Cops Dress in Camouflage to Nab Speeders

signa · 06-03-2004, 08:17 PM

Cops Dress in Camouflage to Nab Speeders
By DAN NEPHIN, Associated Press Writer
PITTSBURGH
State police are taking to the woods, dressed in camouflage and armed.

Nothing +strange+ there, considering the state's strong hunting tradition, right? But the weapons are radar guns, the quarry is speeders and the season never closes.

Police at the Rockview Barracks near State College began using so-called "camo cops" patrols after a 44-vechicle crash on Interstate 80 that killed six people in January.

"As a result, there were many, many letters and questions and fingerpointing "What are you doing? What are you not doing enough of?" said Lt. Jeffrey Watson, station commander.

Watson and Sgt. David Holmes wanted to reduce speeding and accidents and came up with the idea. Holmes has used the tactic for more than a dozen years.

"People have discovered that I have means of getting to the target," Holmes said. He recalled first using camouflage in Cameron County, back in 1989, and word soon spread.

"By the end of the second day, the people were stopping at the stop sign and looking (into the woods) to wave," he said.

Rockview primarily targets speeding tractor-trailers. Truckers quickly catch on to traditional methods, such as placing a patrol car in a median or tucked behind an overpass, and then use CBs to alert others to police presence, Watson said.

The tactic is effective, Watson said, if not appreciated by those drivers ticketed.

"Oh, the truckers, they don't think it's fair. But I don't think we've lost one yet," Watson said.

The tactic is catching on with state police in other counties.

In one five-hour blitz in Indiana County last week, troopers issued 25 citations to motorists zooming along at least 15 miles faster than the posted 55 mph limit including one leadfoot cited for going 90 mph.

"It's going to continue throughout the summer months," said Shawn Houck, a spokesman with PennDOT, which partnered with the barracks.

That police are going under cover to catch speeders shouldn't come as a surprise, Watson said. After all, they go undercover for other investigations, and variations on camouflage have been used before, such as when troopers pose as construction workers.

In 1999, police in Jacksonville, Fla., dressed as homeless people, construction workers and stranded motorists to catch traffic violators. One undercover officer even carried a sign reading, "I work for the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. You never know. Drive safely." Police in Las Vegas later adopted the idea.

Jeff Kitsko, 27, of Latrobe, a Web designer who maintains a site about Pennsylvania roads, doesn't like it.

"From the safety aspect of it, if I see somebody in the woods aiming something, I'm going to want to call the cops," he said. "Especially someone dressed in camo."

Eric Skrum, the communications director for the National Motorists Association, a Wisconsin-based drivers organization that supports higher speed limits and opposes speed traps and revenue-generating traffic enforcement measures, said studies show police are effective when they're visible.

"This is a revenue maker. This is not about safety in the least," Skrum said. State police say that's not the case.

Scrum nonetheless believes the camo cops will have only a short-term effect.

"They'll slow down for a day or so, then out of sight, out of mind," Skrum said.
On The Net:
Pennsylvania State Police: http://www.psp.state.pa.us
National Motorists Association: http://www.motorists.org
Jeff Kitsko's site: http://www.pahighways.com
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=stor...ing_speeders_1

oneastrix · 06-03-2004, 08:32 PM

Not a revenue maker.....

Nothing says we can't hide......if you're breaking the law you are breaking the law. I'll get ya on radar in plain view just as easy as hidden. Radar detectors, while only about half effective are designed to get a person around the law.....they rarely work.

Welcome to the boards....from TX.

ScottD · 06-03-2004, 09:03 PM

1* the NTSB has openly admitted that posted speedlimits are anywhere from 10%-20% under posted for freeway safety design and layout. I'm referring to interstates. Then why aren't the speed limits raised if it isn't for revenue?

oneastrix · 06-03-2004, 11:38 PM

As for the Nat'l Trans Safety Board.....if people are dying left and right at 70mph, why the he l l would we up the limits another 20%? This board doesn't trust anything else posted by the Feds....why would it suddenly want to trust the NTSB?

