Cops: a compliment and a question

[Maggot]

I had two interactions with police this am: one generated a question the other a compliment. To the compliment first.

Was in town this am and noticed a long line of temporary no parking signs where parking is usually permitted. Everyone was filled with vehicles. I had to run into a store right there, so swung in to one becomeing empty, ran in quickly, did what I went in for, and exited. As I came out, the local cop on the beat wandered by and I asked him about it.."Will I get towed if Im here?". He replied that "Those spaces are rented for $25.00 per day at times for special occasions, but as far as Im concerned, unless I get a call in comlaint, I dont have them towed." As my next place to go would take some time I said I was gonna move. He looked up the street and said "Thers one comeing out right now..grab it. " Someone pulled right in, but we stood there and chatted for a couple of minutes. That was really refreshing...totally polite and helpful. So a compliment to that officer. Hes the kind of cop I remember growing up. Just a good guy, doing his job.

The question was engendered earlier in the morning. As I left my home on a busy 4 lane highway I noticed a freshly killed deer in the right lane. Traffic was swerving to avoid it so I hit 911 and reported it. As always he noted the location, then read my phone# back to me, asked if that was correct, and asked my name. I declined to offer my name, told him Imjust a good citizen trying to help prevent an accident and dont give out that info, though I know with the phone # he could get it easily. . He replied "Its just for our records." Ive had this happen on numerous occasions when I call in to report some problem along the highway, and there in lies my problem/question. Why the fuck do they want my name. The government/police seem to be on an insatieable quest to "Gather information on the citizens.". Not that I have anything to hide, but when I grew up I always cherished my privacy, and right to be anonymous. Today, the more they want the less Im inclined to give up. The only reason I can see that they might want to have my name/phone is in case I was calling in to set up an ambush. But this is a rural,small town area, and that shit just doesnt happen here. Why this lust to "Get somthin on'em?" What if I call in to report a problem, the officer shows up, and then is inadvertantly hurt in some way...then they come looking for me, and I could become embroiled in and expensive legal hassel for just being a good citizen. Makes me not want to bother anymore. Would appreciate any reasonable replies.

And again, compliments to the first officer. Job well done.

 

[Graham]

Re: Cops: a compliment and a question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: maggot</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...and there in lies my problem/question. Why the fuck do they want my name. The government/police seem to be on an insatieable quest to "Gather information on the citizens".</div></div>There's no national registry of people who see a deer on the highway.

When I meet someone I usually ask their name. I do not enter those names into any secret database.

Why not give your name? After all, you are the one volunteering the information, including your telephone number and location. It's not like you are calling 9-1-1- to offer your services as a confidential informant.

The key to defending your privacy rights is knowing when those rights are in play. There is no 'extensive legal hassle' to be caused by you providing your name.

 

[Maggot]

Re: Cops: a compliment and a question

^^^^^^^^^Respectfully, Did you miss the part where I theorized.."What if the officer is injured? In responding to any situation of busy highways that could happen in many ways. If it did happen I could be arrested til things were sorted out. Tin foil? Mabey, but one needs to protect oneself. You really didnt address my question. They should be happy and satisfied that a citizen took the time to care. Had I not been in my good clothes I might have turned around and moved the deer my self.

 

[Dagsta]

Re: Cops: a compliment and a question

maggot dude your reading way too much into this. Do you have any idea how many bogus calls 911 operators get?

That being said one of the simplest methods of sorting out real from bogus is asking for a name. Rarely a prank call will furnish a real name.

As Graham stated you did nothing wrong, how in the hell if the officer got hurt would you be responsible.

Bro you really need to climb out of the bomb shelter and smell the roses.

 

[sharac]

Re: Cops: a compliment and a question

Simple... Use your cars method of steering to avoid deer and use your brains ability to steer not to make such calls... Society gets what it deserves and if simple thank you for calling is not enough then simply people will not call and things (have gone actually) will go down the drain...

