captainjack

Here in Florida, I've seen these PBA (Police Benevolent Assoc.) badges clipped to people's license plates.

I'm sure you have to join or contribute to get one. I've always wondered if cops were more forgiving when they see the badge. As in, "Here's a warning. Slow down Mr. Donor."

Am I way off? Do other states have something similar? If so, will it save your ass?

Crazytree

Every state has them and no... the cops don't care.

LurchRSX

They had stickers for donations in Toronto...it lasted about a week because EVERYONE freaked about it.

gonova

I seem them everywhere up here. There is a truck at my lot that must have 20 stickers from every local PBA.

My personal opinion - donate because you want to, because a sticker ain't getting you out of anything. Especially if it is obvious that you just did it to get the sticker or medallion.

bob shiftright

I think a radar detector is probably more cost-effective.

In some places a crisp fresh folded $100 will have the desired effect. In other places that same crisp folded $100 will land you in jail with a horny 300 pound cellmate named "Tyronne".

I'd go for the radar detector. Drive an innoocuous car in an innocuous color, and use your head. Also, they seem to sometimes give "professional courtesy" to speeding Ford Crown Victorias but this is an Acura board.

captainjack

Thanks for the feedback.
I DO have a detector but was looking for an extra layer of protection.

As for donation for their own sake, I won't. I respect the police overall but I feel like speeding tickets are just revenue-generation.

phile

It depends on the situation. One time I made an illegal left turn and incurred a police car sitting there, waiting for some fool to do just that. Anyways, he checked my license number and let me off with a warning because I was a town resident (not to mention I donate when the police/fire dept. send out their annual donation letters). But if I ran a red light at 65mph in a 30mph zone while driving drunk, I don't think it would've mattered whether I donated or not.

captainjack

Valid point. I guess I didn't qualify my angst.

My speeding career has been documented almost exclusively on highways. To me, that's where speeding is least dangerous.

Screaming down surface roads is another story. I'm an enthusiastic driver, not psychotic.

I have a big problem with cops hunting speeders from stationary, hidden spots. That's not police work. That's feeding city/county/state coffers.

yomama

Actually, you are right and wrong.
In some areas, cops do ticket for the influx of money.

But what most people don't realize is that 75% of criminals are caught in a car. Whether it be for a Child support warrant or Murder or Assault, criminals always want to drive.
Society says, "why you giving me a ticket? Go catch some criminals or murderers or something".

If you come in contact with 500 cars in a day, it's guananteed that 5 of those drivers are suspended, 5 are wanted, and 5 others have a capias.

Guess what gang, that's how we catch the bad guys.
If you don't like it, then become a Police Officer and find out for yourself.

Crazytree

No thanks... I chose to become a lawyer and bust dirty cops.

coronad0

Just get one of these on your booty...

My wife's sister's husband is a cop...you can't use him...

bob shiftright

Thanks for the job offer, but I'm waaaaay too old for a second (third?) career. Then there are other reasons that they'd probably reject me!

yomama

yeah. ok.