ScottD · 06-04-2004, 01:01 AM

What I'm saying 1* is that interstate freeways are designed to a standard of safety built into them for a certain speed. Then why not let us drive at those speeds. I mean we are already doing it and when caught we pay with deep pockets. As far as dying left and right, statistcally how many deaths are speed related or just plain idoits doing the unsignaled, blind lane change at any speed on the road. But then again there are individuals out there that drive beyond their and vehicles capabilities. They will always be unsafe to everyone on the raod.

Shaun · 06-04-2004, 01:12 AM

I would like to see decent limits in most areas if the road is in good condition let people open it up if its an OK highway then make traffic crawl

whirlwind · 06-04-2004, 01:21 AM

welp, im with matt on this one.ive only had one speeding ticket in my life and that was when i was 17. i think cops should be able to hide in the bushes. i dont know of any law that says law breakers are to have a sporting chance against police on a public roadway . i personally dont know of anyplace a person needs to go at mach 2. i dont see any reason to speed...well unless its a medical emergency then i pray for a cop to pull me over so he can gimme an escort to the hospital...actually had one do that twice when two of my children desided to be born way the heck away from a hospital.

Shaun · 06-04-2004, 01:30 AM

I had several before I was a cop now I just drive smart

Doglips · 06-04-2004, 06:50 AM

if i get cought i pay...such is life...Ive goten a few warning tickets....got off 2 because I was in my security guard uniform (guess they felt sorry for me)....even got a police escort 1 time because I was going to the police staion to pick up some kids that the police found in a crack house(when I worked for DCF)...and they were driveing the dispatcher nuts

I have a lead foot...I know it...and my wife knows it....so weather the police are in a patrol car...or dressed like barney I never realy have room to wimper

Rufus Rhastus J · 06-04-2004, 09:31 AM

Well, aren't they so cute? We should put a bow on them. Scumbags.....! Go catch a real criminal! Oh, yeah, real bad guys fight back! GGGGGgggggrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!

colt45 · 06-04-2004, 09:55 AM

i think its a good idea BUT, the guy had a point with the safety consern.
if i'm driving down the interstate and see some one in camo aiming something at me i'm gona take avasive manuvers probly swerve a lil and be distracted by them. call the poilce with my cell phone another distraction and some nut case just might return fire but with a real gun not a radar gun. as long as they are unseen. they have my full support, i had to go to pittsurgh this week and pick up a friends daughter for her grandfathers funeral this weekend, they drive like idiots down there. posted speed was on 28 is 65 in some areas and 55 in others they where doing 90 or better in some of those curves weaving in and out of trafic looked like datona 500.

Shaun · 06-04-2004, 10:41 AM

Ruf they are in the right if they catch me speeding I am guilty there is no arguement its my own stupidity for exceeding the speed limit. They are just enforcing the laws that citizens have asked the states to pass. Don't blame LEO's for your lack of responsibilit- I look at it this way when I chose to drive my car down a local freeway last year responding to an alarm at my house at 138mph if I was caught I would have gladly said yes I was doing this and here is why --it wasn't an excuse just my poor choice

Rufus Rhastus J · 06-04-2004, 11:05 AM

I don't want to start a shizzit storm about how I think about cops and what I think is proper/legal. I should not have commented on this post. My thoughts, on cops, and where they belong, are well known by now.

Shaun · 06-04-2004, 11:07 AM

Ruf just remember that several of us here on the board either have been cops or are currently cops and we all protect one another.

colt45 · 06-04-2004, 01:13 PM

rufus is there anyone at all in any posion of athority you don't have a problem with or hate for one reason or another.

jerry · 06-04-2004, 04:06 PM

[quote=oneastrix]I would not expect a response from you like that Jerry. Wow, I'm actually shocked. I have never done that. I've never been put in a situation like that.

