Autobahns (many areas are two lanes each direction) and there are some pretty low speed limits in those areas. I also experienced all this about two years ago. There were areas of the Autobahn where I was going 190 (gotta love that Mercedes turbo diesel with a six-speed trans) and then there were areas of stop and go traffic.

Funny I see this thread this morning. On my way in to work a little while ago,
I witnessed a State Cop...all white car, no markings, but a "State Police" t-shirt hanging in the window behind the driver...anyhow, he changed lanes 5 times in about a mile, never once using a signal and TWICE cut unto traffic that was so close, cars behind him HAD to get on their brakes HARD.

I followed him all the way from Lusby. Prior to him getting on 235, he did what most folks risk getting tickets for...right before the bridge, as folks start to merge into the left lane to go over the bridge, he sped up ALOT to get closer to the front of the line of cars.

As with everyone else that usually does that, I was next to him at the 4/235 light. I stopped in CVS, otherwise, I'd prolly have more to report.

I see people #####ing about the police around here alot, and I don't give it much thought. Everyone has their gripes in life I guess. That is until I saw this dillhole today.

Another young cop giving the local po-po a bad name. I tried taking a picture of it using my cell phone, but the SOB wouldn't stay in a lane long enough.

Lugnut, I say report the guy you saw if you haven't already. They probably won't do anything with just one report, but if two people saw even a part of what you saw and reported it, I'm sure something would be done.

Folks, I gotta get outta here. Don't let the door hit your ass on the way out..

I came here 11 years ago and even though SoMd ain’t a great place to live, I deal with it. Some folks here are only happy #####ing about it - or #####ing about something else. Don't let the door hit your ass on the way out..

This place also has no Internet etiquette either. Are there even any moderators here? Certainly Southern Maryland can’t be this screwed up. Don't let the door hit your ass on the way out..

http://forums.somd.com/showthread.php?t=77443

Internet etiquette... :killingme :killingme You do live in la la land!! :killingme

It's because of Einsteins like you we hate. :smack:

You want a moderator?? Say "fart". :jet:

And there is a land of Oz. It's here Click me to enter the land of Oz (http://forums.somd.com/member.php?u=861)

Whew! What a bunch of rhetoric and cop bashing out here today.

Lug, if you want to file a complaint, it needs to be in writing. This is a requirement that most police agencies have because so many groundless complaints are received. Everybody that gets a ticket or has an involvement with the police, seems to want to complain about it. Putting it in writing simply makes it a verifiable, legitimate complaint. An investigation is done, the officer is required to write a detailed report about it and the proper punishment is handed out if the complaint is upheld. The Sheriff's office and the Maryland State Police both have divisions that handle these complaints.

Those of you who think a police officer is "off duty" out enjoying your "tax dollars" need to re-think your position. "Off-duty" police officers respond to many incidents when they occur near them, be it an accident, a robbery, a murder, whatever. That is one of the reasosn they are allowed the privledge of driving their cars off-duty. 6 out of the last 10 times I was riding with my iwfe whie she was "off-duty", she responded to and or handled the following incidents: 1) responded to and helped investigate another police officers "on-duty" departmental accident. We were there for 2.5 hours, "off-duty." 2) Responded to a disorderly subject call, found and arrested the disorderly subject which lead to an "officer needs assistance" call because the man resisted arrest violently. 3) Stopped in the middle of the highway to remove large debris blocking the highway. 4) Stopped and arrested a drunk driver who was so drunk they were driving in the median strip of Route 235. 5) Arrived on the scene of an accident and assisted in the investigation of the accident before 9-1-1 had even been called. 6) Assisted another officer who was attempting to arrest a disorderly, drunk driver who was resisting arrest. These incidents occurred over about a 4 month period of time and all while she was "off-duty."

In addition, in the last 6 months, she has been called at home while she was "off-duty" and had to respond to several fatal / seriously injured accidents at least 4 times that I can remember.

To those who think stepping out in front of cars to stop them is dangerous / contrbutes to a public safety problem, what would you have them do? Yes, it is dangerous, they risk their lives doing it. Plain and simple if YOU weren't speeding, they wouldn't have to do it. I am not telling you I don't speed, I do, and I take my chances of getting a ticket just like everyone else. Traffic stops lead to arrests, they find felons, people with drugs, people with suspended / revoked, licenses, etc. Criminals SPEED and commit other traffic offenses which leads to their arrests because a cop running radar stepped out in front of them and stopped them.

If the police don't enforce the speed / traffic laws, what other laws shoud they overlook? Shop lifting? Drunks? "Minor" drug offenses? You pick the laws they should enforce and the ones they should ignore. What you don't see as a problem, someone else might.

Cops drink???? and drive??? I am shocked!!!! AND they take the same chance you and I do everytime they do it. I know 2 St. Mary's Deputies who drank and drove and both were disciplined with a loss of pay, reduction in rank, and re-assigned from their positions. I know a Maryland State Trooper who was FIRED for the offense 10 years ago. Would you be fired if you got a DWI, I doubt it.

Police Officers are ALWAYS held to a higher standard in their professional and personal lives. Happyappygirl is right, an innocent home accident CAN lead to an investigation of an officer. Police Officers are ALWAYS being watched, and when someone sees them doing something "wrong" even when they are off duty, people call in and complain. And that complaint can lead to disciplinary action. Is that fair? If they are not in uniform, not in a police car, just out like "ordinary citizens", should someone be allowed to call their supervisor and get them in trouble because they commit some petty offense? It shouldn't be allowed, but it is. Any other employer would LAUGH if you called to say, "I saw a guy I know who works for you and he was lighting off fireworks last night and I want you to do something about it." Make that same complaint against a police ofier, and they could get in trouble.

