I called into my local police department to let them know about a vehicle parked at a business with its brake lights and interior lights on. It was 2 in the morning. They told me it would be a while before anyone could get there. I decided to drive back by and make sure I didn't see anyone actually trying to break into the car. The police had already got there. I drove on by, never stopping or getting out of my car. A few days later I got a ticket in the mail for Obstruction of Official Duty. The police are very familiar with me, because I have done many ride-alongs with them and they know I want to become a police officer. This felt like such a slap in the face. My question to you guys is, do you really think I did anything wrong?? I have to appear in court for it tomorrow.
2007-07-17 19:58:08 · 15 answers · asked by iwannabeanofficer 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
The business was radio shack and it was one of their company vehicles with the lights on. Not just some customer at 2 in the morning. And by the way, it wasn't a false report!!
2007-07-17 20:22:35 · update #1
If the situation took place in the manner you related it, no. You didn't make contact with them on the scene, you didn't prevent them from conducting their official duties, or interfere in their progress. You never exited your vehicle.
I would obtain a copy of your states Penal Code and do some quick research on what constitutes Obstruction in your state. Then I would go to court and cite the P.C. I would also inform the court if you personally know either of these two officers or have had negative contact with them in any way. Inform the court the time you made the notification. Obtain (if possible) a copy of the blotter, noting incoming reports from citizens.
What I think happened, for what it's worth.... they may have felt you were checking up on them, not believing they repsonded in a timely manner. The judge may view it as being out of protocal. If I were you I'd claim they acted under color of authority, harassing you without cause. And then have the case dismissed. You may also want to consider filing a civil complaint against the officer issuing the citation after, and IF the citation is dismissed.
2007-07-17 20:54:30 · answer #1 · answered by wtshimmin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. In this world security is supposed to be the highest concern. You saw something suspicious and out of place, and you did a civil duty of reporting it to the authorities. There is no wrong in that.
Just beacause you drove past doesn't mean that they can slap you with an Obstruction of Duty ticket. If I were you, I'd fight back.
You were minding your own business and just driving by.
2007-07-18 01:58:31 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you don't learn to mind your own business, you will never be allowed to become a cop. You were looking for trouble and you found it. Someone leaving their lights on is not a crime and you had no right to sic the cops of them, so it was poetic justice that you got caught instead.
Yes, this is obstruction of official duty. Once you made the false report, you should have gone home and minded your own business.
2007-07-17 20:18:42 · answer #3 · answered by lcmcpa 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Go to court and tell them exactly what happened. The police are dependent on phone calls to catch criminals as catching someone in the act is much easier than trying to prosecute someone caught at a later date.
2007-07-18 00:51:21 · answer #4 · answered by kyghostchaser2006 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No how were you obstructing them..did you pull your car into the parking lot while they were on duty ..no you didnt.Maybe you can avoid these situations by not going by after you called it in ...trust them to do their job ..its not you job yet and I say yet to make sure that they are complying to rules.I d lay off for a while you may not have any friends when you do make it and that wouldnt be fun get you a good lawyer and they can have it thrown out
2007-07-17 20:04:33 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
They probably don't care about car lights being on. As in: it's not their official duty. They are probably much more involved in either helping a stranded motorist or trying to prevent crimes. This had no one directly involved (no driver there) and they probably figured it would have been easier for you to just tell the person their lights were on.
And yeah, it is kinda a slap in the face. The police tend not to care much about people who.... well..... care.
2007-07-17 20:03:36 · answer #6 · answered by jonthecomposer 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
First time I've ever heard the term "obstruction of official duty."
2007-07-17 23:54:56 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't call the police unless you have an emergency and someone running their car battery down isn't an emergency. Besides, what do you expect the cops to do? Put out an APB and nationwide manhunt for the owner?
2007-07-17 20:01:18 · answer #8 · answered by Joe L 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I can't think of a single reason that you would have received that citation with the information you gave us. Take it to court.
2007-07-17 21:34:04 · answer #9 · answered by Vindicaire 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Either you are not being 100 percent forthcoming in your view of what happen or the cops are giving you a not so gentle hint that maybe you wanna be a cop isn't what they wanna...
2007-07-17 20:03:08 · answer #10 · answered by LEC 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