Boo Radley

Sat, Jan 15, 2011 : 4:14 a.m.

The following has been around the internet for a number of years. I do not know if the origin attributed is true or not, but it is my favorite piece about police harassment............... Recently, the Chula Vista Police Department ran an e-mail forum (a question and answer exchange) with the topic being, "Community Policing." One of the civilian email participants posed the following question, "I would like to know how it is possible for police officers to continually harass people and get away with it?" From the "other side" (the law enforcement side) Sgt. Bennett, obviously a cop with a sense of humor replied: "First of all, let me tell you this...it's not easy. In Chula Vista, we average one cop for every 600 people. Only about 60% of those cops are on general duty (or what you might refer to as "patrol") where we do most of our harassing. The rest are in non-harassing departments that do not allow them contact with the day to day innocents. And at any given moment, only one-fifth of the 60% patrollers are on duty and available for harassing people while the rest are off duty. So roughly, one cop is responsible for harassing about 5,000 residents. When you toss in the commercial business, and tourist locations that attract people from other areas, sometimes you have a situation where a single cop is responsible for harassing 10,000 or more people a day. Now, your average ten-hour shift runs 36,000 seconds long. This gives a cop one second to harass a person, and then only three-fourths of a second to eat a donut AND then find a new person to harass. This is not an easy task. To be honest, most cops are not up to this challenge day in and day out. It is just too tiring. What we do is utilize some tools to help us narrow down those people which we can realistically harass. The tools available to us are as follows: PHONE: People will call us up and point out things that cause us to focus on a person for special harassment. "My neighbor is beating his wife" is a code phrase used often. This means we'll come out and give somebody some special harassment. Another popular one is, "There's a guy breaking into a house." The harassment team is then put into action. CARS: We have special cops assigned to harass people who drive. They like to harass the drivers of fast cars, cars with no insurance or no driver's licenses and the like. It's lots of fun when you pick them out of traffic for nothing more obvious than running a red light. Sometimes you get to really heap the harassment on when you find they have drugs in the car, they are drunk, or have an outstanding warrant on file. RUNNERS: Some people take off running just at the sight of a police officer. Nothing is quite as satisfying as running after them like a beagle on the scent of a bunny. When you catch them you can harass them for hours. STATUTES: When we don't have PHONES or CARS and have nothing better to do, there are actually books that give us ideas for reasons to harass folks. They are called "Statutes"; Criminal Codes, Motor Vehicle Codes, etc... They all spell out all sorts of things for which you can really mess with people. After you read the statute, you can just drive around for awhile until you find someone violating one of these listed offenses and harass them. Just last week I saw a guy trying to steal a car. Well, there's this book we have that says that's not allowed. That meant I got permission to harass this guy. It is a really cool system that we have set up, and it works pretty well. We seem to have a never-ending supply of folks to harass. And we get away with it.. Why? Because for the good citizens who pay the tab, we try to keep the streets safe for them, and they pay us to "harass" some people. Next time you are in my town, give me the old "single finger wave." That's another one of those codes. It means, "You can harass me."

RJA

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 8:29 p.m.

Congrats!! To all Police officers for doing a great job!

ffej440

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 10:06 a.m.

Amilie- I think the Pittsfield plan of going into bars was better use of time. As a Pittsfield resident I would like to know how many DUI tickets were given by Pittsfield PD during that same period. Could you find out for us?

tracyann

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 8:51 a.m.

Hopefully everyone complaining about this being a waste of time, money, etc. never has to deal with the loss of a loved one due to a drunk driver. It's not fun.

redblue

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 6:13 a.m.

Deborah,seriously how many road blocks have you seen used by Law Enforcement in Michigan...What is with all you guys bashing the Police? Absolutely no respect for the men and women who put their lives on the line every day to protect an ungrateful public.

Deborah

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 1:46 a.m.

as usual many pertinent facts are not included such as how the "crackdown" was conducted. Were road blocks used (illegal)? Were they targeting certain bars with extra personnel? This turned out to be a ticket writing campaign and nothing more. Waste of money but a good way to appease the police union

Peter

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 1:42 a.m.

Edward R morrow is complaining about other people complaining...

Peter

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 : 1:37 a.m.

Yes, luckily, I was able to get away with driving incredibly hammered almost every night over the holidays. Phew!