 

[Graham]

Re: Cops: a compliment and a question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: maggot</div><div class="ubbcode-body">^^^^^^^^^Respectfully, Did you miss the part where I theorized.."What if the officer is injured?</div></div>What if the officer gets lost on his way there and ends up in Compton? What if the deer gets up and runs away? What if the officer drives off a cliff while taking notes about the call? Could you be held legally responsible for having caused all of that?<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: maggot</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If it did happen I could be arrested til things were sorted out. Tin foil? Mabey, but one needs to protect oneself.</div></div>I don't see your point about protection: Whether you gave your name when you called would not be relevant to the arrest and not giving your name would not protect you from being arrested.<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: maggot</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You really didnt address my question. They should be happy and satisfied that a citizen took the time to care. Had I not been in my good clothes I might have turned around and moved the deer my self. </div></div>You just answered your own question: They make ten or eleven bucks an hour to field emergency calls for eight or twelve hours a day, so it would be a stretch to presume that your call made them either happy or satisfied.

On the other hand, if you had simply moved the deer and not called...

 

[Maggot]

Re: Cops: a compliment and a question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dagsta</div><div class="ubbcode-body">maggot dude your reading way too much into this. Do you have any idea <span style="color: #FF0000"> how many bogus calls 911 operators get</span> ?

That being said one of the simplest methods of sorting out real from bogus is asking for a name. Rarely a prank call will furnish a real name.

As Graham stated you did nothing wrong, how in the hell if the officer got hurt would you be responsible.

Bro you really need to climb out of the bomb shelter and smell the roses.</div></div>

Thanks Dag, hadnt thought of that. thats the kind of answer I was looking for. Dont mean to be in a bomb shelter mentality, but he made it clear.."This is for our records.". I just like being "off record". No disrespect.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sharac</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Simple... Use your cars method of steering to avoid deer and use your brains ability to steer not to make such calls... Society gets what it deserves and if simple thank you for calling is not enough then simply people will not call and things (have gone actually) will go down the drain...</div></div>

Thats just what Im trying to avoid. I was brought up believing that just as many feel it their duty to serve and protect their country, that it is my duty as a good citizen to protect my fellows, whenever possible. Thats why I give a large portion of my income to well selected charities. Responsibility.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: maggot</div><div class="ubbcode-body">^^^^^^^^^Respectfully, Did you miss the part where I theorized.."What if the officer is injured?</div></div>What if the officer gets lost on his way there and ends up in Compton? What if the deer gets up and runs away? What if the officer drives off a cliff while taking notes about the call? Could you be held legally responsible for having caused all of that?<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: maggot</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If it did happen I could be arrested til things were sorted out. Tin foil? Mabey, but one needs to protect oneself.</div></div>I don't see your point about protection: Whether you gave your name when you called would not be relevant to the arrest and not giving your name would not protect you from being arrested.<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: maggot</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You really didnt address my question. They should be happy and satisfied that a citizen took the time to care. Had I not been in my good clothes I might have turned around and moved the deer my self. </div></div>You just answered your own question: They make ten or eleven bucks an hour to field emergency calls for eight or twelve hours a day, so it would be a stretch to presume that your call made them either happy or satisfied.

On the other hand, if you had simply moved the deer and not called...

</div></div>

Would have been way late for an appointment and ruinded my good clothes.

The deer was gone when I returned. Wont be stealing the peaches off my new tree next year.

 

[High Binder]

Re: Cops: a compliment and a question

I once called the local police to report a dying deer (crippled but far from dead) on the side of the road right by where I lived. I later got a bit of a hassle because the DOW guy who responded to the spot didn't find the deer and they came asking if I took it. Not really a big deal but I'm sure it could have gotten ugly if the DOW guy wanted to be a prick.

 

[Pok]

Re: Cops: a compliment and a question

Just so you know. When you called, and he asked for your name, he was at the same time reading your name on his screen, and probably also knows your gps position.

They prob ask to be sure its not a prank like was said earlier.

 

[Maggot]

Re: Cops: a compliment and a question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Pok</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Just so you know. When you called, and he asked for your name, he was at the same time reading your name on his screen, and probably also knows your gps position.

They prob ask to be sure its not a prank like was said earlier. </div></div>

Thnks, Pok

 

[El Vaquero]

Re: Cops: a compliment and a question

Maggot,

Most of the time when you call 911 call takers are told to get a name if all possible. Like it was mentioned it helps call takers decide if the call is a prank or not. When you call 911 your number automatically shows up unless you call the non-emergency line. At least that's the way it works at our agency.

