should we file a formal complaint on police officer?

[buzz2400]

Last wednesday my son was leaving the high school to go get lunch. There is a cop that is supposed to make sure kids have passes to leave. Another cop was there talking to other cop. My son passes by without stopping (has been doing this all school year and never has a pass). Anyway the cop who isn't on school detail pulls son over on main road (not school grounds). Asks son right away for license and registration and asks a few more questions. then my son asks why you pulling me over and not the car that was in front of me. Then gives my son a ticket for not wearing a seatbelt. Long story short my son was wearing a seatbelt and the cop gave him a ticket anyway just because he didn't like my son "talking back" about pulling over car in front of him. I feel cop abused his power. My son sent the ticket back to court not guilty and he understands the process of having to go to court, etc. I also can tell when my son is lying and I know he isn't. I was also told by someone at the police department that there would be a video (from the dashboard) of him being pulled over. Usually I say just pay the fine and get on with life but I hate that cops can do this to teenagers. We are thinking of filing a formal complaint against this cop. What do you think? Please post your opinions because if we do file the complaint, it will be tomorrow night.

FYI: I am not the type of parent that tries to bale out your kid or cover up things that he has done. I am more the type that you do a crime, you do the time.

 

[sunnyday123]

I'd say let it go. He left school grounds without a pass, which he shouldn't have done, whether or not he's done it all year. And I'm pretty sure generally you don't get a ticket for something as glaringly obvious as not wearing a seatbelt if you are wearing one.

Lesson learned: Don't talk back to a cop.

 

[Luvchefmic]

Last wednesday my son was leaving the high school to go get lunch. There is a cop that is supposed to make sure kids have passes to leave. Another cop was there talking to other cop. My son passes by without stopping (has been doing this all school year and never has a pass). Anyway the cop who isn't on school detail pulls son over on main road (not school grounds). Asks son right away for license and registration and asks a few more questions. then my son asks why you pulling me over and not the car that was in front of me. Then gives my son a ticket for not wearing a seatbelt. Long story short my son was wearing a seatbelt and the cop gave him a ticket anyway just because he didn't like my son "talking back" about pulling over car in front of him. I feel cop abused his power. My son sent the ticket back to court not guilty and he understands the process of having to go to court, etc. I also can tell when my son is lying and I know he isn't. I was also told by someone at the police department that there would be a video (from the dashboard) of him being pulled over. Usually I say just pay the fine and get on with life but I hate that cops can do this to teenagers. We are thinking of filing a formal complaint against this cop. What do you think? Please post your opinions because if we do file the complaint, it will be tomorrow night.

FYI: I am not the type of parent that tries to bale out your kid or cover up things that he has done. I am more the type that you do a crime, you do the time.

Personally I think if your DS is old enough to drive alone he is old enough to fight his own battles.....I think its his call and he must do it all on his own. other than that I have no opinion .sorry

 

[jfoofj]

I would complain because that is an abuse of power, and maybe this police officer has had other complaints and the only way it will be dealt with is if people speak up.

The only reason why I wouldn't complain is if you live in a really small town and this would make your son/family a target of this officer. My brother had a police officer in our (very small) town who had it in for him and made life very difficult for him for a long time. My parents did talk to the chief of police and he said that they had many issues with that officer. Luckily he took a job in another town far away from us.

 

[Mickey's Minion]

Last wednesday my son was leaving the high school to go get lunch. There is a cop that is supposed to make sure kids have passes to leave. Another cop was there talking to other cop. My son passes by without stopping (has been doing this all school year and never has a pass). Anyway the cop who isn't on school detail pulls son over on main road (not school grounds). Asks son right away for license and registration and asks a few more questions. then my son asks why you pulling me over and not the car that was in front of me. Then gives my son a ticket for not wearing a seatbelt. Long story short my son was wearing a seatbelt and the cop gave him a ticket anyway just because he didn't like my son "talking back" about pulling over car in front of him. I feel cop abused his power. My son sent the ticket back to court not guilty and he understands the process of having to go to court, etc. I also can tell when my son is lying and I know he isn't. I was also told by someone at the police department that there would be a video (from the dashboard) of him being pulled over. Usually I say just pay the fine and get on with life but I hate that cops can do this to teenagers. We are thinking of filing a formal complaint against this cop. What do you think? Please post your opinions because if we do file the complaint, it will be tomorrow night.

FYI: I am not the type of parent that tries to bale out your kid or cover up things that he has done. I am more the type that you do a crime, you do the time.

