Is this handled properly?

[ILnPA]

Another civilian question. From time to time when I am on the road (especially on Interstates and more frequently at night) I will get flashed by a car or truck on the side of the road. This doesn't just happen in my own state...in fact it happens more frequently outside of my state's borders. I normally will turn my flashers on to let the person(s) at the vehicle know I acknowledged them and then call Highway Patrol if the number has been posted or call 9-1-1 and let them know where I am (mile marker, heading that kind of stuff) and that I think a vehicle is in need of assistance. I never, ever stop and would never stop for a distressed vehicle since I am a civilian.

Am I handling this situation correctly? Is there a case where you would expect a civilian to ever stop? I would want to stop for life threatening situations to help those in need but is that the right thing to do since you're really putting yourself at risk as well? Don't get me wrong I want to help people if they need it but I don't want to overstep my bounds as a civi.


Also, we had an incident where some civilians thought some kids were drag racing on their street and took 5 civilian vehicles and blocked the road so the kids couldn't get out. An hour later the troopers showed up (the PSP handle our area) and cited the kids for racing through streets. I'm glad the residents care enough to do something but I thought it was a little extreme considering they did block traffic flow and people couldn't get in our out...not just the kids.

Thanks in advance for your replies. :)


********I edited this to get to the point. I included some information that wasn't needed and I apologize for anyone who misinterpreted my post.

[southboy]

How in heck would a car on the side of the road be able to flash their lights at you after seeing a FOP tag on the BACK of your car? Your story doesn't add up.

[JKralC104]

Don't flatter yourself. When they are pulled over on the side of the road when its 10 degrees out, they dont' care who stops. Chances are they didn't see your FOPA tag when you were going by at 60+. Calling the state police is the way to go.

[ILnPA]

OK maybe the trucks flashed other vehicles before I passed them but I'm going probably about 65/70 mph in the right lane when it last happened. I'll give you an actual incident in Ohio on I-80 mile marker 79 or 80 Eastbound a truck on the right shoulder flashed lights at me right after I passed them. I called Ohio Highway Patrol and said "there is a truck in the right shoulder on I-80 eastbound around mile marker 80 parked and he just flashed his lights at me. I am under the assumption he needs assistance." Operator replies "OK we'll check it out" end of call. That's how I normally handle it as a civilian and I wanted to hear it from you as to whether or not it should be handled any differently as a civilian. Forget the fact that I even said FOPA and look at it as if anyone is broken down on the side of the road.

Not trying to flatter myself...In fact I think there are a lot of uninformed civilians that need to know that Associates are not LE but are family/friends of LE (or ex-LE). I am the first to tell anyone that FOPA is NOT LE and that's the point of the world Associate. I don't mean to make it sound like just because I'm FOPA someone would ask me for help before anyone else. Sorry if it came across that way.


ETA: I don't know how that wouldn't add up? The semi's lights were on...I pass them...they bright me a few times (basically flickering the brights). His lights were on...there were a few cars ahead of me and I didn't see his back lights flicker when they passed him. Probably just delusional on my part I guess.

[irishlad2nv]

OK maybe the trucks flashed other vehicles before I passed them but I'm going probably about 65/70 mph in the right lane when it last happened. I'll give you an actual incident in Ohio on I-80 mile marker 79 or 80 Eastbound a truck on the right shoulder flashed lights at me right after I passed them. I called Ohio Highway Patrol and said "there is a truck in the right shoulder on I-80 eastbound around mile marker 80 parked and he just flashed his lights at me. I am under the assumption he needs assistance." Operator replies "OK we'll check it out" end of call. That's how I normally handle it as a civilian and I wanted to hear it from you as to whether or not it should be handled any differently as a civilian. Forget the fact that I even said FOPA and look at it as if anyone is broken down on the side of the road.

Not trying to flatter myself...In fact I think there are a lot of uninformed civilians that need to know that Associates are not LE but are family/friends of LE (or ex-LE). I am the first to tell anyone that FOPA is NOT LE and that's the point of the world Associate. I don't mean to make it sound like just because I'm FOPA someone would ask me for help before anyone else. Sorry if it came across that way.


ETA: I don't know how that wouldn't add up? The semi's lights were on...I pass them...they bright me a few times (basically flickering the brights). His lights were on...there were a few cars ahead of me and I didn't see his back lights flicker when they passed him. Probably just delusional on my part I guess.

So let me ask you this. Every year that you send your Money to the FOP to get our sticket, what Lodge is it going too? Or do you donate the money just to get a Sticker? That is very highly unlikely that a strandered Motorist will see you "sticker" and think.."let me get this person, they are a cop"...chances are slim to none. It's more likely that they see a vehicle and need help.

But go on with your "supporting FOP-self" and continue to think this, but beware that you have this sticker is someone truely needs assistance.

[old_guy]

......My assumption is that they are in need of assistance and because they see the FOPA sticker they assume I am LE. This doesn't just happen in my own state...in fact it happens more frequently outside of my state's borders. ....... :)

Not wanting to offend here, BUT, the tenor and flavor of your writing causes me to think wanna-be, John Wayne, Tackleberry, Barnie Fife (RIP). Sir, if you are so concerned about folks thinking you are LEO because of your FOPA sticker, remove it. The issue will quickly go away. I do applaud your efforts in assisting disabled motorists, and your support of the FOP, but the FOPA sticker deal smells like fish! Three day old fish! Sir.

