What Can the Police Do?

What Can the Police Do? (Full Version)

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Banche -> What Can the Police Do? (8/15/2006 2:56:34 AM)
Today I was going to go fly my Showtime. I went to this area that is next to a lake, there is a field and a road that you can land on and I have flown there about 15 times in the past. There is a bike trail that goes along next to the road but there are no cars that travel along the road, there were hardly any people around and the sun was going down so I was only going to get in about one flight. I was standing there with my engine running and these two police officers ride over to me on their bikes. I smiled and said hello, and one of them just said, "this is not a runway [:@]" in a low disgusted authoritative tone. I was surprised and said that I was not aware of any ordinances that had anything to do with rc airplanes. (There are none I have been confronted by the police before but they have all been very interested and helpful, they have told me that there are no ordinances against rc airplanes and that I could fly.) The officer just said, "Did you hear what I said". I responded politely, "yes but I have been flying for 3 years and have talked to several different policemen in the past and none of them ever said that there was anything wrong with flying and I am not aware of any laws against this sort of thing." The officer looked thoroughly disgusted and said "you are not going to fly here so what’s it going to be?" I was thinking.... so OK, you are going to arrest me for flying an rc airplane..... I did have a friend with me, we traveled in the same car so I thought if I got arrested then he would not have a ride home so I told the officer I would pack up and leave. Could a policeman really arrest me for flying? I always thought that the had to have a legit reason like assault or DWI or indecent exposure.. .. ..

aaron2874 -> RE: What Can the Police Do? (8/15/2006 3:10:56 AM)
It is always wise to avoid a confrontation with a police officer as you never know who the idiots are and you can pretty much bet that if a cop says "so what’s it going to be" that he is daring you to cross him; thus, you have an idiot. You may try writing a letter to the chief detailing this incident. Not a letter of complaint, but a request for clarification as you are receiving conflicting signals from the patrolmen. Maybe this will solve your problem. If you receive a favorable response, I would keep it in your flight box. Now how weird is that?! I personally would not have hassled you. I used to go visit the flyers behind the 'hood where I used to work an extra job. They used a paved street for a runway, but there was rarely any traffic and they knew what to do when there was.

bubbagates -> RE: What Can the Police Do? (8/15/2006 3:31:11 AM)
If this was a public road, traveled or not then the local police can ask you to not fly there. It does sound like you had an over-zealous officer there but not one I would call an idiot

scoooper -> RE: What Can the Police Do? (8/15/2006 3:55:27 AM)
Banche: Did he ask for I.d.? did he mention a ordnance?Did he check 29(p)!s (thats wants an warrants, person, If not he had no intent to take you in! anyhoo, It's a mis, and all he could do is give you a ticket, most cop's are good guys but this guys was just an a-hole, hope you get to fly there, your bub, scoooper

Banche -> RE: What Can the Police Do? (8/15/2006 4:51:38 AM)
NO, NO and NO, He was very 'over Zealous' (thanks bubba) He was a little guy, and I think he had a big guy complex, there are some people who just love confrontation and he was one of them, he was in uniform and he was not one of those guys to answer some 17 year old guys question. He was actually with a woman officer who looked like she was about 24-28. She didnt say a word throughout the whole 3 minute long conversation, I I looked at her and I think she was thoroughly embarrassed. I am definitely going to go try to get an appointment with the chief at a loca sub station I will bring the plane and pictures of my flying at that site and maybe he could do something, maybe...... This guy was all in my face like he wanted to wrestle me to the ground, I was bigger and 6 inches taller than the guy but it was like he could not wait to totally contradict me, now that I think back on it, it really makes me mad. I was just about to ask him what he would do if I went ahead and flew but I didn't, now I sort of wish I would have.

aussiesteve -> RE: What Can the Police Do? (8/15/2006 5:14:19 AM)
Sometimes with A-holes like that it's just not worth the confrontation especially as they carry stun guns and your plane is worth more than those miserable - - - -'s. He's probably just jealous that you're having fun and he's just a miserable - - - -. They're the sort of - - - - 's that cause people to dislike authorities such as the PooLice. However Would there be a liability issue if you were flying from that location and something happened that caused injury to others? Having had a close call a few years ago, I'm real wary of where I fly from these days I even had my home property (In Australia) registered, through my home club, as a field with the governing body there just in case (Myself and the two teenagers fly from there regularly). BTW - was his partner worth looking at?

