The other evening I ran out to the store for some supplies. On my way home, I saw blue and red lights in my rear view mirror. Aaaaah. I blinkered into the right lane, turned on to the first side street, and coasted to the curb. When was the last time I was pulled over?
The sheriff’s deputy made a driver’s side approach. I was actually a little nervous as I kept both hands on the steering wheel; I’ve been on his side of the traffic stop, too. The deputy stayed safely just behind the B-pillar and said, “Sir, I need to see your license and registration.” I replied with a chagrined smile, “Yes, deputy.”
After I had produced the documents, he stated, “You rolled through a stop-before-right-turn-on-red at that last intersection.” Thinking back, I had checked for cross-traffic and proceeded slowly through the right turn. Yep, I’d have to agree with him. He said he would be right back. In my side view mirror I watched him walk back to his cruiser.
No, I did not “badge him,” nor did I tell him that I was an off-duty officer. Although I am normally armed when I go out, this was a rare exception that I had no gat, so there was no reason to mention it. The decision to ticket me would be based solely on my driving error and his officer discretion. Yeah, I was a bit worried. Nobody wants a ticket. But he made a lawful stop. My bad.
I have written many traffic tickets in my career. I have also issued many more written or verbal warnings instead. A cop’s discretion allows him or her to take the totality of the circumstances into consideration when citing a driver for minor traffic infractions. I did not have long to ponder these things. The deputy was holding a strip of paper along with my creds as he exited his car.
“I’m giving you a written warning, sir.” He continued, “That intersection has three sides which are either no-right-turn-on-red or stop-before-right-turn-on-red. They are posted with signs before each right turn. Here is your license and registration. Please drive safely.” “Thank you, deputy,” I said as he turned to leave. No, I still did not tell him I was a cop. I did not feel there was a need. He was doing his job.
My FTO critique would be that the deputy effected a legal traffic stop, positioned his vehicle correctly, used good officer safety on both approaches, and acted with professionalism. As a citizen, I appreciated his courtesy.
When I got back to the house, my wife told me, “That was quick.” It would have been quicker if I had not been pulled over. I showed her the written warning. She asked me why I did not tell the deputy that I was a cop. I replied, “I guess I didn’t want to be that guy…”
Randall
Post Script: I sent the deputy’s supervisor a very nice letter commending the deputy.
Respectable. I actually was in that same situation before and when the officer ran my license the dispatcher, I found out later, advised the young officer who I was and no ticket. But I as you was on more of a critique mission than a save my ass mission. Good to know there are still good troops on the road. As I am now (semi) retired (still have to work to supplement) I can count on the professionalism we upheld for years and years! Be safe Randall and may the saints be with on each tour of duty!!!!
Thanks, Chris. There are still good guys and gals on the streets and I’m proud of them!
Randall
Good job, brother! You handled it well and set a mark that we all should follow. It’s easy to think about reaching for the badge immediately. We’ve probably all been in the role of officer when a stopped off-duty has produced a badge from the start (maybe with an impatient look) and expected immediate immunity. Though most still give a warning it sets a bad tone.
The only time I consider identifying myself is if they ask me to get out, and that is because I’m always carrying concealed. Thankfully, I haven’t had to deal with this in awhile. My last time was one of the midnight officers as I was on my way home from working a shift. I was so groggy I forgot to reduce speed from the 45 mph area to the 35 mph area. Embarrasssing being a supervisor, but a good learning point.
Aaron,
Funny, because I have been the one pulling the traffic stop, only to sometimes be confronted with a belligerent LEO. That’s the guy I did not want to be.
Randall