Posted on 11/12/2008 8:18:26 AM PST by BGHater
NEWCASTLE, Wash. – Residents in Newcastle who complain that drivers are speeding through their neighborhoods will now be able to prove it. Newcastle police are arming residents with radar guns.
"We all have little kids and they're riding their bikes in the street and running around and we all get in a big hurry to get out kids here and there and not be late for appointments or whatever,” said Cheryl Coupens, one of the first people to sign up for the program.
When civilians clock someone speeding, they jot down the vehicle information and pass it along to authorities. There is no fine because the radar is not being operated by commissioned officers, but owners of the speeding vehicles do get a warning letter.
The first person to check out one of those radar guns used it in a residential neighborhood near Newcastle Elementary School. Over the course of three days she caught 72 people who were speeding. Of those, about a quarter was going more than 10 miles faster than the posted speed limit.
Newcastle’s police force has just seven officers, including the chief. She says loaning out the radar gun will free up her patrol units for more pressing matters and will help them focus their limited resources in spots where speeders are a concern.
"We can see what the patterns are for the times when they're speeding, and then if there's a real problem in that neighborhood, we go back, go out there with a marked unit and run radar ourselves and then that's when the tickets may follow,” said Chief Melinda Irvine.
Coupens says it’s volunteering with a twist.
"I thought it was a really good idea because I think we all need reminders to slow down,” said Coupens.
The City of Newcastle did purchase a new radar gun for the program for $700, but believes it will more than pay for itself.
I'm sure it could be good or bad. Depending on your take.
'When civilians clock someone speeding, they jot down the vehicle information and pass it along to authorities. There is no fine because the radar is not being operated by commissioned officers, but owners of the speeding vehicles do get a warning letter.'
Most likely a california replant. They are typically noisy and want to control everyone around. Many are determined to turn Washingon into exactly what they ran away from.
I like this idea. People fly by my house at 15 to 20 miles an hour over the limit. People who speed on local roads are selfish, self-centered creeps who are only thinking of themselves.
Wonder when the first person will file with the state for getting cancer from the radar gun. There are cops who’ve gotten testicular cancel leaving their radar guns on and pointed at the crotch while holding it in their lap.
Agreed.
Nevertheless, I predict violence in this scenario.
Police departments aren’t so pleased when people send in videotapes of police “not on call” running red lights and speeding.
The local Fox affiliate here has presented such footage to the department numerous times.
You are exactly right. Next thing you know - they will be scheduling weekly “cell” meetings just like the ones the Soviet Union was famous for.
Faster than anyone realizes, especially with the Obama regime..
This will dovetail nicely with the civilian security force.
Yep. Point the guns at the police cars and detective’s cars speeding and report them. The plan will probably end quickly.
Haven’t you heard?
Laws don’t apply to cops.
Badges? WE don’t need no steeenking badges!
What is to stop someone for just writing the warning? The radar gun is pointless.
I THINK the driver was speeding...
I KNOW that kid races at least 205 miles per hour in the neighborhood.
FAKE but accurate reporting redux...
its for your own good.
Did they link the radar gun output to the donut shop?
I think they're one of the few great ideas from the transportation dept, as long as they don't start putting cameras in 'em. It's a courtesy reminder, which is all most of us need, and they sure are better than speed traps.
They're also handy for speed runs, so you don't have to look down at your speedo when you're wheeling along way past the century mark...;~) j/k
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