I can't see where the use of an unmarked police vehicle is of much concern. If the use of unmarked vehicles is illegal in the state of Washington, why do the Washington state police use unmarked police vehicles?
Show me the language that says the use of unmarked police vehicles is a violation of Washington state law.Ed, wouldn't you agree that "enforce" and "control" are synonymous
That does not make it a moronic act. He clearly wasn't stupid in the classic sense of moronic. I don't see how the differences between control and enforce have anything to do with my point that I respect someone that will stand up (in a rational, calm and legal way) to law enforcement that are breaking the law. He could have been arrested or worse.
but we wouldn't even be a nation if a bunch of foolhardy citizens didn't have the "moronic" idea to rise up and overthrow the repressive government which was England. What a bunch of idiots, right?
I may have to go back and actually read the whole piece. From what I did read, the major complaint was that unmarked LE vehicles were illegal in the state of Washington. However traffic control vehicles are in fact exempt from this law. I did not read the legalese of the entire law.
How ever I believe once a LE officer activates the emergency warning lights on an unmarked LE vehicle, that particular vehicle becomes a traffic control vehicle. Provided there is a law requiring civilian traffic to yield to emergency vehicles.
I would agree with his approach, provided he had a valid legal argument to stand on
Sexual predators sometimes pretend to be a police officer in an unmarked vehicle to lure people to stop. Presumably (I haven't checked the actual Washington State law), it is illegal to use an unmarked vehicle for normal traffic patrol but it is OK to use them for true undercover purposes.
I contend that no one should ever just "pull over" for any unmarked vehicle, especially at night or in deserted areas, unless they know for certain who the officer is. Call 911 to report the situation. They can then either verify the identity of vehicle or guide you to a safe location. Alternately, drive at a legal speed to a safe place (ideally a police station). Washington State is simply trying to make it clear to the public (assuming they know the law exists) that an unmarked police vehicle should not be attempting a normal traffic stop. Finally, it is easy for anyone to buy a portable dash mounted light so the display of one probably does not turn an unmarked vehicle into a marked one.
I contend that no one should ever just "pull over" for any unmarked vehicle, especially at night or in deserted areas, unless they know for certain who the officer is. Call 911 to report the situation. They can then either verify the identity of vehicle or guide you to a safe location. Alternately, drive at a legal speed to a safe place (ideally a police station). Washington State is simply trying to make it clear to the public (assuming they know the law exists) that an unmarked police vehicle should not be attempting a normal traffic stop. Finally, it is easy for anyone to buy a portable dash mounted light so the display of one probably does not turn an unmarked vehicle into a marked one.
The exemption-
This section shall not apply to vehicles of a sheriff's office, local police department, or any vehicles used by local peace officers under public authority for special undercover or confidential investigative purposes. This subsection shall not apply to: (a) Any municipal transit vehicle operated for purposes of providing public mass transportation; (b) any vehicle governed by the requirements of subsection (4) of this section; nor to (c) any motor vehicle on loan to a school district for driver training purposes.
"Confidential investigative purposes" What does that mean?
I would argue, that an active investigation targeting persons committing traffic violations. Would be considered a confidential investigative purpose.
Congratulations on apparently looking up the code but we will just have to agree to disagree on your contention.
This is where the language becomes confusing-
(1) It is unlawful for any public officer having charge of any vehicle owned or controlled by any county, city, town, or public body in this state other than the state of Washington and used in public business to operate the same upon the public highways of this state
What does that mean?
a) The local municipality vehicle/operator can not impersonate the State government ?
b) The vehicle/operator can not impersonate a civilian - vehicle/operator ?
c) The unmarked vehicle can not be used to conduct public business ?
Which leads me to ask - What is "public business" ? Can LE which is a public service, conduct public business ?
I understand what this law is trying to accomplish... I just find the law itself rather strange and unnecessary in reference to unmarked police vehicles. Which I will agree are rather easy for a private citizen to duplicate. However the particular make/model vehicle featured in the video, are not available for private sale.
He references Washington state law several times and give reasons why unmarked cars are not allowed to patrol according to Washington state law. You and I should more concerned about the officer not knowing the state law.
We need more citizens to stand up against ignorant law enforcement officers who think they are above the law as soon as they get fucking badge.
As citizen, it is your right question you law enforcement, politicians and any anyone public service and to hold them accountable.
You can call it liberal thing and I will say, it is repugnant not to question.