[ILnPA]

I had become an associate through family members in LE in Illinois and that is where my donation goes. The background on the program is here:

What is the Executive Associate Program?
The program is a civilian affiliate of the Fraternal Order of Police, Illinois State Lodge. Its members are individuals and families of law enforcement officers, responsible and respected business persons, professional men and women, and citizens from all walks of life

[ILnPA]

but beware that you have this sticker is someone truely needs assistance.

That doesn't make sense to me. Are you saying because I have an Associate sticker on my vehicle means I need assistance? I don't see what the big deal is about having a sticker on my car. People go to much more extreme circumstances to act like cops than putting a sticker on the back of their cars. In fact you guys are arresting a lot more wackos that think they're cops because they bought a Crown Vic and some accessories from some police supply store. I drive a car that couldn't pass for a police car unless I lived in Japan...and even then they wouldn't drive it. There was just a big article in the Sun-Times about these nutjobs in January.

You guys should know better than anyone how nuts people can be. It's like my uncle (LEO) always said "You don't want to alienate the people you've sworn to serve and protect, but sometimes it's just so da*n hard" :p If I come off like that I apologize. I'm just here to ask questions and to listen to what you have to say. I can get bashed at home on my own time. :D

Sorry for any confusion.

[JKralC104]

If you say your vehicle could never be passed off as that of an LEO's, why did the FOPA sticker even get brought into the conversation? "What should I do if I see someone on the side of the road flagging me down?" would be a much better question.

I know officers that drive old OLD Toyotas. That could never be mistaken for a LEO vehicle right?

I think the point he is trying to make is that if you believe someone thinks you are an officer due to some meaningless sticker on your car, you need assistance... Not in a physical matter...

[irishlad2nv]

That doesn't make sense to me. Are you saying because I have an Associate sticker on my vehicle means I need assistance? I don't see what the big deal is about having a sticker on my car. People go to much more extreme circumstances to act like cops than putting a sticker on the back of their cars. In fact you guys are arresting a lot more wackos that think they're cops because they bought a Crown Vic and some accessories from some police supply store. I drive a car that couldn't pass for a police car unless I lived in Japan...and even then they wouldn't drive it. There was just a big article in the Sun-Times about these nutjobs in January.

You guys should know better than anyone how nuts people can be. It's like my uncle (LEO) always said "You don't want to alienate the people you've sworn to serve and protect, but sometimes it's just so da*n hard" :p If I come off like that I apologize. I'm just here to ask questions and to listen to what you have to say. I can get bashed at home on my own time. :D

Sorry for any confusion.

No what I meant for you is to realize that if you truely think that it's quite possible for someone to think you are LE due to your sticker...and they really need help...be prepared to assist them.

I was not here to "bash" you, j ust trying to assist you with your questions.

[ILnPA]

If you say your vehicle could never be passed off as that of an LEO's, why did the FOPA sticker even get brought into the conversation? "What should I do if I see someone on the side of the road flagging me down?" would be a much better question.

I know officers that drive old OLD Toyotas. That could never be mistaken for a LEO vehicle right?

I think the point he is trying to make is that if you believe someone thinks you are an officer due to some meaningless sticker on your car, you need assistance... Not in a physical matter...


I was thinking more along the lines of "Does it make sense to take the sticker off of the vehicle so that people don't make the wrong assumption." I should've come out and stated that. I don't want people to make the mistake in assuming I am. I can't make people think one way or the other...but like you said if anyone is going to think that just because I have a sticker on my car I'm a LEO they need assistance (including me if I did). I feel better about having it there now.

I appreciate you answering my original question as to how to handle when a motorist is stranded as well. Thanks for that.

[ILnPA]

No what I meant for you is to realize that if you truely think that it's quite possible for someone to think you are LE due to your sticker...and they really need help...be prepared to assist them.

I was not here to "bash" you, j ust trying to assist you with your questions.

Thanks irish...I apologize for phrasing the question to make it sound like something it shouldn't have.

If they need help like that...is it better to just call Highway or State Police and let them know where? I'm wondering if there are times when I would be expected to stop and help.

[2209]

It is better just to call, give a good location (i.e. I-79 Northbound at the 104 mile marker), give a good vehicle description (Ford F-150 pickup, blue in color), and leave it at that.

I'd also say too...if you see someone disabled on the side of the road and you are in the right lane IF you are clear to safely move over into the fast lane, then you should do so. No need to zoom by someone on the side of the road going 70mph when you are only a couple feet away from them, when you can put a whole 12 foot lane between the two of you.

Just some common "highway courtesy" for folks.

>>>edited because I can't spell "say" without messing it up<<<

[ILnPA]

Thanks 22. You're right I normally do move over (I think it's even a law in Indiana that you have to move over or slow down...maybe even Ohio too). Common sense should prevail...I just had a brain lapse that last time.

Thanks for your input. :)