YpsiLivin

Thu, Jan 13, 2011 : 10:10 p.m.

US Republic, If we use the average cost per deputy (using Sheriff's numbers), the annual average cost of a deputy with benefits is about $92,150, which translates into an average cost (with benefits) of about $44.30/hr. 310.5 hours x $44.30 is about $13,760, which translates into a cost of about $47 per stop. I'm assuming the 12 outstanding warrants didn't get tickets, but the suspended licenses, DUIs and marijuana possessor got tickets, along with the 219 other folks, for a total of 225 tickets. If the average ticket was worth $200, then the stops generated $45,000 in "revenue enhancements." Subtract $13,760 in costs (which was paid for with federal dollars) for a net revenue of $31,240, or nearly $140 per stop. Regardless of the numbers, I agree that 310.5 hours to catch two drunks seems like a lot of effort for such a low yield. We (the taxpayers) probably got more bang for our buck by collecting on the 12 outstanding warrants.

YpsiLivin

Thu, Jan 13, 2011 : 10:10 p.m.

US Republic, If we use the average cost per deputy (using Sheriff's numbers), the annual average cost of a deputy with benefits is about $92,150, which translates into an average cost (with benefits) of about $44.30/hr. 310.5 hours x $44.30 is about $13,760, which translates into a cost of about $47 per stop. I'm assuming the 12 outstanding warrants didn't get tickets, but the suspended licenses, DUIs and marijuana possessor got tickets, along with the 219 other folks, for a total of 225 tickets. If the average ticket was worth $200, then the stops generated $45,000 in "revenue enhancements." Subtract $13,760 in costs (which was paid for with federal dollars) for a net revenue of $31,240, or nearly $140 per stop. Regardless of the numbers, I agree that 310.5 hours to catch two drunks seems like a lot of effort for such a low yield. We (the taxpayers) probably got more bang for our buck by collecting on the 12 outstanding warrants.

treetowncartel

Thu, Jan 13, 2011 : 9:56 p.m.

So, when was the last time they did a sweep for individuals absconding on parole, or violating the requirements associated with registering as a sex offender? Find that local meth lab lately? Good to see all those seatbelt scofflaws wrangled and dealt with.

treetowncartel

Thu, Jan 13, 2011 : 9:56 p.m.

So, when was the last time they did a sweep for individuals absconding on parole, or violating the requirements associated with registering as a sex offender? Find that local meth lab lately? Good to see all those seatbelt scofflaws wrangled and dealt with.

USRepublic

Thu, Jan 13, 2011 : 9:46 p.m.

Can we hear from the 57 people that were pulled over for no apparent reason? What a waste of their time........

USRepublic

Thu, Jan 13, 2011 : 9:46 p.m.

Can we hear from the 57 people that were pulled over for no apparent reason? What a waste of their time........

USRepublic

Thu, Jan 13, 2011 : 9:37 p.m.

What a friggin waste of Federal Taxpayer money!!! And people wonder why we want a smaller federal tax burden? Let's run the numbers..... 310 hours x $150/hr (fully loaded personnel cost of salary, benefits, pension, etc) = $46,500 of wasted taxpayer dollars. This cost does not include fixed overhead and variable costs associated with putting Andy and Barney on the road at the expense of our Federal tax dollars. There are other ways to eradicate this problem.....short of Prohibition. Cite the bartenders Cite the bars...pull their licenses Make those that serve culpable Increase the penalties.....drastically.... Don't spend needless taxpayer dollars to "catch" when you are simultaneously compromising the rights of the innocent. Car 57.....Where are you?

USRepublic

Thu, Jan 13, 2011 : 9:37 p.m.

What a friggin waste of Federal Taxpayer money!!! And people wonder why we want a smaller federal tax burden? Let's run the numbers..... 310 hours x $150/hr (fully loaded personnel cost of salary, benefits, pension, etc) = $46,500 of wasted taxpayer dollars. This cost does not include fixed overhead and variable costs associated with putting Andy and Barney on the road at the expense of our Federal tax dollars. There are other ways to eradicate this problem.....short of Prohibition. Cite the bartenders Cite the bars...pull their licenses Make those that serve culpable Increase the penalties.....drastically.... Don't spend needless taxpayer dollars to "catch" when you are simultaneously compromising the rights of the innocent. Car 57.....Where are you?