"An enlightened citizenry is indispensable for the proper functioning of a republic. Self-government is not possible unless the citizens are educated sufficiently to enable them to exercise oversight. It is therefore imperative that the nation see to it that a suitable education be provided for all its citizens. ” - Thomas Jefferson
Note the last sentence, it it the duty of the government/nation to provide suitable education for all its citizens so, says a founding father
I can't see where the use of an unmarked police vehicle is of much concern. If the use of unmarked vehicles is illegal in the state of Washington, why do the Washington state police use unmarked police vehicles?
Show me the language that says the use of unmarked police vehicles is a violation of Washington state law.
Point out the language that says unmarked LE vehicles are illegal for LE to operate while on duty.
(1) It is unlawful for any public officer having charge of any vehicle owned or controlled by any county, city, town, or public body in this state other than the state of Washington and used in public business to operate the same upon the public highways of this state unless and until there shall be displayed upon such automobile or other motor vehicle in letters of contrasting color not less than one and one-quarter inches in height in a conspicuous place on the right and left sides thereof, the name of such county, city, town, or other public body, together with the name of the department or office upon the business of which the said vehicle is used. This section shall not apply to vehicles of a sheriff's office, local police department, or any vehicles used by local peace officers under public authority for special undercover or confidential investigative purposes. This subsection shall not apply to: (a) Any municipal transit vehicle operated for purposes of providing public mass transportation; (b) any vehicle governed by the requirements of subsection (4) of this section; nor to (c) any motor vehicle on loan to a school district for driver training purposes. It shall be lawful and constitute compliance with the provisions of this section, however, for the governing body of the appropriate county, city, town, or public body other than the state of Washington or its agencies to adopt and use a distinctive insignia which shall be not less than six inches in diameter across its smallest dimension and which shall be displayed conspicuously on the right and left sides of the vehicle. Such insignia shall be in a color or colors contrasting with the vehicle to which applied for maximum visibility. The name of the public body owning or operating the vehicle shall also be included as part of or displayed above such approved insignia in colors contrasting with the vehicle in letters not less than one and one-quarter inches in height. Immediately below the lettering identifying the public entity and agency operating the vehicle or below an approved insignia shall appear the words "for official use only" in letters at least one inch high in a color contrasting with the color of the vehicle. The appropriate governing body may provide by rule or ordinance for marking of passenger motor vehicles as prescribed in subsection (2) of this section or for exceptions to the marking requirements for local governmental agencies for the same purposes and under the same circumstances as permitted for state agencies under subsection (3) of this section.
(2) Except as provided by subsections (3) and (4) of this section, passenger motor vehicles owned or controlled by the state of Washington, and purchased after July 1, 1989, must be plainly and conspicuously marked on the lower left-hand corner of the rear window with the name of the operating agency or institution or the words "state motor pool," as appropriate, the words "state of Washington -- for official use only," and the seal of the state of Washington or the appropriate agency or institution insignia, approved by the *department of general administration. Markings must be on a transparent adhesive material and conform to the standards established by the *department of general administration. For the purposes of this section, "passenger motor vehicles" means sedans, station wagons, vans, light trucks, or other motor vehicles under ten thousand pounds gross vehicle weight.
(3) Subsection (2) of this section shall not apply to vehicles used by the Washington state patrol for general undercover or confidential investigative purposes. Traffic control vehicles of the Washington state patrol may be exempted from the requirements of subsection (2) of this section at the discretion of the chief of the Washington state patrol. The *department of general administration shall adopt general rules permitting other exceptions to the requirements of subsection (2) of this section for other vehicles used for law enforcement, confidential public health work, and public assistance fraud or support investigative purposes, for vehicles leased or rented by the state on a casual basis for a period of less than ninety days, and those provided for in **RCW 46.08.066(3). The exceptions in this subsection, subsection (4) of this section, and those provided for in **RCW 46.08.066(3) shall be the only exceptions permitted to the requirements of subsection (2) of this section.
(4) Any motorcycle, vehicle over 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight, or other vehicle that for structural reasons cannot be marked as required by subsection (1) or (2) of this section that is owned or controlled by the state of Washington or by any county, city, town, or other public body in this state and used for public purposes on the public highways of this state shall be conspicuously marked in letters of a contrasting color with the words "State of Washington" or the name of such county, city, town, or other public body, together with the name of the department or office that owns or controls the vehicle.
(5) All motor vehicle markings required under the terms of this chapter shall be maintained in a legible condition at all times.