So, they are truly NEVER off duty, because anyone who knows what they do for a living also knows they can call the Sheriff or the Barrack Commander and make a complaint about them. It doesn't have to do anything with their work performance or their job, but they can still be in trouble over it.

Grow up. Take your lumps! If you speed, take the ticket. If you drink and drive, go to jail. And get off the cops a$$ who is only enforcing the laws made by CIVILIANS. Want different laws, elect different politicians. Police officers simply enforce the laws they took an oath to uphold. They receive no money from any tickets they write and they do not have quotas to meet.

##### - Moan - Gripe!!! If we didn't break laws, we wouldn't need police officers in the 1st place. Unfortunately, most of us do, on a regular basis, break the law and when we get caught, we have to pay the price. And when you speed, you ARE breaking the law, whether you like the law or not!

I was once behind a state trooper at the light at 235 and chancellors run road, and the trooper driving the car threw a cigarette but out the window.....talk about irritating.

...

Cops drink???? and drive??? I am shocked!!!! AND they take the same chance you and I do everytime they do it. I know 2 St. Mary's Deputies who drank and drove and both were disciplined with a loss of pay, reduction in rank, and re-assigned from their positions. I know a Maryland State Trooper who was FIRED for the offense 10 years ago. Would you be fired if you got a DWI, I doubt it.
True, one wouldn't likely be fired but I've yet to hear of any of them getting their asses slammed in jail like John Q Public could be.

Seems they have the same Card the Kennedys carry.

Fact is Cops, most, do an extrordinary job. But many need to learn they are not above the law and should be setting the example to follow not blowing someones doors off or riding up their ass on the way to Wawa, 7-11 or Mickey-D's. (Something I have witnessed many times over the last 28 years of driving)

Would you be fired if you got a DWI, I doubt it.
I'm pretty sure that I would. :shrug:

Well said Uncle Charlie!!!!!

I've received quite a lot of input on this topic some positive, some negative.

I spoke with Sheriff Zylak this morning and was invited to meet him in person to discuss this issue. I am impressed that he took this seriously enough to make time in his busy day to see me.

I filed an official complaint and I have complete confidence that it will be dealt with accordingly.

One thing Sheriff Zylak said was that he highly encourages anybody that witnesses inappropriate conduct on the part of a deputy to file a complaint. He made the (entirely valid) point that the sheriff's department can not discipline an officer if they are not aware that their is a problem.

I've received quite a lot of input on this topic some positive, some negative.

I spoke with Sheriff Zylak this morning and was invited to meet him in person to discuss this issue. I am impressed that he took this seriously enough to make time in his busy day to see me.

I filed an official complaint and I have complete confidence that it will be dealt with accordingly.

One thing Sheriff Zylak said was that he highly encourages anybody that witnesses inappropriate conduct on the part of a deputy to file a complaint. He made the (entirely valid) point that the sheriff's department can not discipline an officer if they are not aware that their is a problem.

I guess you can tell elections are coming up in November :whistle: :killingme

I've received quite a lot of input on this topic some positive, some negative.

I spoke with Sheriff Zylak this morning and was invited to meet him in person to discuss this issue. I am impressed that he took this seriously enough to make time in his busy day to see me.

I filed an official complaint and I have complete confidence that it will be dealt with accordingly.

One thing Sheriff Zylak said was that he highly encourages anybody that witnesses inappropriate conduct on the part of a deputy to file a complaint. He made the (entirely valid) point that the sheriff's department can not discipline an officer if they are not aware that their is a problem.:clap: Awesome!! I will vote for Sheriff Zylak based on this post. :yay:

:clap: Awesome!! I will vote for Sheriff Zylak based on this post. :yay:
I am impressed! :yay: So far... :eyebrow: Keep us updated, please...:bubble:

I guess you can tell elections are coming up in November :whistle: :killingme
:lmao: True!!

The one thing that pizzed me off about Lugs story was that the jerk was yapping away on his cell the entire time.

I am impressed! :yay: So far... :eyebrow: Keep us updated, please...:bubble:
Why does K_Jo exits?

Would you be fired if you got a DWI, I doubt it.



I worked with two people who were fired after being convicted for DUI/DWI.
They could not drive company vehicles due to insurance & CDL license issues.
They had to drive to perform their job.

I know a police commisioner that lost his job due to a DUI. :whistle:

Why does K_Jo exits?
It's what she does best...:shrug:

I know a police commisioner that lost his job due to a DUI. :whistle: Did he get 30 days in the Slammer?

:lmao: True!!

The one thing that pizzed me off about Lugs story was that the jerk was yapping away on his cell the entire time.
Ok...that was a little bothersome indeed. BUT how many of us have been talking on our cell phone while driving and become a little distracted :eyebrow: Police officers are not perfect...none of us HUMANS are. Now that being said, irratic and reckless driving is another story. BUT right now Zylak would do and say just about anything to make him look good in the public eye :bigwhoop:

Ok...that was a little bothersome indeed. BUT how many of us have been talking on our cell phone while driving and become a little distracted :eyebrow: Police officers are not perfect...none of us HUMANS are. Now that being said, irratic and reckless driving is another story. BUT right now Zylak would do and say just about anything to make him look good in the public eye :bigwhoop:
I don't know how many of YOU have been yapping on your phones when driving but I do not!! It irritates the hell out of me.

I don't know how many of YOU have been yapping on your phones when driving but I do not!! It irritates the hell out of me.

:yeahthat:

Ok...that was a little bothersome indeed. BUT how many of us have been talking on our cell phone while driving and become a little distracted :eyebrow: Police officers are not perfect...none of us HUMANS are. Now that being said, irratic and reckless driving is another story. BUT right now Zylak would do and say just about anything to make him look good in the public eye :bigwhoop:

Firstly, I won't talk on my cell phone while driving. If there is an issue that is that urgent, I will pull over to continue the conversation. USUALLY though, it can wait till I get to where I'm going, or till I feel like it.