Hossfly -> RE: What Can the Police Do? (8/19/2006 7:47:06 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Banche Today I was going to go fly my Showtime. I went to this area that is next to a lake, there is a field and a road that you can land on and I have flown there about 15 times in the past. There is a bike trail that goes along next to the road but there are no cars that travel along the road, there were hardly any people around and the sun was going down so I was only going to get in about one flight. I was standing there with my engine running and these two police officers ride over to me on their bikes. I smiled and said hello, and one of them just said, "this is not a runway [:@]" in a low disgusted authoritative tone. I was surprised and said that I was not aware of any ordinances that had anything to do with rc airplanes. (There are none I have been confronted by the police before but they have all been very interested and helpful, they have told me that there are no ordinances against rc airplanes and that I could fly.) The officer just said, "Did you hear what I said". I responded politely, "yes but I have been flying for 3 years and have talked to several different policemen in the past and none of them ever said that there was anything wrong with flying and I am not aware of any laws against this sort of thing." The officer looked thoroughly disgusted and said "you are not going to fly here so what’s it going to be?" I was thinking.... so OK, you are going to arrest me for flying an rc airplane..... //snip// Could a policeman really arrest me for flying? I always thought that the had to have a legit reason like assault or DWI or indecent exposure.. .. .. quote: He was a little guy, and I think he had a big guy complex, there are some people who just love confrontation and he was one of them, he was in uniform and he was not one of those guys to answer some 17 year old guys question. As one that has experienced both problems and also very good help from police officers, judges, and the legal system, let me advise you that giving a cop a reason OR AN OPPORTUNITY to create a situation where he will always be the "good guy" is not a very wise decision. While at 17 you can question your parents and have a tantrum, with a policeman it doesn't often work in your favor when it can possibly result in "resisting arrest". Don't believe the news people or the TV shows that the younger person "in-the-right" will always win over the legal system. I won't go into details of the bad experiences, but here is a good one. A rather new club-member (CM) was stopped for doing 55 in a 35 mph residential area. The cop questioned him and noticed his Texas Inspection sticker was also out of date. (CM is an airline captain) CM was just knowing that he was in a fix so he remained humble! The cop also noticed a RC model in the CM's car. Cop asked CM if he knew Horrace Cain. Club member said, "YES, he taught me how to fly these things." The cop said that if the CM would promise to slowhis speed and to get the sticker updated within the next day, he would let him go without a ticket. CM promised to get things done. [:)] So you see that was a good cop, and not just only because he is my neighbor. [:D] So, Banche, reserve your feelings until you speak with someone in higher places that can say yes to your situation. Don't screw around with the cops. They have all the aces. Not that you want to hear this but I would not make a bet that anyone is going to OK your flying on a public road regardless of the travel situation. That could open one big Pandora's Box. Join a Club. Have fun.

scoooper -> RE: What Can the Police Do? (8/19/2006 9:12:38 PM)
hoss: your comment was belittling to this young man, " While at 17 you can question your parents and have a tantrum" I know lots of mature 17 year olds ( some in the service of this country ) and if you reread his post I think you'll find Banche is one of these YOUNG MEN, Light'in up hoss,

Hossfly -> RE: What Can the Police Do? (8/19/2006 11:13:47 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: scoooper hoss: your comment was belittling to this young man, " While at 17 you can question your parents and have a tantrum" I know lots of mature 17 year olds ( some in the service of this country ) and if you reread his post I think you'll find Banche is one of these YOUNG MEN, Light'in up hoss, Having some life experiences concerning YOUNG MEN that cost me much heartbreak plus many many $$$$ in more ways than one, I'll lighten up when I see no need for them to have serious advice. I am well in memory of one that later in life admitted his teen-age tantrums were staged simply because mama always took up for his ways and pop was always the mean guy. Mama being very 'lightened up' with her "baby boy" was a main reason that this individual wound up in court twice and keeping him out of prison on a felony rap was one big chore. He is very intelligent with an IQ of something over 140, yet every so often, now in his mid-40s, he still thinks he can out-smart the world. I don't wish such on any parent. Intelligence and "smart" are not always the same thing. [:@] Banche is 17, been flying at same spot for 3 years, so I don't think he is military. quote: I was surprised and said that I was not aware of any ordinances that had anything to do with rc airplanes. Ignorance of the law is no excuse, or so the judge sayth. BTHT quote: Could a policeman really arrest me for flying? I always thought that the had to have a legit reason like assault or DWI or indecent exposure.. .. .. Never argue with a cop. The judge/jury will settle those question if the lawyer doesn't do it before hand. quote: He was a little guy, and I think he had a big guy complex,.... This guy was all in my face like he wanted to wrestle me to the ground, I was bigger and 6 inches taller than the guy but it was like he could not wait to totally contradict me, now that I think back on it, it really makes me mad. I was just about to ask him what he would do if I went ahead and flew but I didn't, now I sort of wish I would have. These statements make me wonder just who has a complex, especially maybe the superiority complex? [X(] If I belittle the Young Man, but give him food-for-thought that keeps him from establishing a record that follows him for life, then maybe I will have done something good. If not then so be it. He won't lose any sleep for that. BTW I have 9 grand kids, from 3 to 22. I maintain currency in teenagers. They are all alike -- yet each one is totally different!![8\|] Figure that one out.