You are not required to leave your name if you don't want to. There will be no liability on you for anything that happens after the call. I have responded to many calls for device where things go down hill fast and we almost never contact the reporting party if they were a passerby and not involved. The only exception would be a major crime, but sometimes not even during those times.

We would rather have citizens call in situations to prevent an incident than having to work up an incident that could have been prevented. I say you did the right thing by calling it in. In the future I would say don't worry about giving your name if you don't want to.

 

[Maggot]

Re: Cops: a compliment and a question

Thanks Gabe. Apparently they have the name anyway so it doesnt matter. That BBQ is looking good.

 

[sirhrmechanic]

Re: Cops: a compliment and a question

SOP for dispatch. Dispatchers always ask for a name. If you give a name, it gets entered on the incident report that is generated by dispatch as a matter of course. Officer's 'response' continues or closes out the numbered incident.

If you decline to give your name, it does not matter. You don't have to. It's SOP because it cuts down on crank calling. If something major comes up and you might be potentially a valuable witness, etc. the dispatch has your number, etc. because it comes up on their computer. Along with your GPS if you call 911 vs. non-emergency number. If you have caller ID blocking set on your phone, dispatch should not be able to see your info on the non-emergency line. But on the 911 line, everything is visible. That's built into your cell phone as part of the e-911 system.

But if you don't want to give a name, you don't have to.

And whether you give a name or not, there is no centralized database being beamed up to a mother ship. Except, Maggot, in your case and for obvious reasons. I've seen your file. It's not pretty... Fortunately, I am not permitted to share it except with Shankster. And after seeing it, he required hours of additional therapy and said something about needing a fifth of Jaegermeister.

Of course, all in jest, thanks for complimenting one of our brothers...

Cheers,

Sirhr

 

[Sean the Nailer]

Re: Cops: a compliment and a question

Sir, you sure have a way with words. Thanks for making my evening. HA.

 

[Maggot]

Re: Cops: a compliment and a question

Thanks, Sirh, that expalins alot and now Ill feel more comfortable and will offer name. Apologies to poor little Shankster. ALL you boys in blue ...be careful out there.

Maggot out.

 

[Slapchop]

Re: Cops: a compliment and a question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Pok</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Just so you know. When you called, and he asked for your name, he was at the same time reading your name on his screen, and probably also knows your gps position.

They prob ask to be sure its not a prank like was said earlier. </div></div>

If you're calling from your residence (land line/home phone) they can get your name and address as part of the Enhanced 911 system. If you're calling from a cell phone all they can get is your phone number unless you block it and GPS hit to the nearest cell tower where the signal was pinged.

Leaving a name is no big deal dude. I had to dial 911 a few months ago to report wires down and a transformer fire. Was asked to verify my phone number and provide my name. Had no issue doing either and the only thing that happened was the FD came out and put out the fire.

 

[Switchblade]

Re: Cops: a compliment and a question

Hey ya'all, we'uns got a deer on the road here...uh duh ya mine if we takes it home for vittles an all? Thakee kinlee lady!

 

[Beef82]

Re: Cops: a compliment and a question

They also like having your name so that if something happens such as someone hitting the carcass freaking out causing a wreck with injuries and claiming the deer ran out in front of them, or anything regarding the corpse you can be drug in as a witness.

As a concerned citizen you should be thrilled at the prospect of potentially having your life interupted repeatedly by having to appear for a trial or suit that has no bearing on you, keeps getting postponed and most likely never actually happens.

 

[slowkota]

Re: Cops: a compliment and a question

I don't give my name or witness statements any more!

A few years back my buddy got into a domestic altercation with his girlfriend... I called the cops and I detained him because he crossed the line and got physical.
Anyways cops come, arrest him yada yada... I give the cops my name and thats it.

A month or two later, I get served a goddamn subpoena from the sheriffs office! Told I had to testify for the victim.

A couple weeks after getting served, I get a letter in the mail saying that I was no longer required as the case was settled with the DA... That ended up being sent to me somehow by mistake!!!

Case went on as originally scheduled... Guess who was missing? ME!
Judge ordered a fuckin bench warrant for me!!! lol

I spent more time in police custody waiting for the retrieval of the stupid letter, than my buddy ever spent for the fuckin domestic!!! And I never even got an apology!!!

Never again!!!

 

[Mike_in_FL]

Re: Cops: a compliment and a question

I have a don't give your name story. When I was in a rental I noticed this water constantly running down the road. After a couple of days and noticing it's not somebody's sprinklers, I go out into the street and look.

The water is coming up through the asphalt, obviously some kind of broken line down there. So I call the local utility which also happens to be the county government.

They end up calling me back after the fact to ask if the oil spots on that side of the road were from one of my cars, etc. Like they were looking for someone to bill or blame about their pipe. It was weird in nature, and just very accusatory. I ended up pretty much telling the woman off and essentially said the next time the whole damn road could wash out before I'd call.

 

[slowkota]

Re: Cops: a compliment and a question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: slowkota</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I don't give my name or witness statements any more!

A few years back my buddy got into a domestic altercation with his girlfriend... I called the cops and I detained him because he crossed the line and got physical.
Anyways cops come, arrest him yada yada... I give the cops my name and thats it.

A month or two later, I get served a goddamn subpoena from the sheriffs office! Told I had to testify for the victim.

A couple weeks after getting served, I get a letter in the mail saying that I was no longer required as the case was settled with the DA... That ended up being sent to me somehow by mistake!!!

Case went on as originally scheduled... Guess who was missing? ME!
Judge ordered a fuckin bench warrant for me!!! lol

I spent more time in police custody waiting for the retrieval of the stupid letter, than my buddy ever spent for the fuckin domestic!!! And I never even got an apology!!!

Never again!!! </div></div>

Oh yeah forgot, the warrant fiasco made me miss out on a weeks worth of work (Usually $1,000 after taxes!)

 

[desertrat1979]

Re: Cops: a compliment and a question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: slowkota</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I don't give my name or witness statements any more!

A few years back my buddy got into a domestic altercation with his girlfriend... I called the cops and I detained him because he crossed the line and got physical.
Anyways cops come, arrest him yada yada... I give the cops my name and thats it.

A month or two later, I get served a goddamn subpoena from the sheriffs office! Told I had to testify for the victim.

A couple weeks after getting served, I get a letter in the mail saying that I was no longer required as the case was settled with the DA... That ended up being sent to me somehow by mistake!!!

Case went on as originally scheduled... Guess who was missing? ME!
Judge ordered a fuckin bench warrant for me!!! lol

I spent more time in police custody waiting for the retrieval of the stupid letter, than my buddy ever spent for the fuckin domestic!!! And I never even got an apology!!!

Never again!!!</div></div>

You know, I was going to put in a long winded response, but decided not to. I just hope that folks with your mentality have the ability to live with that kind of mindset. You get no argument from me on how much it sucks for what happened. Lets just hope the next time, if you see something like that going down, your lack of action doesnt result in bodily injury or death of the victim.

Also, its not like what happened to you is something that happens on a regular basis. So I hope your story doesn't influence others into making a poor decision.

 

[Wweverett]

Re: Cops: a compliment and a question

This summer I was at a concert with some friends, a fight broke out an since one of he bouncers was a buddy (his son and mine are best friends) I helped him with getting things calmed down. There was about 20+ people in the fight, we broke it up and got everyone outside. pretty much thought it was over but.....there was a off duty cop there (who did nothing to help with the fights) well he cowarded down and called all his buddies....cops on duty. They showed up and started to question people, by the way this is on a guest ranch that is 100% private. The cops were being complete dicks but they had to justify sending 6 units 30 miles, so they were pushing someone to do something.....I started telling everyone to STFU till they leave.

Well now they want to know who I am...I didnt want to tell them but I finally did, the look on their faces was golden, it got instantly quite, the cops got togetherand left. You see my sister is the county Judge and they new they were tramping all over everyone rights.

The next day I asked my sister if she had heard what happened, not a single report was filed....nothing. Even the Sheriff new nothing about what had happened, dispatch didnt have a record because the call came from a cell phone (off duty cop). Apparenty these guys came up there just hoping to bust some heads but by the time they got there it was all over.

Had I not been there....who knows what they might have pulled on some inocent drunk just trying to have a good time!

 

[rem300wm]

Re: Cops: a compliment and a question

Who ever said doing the right thing was free??? It never is! You do the right thing because it is the right thing. Then you pay the price...whatever that may be.

That way when you shave in the morning you don't have to look at an ass hat in the mirror.