Ya know, it prolly wouldn't be so bad IF this behavior didn't piss me off everytime I see ANYONE doing it. To me, Police Officers should be held to a higher standard and as our online Officers have pointed out, they are. They are the ones that are trained, defensive/offensive driving 101 or whatever the hell it is, but they are the ones paid to judge the rest of the worlds driving habits and dammit, I'm sorry, but like every other public servant out there, they need to be aware that they are EXPECTED to set an example for those they are judging. Is that too much to ask?

...BUT right now Zylak would do and say just about anything to make him look good in the public eye :bigwhoop:

After meeting him, I disagree completely.

County, marked car.

Who profiles in a county car? Who did he think would be impressed.

Now, the state police in that grey unmarked car was so sexy. He came into the neighborhood I was in slow and quiet and then as he got in front of the house I was at, stopped a little, out-stretched his arm over the wheel and took off towards pursuit like he was showing off for me. :hot:

He had on a white dress shirt and a black tie which blew in the wind as he pulled off again. Was just as sexy as he want to be. :smooch: He looked to be in his late 40's and was jive handsome from what I saw. All I could think was "get 'em dad-e".

Lug, that county dude probably is not worth you reporting as yourself. From what I gather it is better to call the state police down here because county cops are well known in the community and can't be relied upon to take things seriously depending on who is involved and how well they know the defender or offender.

To me that means that county cops might let stuff fly for those they know and so they probably can get away with what they want. Which means that depending on who the cop was he probably knows nothing will happen unless a county administrator or someone who could dig in their butts reported it.

Lexi...Whats a "bama"?

Firstly, I won't talk on my cell phone while driving. If there is an issue that is that urgent, I will pull over to continue the conversation. USUALLY though, it can wait till I get to where I'm going, or till I feel like it.

Ya know, it prolly wouldn't be so bad IF this behavior didn't piss me off everytime I see ANYONE doing it. To me, Police Officers should be held to a higher standard and as our online Officers have pointed out, they are. They are the ones that are trained, defensive/offensive driving 101 or whatever the hell it is, but they are the ones paid to judge the rest of the worlds driving habits and dammit, I'm sorry, but like every other public servant out there, they need to be aware that they are EXPECTED to set an example for those they are judging. Is that too much to ask?
Of course it's not too much to ask. I never said it was a safe practice to talk on the phone and drive. I merely pointed out that there are many people who do. Yes, police officers are in public eye ALL THE TIME and should conduct themselves accordingly. I'm glad this subject was brought to our attention.

After meeting him, I disagree completely.
Thanks God we are ALL entitled to our own opinions. :razz: (I have met him too)

After meeting him, I disagree completely.

Apparently, I am too late. Let me go read up. :whistle:

Lexi...Whats a "bama"?
:roflmao: :killingme:

I've received quite a lot of input on this topic some positive, some negative.

I spoke with Sheriff Zylak this morning and was invited to meet him in person to discuss this issue. I am impressed that he took this seriously enough to make time in his busy day to see me.

I filed an official complaint and I have complete confidence that it will be dealt with accordingly.

One thing Sheriff Zylak said was that he highly encourages anybody that witnesses inappropriate conduct on the part of a deputy to file a complaint. He made the (entirely valid) point that the sheriff's department can not discipline an officer if they are not aware that their is a problem.


:clap: :clap:

:notworthy lugnut

Lug, that county dude probably is not worth you reporting as yourself. From what I gather it is better to call the state police down here because county cops are well known in the community and can't be relied upon to take things seriously depending on who is involved and how well they know the defender or offender.

To me that means that county cops might let stuff fly for those they know and so they probably can get away with what they want. Which means that depending on who the cop was he probably knows nothing will happen unless a county administrator or someone who could dig in their butts reported it.
Hmmmm blanket statement about ALL COUNTY POLICE OFFICERS. :elaine:

He had on a white dress shirt and a black tie which blew in the wind as he pulled off again. Was just as sexy as he want to be. :smooch: He looked to be in his late 40's and was jive handsome from what I saw. All I could think was "get 'em dad-e".

Holster Sniffer
Badge Bunny

:lmao:

Just got home from Leonardtown (approx 2:30) and observed some rather erratic driving on the part of a police officer.

Heading south on Rt5 there was a police car three cars in front of me tailgating (any other car would have been described as driving aggressively or in an intimidating fashion) an older blue car (Don't know the make/model) for several miles. The car turned off at the light next to A&W and police car accelerated away.

Myself and the other two cars caught up to the police car at the rt5 greatmills road intersection. The police officer was indecisive in selecting a turn lane moving from one to the other then cut off a red Chevy cavalier to get back into his original lane. I pulled up next to him, and behind a large construction truck. When I looked over the police officer was on his cell phone carrying on a very animated conversation and laughing.

After making the turn the vehicle in front of him maintained speed at the speed limit and the police officer tailgated (the note above on tailgaiting applies here as well) until there was enough space between the truck and myself for him to move over. He proceeded to weave in and out of traffic without turn signals until he got in front of the pack ahead and sped off. The truck in front of me turned off and I once again found myself next to the police officer at the light in front of Great Mills High School. He was still on his cell phone. When the light turned green the officer sped off once again. He was caught at the Chancellors run light and I end up stopped next to him once again. The officer is still on the cell phone. The light turns green and he pulls away once more. Only this time he nearly side swipes a guy in a green hatchback just before the bike shop.

I caught up to him once again at the light in front of McKays grocery store. This time I decided to wait a second then pace him to see how fast he was going. That section of the road is marked 40MPH. He was still pulling away from me when I decided to slow down out of general concern. Great Mills road drops to 35MPH right at the driving range.

Let me summarize this for you...

