Is this conduct unbecoming of a Police Officer?

[OriginalWheelman]

My cousin received a ticket on the way to work this morning. Not a big deal, not arguing the validity of it. What I am concerned with is how the Officer acted after. This was the ticket he received.



"Happy Birthday" Really? Do you gotta be a d!ck about it? He has not had a ticket in 20 years. Was there really a need for this? I think it's improper conduct, but that's my opinion. What is yours?

My case:
1. There was no need for it.
2. The only thing it serves to do is remind him that he got a ticket on his birthday. The cop is rubbing it in. Police work is not about bullying.
3. It's written on the official ticket. He obviously sees no problem with being sarcastic and snarky to a citizen. That doesn't sound like a good public servant.

This guy sounds to me like one of the problem cops. He likes the power. He's "winning" in his mind issuing a traffic ticket. #My2Cents

[numbnuts240]

totally unnecessary behavior.

[AZhitman]

Not really. However...

First off, an LEO doesn't get to refer to himself as "[municipality's] finest." That's an optional (and debatable) term of respect conferred by the citizens, if they so choose.

Second, it's unnecessary. If he's got time to be funny, he's got time to do something productive.

Third, it's snarky. Draft a very carefully-worded complaint to the Chief of Broward Co PD, copy the Clerk of Court, and whoever else oversees that department.

I'd anticipate that ticket getting dismissed before court, since no Chief wants a judge to see that.

Is it 'conduct unbecoming?' Nope. Is is douchey and unnecessary? Yep.

[OriginalWheelman]

BTW, the ticket is for 5mph over.

[Bubba1]

Is it 'conduct unbecoming?' Nope. Is is douchey and unnecessary? Yep.

This. ^ I agree with Greg that writing a complaint about the officer's snarkiness might result in getting it dismissed, but that's no guarantee. I would not advise fighting it in court based solely on the snarky comment. Though A lawyer would be in a better position to advise the best way to fight off the ticket itself.

[Xdisaster240sX]

Id take it to court with me and tell the judge that youre offended and you feel that feel that the cop is showing off his "power"... ALSO even though hes able to ticket you for doing 5 mph over, most dont. Most police give you a 5 mph "break" due to sudden changes in posted speed limits and things like that. Im sure the fine isnt all that high but I would fight the $h*t out of it.

[Xdisaster240sX]

Now that I think about it...could it be sincere? Is there a fine printed on the ticket or do you have to take it to the court house by a certain day?

[AZhitman]

Sincerity would have included a warning, not a ticket.

[Xdisaster240sX]

Thats why I asked if the amount was printed on the ticket. In Baltimore they print it on the citation and you take it to the court house to pay it. In WV (where I know live) Thwy dont print a fine on the ticket. You need to take it to the court house to find out if theres a fine and how much it is. Its kinda BS

[Solar_Runner]

I've been nailed for better than 5 mph over, but written up for just 5 as a nice gesture... guess you're going to argue that his snarky comment took the niceness away. Pffft. I am offended at your offense.

[Mr1der]

I bet he jerks off to the end of Old Yeller.