Police discretion re ticketing in passing lanes

[Jack Miller]

You mean you can get a ticket for less than the current tolerance?

No, that's not what I mean.

[ducatilover]

You mean you can get a ticket for less than the current tolerance?

Wouldn't that be a great thing?

[Parlane]

Hey Jacko

Here's a challenge, you and I should catch up, and I'll loan you a bike to speed on. I'll then write you a ticket, and the challenge is on !! Lets go to court and see who wins !!

Funny thing is, I actually care more about people complying than playing the sometimes silly court game. So if you don't come down and speed I've won anyway !!

Seriously tho, I saw a bloke go through a red light today. He and I had a hearty discussion during which it was clear to me that he actually believed it wasn't red. It must be a shit of a thing, being accused of something you are convinced you didn't do. Thing is, we act on what we see, so he got the ticket anyway. It truly must be hard.

My mate got hit by a rav4 last tuesday who went through a red light He was on his work scooter. My friend went through the guys windscreen helmet first, and then the buckle broke and his face hit the pavement after he came off the bonnet.

[FJRider]

So what is it if not "discretion" that causes traffic cops not to take action against people exceeding the speed limit if the amount over is less than the current tolerance? Whatever the answer is, substitute that for discretion in the poll.

TOLERANCE is NOT law ... get over it ...

IGNORANCE of the laws you find unconvenient will ALWAYS attract the attention of Plod .... eventually ... some get lucky and don't ... some ... just run out of luck ...

ARROGANCE of the motorist in assuming cops HAVE to give "tolerance"... Discretion is NOT automatic lessoning of charges ... or lessoning of fine amounts ... just THEIR choice to take what THEY believe their actions should be ... Such is life ...

STUPIDITY of some ... who attempt to defend their "right" of tolerance ... regardless of the circumstances ... that led to their driving/riding style, that attracted the attention of said Plod ... and insist THEIR opinion of the law as THEY think it should be ... should be applied to THEM ... THERE AND THEN ...

The "Attitude test" pass MAY help ... but not always ... GET OVER IT ...

My experience has proved ... it's worked more often than NOT ...

[yachtie10]

TOLERANCE is NOT law ... get over it ...

IGNORANCE of the laws you find unconvenient will ALWAYS attract the attention of Plod .... eventually ... some get lucky and don't ... some ... just run out of luck ...

ARROGANCE of the motorist in assuming cops HAVE to give "tolerance"... Discretion is NOT automatic lessoning of charges ... or lessoning of fine amounts ... just THEIR choice to take what THEY believe their actions should be ... Such is life ...

STUPIDITY of some ... who attempt to defend their "right" of tolerance ... regardless of the circumstances ... that led to their driving/riding style, that attracted the attention of said Plod ... and insist THEIR opinion of the law as THEY think it should be ... should be applied to THEM ... THERE AND THEN ...

The "Attitude test" pass MAY help ... but not always ... GET OVER IT ...

My experience has proved ... it's worked more often than NOT ...

what a intolerant post

[ducatilover]

what a intolerant post

"An".

This is a properly intolerant post.

I agree with FJrider.

[Berries]

I agree with FJrider.

I think you MEANT that YOU.... agree with FJrider.

[ducatilover]

I think you MEANT that YOU.... agreewith FJrider.

I said that.


I think.

[rastuscat]

I think.

STOP THAT!!

This is KB.

[FJRider]

what a intolerant post

Tolerance should be treated like a Christmas present ... getting any ... is better than not getting any .... and depending how "good" you've been ...

[Parlane]

Tolerance should be treated like a Christmas present ... getting any ... is better than not getting any .... and depending how "good" you've been ...

So that's why I've been getting coal instead of tickets? I better make sure I stay naughty then.

[Scuba_Steve]

Lots of cellphone use out there folks, watch out for the distracted idiot who might nudge you without knowing you are there.

Yea that new law has made those people more dangerous than ever

[Parlane]

Yea that new law has made those people more dangerous than ever

Yep, now I have to hide my phone on my lap when I'm texting. And trust me, it's not easy with a touch screen!

Hint: keep an ipod with you, and then say you were changing the music. No laws against ipods!

[Jack Miller]

Back on topic, I note that the thread started as a discussion on the exercise of discretion. There appears to be an impression that exercising discretion means giving a warning.

No, what I'm talking is the fact that cops simply let people past with no interference at all, hell we might not even see you or know that you measured our speed, if the speed, while technically illegally over the speed limit, is less than the current enforcement tolerance. No ticket, no warning, no nothing. Perhaps "discretion" is the wrong word. How do you describe this within the force?

[Zedder]

Back on topic, I note that the thread started as a discussion on the exercise of discretion. There appears to be an impression that exercising discretion means giving a warning.

Now, I have consulted with the interweb, and find that discretion is The ability to make decisions which represent a responsible choice and for which an understanding of what is lawful, right or wise may be presupposed. see Websters Third New International Dictionary (unabridged)

Nowhere does it say choosing not to take action. It says considering the options, and choosing one. So, I can consider all the options and exercise my discretion by choosing to write a ticket.

Just a thought.

Perhaps when you were consulting the interweb you should have looked under discretion in the Criminal Justice system.

There are several references to just giving a warning and not taking any action.

Don't take this the wrong way, but should a member of the Police have to use the interweb to get clarification on this?