I do not know how fast he was traveling (I slowed dwon while he was still pulling away from me) but I know for a fact that it was well above the posted speed limit. The officer was swerving in and out of lanes without using his signals. The officer was tailgating at dangerously close distances. I donot know how long the officer was on his cell phone but I first witnessed it at the rt5/Great Mills intersection and he was still on it at the driving range.

There was no apparent emergency. There very may well have BEEN an emergency but their was no indication of one. The officers behavior and actions would seem to indicate no emergency as well.

A. No lights, no siren.
B. The officer stopped at every light and waiting for it to turn green.
C. The officer was on his cell phone having an in depth conversation.

I have the tag number and the car number and am venting here while I decide whether to call and file a complaint.

Here's the whole thing again in case a few of the cops careless/illegal driving transgressions have been forgotten.

A lot of the criticism that has been posted here against cops in general is not justified especially the weird tangent that crash test dummy went off on. I'll give a cop the benefit of a doubt if he flashes the emergency lights and jumps an intersection or if he drives faster than I do because he probably heard something on his radio we don't know about......maybe he didn't :shrug:

This particular cop showed a continual disregard for the law and the traffic around him and needed someone like Lugnut to call him on it.

:roflmao: :killingme:

What sre you laughing at?

Holster Sniffer
Badge Bunny

:lmao:

Guilty as charged. :lmao:

Lexi...Whats a "bama"?

Someone that isn't cool either in style or behavior. For example, the character of "Pops" on The Wayans Bros. He's a bama.

What sre you laughing at?
Cause the first time I heard it I thought they must be rooting for the Crimson Tide at the football games - I had to have it explained to me, by my girl B - she also made me stop calling myself a crack ass cracka - oh that still cracks me up :roflmao: :killingme

Hmmmm blanket statement about ALL COUNTY POLICE OFFICERS. :elaine:

I sure hope so. That was the answer I got when I asked why was state police coming to a neighborhood scene. There were three state police of which one was unmarked and an ambulance was there so I was thinking if this was a spontaneous crime how did state get called.

And that's when I was told that you never call county if something happens. I think some people have reasons to feel that way through experience or what they have seen. I don't but I am not above believing that is true. Down here most people know each other.

I sure hope so. That was the answer I got when I asked why was state police coming to a neighborhood scene. There were three state police of which one was unmarked and an ambulance was there so I was thinking if this was a spontaneous crime how did state get called.

And that's when I was told that you never call county if something happens. I think some people have reasons to feel that way through experience or what they have seen. I don't but I am not above believing that is true. Down here most people know each other.

There are some "good ole boys" but not all of them fall into that category.

Oh and if state police show up at anything other than a traffic call...it's probably because they only have 4 or 5 Deputies working the ENTIRE St. Mary's County (thanks Zylak :howdy: :sarcasm: ). Do your homework people...elections are coming up! By the way...I'm not promoting anyone for sheriff. :razz:

I doubt a Trooper said that, If so please have him show his face and say it to a deputy. WONT happen, The Sheriffs Office kicks --- , look at the calls for service in the 2 agencies and the truth will show who goes to more calls.

Mind your own damn business. Just my $0.02. When you need the cops I hope he/she goes the speed limit and takes all day to get to your house.

I doubt a Trooper said that, If so please have him show his face and say it to a deputy. WONT happen, The Sheriffs Office kicks --- , look at the calls for service in the 2 agencies and the truth will show who goes to more calls.
TRUE...this is public record folks!

Cause the first time I heard it I thought they must be rooting for the Crimson Tide at the football games - I had to have it explained to me, by my girl B - she also made me stop calling myself a crack ass cracka - oh that still cracks me up :roflmao: :killingme

Alabama was the first thing that came to my mind. I'm just not with the lingo. :razz:

Mind your own damn business. Just my $0.02. When you need the cops I hope he/she goes the speed limit and takes all day to get to your house.
Who was that directed at? :confused:

Learn to use the quote feature. The quote feature is your friend.

Mind your own damn business. Just my $0.02. When you need the cops I hope he/she goes the speed limit and takes all day to get to your house.
If you are referring to Lugnuts original post, you have no reading comprehension. This cop obviously was NOT responding to a call and should have his ass handed to him on a platter. Try using the "Reply with Quote" next time. :duh:

There is no need for the quote feature, I would imagine that everyone knows what I'm talking about. I shouldn't have to spell it out to you. Lugnut is not the only one that needs to get a life. I just can't stand cop bashers.

There is no need for the quote feature, I would imagine that everyone knows what I'm talking about. I shouldn't have to spell it out to you. Lugnut is not the only one that needs to get a life. I just can't stand cop bashers.
You need to get a life!! Any cop who does what Lugnut described deserves the criticizm they receive. He's not a cop basher, he described what he saw and had the gonads to report it. :duh:

And with 161 posts, use the damn quote button!!

There is no need for the quote feature, I would imagine that everyone knows what I'm talking about. I shouldn't have to spell it out to you. Lugnut is not the only one that needs to get a life. I just can't stand cop bashers.

Please point out where/how I was "bashing cops."

Sure officers speed, talk on the cell phone, weave in and out of traffic. On the same token, citizens do that same thing. Now how many of you were stopped for any of those violations and the cop gave you a warning and sent you on your way? If they did, they didn't come onto a public forum telling everyone he let someone off. If you feel the need to call and complain, then it should have been done in private, without posting it on a public forum.
The police have limited manpower, protect your neighborhood while you are asleep or away on vacation. They are mentors to younger children, as well as councelors dealing with domestic problems. That's a large responsibility they carry on their back. On top of that, while everyone else is off for July 4th, the weekends, all holidays-they aren't. They don't spend anytime with their family due to working all the time. They do hold a higher standard, but sometimes, they make mistakes-just like anyone else. I just feel if you have a problem with an officer's actions- make a complaint-simple as that without posting on a forum. That looks bad on the entire police department.
Feel free to leave as much negative karma as you like-it makes me feel warm inside. Have a great day:)

Please point out where/how I was "bashing cops."