Your right Matt. It wasn't directed at you personally. I appologize I had my firefighter buddy in mind on that one. ( he actually did this) I should have specified. Sorry to chaff any ones hide. Keep 'em safe out there & keep up the good work.

Oxford · 06-04-2004, 04:24 PM

...welllllllll Ruf doesn't hate me(I hope)...and I have absolutely no authority, nor expect to accept any. Just ask my wife!

:nod: In other words, I'm not a responsible guy.

oneastrix · 06-04-2004, 05:51 PM

No problem Jerry.

Noticed you deleted you post. I deleted that part of mine as well.

06-04-2004, 05:59 PM

dag I always miss the good stuff !

jerry · 06-04-2004, 07:24 PM

Don't worry about it LD, youve seen me make an idiot of myself before & will again

06-03-2004, 08:17 PM	#1
signa Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: texas Posts: 53	Cops Dress in Camouflage to Nab Speeders Cops Dress in Camouflage to Nab Speeders By DAN NEPHIN, Associated Press Writer PITTSBURGH State police are taking to the woods, dressed in camouflage and armed. Nothing +strange+ there, considering the state's strong hunting tradition, right? But the weapons are radar guns, the quarry is speeders and the season never closes. Police at the Rockview Barracks near State College began using so-called "camo cops" patrols after a 44-vechicle crash on Interstate 80 that killed six people in January. "As a result, there were many, many letters and questions and fingerpointing "What are you doing? What are you not doing enough of?" said Lt. Jeffrey Watson, station commander. Watson and Sgt. David Holmes wanted to reduce speeding and accidents and came up with the idea. Holmes has used the tactic for more than a dozen years. "People have discovered that I have means of getting to the target," Holmes said. He recalled first using camouflage in Cameron County, back in 1989, and word soon spread. "By the end of the second day, the people were stopping at the stop sign and looking (into the woods) to wave," he said. Rockview primarily targets speeding tractor-trailers. Truckers quickly catch on to traditional methods, such as placing a patrol car in a median or tucked behind an overpass, and then use CBs to alert others to police presence, Watson said. The tactic is effective, Watson said, if not appreciated by those drivers ticketed. "Oh, the truckers, they don't think it's fair. But I don't think we've lost one yet," Watson said. The tactic is catching on with state police in other counties. In one five-hour blitz in Indiana County last week, troopers issued 25 citations to motorists zooming along at least 15 miles faster than the posted 55 mph limit including one leadfoot cited for going 90 mph. "It's going to continue throughout the summer months," said Shawn Houck, a spokesman with PennDOT, which partnered with the barracks. That police are going under cover to catch speeders shouldn't come as a surprise, Watson said. After all, they go undercover for other investigations, and variations on camouflage have been used before, such as when troopers pose as construction workers. In 1999, police in Jacksonville, Fla., dressed as homeless people, construction workers and stranded motorists to catch traffic violators. One undercover officer even carried a sign reading, "I work for the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. You never know. Drive safely." Police in Las Vegas later adopted the idea. Jeff Kitsko, 27, of Latrobe, a Web designer who maintains a site about Pennsylvania roads, doesn't like it. "From the safety aspect of it, if I see somebody in the woods aiming something, I'm going to want to call the cops," he said. "Especially someone dressed in camo." Eric Skrum, the communications director for the National Motorists Association, a Wisconsin-based drivers organization that supports higher speed limits and opposes speed traps and revenue-generating traffic enforcement measures, said studies show police are effective when they're visible. "This is a revenue maker. This is not about safety in the least," Skrum said. State police say that's not the case. Scrum nonetheless believes the camo cops will have only a short-term effect. "They'll slow down for a day or so, then out of sight, out of mind," Skrum said. On The Net: Pennsylvania State Police: http://www.psp.state.pa.us National Motorists Association: http://www.motorists.org Jeff Kitsko's site: http://www.pahighways.com http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=stor...ing_speeders_1 __________________ It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees.~ Emiliano Zapata

06-03-2004, 08:32 PM	#2
oneastrix Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 5,213	Not a revenue maker..... Nothing says we can't hide......if you're breaking the law you are breaking the law. I'll get ya on radar in plain view just as easy as hidden. Radar detectors, while only about half effective are designed to get a person around the law.....they rarely work. Welcome to the boards....from TX. __________________ There's no one more thankful to sit at the table, than the one who best remembers hunger's pain.