I would be viewing that dashboard video before filing any complaints. Make sure you really have a basis to file a complaint.

 

[jme829]

I'd say let it go. He left school grounds without a pass, which he shouldn't have done, whether or not he's done it all year. And I'm pretty sure generally you don't get a ticket for something as glaringly obvious as not wearing a seatbelt if you are wearing one.

Lesson learned: Don't talk back to a cop.

I think some places they CAN pull you over specifically for not wearing one.

But, really if he wants to drive, he needs to follow the rules...Next time he should buckle up and he won't have an issue.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Personally I think if your DS is old enough to drive alone he is old enough to fight his own battles.....I think its his call and he must do it all on his own. other than that I have no opinion .sorry

Agree.

You were not there so hard to jump in with filing formal complaints. If your son wants to do it then he should do it on his own. Afterall it is his word against the LEO's.

 

[SaraJayne]

I would be viewing that dashboard video before filing any complaints. Make sure you really have a basis to file a complaint.

But even if you do view the dashboard video, it may be difficult to tell whether your DS was wearing a seatbelt or not, depending on what type of car he drives.

I'd let it go and chalk it up to experience. And maybe next time he'll learn not to talk back to a cop.

 

[Magic Mom]

I know we all like to think we can always tell if our kids are lying, but I don't think we can. You can't be 100% sure if your son is telling the complete truth and since filing as formal complaint against the guy could jeopardize his livelihood, I would stay out of it.

 

[palmtreegirl]

No

 

[RadioNate]

Let me get the facts straight. Your DS left school "illegally," ignored the officer that he is supposed to show his non-existant pass, got pulled over, mouthed off to the officer and now you are wondering if you should report the officer? ok

 

[Missy1961]

I know we all like to think we can always tell if our kids are lying, but I don't think we can. You can't be 100% sure if your son is telling the complete truth and since filing as formal complaint against the guy could jeopardize his livelihood, I would stay out of it.

Good points. OP, I'd stay out of it. It's up to him.

 

[Fire14]

I think some places they CAN pull you over specifically for not wearing one.

But, really if he wants to drive, he needs to follow the rules...Next time he should buckle up and he won't have an issue.

In starte of Ohio and Michigan it is a primary offense to not wear a seatbelt and cops will/do pull you over for not wearing one.

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

I think some places they CAN pull you over specifically for not wearing one.

But, really if he wants to drive, he needs to follow the rules...Next time he should buckle up and he won't have an issue.

The basis of the potential complaint, per the OP, is that he DID buckle up and the officer is claiming he didn't.

I'd let it go. He can state his case in court, but it's his word against a police officer's. He shouldn't have been on the road then anyway. And per a PP, good lesson...don't talk back to a police officer.

 

[Magic Mom]

I would be viewing that dashboard video before filing any complaints. Make sure you really have a basis to file a complaint.

If there is a video, then yes make sure you look at it before you file any complaints.

 

[TwinsinCA]

I don't know about filing a formal complaint. But fighting the ticket? Yes. If a cop did that to me, I wouldn't just "let it go".

Is being truant something that gets you a ticket? Was he cited for that?

 

[cabanafrau]

IMO if you don't have objective evidence your son was absolutely wearing his seatbelt, he will lose -- no matter if his parents support his assertion 1000-percent. That will cut no weight w/ the court.

Frequently it's better to go to court, plead & court will reduce the violation so your insurance doesn't get notification. Fighting LE w/o objective evidence to refute their charge will likely result in the ticket standing as is, no reduction in charge by the court & your insurance soaring like a kite.

 

[Hoodie]

Let me get the facts straight. Your DS left school "illegally," ignored the officer that he is supposed to show his non-existant pass, got pulled over, mouthed off to the officer and now you are wondering if you should report the officer? ok

This.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

If there is a video, then yes make sure you look at it before you file any complaints.

Can you even request to see the tape? I wonder how that works? I would imagine you might need a lawyer for that? Or maybe not?

Anyone ever request the dashboard cam or have it used for a ticket?

We see them on the news, so I guess it is public record, right?

 

[laurafergie]

Having had the privilege of sitting in traffic court - I guarantee you, the judge will find your son guilty of the seat belt violation. In this case, it is a "he said - he said" type and the judge will side with the cop. Otherwise, everyone would go to court and try this excuse.

The only time in traffic court I have seen the judge dismiss cases (moving violations) are when the cop doesn't show up or is late - I have seen judges dismiss non moving violations, like inspection stickers.

DS just needs to pay up and not talk back to the cop.