You feel the need to find glory in reporting something that you think a cop did wrong. I would define that as "cop bashing".

You feel the need to find glory in reporting something that you think a cop did wrong. I would define that as "cop bashing".
And you would be wrong!!

v. intr. Informal
To engage in harsh, accusatory, threatening criticism.

Describing what he saw and reporting it is not "cop bashing". :duh:

And you would be wrong!!

v. intr. Informal
To engage in harsh, accusatory, threatening criticism.

Describing what he saw and reporting it is not "cop bashing". :duh:

Whatever. Anything is open to interpretation.

Whatever. Anything is open to interpretation.
:killingme :clintonvoice: "What's your definition of sex?"

You feel the need to find glory in reporting something that you think a cop did wrong. I would define that as "cop bashing".
Me thinks this was her lil boyfriend and it was her he was yapping to on his cell. And now he's going to get his lil wrist slapped.... :killingme

You feel the need to find glory in reporting something that you think a cop did wrong. I would define that as "cop bashing".

If you had actually read what I posted you would have noticed that I was undecided on whether to report this at all. It was conversations with three police officers (including Sheriff Zylak) that convinced me to file a formal complaint.

You've led a sheltered life if you can apply the word "glory" to anything in this entire thread. :rolleyes:

For those Bit---, go do a ride along sometime and you will see what its like and the b.s we put up with, also try Thanking a Police Officer sometime you see them out, it dont happen often.

For those Bit---, go do a ride along sometime and you will see what its like and the b.s we put up with, also try Thanking a Police Officer sometime you see them out, it dont happen often.
Good Gawd don't tell me you're a cop. :faint:

1. The BS you put up with is your chosen career. No one forced you into it.
2. Because you do deal with a lot of BS does not give you the right to yap on a cell and drive like a moron. :duh:

Good Gawd don't tell me you're a cop. :faint:

1. The BS you put up with is your chosen career. No one forced you into it.
2. Because you do deal with a lot of BS does not give you the right to yap on a cell and drive like a moron. :du":

:yeahthat:

Mike - you got it right! I don't care WHO you are - the law is the law. I'm just sick and tired of watching all the TOOLS who calls themselves "the Po-lice" and break every damn law there is! Its time someone called them on the b.s. they pull. I understand that there are a few (and I DO mean FEW) police that are actually worth a damn. But those who constantly break the law by speeding, driving like demons, pulling people over just to "get a quota" give me a break! Stop acting like you own the world and everyone should :buttkiss:

For those Bit---, go do a ride along sometime and you will see what its like and the b.s we put up with, also try Thanking a Police Officer sometime you see them out, it dont happen often.
What is the purpose of your post? Are you suggesting we should overlook this ONE particular cop's tailgating, improper lane changes, failure to pay proper attention, failure to yield, speeding and crossing the solid line just because he has a low paying, thankless job? Please explain what your post has to do with the original post by Lugnut.

It will open your eyes to see what really happens ,Thats right I am a Police Officer and proud of it, yes there are some fools out there and if YOU read all the post I said they needed to let the Sheriff know whats going on, just like the state police.

It will open your eyes to see what really happens ,Thats right I am a Police Officer and proud of it, yes there are some fools out there and if YOU read all the post I said they needed to let the Sheriff know whats going on, just like the state police.
So then this post is addressed to the cop bashers and has nothing to do with the irresponsible cop that is the subject of this rambling thread?

I can tell you what I see all the time. I see the good cops doing their jobs. I see the "other ones" doing their jobs, also. I see more good than bad. The young newbies are full of themselves, but I think they are guided by the older ones, when the older ones are taking care of them. I do see all of them doing stupid stuff we would all get pulled over for, but for the most part, they are busting their butts. I would trust them to respond in a minute if I needed them, which, thank God, I haven't ever had to. I don't like the way they drive and the way they just act like they have the total rights to the road, but, hopefully, when they are driving like idiots without sirens or lights, they are responding to something.

The police have limited manpower, protect your neighborhood while you are asleep or away on vacation. . They don't spend anytime with their family due to working all the time.
Nope, not buying it.. how many house break-ins do they stop in any neighborhood that are in progess?? How many do they investigate after the fact?.. It is NOT the cop's job to protect me or my property, that is MY responsibility. there are not nor will there EVER be enough cops on the street to protect a single home or citizen. Or are you saying you'll come by and walk my kids to school, and park in my driveway while I'm on vacation??

AND you are implying cops NEVER get time off? Then what the hell were all those police cars doing in my parking lot most of the time? They seemed to have MORE then enough time to enjoy themselves, pick up women (there has to be SOME benefit to taking a low paying job) drink party.. etc etc..
Of course the cars weren't there when they were running to Wal Mart, or Taco Bell.

Lot of people have much worse jobs without the respect cops get, so don't whine about the way of life. Life is full of choices, and if you went into the job not knowing what the life was like, then YOU made a bad choice, maybe you should make another choice.

Its directed at both, Every job has a bad apple, If you think you were done unjust let someone know,I advised to do a ride along so you can see what happens from behind the scenes, With Idiots coming along everyday, I have JOB security.

I filed a complaint over the phone, only to be hollered at by the Sgt on duty and told I had no idea what the police officer was doing and I told them he didn't either. He decided to make a right at the Great Mills and 5 light, I was making a right to go north on 5. Last min. cop decides to go right from the left lane at the light. Went to the police station next day to ask wtf is that all about only to be told I couldn't talk to the duty officer and to write a letter. Go figure. They are above the law and are very well protected by each other. I have very little respect for the ones who are above the law or at least think so. I or anyone else would have been locked up and had the book thrown at them.

