Do the Police think they are above the law?

Lot in his cave

I can only answer from a UK perspective.

The answer is YES, when it comes to the Road Traffic Act and Road Traffic Regulations police drivers and vehicles are in fact exempt from most of the laws.

They do not need insurance, they can speed, they can use their phone (or their radio - which is also a mobile phone) whilst driving, they don't need to wear seatbelts, they can run red lights and they can ignore road signs. They can't, however, drink and drive (although many do, it's one of the most common reason for being sacked from the force...)

However, if they do any of these things and cause an accident they are still held accountable for their standard of driving.

Despite this most police forces in the UK have their own regulations and policies which say they shouldn't use mobile phones etc as it sets a bad example.

If you see this again take a note of the reg and write to the local police station giving the time and location of the incident. If the officers driving do not have a good excuse they will be spoken to and may be disciplined

There are always two sides to every story though. On two occasions recently police cars have been photogaphed parked on double yellow lines whilst the officers were getting their meal breaks. this appeared in the local paper. Not justifyable or acceptable. Both officers were disciplined.

On the other hand an officer chasing a stolen car had to get out suddenly and chase the offender on foot. He came back to his car with the offender in cuffs and struggling and a traffic warden was giving him a ticket for parking on the pavement! The traffic warden refused to cancel the ticket even when it was explained ot him what had happended!

I don't belive there to be a *lot* of bent coppers (at leats not in th eUK). Around 1% are in fact corrupt according to Profesional Standards Anti Corrpution unit. This is the only *known* fact. No-one knows how may are just bad police officers. This will depend on personal experience. Generally speaking the bigger police forces are more porfessional (I have worked in both metropolitan and non-metropolitan forces) due to greater self scrutiny.

All the best

The truth

You have my permission to walk in front of a police car anytime you want. Just bring your toothbrush, you may be staying away from home for a while.

DAVID H

if it bothers you that much take down his number plate and report it

thunder2sys

before making a HUGE mistake, get familiar with the law. Law enforcement officers are exempt from the cell phone law while on official business. This goes regardless if they are using the cell phone for official or unofficial use since there is no way to tell.

CGIV76

Nope - in fact Police Officers are held to a higher standard if accused of a crime, and they are suspended without pay if they have a traffic accident on duty.
As far as stepping in front of a speeding Police car, you might get cited for damaging City property, but feel free to try it.

woznotwoz

Shouldn't be happening if it did. It's quite legal to use a personal radio in a motorvehicle. CB radios and the like.

'It is a well known fact that there are a lot of bent coppers'...............and your evidence for that comment.

I thought so none.........

Well, said Alberto

Not as a rule & if their radio system goes down they are contacted by mobile; my brother is a copper & its happened to him.

There are a few bent coppers... but a lot ?

It has been interesting (& a little sad) to see how my brother's attitude to people in general has changed since he joined the police. You would probably say he has changed because all policemen are dishonest scumbags, but I tend to think it is because every day he has to deal with a mixture of real scumbags & people who do nothing but whine.

roger.williams20@btinternet.com

When it relates to driving I believe they do think that they are above the law.

Mr Abba

Some might do but they are the same as everyone else.

mally

yes.well above.

joan k

Some of them certainly do, but a lot are decent, honest guys who hate bent cops.

Mr. Goodhi

Yes,

most of them do.

STAND2

The "police" ARE above the law! They do as they please and we carry the cost! They do whatever they please, (up-to, and including, murder) and get away it! They let the public police themselves because THEY are too lazy to respond to their needs and have no need to worry about complaints because,..well..what are you going to do about it.?...call the police?

imback_missme

I was watching one of the news investigation shows,I think it was 20/20 and they had hidden cameras watching cops drinking and then getting in their vehicles and driving off.

Jon H

They don't THINK they are above the law, they KNOW they are above the law.

colbyepeterson

Part of the theory of crime reduction is the deterrent theory, where if someone knows there is a chance of being caught doing something illegal, which would lead to a punishment, they won't do it. The presence of police is enough for most people who would otherwise commit crime openly to refrain.

But, who police's the police? Who or what deters them from being corrupt?

K in Him

I am sure some let the power go to their heads.

Their situation is one that constantly needs to be put on check.

IOW, they need to check their priorites

ANGEL R

in usa yes.

Larry B

yes they do, they're all gobshites.

ziggy_brat

Lets see in the past 2 months I have almost been run off the road by a cop. I see them run red lights and stop signs all the time. I wish I had a video camera so I could film it and send it to the news.

Fazor V

No there below it -.-
They are allowed to carry guns
allowed to beat someone with a stick
allowed to speed
allowed to get free doughnuts!!!

no fair

the randy vicar

i am sick of seeing coppers hiding behind walls and bushes with their speed trap guns they get you then suddenly jump out and thats it easy money

i would like to know how many coppers when they are driving their own cars or bikes not police ones but their own private ones stick to the 30 mph

J@ki XD

yah most all police think their above the law my neighbor is a police and trust me he thinks tha!!!

the swanky bastard!

yes their the biggest gang in britain!

Johnny

Yes they do

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