Sallyxyz

Thu, Jan 13, 2011 : 8:49 p.m.

Only 2 drunk driving arrests over 2 weeks that spanned the holiday season, including New Year's eve? Somehow that doesn't sound right. Given the number of drunk drivers on the roads, esp on New Year's eve, I find it hard to believe only 2 DUI's were handed out in that timeframe with "enhanced" patrols. Need to know more specifics about those citations. I hope they didn't issue warning citations for anyone caught drinking and driving, which is not a deterrent. Can ann arbor dot com list more specifics about the nature of the citations?

Sallyxyz

Thu, Jan 13, 2011 : 8:49 p.m.

Only 2 drunk driving arrests over 2 weeks that spanned the holiday season, including New Year's eve? Somehow that doesn't sound right. Given the number of drunk drivers on the roads, esp on New Year's eve, I find it hard to believe only 2 DUI's were handed out in that timeframe with "enhanced" patrols. Need to know more specifics about those citations. I hope they didn't issue warning citations for anyone caught drinking and driving, which is not a deterrent. Can ann arbor dot com list more specifics about the nature of the citations?

TheInfamousOne

Thu, Jan 13, 2011 : 8:22 p.m.

It's funny how this article comes off as heroic. We all know how the police can get Over Time for citations that are disputed. And right around the Holidays none the less, gee Sherlock, you think we're onto something? Sounds like the traffic cops had a great Christmas. What a good way to make the city money by handing a citation to someone who went 5 MPH over the speed limit. Thank goodness we taught those traffic violaters a lesson, who do they think they are to go 5 MPH over the speed limit. I can sleep peacefully at night knowing that people are doing the speed limit. I think someone should open a few more donut shops in Ann Arbor around October to slow down those citations from being handed out. Or maybe I'll just keep some donuts in the back seat so when I roll down the window, the fresh sweet aromatic smell of bear claws or custurd filled donuts will mesmerizer the officers mood. Or maybe the sight of the delicious glazed donuts will bring child hood memory's back and influence them to just give out a warning. If you see a police car hiding out with their radar gun in the window, just do your fellow citizen a favor and flash your head lights to notify others that are headed that way. It's what we do in our neighborhood and it works quite well. Cheers!

TheInfamousOne

Thu, Jan 13, 2011 : 8:22 p.m.

It's funny how this article comes off as heroic. We all know how the police can get Over Time for citations that are disputed. And right around the Holidays none the less, gee Sherlock, you think we're onto something? Sounds like the traffic cops had a great Christmas. What a good way to make the city money by handing a citation to someone who went 5 MPH over the speed limit. Thank goodness we taught those traffic violaters a lesson, who do they think they are to go 5 MPH over the speed limit. I can sleep peacefully at night knowing that people are doing the speed limit. I think someone should open a few more donut shops in Ann Arbor around October to slow down those citations from being handed out. Or maybe I'll just keep some donuts in the back seat so when I roll down the window, the fresh sweet aromatic smell of bear claws or custurd filled donuts will mesmerizer the officers mood. Or maybe the sight of the delicious glazed donuts will bring child hood memory's back and influence them to just give out a warning. If you see a police car hiding out with their radar gun in the window, just do your fellow citizen a favor and flash your head lights to notify others that are headed that way. It's what we do in our neighborhood and it works quite well. Cheers!

Gorc

Thu, Jan 13, 2011 : 8:01 p.m.

Or maybe those 57 people were pulled over with cause and they just got a warning.

Gorc

Thu, Jan 13, 2011 : 8:01 p.m.

Or maybe those 57 people were pulled over with cause and they just got a warning.

TheGerman

Thu, Jan 13, 2011 : 7:58 p.m.

@johnnya2 Or maybe they were pulled over for equipment violations such as broken headlights, license plate bulbs, or illegible license plates? Not every traffic stop results in a citation, so while they may have broken rules, they were let go with a warning. As much as some small-minded people like to think, the police is not out there to "harass" people. If you treat them with respect, they will return the favor.

TheGerman

Thu, Jan 13, 2011 : 7:58 p.m.

@johnnya2 Or maybe they were pulled over for equipment violations such as broken headlights, license plate bulbs, or illegible license plates? Not every traffic stop results in a citation, so while they may have broken rules, they were let go with a warning. As much as some small-minded people like to think, the police is not out there to "harass" people. If you treat them with respect, they will return the favor.