I or anyone else would have been locked up and had the book thrown at them.
IF you want to complain about "above the law" let's talk about our elected officials. Cops don't get away with anything compared to them. If a cop gets drunk and drugged up, then crashes into a barricade, rest assured he will face some sort of punishment. A Congressman - nada.

Nope, not buying it.. how many house break-ins do they stop in any neighborhood that are in progess?? How many do they investigate after the fact?.. It is NOT the cop's job to protect me or my property, that is MY responsibility. there are not nor will there EVER be enough cops on the street to protect a single home or citizen. Or are you saying you'll come by and walk my kids to school, and park in my driveway while I'm on vacation??

AND you are implying cops NEVER get time off? Then what the hell were all those police cars doing in my parking lot most of the time? They seemed to have MORE then enough time to enjoy themselves, pick up women (there has to be SOME benefit to taking a low paying job) drink party.. etc etc..
Of course the cars weren't there when they were running to Wal Mart, or Taco Bell.

Lot of people have much worse jobs without the respect cops get, so don't whine about the way of life. Life is full of choices, and if you went into the job not knowing what the life was like, then YOU made a bad choice, maybe you should make another choice.


They stop as much crime as possible with the manpower they have. Figure out this equation - over 100,000 people in St. Mary's County. Patrol wise- close to 30-40 people total. On a lucky day - 7 people per shift. If you think they have the time to protect every house you are kidding yourself. If you don't think it's police duty to protect your neighborhood, feel free to start your own neighborhood watch, get certified and you take care of everything that happens in your neighborhood without calling 911. Get realistic.
Those cars are there because they work SHIFT WORK. Do you know what that means? That means they sleep during the day. Yeah only cops pick up women around here, drink, and make runs to Walmart- impressive point. Sounds like you had an ex that left you for a cop and now your underoos are twisted because you sit behind a computer all day in an air conditioned building licking cheeto dust off your fingers, while thinking how great a person you are. The biggest accomplishment of the day might consist of figuring out what the hell is stuck in the keyboard. Figure since all you do is make assumptions-figure it's my right to do the same.
Boy would I love to be you!!! Have a great day :razz:

They stop as much crime as possible with the manpower they have. Figure out this equation - over 100,000 people in St. Mary's County. Patrol wise- close to 30-40 people total. On a lucky day - 7 people per shift. If you think they have the time to protect every house you are kidding yourself. If you don't think it's police duty to protect your neighborhood, feel free to start your own neighborhood watch, get certified and you take care of everything that happens in your neighborhood without calling 911. Get realistic.
Those cars are there because they work SHIFT WORK. Do you know what that means? That means they sleep during the day. Yeah only cops pick up women around here, drink, and make runs to Walmart- impressive point. Sounds like you had an ex that left you for a cop and now your underoos are twisted because you sit behind a computer all day in an air conditioned building licking cheeto dust off your fingers, while thinking how great a person you are. The biggest accomplishment of the day might consist of figuring out what the hell is stuck in the keyboard. Figure since all you do is make assumptions-figure it's my right to do the same.
Boy would I love to be you!!! Have a great day :razz:

You post the above nonsense then accuse BOB of making asumptions? Are you even aware of the irony in that?

They stop as much crime as possible with the manpower they have. Figure out this equation - over 100,000 people in St. Mary's County. Patrol wise- close to 30-40 people total. On a lucky day - 7 people per shift. If you think they have the time to protect every house you are kidding yourself. Actually, I think you just stated his point :shrug: Your equation says that, at best, the police can protect 0.007% of the people.
If you don't think it's police duty to protect your neighborhood, feel free to start your own neighborhood watch, get certified and you take care of everything that happens in your neighborhood without calling 911. Get realistic.Wait. What's your argument? Are you saying that the police do protect us or don't protect us? Maybe you're saying that by protecting that 0.007%, you protect us all?

Boy would I love to be you!!! Have a great day :razz:
Most men would, I have a pretty great life.. and have worked my ass off to get here, so what's your point?

Must have headed back over toward the Donut Connection.

Mind your own damn business. Just my $0.02. When you need the cops I hope he/she goes the speed limit and takes all day to get to your house.

So the cop that pushed me down Rt5 yesterday from Helen to Leonardtown was on a call? ( I was doing 57 in a 50) and he pushed me the whole way. When we hit the double lanes he passed me and zig zagged in and out of traffic, I caught him at the light at 243. Again he zig zaged and sped his way through Leonardtown, I caught him at the light at Ltown/Hwood rd. He turned left sped at 50mph all the way to the MSP building. Yep, he must have been on a call. :whistle: :coffee:

In Maryland (People's Republik of)

You can commit murder and the police won't/can't catch you. ("We only have a limited amount of manpower and resouces.")

You can sell/do drugs and the police won't/can't catch you. (See the lame statement above.)

You can have your very own gang and the police won't/can't catch you. (SAA)

BUT...DON'T drive 1 mile over the limit or the police WILL catch you and hammer you! BUT it's OK for the police to drive recklessly because THEY are OFFICIAL!

DON'T talk on YOUR cell phone while driving because it is dangerous and against the law. (Failure to maintain full attention and control of the vehicle.)
BUT..It's OK for the police to talk on THEIR phones because THEY are OFFICIAL! (Maybe they should stop spending all that extra tax money on radios and dispatchers.)

DON'T criticize the "work habits" of the police or they WILL watch out for you with ALL AVAILABLE manpower at heir disposal! It's OK for them, just NOT OK for you! You are just a stupid citizen.

DON'T expect to be able to go out in a public place (such as the movies) because the police "don't have the manpower" to check on areas that the citizens should be able to feel safe in. (After all, they are all "somewhere else
on business".)