bubbagates -> RE: What Can the Police Do? (8/19/2006 11:44:37 PM)
it's not often I agree with Hoss but I do agree with him here. At 17 yrs old, he should do a ride along with a police officer. It's a real eye opener, especially in the larger cities and heck, even in the smnaller ones to. The club I fly with has quite a few local retired cops, yep, they hold all the aces and at times I feel that they can manipulate things to get you to say certain things. I have the utmost respect for them. It's a tough job, they see more things in a week than most of us will ever see. Oh, I've had my share of not liking them and grouping them in one lump, but there are a few out there who just want to keep it safe as possible. Most of the rookies I have come across, when I drove truck for a living were just trying to make points. They do settle down after a bit. I also still stand by my original assessment, if it was a public road, traveled or not, this cop could have chased him off and he would have been perfectly correct to do so.

scoooper -> RE: What Can the Police Do? (8/20/2006 3:43:11 AM)
I've had cop buddys, some for over 20 years and none of them " manipulate things to get you to say certain things. " One bub of mine larry, a Sargent said this afternoon " the guys an a-hole" , anyhoo, you an hoss are both are prolific modelers an I respect your opinion, I just happen to be on the other side of the fence on this one, ya'lls bub, scoooper

bubbagates -> RE: What Can the Police Do? (8/20/2006 4:18:00 AM)
Scoop, I was only generalizing when I mentioned about manipulating words. All of the ones I know do not strike me like that, but and this is a big but, I've noticed it on shows like Cops and such. Not often, but I have seen it

scoooper -> RE: What Can the Police Do? (8/20/2006 4:37:58 AM)
Hoss: you should take a bunch of kids fly'in with you sometimes as I have been do'in for MANY years, You just might learn something, these kids are all the world has to look forward too, mentor a few kids from time to time, thats a fine bunch of planes you got there, more than enough too share, but like I said before , " were just on the other side of the fence on this one" you give alot to this forum,(1000's of post) an are spot on most the time, I respect your opinions, an your abilitys, You have alot to offer the younger gen, heres some pixs I took this afternoon with my little buddys ( thier a hoot!!!) I call em the MULLET'S MAUADERS AIR CORPS, I taught two of thier Dads to fly an they were MULLET'S MAUADERS 12-15 years ago too!! an are fine young men now!!!!! your bub, ( I hope?) scoooper

scoooper -> RE: What Can the Police Do? (8/20/2006 4:45:41 AM)
bubbagates : NICE BIPE!!!! your bub, scoooper

depfife -> RE: What Can the Police Do? (8/20/2006 5:35:35 AM)
Some good advice has been offered. Getting clarification from the chief on the legality of using this road as a runway would be my suggestion. Banche said he was polite in his response to the officer. I spent 20 years in law enforcement and I can assure you that this is the best tactic. On the side of the road is not the place to argue the law with an officer. It is much wiser to do that in court or his supervisors office. POP (Pissing Off the Police) is the number one cause of officer initiated arrests. What the actual charge is varies, but POP is the number one cause. [sm=wink_smile.gif]

carwood444 -> RE: What Can the Police Do? (9/16/2006 1:31:00 AM)
Here's the best advise anyone can give you concerning a cop. If you argue with a cop you are going to be wrong, weather you are right or not. Get a lawyer and go to court. At least there you are on a somewhat level playing field. It's not worth pissing off a cop. It's a lose, lose situation.

Rcpilot -> RE: What Can the Police Do? (9/25/2006 3:27:40 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: carwood444 Here's the best advise anyone can give you concerning a cop. If you argue with a cop you are going to be wrong, weather you are right or not. Get a lawyer and go to court. At least there you are on a somewhat level playing field. It's not worth pissing off a cop. It's a lose, lose situation. Exactly Never argue with a cop. Even if he's the biggest A-hole you've ever met. Yes sir and No sir is your best defense. Let's face it, cops are people too. Some of them are well educated, and some of them barely got out of high school. You don't know what type of person your dealing with. Not always the most intelligent sort. So, best thing to do is just appease him/her and don't do anything that will escalate the situation or give them a reason to whip the cuffs out. Once they decide to arrest you or write a ticket--your screwed. Your wrong. You just cost youself a bunch of money. Avoid the confrontation. Avoid the expense. Justice is for those who can afford it. You get a ticket that you can't pay and you'll be doing time or community service. Get a ticket that you can pay--and you just spent the equivalent of a new glow motor to keep your butt outta jail. It's not worth it. Just say, "Yes Sir, have a nice day sir. Thank you officer" And go home.

