Police Radar Calibration - The Old Bait And Switch Game
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Vehicles -> subcategory Other.
Police Radar Calibration: What You Need to Know
Understanding Radar Calibration and Its Impact on Speeding Tickets
Hi everyone, Richard Wallace here with the fourth article in my ongoing series. Today, I'm revealing some shocking truths about police radar calibration. You won't believe that 3 out of every 5 speeding tickets might be issued in error. Read on to learn more.
The Importance of Radar Calibration
Every state in the U.S. mandates that all law enforcement agencies, whether local, city, state, or federal, must send their radar units to an independent laboratory for annual or semi-annual inspection and certification. This ensures that all radar equipment is functioning correctly, reducing the likelihood of erroneous speeding tickets.
The process is meant to hold agencies accountable, preventing them from policing themselves. Agencies are required to have their radar units inspected regularly by a certified lab to maintain accuracy and reliability. Yet, this standard is often not upheld.
A Startling Survey
In 2003, I began a survey of over 150 law enforcement agencies across the U.S. to uncover the truth. My aim was to find out how many radar units each department owned and whether they had been inspected as required by law. I also wanted to know if departments used correct calibration paperwork when presenting cases in court.
The results were surprising. Of the agencies surveyed, 127 had radar units in use that hadn’t been inspected within the mandated period. Additionally, 107 admitted that they sometimes presented incorrect calibration paperwork in court. This "bait and switch" tactic often left officers unaware of the discrepancy, compromising the integrity of speeding tickets.
Real-Life Implications
Take my own department as an example. As a retired officer from Connecticut, I witnessed firsthand how only 1 or 2 out of 6 radar units were inspected annually, despite all being in use. Paperwork from the inspected units was often used in court, even if it wasn't the unit used for a specific speeding ticket. This practice contributes to my belief that many tickets are issued unlawfully.
How to Use This Information in Court
If you receive a speeding ticket involving radar, this insider knowledge can be crucial in your defense. You have the right to request the make, model, and serial number of all radar units from the issuing department, along with their calibration records. Any inconsistencies can cast doubt on the ticket's validity, potentially leading to a dismissal.
Fighting Your Ticket
Remember to calm down, remain polite, and cooperate without admitting guilt when stopped. Always appeal a speeding ticket, as many cases result in dismissal or reduction when challenged in court. Research shows that over 50% of appeals are successful.
Conclusion
If you decide to contest a speeding ticket, request all relevant calibration records from the police department. This can be a game-changer, especially if you uncover a failure to comply with state laws. For more detailed strategies, refer to my book, "An Educated Guide to Speeding Tickets," available for purchase.
Thank you for reading. I hope this article has been informative. Stay safe on the roads!
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Police Radar Calibration - The Old Bait And Switch Game.
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