DON'T expect a decent amount of patrol officers in the street because it might take someone away from a cushy desk job in the office (where they are REALLY "protecting and serving" the citizens. Why does it take a sworn, armed heavily trained police officer to man a desk in the office and answer the phones for a "special ops" squad? A "civilian" can be trained to answer the phone, take information and relay it to the "special ops" squads thus freeing up a sworn officer to hit the streets (where they belong).

DON'T expect a fast or large response to your call for help for an assault or a burglary or whatever because "our manpower is overtaxed as it is". Yet you CAN expect to see up to 12 officers and many pieces of high-dollar equipment on site for a "sobriety checkpoint" or "seat-belt enforcement checkpoint" or a plain old "radar trap"! Even if it means OVERTIME and calling in OFF-DUTY personnel.

I think Lugnut did the right thing and maybe more should do the same when they see it!

Remember..."IF it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck...it just might BE a duck!"

they're ALWAYS on duty. ALWAYS. Many times we have sat in the car while he is at an accident scene, often not even in st mary's. he is REQUIRED to offer assistance no matter where he is.

And if you were in an accident, and he was off duty he'd stop and render assistance, making his family wait. Its a part of the job we learn to live with. if he's in a restaurant and the owner knows him, and has trouble with a patron, he is asked for assistance, and he gives it. ALWAYS. YOUR tax dollars don't pay for that. No amount of money could.
Since I got red for my post prior to this, let me tell you what I witnessed this a.m. Cop in the Dare car, going up Route 4 towards his office, exceeding the speed limit by more than 10 mph, we all followed suit since we were behind him, until he came up behind someone doing 55, which was 5 over the speed limit. He tailgaited him until he, the cop, turned into his office. Also did 40 in a 30 mph zone in front of the Governmental Center. What is the reason for that? Don't tell me he was responding to an emergency, because I believe the shift change is at 7:00 a.m. Not setting a good example, but, hey, I got to do 10 - 12 miles over the speed limit all the way to work until he got behind the other guy.

Tailgating not good but so what if they go 10-15 over the limit? That is still a whole lot less than us citizens do going up RT 4. The last thing I want is to follow some cop all the way up the county at the speed limit.

Tailgating not good but so what if they go 10-15 over the limit? That is still a whole lot less than us citizens do going up RT 4. The last thing I want is to follow some cop all the way up the county at the speed limit.
I liked the fact he was leading up 10 - 15 miles over the speed limit. I got to work a few minutes earlier. Hope he is there tomorrow doing the same thing and we don't have some jerk doing only 5 over the speed limit to slow us down.

I liked the fact he was leading up 10 - 15 miles over the speed limit. I got to work a few minutes earlier. Hope he is there tomorrow doing the same thing and we don't have some jerk doing only 5 over the speed limit to slow us down.
Last year a Prince Georges (PG) cop was either living or visiting in CRE. At about 5:15 AM we would "convoy" to the beltway. If you really want to make time, get behind a PG cop.

Last year a Prince Georges (PG) cop was either living or visiting in CRE. At about 5:15 AM we would "convoy" to the beltway. If you really want to make time, get behind a PG cop. The thing that sucks is when two people, side by side, suddenly notice the cop, get scared, and slow to 45. It must suck sometimes for cops to deal with the paranoids who block traffic.

1. The BS you put up with is your chosen career. No one forced you into it.


But aren't you glad that some people have the back bone to try to maintain law and order to protect your sorry butt?

Your house gets broken in to, who are you gonna call?
People who bash, hate or are afraid of the police usually have some thing to hide.

1. The BS you put up with is your chosen career. No one forced you into it.


But aren't you glad that some people have the back bone to try to maintain law and order to protect your sorry butt?

Your house gets broken in to, who are you gonna call?
People who bash, hate or are afraid of the police usually have some thing to hide.
and that fear translates to their kids, unfortunately. kind of like when the lead horse shies from something the ones following usually shy away too. That same fear later turns to anger when they realize there is no "real" reason to fear (like the fine line between love and hate)...then they don't use the thinking part of their brains, only the reacting part....that's why the elementary school outreach programs are so good. gives young ones a way of meeting the "big scary policeman" who their parents are afraid of (usually for good reason) in a secure environment, and they see they aren't all "bad".

Since I got red for my post prior to this, let me tell you what I witnessed this a.m. Cop in the Dare car, going up Route 4 towards his office, exceeding the speed limit by more than 10 mph, we all followed suit since we were behind him, until he came up behind someone doing 55, which was 5 over the speed limit. He tailgaited him until he, the cop, turned into his office. Also did 40 in a 30 mph zone in front of the Governmental Center. What is the reason for that? Don't tell me he was responding to an emergency, because I believe the shift change is at 7:00 a.m. Not setting a good example, but, hey, I got to do 10 - 12 miles over the speed limit all the way to work until he got behind the other guy.
..it's ok for you and the average joe to routinely speed, but not a cop?

...and when the cop DOES do the speed limit, you gritch because you have to stay behind him also going the speed limit? is that what i'm hearing?

this type of minutia and double standard astounds me. :crazy:

BTW they all work different shifts, not always the standard ones for safety reasons, and the "shifts" are often extended by several hours JUST for the paperwork which they don't have time to do while on the road enforcing the laws they DON'T make (YOU do as citizens)...they just enforce them.

Why all the nit picking against the cops? Some of these anti cop posts are ridiculous:

BUT...DON'T drive 1 mile over the limit or the police WILL catch you and hammer you! BUT it's OK for the police to drive recklessly because THEY are OFFICIAL!
And:

Cop in the Dare car, going up Route 4 towards his office, exceeding the speed limit by more than 10 mph, we all followed suit since we were behind him,
I can't figure out if you wanted him to go faster like you probably do or send him to jail for a felony.

If they are truly screwing up, report them but why the nit picking?