flycfii -> RE: What Can the Police Do? (9/28/2006 1:59:41 PM)
What a brave world we live in... [:'(][:'(]

bingo field -> RE: What Can the Police Do? (10/5/2006 12:20:03 PM)
Always, the ultimate thing, to remember, is that they are armed. They have the gun(s). Not too tough to remember when you get your butt dragged out of your car through the window with a magnum jammed in your ear. The offense: driving around the wrong town with a multi - ethnic group of like minded individuals. We were on our way to a river, we were listening to music, I had out of state plates. After they had rifled the contents of the car and taken what they wanted, they let us go. I would much rather have had them tell me to just turn around and leave. I have relatives that are cops, swat, firemen, never had I seen that before, or even heard about anything like that happening. So, you found someone that was difficult, you were smart to not aggravate the situation. Lesson learned.

VictoryRoll-91 -> RE: What Can the Police Do? (11/20/2006 9:04:03 PM)
Cops scare the crap outta me, I'll say whatever I can just to get the heck outta there and avoid any bad confrontation. If I came home in a police car, my parents would KILL ME! I also wouldn't have fun asking them for the $100 bucks I need to get my foamy back.

Adam G -> RE: What Can the Police Do? (11/24/2006 12:57:28 PM)
Interesting discussion you guys have going here. Several valid points have been made. The way I see it, you did the right thing by backing down. 98% of cops are good people that just want to serve and protect. However, a lot of guys get into it because they have something to prove. I think most young men have a bit of this thanks to good old testosterone. It is a good thing really. We need these aggressive guys to handle the thugs with guns and drugs to help keep us and our families safe. The draw back is now and again you will run into a guy that wants to give you a hard time because he can. I have 4 family members that are cops. They range in age from 22 to 60 years old. It is amazing to see the difference in their attitudes and the way they look at their jobs as they get older. The young guys are doing SWAT and undercover assignments, and love the rush. The older guys manage things, work on updating technology, and supervise patrols. They are all good guys, but the younger guys are definately more agressive. It is interesting to hear stories of foot chases ending in fist fights at family get togethors. Adam

bobzilla -> RE: What Can the Police Do? (11/24/2006 1:39:08 PM)
sorry to hear about your confrontation..banche..I believe you were wrong in flying in a public spot that could be frequented by the general public..who has no idea of the dangers of rc plane. Having rc flying fields is one way we keep the general public at bay from our activities..and limits any damage possible to those surround us who are aware of the dangers around us! I would say, look for a club field within reasonable distance, fly there and be happy. I drive 62miles round trip 5 times a week to fly, but I have no bikers, children, houses, cars, airplanes(real), dogs, or joggers around and the noise bothers no one. How about some pics of the showtime...and what engine you running? bobz

Kevinator9 -> RE: What Can the Police Do? (11/25/2006 6:18:45 PM)
I find this so sad. This is our sport. Other cops wouldn't go round telling people to stop playing soccer or rugby or doing something they like to do. Why do we have to stop. I have something to say to that cop. GET OFF THE GRASS!!! If you think you can do that get outa town. Stuff you. Some cops I tell you... The stories I've heard...

5487 -> RE: What Can the Police Do? (11/26/2006 2:52:02 AM)
I read the above postings with a smile 'cause I can identify with many of the comments made; the most important one being: Always say 'Yes Sir' and 'No Sir' to the man who has a gun on his hip. It is also true that no matter who started any roadside confrontation, the courts will most assuredly rule in favor of the man with the gun on his hip. (Remember that the jury will consist of twelve morons who already have very little appreciation for people who fly those noisy little airplanes.) That said, I can understand Banche's position. Lord knows I've run across many jerks in my life who felt that their primary duty in life was to say 'No' to people, if for no other reason than because they could. And if it makes you feel any better, just tell yourself that these types probably have lonely, bitter and unhappy lives and will have few morners at their funerals because they chose to go through life alienating people instead of befriending them. I'm a licensed pilot and I use my Cessna like others use a motorcycle - to enjoy life on a sunny weekend. Unfortunately, there is always some jerk with a badge who is CONVINCED that the only reason someone flies a little airplane is because we're all drug runners. I can't begin to count the number of times that I've sat on the pavement of an airport while some Miami Vice Wannabe goes through my baggage compartment, expecting that I'm going to be that big drug bust that'll get him promoted. And no matter how much I want to run this guy through my propeller, I have to remember that (1) society has given him the authority and permission to go through MY baggage compartment and (2) the jury will undoubtedly be composed of twelve morons who are already convinced that only drug runners or terrorists fly little airplanes!

bobzilla -> RE: What Can the Police Do? (11/26/2006 2:57:48 AM)
haha..nice....5487...is that he locker number at Miami Intl where you keep you stash from your little plane that the little cops could not find...hehehe I just had to say that..but you are so dang right.... bobz

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