Police State? (Roanoke: inspection, live in, law)

[mj7171]

Hello-

I was reading some of the older post/replies about Virginia being called a "Police State" and I am curious; do many people in our area of the state feel the same way? After receiving a ticket for an expired inspection sticker on a 2018 company vehicle, a random police check point on Kesler Mill rd. (35 mph zone, mid-afternoon) and passing a total of (4) state troopers this afternoon between Hanging Rock and Downtown Roanoke...(3) of which had people pulled over, I am starting to feel the same way. I encourage you to respond and IF you are an active or ex police officer, please note it as well.

Thanks!

J

[16 Acres]

Originally Posted by mj7171

and passing a total of (4) state troopers this afternoon between Hanging Rock and Downtown Roanoke...(3) of which had people pulled over

Two words:

Holiday Week-end.

It can start early. These week-ends are known for negativity and they are trying their best to keep it safe. Also sending a message by showing themselves in numbers. As you have also noticed.

Safe driving out there y'all.

[mj7171]

Hi-

Thanks for the reply and yes; I figured the holiday was a factor. Just wondering...do you work in law enforcement or the courts system?

[16 Acres]

Originally Posted by mj7171

Just wondering...do you work in law enforcement or the courts system?

No, I'm just an observant citizen, lol.

[mj7171]

Ah, ok. It's just that I find some of you verbiage interesting. Why do you associate the Memorial Day weekend with negativity? I think just the opposite when I think of this wonderful weekend. Also, why do you equate the police pulling people over with keeping us safe? As well, I feel your comment about the police showing their numbers actually illustrates the purpose of my original post, though I feel that is quite the opposite of how you feel.

[16 Acres]

Originally Posted by mj7171

Why do you associate the Memorial Day weekend with negativity?

The Holiday itself is very positive. The negative part is that there is usually more instances than normal on the roadways during it. Many involving Alcohol. Therefore the number of law enforcers out there is to remind people not only to drive safe, but don't drink and drive, as indicated above.

Originally Posted by mj7171

Also, why do you equate the police pulling people over with keeping us safe?

The people that got pulled over evidently broke the law. The rest is just common sense.

Also in Virginia, I believe I'm correct in saying that the cannot pull you over without a legitimate reason (other than mass check points looking for DUI drivers). They cannot even pull you over for no seat belt. But if they stop you for an offense and you are not wearing your belt, you get an extra ticket.

Originally Posted by mj7171

As well, I feel your comment about the police showing their numbers actually illustrates the purpose of my original post, though I feel that is quite the opposite of how you feel.

I guess you can call Virginia a "police state" if you want to. I see it as a message that they are saying "We got enough problems at these times of year. Don't give us anymore of them".

By the way, I've never been stopped during a Holiday week-end. I also give them no reason to stop me.

[Rickcin]

A Police State or just a state that enforces the law? I’d rather live in an area where they actually enforce the law.

[Bungalove]

Originally Posted by 16 Acres

The Holiday itself is very positive. The negative part is that there is usually more instances than normal on the roadways during it. Many involving Alcohol. Therefore the number of law enforcers out there is to remind people not only to drive safe, but don't drink and drive, as indicated above.



The people that got pulled over evidently broke the law. The rest is just common sense.

Also in Virginia, I believe I'm correct in saying that the cannot pull you over without a legitimate reason (other than mass check points looking for DUI drivers). They cannot even pull you over for no seat belt. But if they stop you for an offense and you are not wearing your belt, you get an extra ticket.



I guess you can call Virginia a "police state" if you want to. I see it as a message that they are saying "We got enough problems at these times of year. Don't give us anymore of them".

By the way, I've never been stopped during a Holiday week-end. I also give them no reason to stop me.

Same here. I've been driving in VA for 39 years now and only been stopped once, and that was by a county deputy who was infamous for passing out tickets like confetti. He gave me a speeding ticket for going 57 mph in a 55 mph zone. The popular joke about him was that he would ticket his own mother.

[mj7171]

All-

Thanks for the feedback, it is much appreciated.

Regards,

J

[TN Lily]

I agree with Rickcin. Police state? NO.

I-81, heading south, drops to 60 mph just north of exit 150. And the northbound lane increases to 70 mph at that point. I don't know where it returns to 70 mph heading southbound. I drive the stretch from exit 143 to exit 156 on a daily basis. Often there are police officers (state troopers and local law enforcement officers) running radar in the area from the 60 mph drop southbound to the truck weigh station. Sunday mornings are prime time to see multiple officers working this stretch. Many drivers fail to reduce their speed. The officers are a good reminder that the 60 mph sign is not merely a suggestion.