PA and Local PD using Radar

[Maestro]

Guys,

I heard a disturbing thing on a local radio station this morning. They asked people to call in with for their methods for getting out of a ticket, and people called in with the normal BS stuff that never works. But a few police officers called in and said your getting the ticket no matter what you do or say, however, one officer gave a warning to everyone that locals are now starting to use Radar so your ability to say you were not speed will not work.

So I went to the state site to see if they actually passed something, and I found a new House Bill as on Nov 2007

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/CFDOCS/...r=2069&pn=2904

It is a Radar Pilot Program to evaluated usefulness of local PD using radar. As far as I can tell it was not approved.

However, we have a member who recently got nabbed in speed trap on local roads with local cops and the ticket clearly stated it was radar that was used to measure the speed. I think it was PSP running the radar unit, but, it looks like we have to be careful on local roads now.

[pgb2]

I think it was PSP running the radar unit, but, it looks like we have to be careful on local roads now.

This is not new, the local police and PSP were working together under operation "Smooth Operator." Here's the website for more info: http://www.pasmoothoperator.org I have seen instances in the past where local LEOs ran VASCAR on an interstate for PSP under this operation.

In fact, what's coming next (starting in April) is a sponsored program in cooperation with PennDOT where local PDs (that don't already have one) will be GIVEN an ENRADD unit, presumably for the duration of the program. Check out this thread towards the end: http://www.radardetector.net/viewtop...21395&start=30

[Maestro]

Actually if you read the legislation, they are attempting to set up a pilot program allowing the use of Radar by local PD which is schedule to start June 08.

And to make matters worse, they now are including LIDAR and if Gecko has it ways they will give local PD free LIDAR units.

[hockey005]

wat laser guns are being used

[Maestro]

I have no idea it has not showed up on the approve list of speed measuring equipment that is published each year.

[mikered30]

wat laser guns are being used

Looks like it will be, see http://www.radardetector.net/viewtopic.php?t=35271

[Maestro]

There is another important part in this new law if it get passed. PA has never had formal training requirements for the use of Radar or any other speed measuring device. Unlike other states where it has been defined in law or some sort of case law. PA has never had the required until this legislation.

This can now be another defense strategy, making sure the person was trained as well as full time officer, no part time guys.

Another important thing they call out is Engineering surveys, which again has not been a requirement in PA until 2006, but this is the first time they are tying the ability to writing a ticket to having an engineering survey.

There is PA case laws that said as long as the sign is posted it is a valid speed limit, and it does not required an engineering survey to issue a ticket.

So do you really think towns are going to spend money every two years to have the surveys updated? My understanding they are not cheep to do and it required to be done over months and speed limits signs to be removed during the study period.