Neenah, Wisconsin has such a speeding problem that it can't keep up. Even with a full court press of law enforcement, drivers continue to speed and have even sped by other motorists receiving their obligatory revenue-production invoice. In an effort to keep drivers on their toes while also leaving time to fight real crimes, the Neenah PD will post cardboard cutouts that look like an officer pointing a radar gun in strategic locations. Like something out of Weekend At Bernie's, the paper tigers will be rotated with living, breathing officers so that the ruse has a chance of effecting change. At this point, it's less about filling the coffers and more about quelling an epidemic of overly-velocitized drivers. [Source: Winding Road, Photo: brentkmoore.blogspot.com]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
FThorn @ Jan 9th 2008 8:04AM
Luckily, my Valentine One(s) do not false alarm over cardboard.
John R @ Jan 9th 2008 8:10AM
I dunno...if I were walk by one of these on the street, I'd be half tempted to knock it down.
Menice @ Jan 9th 2008 8:25AM
or draw a fu man chu mustache and some dangling earings..... maybe a kitty tatoo
FThorn @ Jan 9th 2008 8:35AM
I'm sure they'd find some way to arrest you for a felony. ;)
Robert @ Jan 9th 2008 10:24AM
Ultimate dorm room decoration.
Guenther @ Jan 9th 2008 8:24AM
If they really had a speed problem, they would put more cars on the road- its easy to do nothing but write 3 tickets/hour, easily paying for the additional patrols (and then some. Seriously though- last time I was in WI, most people rolled around 2-3 miles UNDER the limit- quite painful, actually.
JohnR- that cardbord cutout probably enjoys significant legal protection.
lwnexgen @ Jan 9th 2008 11:32AM
Hmm, not sure where you were driving. Everywhere I go nobody drives less than 5 over.
We still get the morons in the left lane all the time, but that's pretty much the same everywhere in my opinion.
John Johnson @ Jan 9th 2008 8:26AM
If you are speeding, you should not fear a man who must run to catch up to you.
"Oh man, he's really coming up fast! Oh, wait, I can just um, drive away."
Shawn @ Jan 9th 2008 8:41AM
...You do realize they have radios right?
John Johnson @ Jan 9th 2008 8:45AM
They'd have to radio a buddy to come pick him up so he can cite you (because he was the one who witnessed the infraction). That's the only way (at least here in NC) that it would work.
Not that it matters cause cardboard can't use a radio.
Corey W. @ Jan 9th 2008 9:00AM
Once you failed to stop, it's no longer a little citation, they are calling other cars to apprehend you.....
Shawn @ Jan 9th 2008 9:13AM
John...They work in teams in problem areas. Radar guy calls out the waiting pursue cars.
John Johnson @ Jan 9th 2008 9:14AM
Failed to stop for a police car? Or for the running officer?
In the case of the running officer, he has no way of signaling to you to stop. Wouldn't dream of holding up in court.
If it's a car, you should always stop. If you don't, it is a crime, plain and simple. But, he can't pull you over unless he suspects you for doing something wrong. I'm not trying to say run from the police, I'm just trying to say to not fear a man with a radar gun and no car. He has no (immediate) way to get you. If he hops in a car with his radar gun after he's clocked you, you get a ticket.
Seems to me like their money would be better spent employing more officers to handle the problem.
Guenther @ Jan 9th 2008 9:26AM
JJ- Having one trap- whether in a car, on foot, or on horeseback, in combination with a take-down zone, either stationary or rolling patrol, is very common in most states. If a Cop on foot waves you down, it is very much a legal intercept.
John Johnson @ Jan 9th 2008 9:34AM
If it is a trap zone, yes, but then you'd think a shiny man wouldn't be standing out there, he'd either be hiding to clock you or in a car.
A cop on foot would have to be able to demonstrate that he clearly showed his intent for you to stop and you acknowledged him. If he could do that, yeah, you've had it.
I simply made a quick comment about how silly it is for cardboard cutouts to be doing the job of law enforcement.
Mike @ Jan 9th 2008 10:44AM
John,
The simple fact is that WI allows one officer to radar you and radio in to another to pull you over. I've been pulled over based on "air unit" radio in to the ground unit.
Let me tell you, I'm not sure about residents but WI really soaks visitors for fines. What is a $75 fine in IL for 12 over is like $250 in WI (and that was over 4 years ago).
John Johnson @ Jan 9th 2008 10:57AM
Well then, I stand corrected, thank you for clearing that up. Didn't know that was how WI operated.
kastonie @ Jan 11th 2008 2:44PM
I've personally sped past a cop with a radar gun standing on the side of the road. The cop was standing near the door of his car, but he had 3 other cars waiting on the shoulder already. I thought to myself i dont think this guy will jump in the police car and come after me and miss out on the 3 he already has pulled over. He signaled to me to pull over with a hand gesture.... I looked the opposite direction as if I didnt see him and kept going...and he didnt come get me so....I will continue to keep going past cops on the side of the road...and if they come after me in the police car, I'll stop then...
Todd @ Jan 9th 2008 8:49AM
...and in related news, Wisconsin area paint ball gun sales skyrocket.
h8rain @ Jan 9th 2008 9:22AM
That is funny..... because it will be true :)