Perception - Racism or Just Routine...?

Question

My wife and I recently moved to Gilbert, AZ. Not too long ago I was pulled over by a Gilbert, AZ police officer. I couldn't figure out why I was going the speed limit and two vehicle jetted pass me. Anyway, I remained nochalant and I ask the police officer when he pulled me over, "Hello, Sir may I ask what the problem is?" He responded, "Can I just have your driver's license, registration and proof of insurance). I then asked, "May I ask why I was pulled over?" He responded, "I'll tell you after I run your license, then he asked me if the car was registered in my name and if it was stolen." I gave him my military I.D. and License Slip; Proof of Insurance (he declined to take my registration). He then told me he pulled me over because I did not have an AZ Registration Tag on my Dealer Plate's but he could see that I have a CA Registered Car that doesn't require a tag. He then asked if I plan on living here or just visiting. he then told me if I am going to live here to update my ..

Answer 1

First off let me say the stop the officer conducted was routine, no racism was involved at least from my perspective, let me tell you why. Dealer tags are not allowed to be driven over state lines in certain states, I don't know about AZ. This in itself is a valid reason to perform a traffic stop. But it just sounds like the officer was bored and was looking for some articular reason to pull you over.
Now why on earth you gave him your Military ID I don't know, unless you might think this may get you out of a ticket, or you did not have any other photo ID.

Answer 2

I hear ya. When I first came out here (also AZ), and wasn't even sure if I would stay, I bought a car. I was pulled over, because the dealer had left the old, expired tag, license plate on the car--rather than give me a paper plate. When they asked for my license, it was my New York license. I got a ticket (which was waived by going in and trading it for an AZ license).

It happened that I stayed here for 9 years so far, but I resented having to turn in my NY license, when I still thought that I might go back there.

Answer 3

I'm inclined to believe that the officer was doing a routine registration check because of the way He stated the remark about the dealer tag. Some people will "Illegaly" use a dealer plate (as common practice) when transporting "Illegal Drugs" into the state. By verifying your registration, not only did He quash any suspicions of your intended route, He also made eye contact to insure everything is as it should be. You should also remember that alot of people upon moving to, or relocating to another state, inadvertantly forget to update their registration, so without seeing and/or hearing His demeanor I'm further inclined to give Him the benefet of the doubt. My guess, He may have thought you had drugs or contraband at first sight.
I hope this helps. GOD BLESS/GOOD LUCK!~!

Answer 4

Sounds routine to me. They need to know if youre just visiting because if you actually lived there you would have to get it registered in AZ. I think he didnt tell you why he pulled you over until after he ran the tags because that situation is probably rare and wanted to be sure that you arent wanted and fleeing or you have a stolen car or something

Answer 5

Routine. He had more than likely seen your vehicle a few times over the short period of time you had been there, and was truly checking your registration. When you move, you have a limited amount of time before registering your vehicle to your current address. It is more obvious when you move to a different state. If you are on military orders, and have not permanantly changed your PRIMARY residence, you do not have to change your vehicle registration.

Answer 6

You were likely driving a car that matched the discription of a stolen vehicle. Wheither you like this answer or not it is the right answer. He could not tell you why he pulled you over in case you actually turned out to be the thief. Alot of things we perceive as police racism is just procedure. Also understand that it is harder for whites to distuinguish difference in blacks and vice versa.

Answer 7

i would say routine because a lot of people that I know get dealers plates from friends when their registration expires. Sad but true.

Answer 8

Routine to me. Cops do that all the time since it makes tracking people with out-of-state plates harder. They want a LOCAL address they can knock on doors with.

Answer 9

It sounds to me like a lot of both. My hats off to you for handling it with such dignity, I realize that it had to be hard to hold your tongue and would leave you with a bitter taste in your mouth. My husband and I recently painted a couples home, they were both police officers, I must admit that they are about the strangest breed of people that you would ever have the misfortune of conversing with. To top it off she was having an affair with his Sergeant. Please don't try too take it personal, it's simply the way that they are, they don't trust anyone and their perception of people is way out of whack. They don't even like each other. And they especially don't like out-of-towners. We were questioned about being from Texas and working in Louisiana. You handled it with dignity, that's about all that you can do. Good Luck in your new home.

Answer 10

Oh guy, spectacular question, chortle, chortle. perhaps all the starving sick homeless human beings in South Africa who he would have spent the ninety million money on are a white racist concept as nicely?