unmarked police cars

[kolohe1998]

I noticed yesterday, Monday July 5th, within the distance of the keaau police department and the humane society, there was 3 police cars, all unmarked, that was writing tickets.

These cars dont have lights on them, ensignmas, etc. The seemed to be doing speed traps. They only have a light bar in the front and rear window.

What is the legality of this? Isnt this considered entrapment, which is illegal??

[David M]

Welcome to Hawaii County

David

Ninole Resident

[csgray]

I saw the same thing, it happens often at the beginning of the month and I think they are getting people for expired inspection stickers. It seems to be an easy ticket the first week of the month.

Carol

[Alex]

May be the officers are working on commision?):

[james weatherford]

Hawaii County receives zero money from traffic fines.

James Weatherford, Ph.D.
15-1888 Hialoa
Hawaiian Paradise Park

[mdd7000]

They routinely do a similar thing at the corner of Kilauea and Kekuanaoa Streets (Hilo Sopping Center). In that area, they have an officer standing near the bushes of the bank and after people turn around the corner, they get nailed for no seatbelt usage by the 3-4 other officers waiting for them.

It isn't entrapment by any means.

[Lucy]

kolohe
Even here in Texas the same thing happens with unmarked cars. All different makes of vehicles, even Mustangs that look like they want to race you. Heard from a friend in Portland Or, a Mustang wanted her to pass him and waved her by, then promptly pulled her over for speeding.
Just drive safely and you should be good to go! If you are new to the area, a brush up on what is different for traffic regulations for that state might be a good idea. I have lived in many states and have had to learn what that state requires.

Lucy

Having another Great day in Paradise, Wherever that Maybe!

[kolohe1998]

Thanks for everyones opinion. I know on Oahu, where I was born and raised, the police department only used unmarked vehicles in undercover operations. Never did they try to pull people over for a expired sticker without it being marked or with visible lights.

Another thing that bothers me is on Oahu, it was very common for the police department to advertise even on radio that if ANYONE does not have a light or emblem on their car to not pull over and drive directly to the nearest police station with the other vehicle in tow. This was because people were impersinating officers.

If I ever get pulled over (I dont drink, and never speed anyway), but I will definitely just keep on going to the nearest police station, or until a correct cop joins this chase.

[Wao nahele kane]

I've have one concern about unmarked traffic enforcement police cars withn this country.
There was once a common sense understanding - It only takes one lunatict to toss a light bar in or on his vehicle to portray a police vehicle and commit terrible crimes against others (consider one person murdered by a fake cop to handing out a few extra tickets; is it really worth opening up a new path for criminals to murder people just to hand out a few extra tickets? It HAS and WILL happen again...)In that light, they shouldn't be permitted and weren't permitted for many years prior (somehow this old knowledge was lost through the new law enforcement fanatisism sweeping the nation). There are two sides to every coin and on legal swords... a double edge.

E ho'a'o no i pau kuhihewa.

[csgray]

Most of the cops in Hawaii County use their personal cars when on patrol, there is nothing new about this, but it does take some getting used to for newcomers. What is different is they now seem to be using more sedans with an internal light bar instead of the big SUVs with an removable "gumball" light bar on the roof. The county is phasing in marked cars to replace the personal vehicles. The police union really opposed the switch because they get a generous monthly stipend for using their own cars.

Carol