Some good some bad.... (http://www.thatvideosite.com/view/2748.html)

I think there are more good cops out there than bad ones...Some have a real attitude though...JMO

I have been where you fear to go...
I have seen what you fear to see...
I have done what you fear to do...
All these things I've done for you.

I am the one you lean upon...
The one you cast your scorn upon...
The one you bring your troubles to...
All these people I've been for you.

The one you ask to stand apart...
The one you feel should have no heart...
The one you call the man in blue...
But I am human just like you.

And through the years I've come to see...
That I'm not what you ask of me...
So take this badge and take this gun...
Will you take it? Will anyone?

And when you watch a person die...
And hear a battered baby cry...
Then so you think that you can be
All those things you ask of me...?

"Tears Of A Cop" - author unknown

I saw a SMC deputy pulled over on the side of Willows Rd. talking on his/her cell phone. Smart. Five minutes later I spot an unmarked dark blue state car going North on 235 following too close and yakking away on his cell. Dumb. That is all.

Interesting read, this is my take.

When I am going 69 in a 55 on 301 over on the Eastern Shore in light/no traffic and the MSP car in the median doesn't chase me down and give me a ticket; I am happy because I am not really hurting anyone nor am I a danger.

When I see 6 patrol cars within 5 miles running radar on a patch of road that is notoriously dangerous I am unhappy because those 6 cars would be a better deterrent if they were visible and driving around pacing traffic than just "trapping" a select few who happen to be in front for $$$$$.

When I see an accident surrounded by patrol cars I am happy.

When I see a trooper standing in the road pointing at a speeder to pull over I am unhappy because he is going to get run over someday and it is stupid to make a dangerous job more dangerous for no good reason.

When I see a patrol car with lights on behind a lane weaving fart can ricer who just passed me a few minutes ago going 40mph faster than the flow of traffic I am happy.

When I see some goober who does not get out of the road when pulled over and a policeman who doesn't make the offender pull out of the road I am unhappy because that is stupid.

When I am tooling around and see a Sheriff's car in traffic, observing, alert and deterring retarded behavior I am happy.

When I see a deputy/trooper driving around absorbed in a phone call and not observing and alert to what he is supposed to be observing I am unhappy.

When I see a cop in Wawa having a donut, I am happy because it reminds me they are human and I like donuts too.

When I see the few asshats who use their badge as a license to disregard the "spirit and intent" of law enforcement and reign supreme over their turf doing whatever they want because they have no fear of repercussions; I am unhappy.

When I hear someone defending the few asshats who use their badge as a license to disregard the "spirit and intent" of law enforcement and reign supreme over their turf doing whatever they want because they have no fear of repercussions with poems and statements like "well they are trained to drive like that" or "they risk their lives for you so they are allowed" or "cut them some slack they are doing a job"; I am unhappy.


In a nut shell I like having cops out there. I am happy they are there. I appreciate the job they do. Like any job there are morons who get power and think they are bullet proof. In the end the "culture" these guys operate in is set by their leaders and ALL of them from the top down "serve the public". So if you see one doing something that you think is wrong, let the leaders know. It allows the leader to know what is going on so he can correct the "culture" and it also lets them know that the populous they "serve" are watching, interested and not a bunch of sheep to slap around. Conversely, I am glad they don't nitpick me so I wont nitpick them.

:yeahthat:

The police have limited manpower, protect your neighborhood while you are asleep or away on vacation. They are mentors to younger children, as well as councelors dealing with domestic problems. That's a large responsibility they carry on their back. On top of that, while everyone else is off for July 4th, the weekends, all holidays-they aren't. They don't spend anytime with their family due to working all the time. They do hold a higher standard, but sometimes, they make mistakes-just like anyone else. I just feel if you have a problem with an officer's actions- make a complaint-simple as that without posting on a forum. That looks bad on the entire police department.
Feel free to leave as much negative karma as you like-it makes me feel warm inside. Have a great day:)

You make a good point, but think about this-
1. Officers, just like the military, are "on-duty" 24/7. It's beaten into our heads (i'm in the military) that when in uniform, you are representing alot more than just yourself. With that, you're actions represent an entire organization and poor decisions unfortunately reflect on the entire organization. Therefore, IMO, a uniformed officer SHOULD be held to higher standards, as it is their assumed responsibility to set a good example. Also, it is their duty to perform at a higher standard! Human nature (especially the children you mention they mentor) is monkey-see, monkey-do, whether it be right or wrong. When an officer does not meet these expectations, they most certainly should be held accountable for their actions, regardless of the woes of their job, no exceptions. It sucks. And whether it's fair or not, it's part of your job and if you can't meet those expectations, then maybe you should be thinking about another job.
2. It's common knowledge that everyone makes mistakes, and i'm sure everyone has seen a police officer in the wrong. Posting on an internet forum is not going to soil anyones outstanding reputation. It does not look bad on the entire department. Or maybe I'm the only one that thought cops were perfect?
3. This post is in no way meant to portray any kind of "cop-bashing" or anything like it. I personally hold alot of respect for cops because the fact of the matter is, it's a dirty job that most people would not like to have. Your day consists of ruining everyone elses day.
4. If you think St. Mary's cops are bad, be glad you're not living in Mesa, Arizona. In the 2-3 years I lived there, I can remember multiple incidents where officers would pull someone over (probably on drugs or whatever) after a pursuit. They would surround the car with their cruisers, and draw their guns, ordering the accused out of the vehicle (standard practice for the given situation i'm sure). When the accused puts the vehicle in reverse and starts backing up towards the cruisers to try and get away, the cops feel threatened and unload their guns in the driver. I remember one suspect was pronounced dead and had recieved over 30 gunshots! This scenario happened MULITIPLE times! Abuse of power? I don't think so. I couldn't imagine how that thread would progress on these forums :whistle: