redmack

Yes, I was working the desk and a former partner of mine from a different agency stopped a motorist in my jurisdiction. The stopped motorist dropped the line inquiring whether it would help if he knew me. My partner gave me a call and I had no idea who this person was. I inquired into my records as to whether or not I had any interaction with him. I discovered that I had an interaction with him regarding an investigation. I advised my former partner of this finding and issued him the appropriate paperwork! My Department provides us with personalized business cards to utilize when interacting with persons. I don't use them, and if I do I clearly write across the card for accident report only, or report purposes only. I think you make the credibility of PBA cards stronger when the motorists realize that we verify names that are dropped. And if an issue ever came up of whether or not you were trying to determine preferential treatment, it is very clear that you merely furthering your roadside investigation.

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Cars are registered out of state not only for insurance purposes, but also because of drivers license issues. How many North Carolina, and other State licenses are produced by drivers who are operating vehicles registered in New York. I have impounded many vehicles and issued plenty of tickets based upon my roadside investigations. Example: I stop a vehicle for a V&T violation, driver is operating a vehicle registered to a business in NY, and the driver produces a North Carolina license. I obtain the license and engage the driver in conversation to determine that he can speak and understand the English language. I then ask the driver what his street address is in North Carolina. Nine times out of ten the driver is unable to state his address in NC, and he stated he's resided in NY for two years = unlicensed. Many drivers have told me that they have paid up to $5,000.00 to "runners" who transport a car load of persons to another state (NC, MA, MT, etc), bring them to a residence, conveniently which has all the license application paperwork for that state, aids them in preparation, and walks them through the process for the next two to three days. V&T Law: § 250.In case a non-resident becomes a resident of this state, he shall be entitled for a period not exceeding thirty days from the date he becomes a resident to the same exemption from registering his vehicles in this state as he would have enjoyed had he remained a non-resident. 2.A nonresident entitled to operate a motor vehicle or motorcycle as herein provided who shall become a resident of this state may operate or drive a motor vehicle or motorcycle on the public highways of this state for a period not exceeding thirty days from the date he becomes a resident pending the obtaining of a license to operate such motor vehicle or motorcycle in this state.

I think the most important element concerning an armed off duty/plain clothes MOS is for he or she to recognize the uniform officer on scene is in charge regardless of the rank either party holds. I was trained in the city and they provided some past scenarios involving this type of encounter. The off duty/ plain clothes officer is in the zone when taking police action, and some times does not realize that he or she is not identifiable to responding uniformed MOS, regardless of color or day (city method to identify plain clothes mos). Also it should be second nature when the situation permits to display both your shield/ id card and fireman simutaneously, and verbally identify yourself in off duty/ plain clothes incidents. Past incidents should be proof enough of the amount of witnesses that will come out of the cracks in a grand jury hearing to testify that they did not hear or see you identify yourself to the perp. Also, an important fact to remember when taking action off duty is to consider the consequences. Will you be indemnified? Are you putting a family member/ or other at risk by taking action? I carry off duty when feasible, but that is only when I am able to properly safeguard. Safeguarding in a gym locker, personal vehicle, etc. is not safeguarding, but opening you and other up to serious risk.