06-03-2004, 09:03 PM	#3
ScottD Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Evanston, IL Posts: 1,020	1* the NTSB has openly admitted that posted speedlimits are anywhere from 10%-20% under posted for freeway safety design and layout. I'm referring to interstates. Then why aren't the speed limits raised if it isn't for revenue? __________________ "Some people can not live without wilderness"-Aldo Leopold

06-03-2004, 11:38 PM	#4
oneastrix Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 5,213	As for the Nat'l Trans Safety Board.....if people are dying left and right at 70mph, why the he l l would we up the limits another 20%? This board doesn't trust anything else posted by the Feds....why would it suddenly want to trust the NTSB? __________________ There's no one more thankful to sit at the table, than the one who best remembers hunger's pain. Last edited by oneastrix; 06-04-2004 at 05:52 PM.

06-04-2004, 01:01 AM	#5
ScottD Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Evanston, IL Posts: 1,020	What I'm saying 1* is that interstate freeways are designed to a standard of safety built into them for a certain speed. Then why not let us drive at those speeds. I mean we are already doing it and when caught we pay with deep pockets. As far as dying left and right, statistcally how many deaths are speed related or just plain idoits doing the unsignaled, blind lane change at any speed on the road. But then again there are individuals out there that drive beyond their and vehicles capabilities. They will always be unsafe to everyone on the raod. __________________ "Some people can not live without wilderness"-Aldo Leopold

06-04-2004, 01:12 AM	#6
Shaun Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 8,619 Images: 1	I would like to see decent limits in most areas if the road is in good condition let people open it up if its an OK highway then make traffic crawl __________________ "Homeland Security is the responsibility of an armed citizen" ME http://webpages.charter.net/s.s.v/

06-04-2004, 01:21 AM	#7
whirlwind Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: oklahoma Posts: 3,751 Images: 1	welp, im with matt on this one.ive only had one speeding ticket in my life and that was when i was 17. i think cops should be able to hide in the bushes. i dont know of any law that says law breakers are to have a sporting chance against police on a public roadway . i personally dont know of anyplace a person needs to go at mach 2. i dont see any reason to speed...well unless its a medical emergency then i pray for a cop to pull me over so he can gimme an escort to the hospital...actually had one do that twice when two of my children desided to be born way the heck away from a hospital. __________________ De oppresso liber !

06-04-2004, 01:30 AM	#8
Shaun Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 8,619 Images: 1	I had several before I was a cop now I just drive smart __________________ "Homeland Security is the responsibility of an armed citizen" ME http://webpages.charter.net/s.s.v/

06-04-2004, 06:50 AM	#9
Doglips Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Cocoa Florida Posts: 9,088	if i get cought i pay...such is life...Ive goten a few warning tickets....got off 2 because I was in my security guard uniform (guess they felt sorry for me)....even got a police escort 1 time because I was going to the police staion to pick up some kids that the police found in a crack house(when I worked for DCF)...and they were driveing the dispatcher nuts I have a lead foot...I know it...and my wife knows it....so weather the police are in a patrol car...or dressed like barney I never realy have room to wimper

06-04-2004, 09:31 AM	#10
Rufus Rhastus J Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: West, Central Florida, Third World America Posts: 6,339 Images: 1	Well, aren't they so cute? We should put a bow on them. Scumbags.....! Go catch a real criminal! Oh, yeah, real bad guys fight back! GGGGGgggggrrrrrrrr!!!!!!! __________________ "They cannot be trusted.....The Romulans (our politicos) are without honor." Worf