Ron Granger

Thu, Jan 13, 2011 : 6:52 p.m.

Wow. What a huge waste of money. And so many people hassled. Given the tiny number of DUI's, one might assume they were over-eager in finding other excuses for giving tickets and generating revenue. It sure would be nice to know more about those citations. AA.com should foia and publish the specifics.

Ron Granger

Thu, Jan 13, 2011 : 6:52 p.m.

Wow. What a huge waste of money. And so many people hassled. Given the tiny number of DUI's, one might assume they were over-eager in finding other excuses for giving tickets and generating revenue. It sure would be nice to know more about those citations. AA.com should foia and publish the specifics.

Tom Joad

Thu, Jan 13, 2011 : 6:23 p.m.

Think about the idiocy of spending your hard earned dollars at a bar, driving to and from said establishment. If you're going to drink, stay home. Not only will your wallet thank you, but you will avoid ALL interaction with law enforcement officers.

Tom Joad

Thu, Jan 13, 2011 : 6:23 p.m.

Think about the idiocy of spending your hard earned dollars at a bar, driving to and from said establishment. If you're going to drink, stay home. Not only will your wallet thank you, but you will avoid ALL interaction with law enforcement officers.

johnnya2

Thu, Jan 13, 2011 : 5:54 p.m.

@TheGerman I guess you are having trouble reading the numbers. Minimally FIFTY-SEVEN people were harassed by police and not cited or arrested (assuming each category is mutually exclusive of another, but I doubt that is the case). 294 stops minus 2 DUI, minus 219 citations, minus 3 suspended license, minus 1 pot equal 57 who had nothing done to them. That is a nearly 20 percent of the people being stopped without a good enough reason to be ticketed.

johnnya2

Thu, Jan 13, 2011 : 5:54 p.m.

@TheGerman I guess you are having trouble reading the numbers. Minimally FIFTY-SEVEN people were harassed by police and not cited or arrested (assuming each category is mutually exclusive of another, but I doubt that is the case). 294 stops minus 2 DUI, minus 219 citations, minus 3 suspended license, minus 1 pot equal 57 who had nothing done to them. That is a nearly 20 percent of the people being stopped without a good enough reason to be ticketed.

C. S. Gass

Thu, Jan 13, 2011 : 5:32 p.m.

Drunk driving is, I think, down statewide. And I think it has little to do with extra enforcement. It more likely has to do with economics and legislative stupidity. People have fewer dollars to spend on expensive drinks at the bar because no one can find a job in this state. People also have less incentive to go to bars because you cannot now smoke in them. And it's too cold to stand outside and freeze into what I call the Granholm Golems, those frigid few who brave the elements to defy Jenny, who's now, thankfully 'off the block' and her attempt at social engineering.

C. S. Gass

Thu, Jan 13, 2011 : 5:32 p.m.

Drunk driving is, I think, down statewide. And I think it has little to do with extra enforcement. It more likely has to do with economics and legislative stupidity. People have fewer dollars to spend on expensive drinks at the bar because no one can find a job in this state. People also have less incentive to go to bars because you cannot now smoke in them. And it's too cold to stand outside and freeze into what I call the Granholm Golems, those frigid few who brave the elements to defy Jenny, who's now, thankfully 'off the block' and her attempt at social engineering.

TheGerman

Thu, Jan 13, 2011 : 5:26 p.m.

@slider If you follow the rules, you won't be "harassed" by police.

TheGerman

Thu, Jan 13, 2011 : 5:26 p.m.

@slider If you follow the rules, you won't be "harassed" by police.

Slider

Thu, Jan 13, 2011 : 5:24 p.m.

So the 310 extra man-hours spent for this drunk driving "crackdown" were really just an excuse for added police harassment. What a joke.

Slider

Thu, Jan 13, 2011 : 5:24 p.m.

So the 310 extra man-hours spent for this drunk driving "crackdown" were really just an excuse for added police harassment. What a joke.

grye

Thu, Jan 13, 2011 : 5:05 p.m.

Good to see there were a minimal number of DUIs.

grye

Thu, Jan 13, 2011 : 5:05 p.m.

Good to see there were a minimal number of DUIs.