Police in N. Texas Stopping Random Drivers for DNA and Blood Samples

Police in North Texas are stopping random drivers in Fort Worth on the behalf of Federal contractors for random blood and DNA samples.  It's supposed to be to check for impaired driving, and supposed to be voluntary, but how many people say "no" to police and federal employees when being forcibly pulled over?

From KXAS Ch. 5 News in Fort Worth, Texas. 

Going Nowhere Fast

Baltimore issued speed camera ticket to car stopped at red light - baltimoresun.com

"The Baltimore City speed camera ticket alleged that the four-door Mazda wagon was going 38 miles per hour in a 25-mph zone — and that owner Daniel Doty owed $40 for the infraction.  But the Mazda wasn't speeding.  It wasn't even moving. 

The two photos printed on the citation as evidence of speeding show the car was idling at a red light with its brake lights illuminated. A three-second video clip also offered as evidence shows the car motionless, as traffic flows by on a cross street."

Click on the above link to see the rest of the story, including a video of the alleged infraction. 

Texas Highway Patrol Gun Boats

Check out the gunboats Texas State Troopers are using now!

From CNN.

Don't Mess with Denver Cops

It turns out that the Carbon E7 isn't the first purpose-built police car.  Back in 1921 the Denver, CO. police department commissioned a police car just for chasing down the perps. 

FLASH!! CATC Commenter Rick Aurora chased in Missouri!!

CATC Rick Aurora and his friend, Mark, were spotted being chased all the way to Rolla, MO. in their silver Dodge Magnum wagon.  They put up a good fight, but we all know how these things end.  We may not hear from Rick for awhile. 

Michigan: Police Search Cell Phones During Traffic Stops | The Truth About Cars

Michigan: Police Search Cell Phones During Traffic Stops | The Truth About Cars

A few months ago, in the sleepy little town in Decatur, Texas, a local man was arrested for child pornography.  Normally, I would applaud such a thing, however something troubled me as I read the local newspaper's account of the arrest.  To paraphrase, it said that "the arrest was made using information gathered from the man's cellphone during a suspected DUI stop".  

I had never heard of someone's cellphone being searched during a routine traffic stop, even one for suspected DUI. 

Today, I read an article on The Truth About Cars which addressed these concerns and featured the device used to accomplish these searches.  It didn't ease my concern.  Click the above link to read the article about the abilities and issues with searching your cellphone or laptop during a routine traffic stop.  It's quite an eye-opener. 

New Jersey State Troopers Rock!!

Finally!!  I've been driving since 1970, and this is the first time I've seen the police do anything at all about "left lane bandits".  You know...the drivers who camp out in the fast lane and refuse to move over for faster traffic.  Three cheers for making sure this guy never does it again!

via TheTruthAboutCars

A Police Car for the 21st Century: Carbon E7

Caught at the Curb.....Almost!