06-04-2004, 09:55 AM	#11
colt45 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Occupied Territories of New York (Buffalo) Posts: 2,898	i think its a good idea BUT, the guy had a point with the safety consern. if i'm driving down the interstate and see some one in camo aiming something at me i'm gona take avasive manuvers probly swerve a lil and be distracted by them. call the poilce with my cell phone another distraction and some nut case just might return fire but with a real gun not a radar gun. as long as they are unseen. they have my full support, i had to go to pittsurgh this week and pick up a friends daughter for her grandfathers funeral this weekend, they drive like idiots down there. posted speed was on 28 is 65 in some areas and 55 in others they where doing 90 or better in some of those curves weaving in and out of trafic looked like datona 500. __________________ "A fear of weapons is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity" -Sigmund Freud, General Introduction to Psychoanalysis "If guns cause crime, all of mine are defective." - Ted Nugent "Self-defense is Nature's eldest law." -John Dryden

06-04-2004, 10:41 AM	#12
Shaun Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 8,619 Images: 1	Ruf they are in the right if they catch me speeding I am guilty there is no arguement its my own stupidity for exceeding the speed limit. They are just enforcing the laws that citizens have asked the states to pass. Don't blame LEO's for your lack of responsibilit- I look at it this way when I chose to drive my car down a local freeway last year responding to an alarm at my house at 138mph if I was caught I would have gladly said yes I was doing this and here is why --it wasn't an excuse just my poor choice __________________ "Homeland Security is the responsibility of an armed citizen" ME http://webpages.charter.net/s.s.v/

06-04-2004, 11:05 AM	#13
Rufus Rhastus J Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: West, Central Florida, Third World America Posts: 6,339 Images: 1	I don't want to start a shizzit storm about how I think about cops and what I think is proper/legal. I should not have commented on this post. My thoughts, on cops, and where they belong, are well known by now. __________________ "They cannot be trusted.....The Romulans (our politicos) are without honor." Worf

06-04-2004, 11:07 AM	#14
Shaun Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 8,619 Images: 1	Ruf just remember that several of us here on the board either have been cops or are currently cops and we all protect one another. __________________ "Homeland Security is the responsibility of an armed citizen" ME http://webpages.charter.net/s.s.v/

06-04-2004, 01:13 PM	#15
colt45 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Occupied Territories of New York (Buffalo) Posts: 2,898	rufus is there anyone at all in any posion of athority you don't have a problem with or hate for one reason or another. __________________ "A fear of weapons is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity" -Sigmund Freud, General Introduction to Psychoanalysis "If guns cause crime, all of mine are defective." - Ted Nugent "Self-defense is Nature's eldest law." -John Dryden

06-04-2004, 04:06 PM	#16
jerry Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 11,199 Images: 9 Blog Entries: 1	[quote=oneastrix]I would not expect a response from you like that Jerry. Wow, I'm actually shocked. I have never done that. I've never been put in a situation like that. Your right Matt. It wasn't directed at you personally. I appologize I had my firefighter buddy in mind on that one. ( he actually did this) I should have specified. Sorry to chaff any ones hide. Keep 'em safe out there & keep up the good work. __________________ Joe the plumber is screwed

06-04-2004, 04:24 PM	#17
Oxford Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Gladstone, Missouri Posts: 13,101 Blog Entries: 4	...welllllllll Ruf doesn't hate me(I hope)...and I have absolutely no authority, nor expect to accept any. Just ask my wife! :nod: In other words, I'm not a responsible guy. __________________ "If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right".

06-04-2004, 05:51 PM	#18
oneastrix Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 5,213	No problem Jerry. Noticed you deleted you post. I deleted that part of mine as well. __________________ There's no one more thankful to sit at the table, than the one who best remembers hunger's pain.

06-04-2004, 05:59 PM	#19
Logansdad Guest Posts: n/a	dag I always miss the good stuff !

06-04-2004, 07:24 PM	#20
jerry Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 11,199 Images: 9 Blog Entries: 1	Don't worry about it LD, youve seen me make an idiot of myself before & will again __________________ Joe the plumber is screwed