Monday, January 26, 2009
Law and Order Serpas Uses Same Old Verbal Acrobatics to Justify High Number of Traffic Stops
Posted by PJ Tobia on Mon, Jan 26, 2009 at 11:35 AM
Serpas' justification for the traffic stops hasn't changed much in the last few months. In fact, he told Howard the exact same words he uttered to me in a wide ranging interview last fall:
"I've never ever told a cop to write a ticket," Serpas said. "I've said to stop cars, but I've never said to write tickets."
Nice try chief. Of course you haven't told your cops to write tickets, but this is almost worse. It's a clear indication that you want police to stick their noses into every car possible, for whatever reason, whether there's been a traffic violation or not. This might be a good strategy to boost the number of arrests, but as a law abiding citizen I'm annoyed at being the subject of police scrutiny.
Why should drivers who have done nothing wrong--who haven't even earned a ticket--have a target on their backs?
Comments (3)
Showing 1-3 of 3
After some period of meditation and contemplation, I'm impressed that Serpas probably is conflicted with what might be called a “Buford Pusser Syndrome.” Ole' Ronal arises with, after probably dreaming about, a personal 'super cop' image which he then displays for all to see. And unfortunately for our refined, civilized urban atmosphere here in this lovely city, that fits with the distinctly less refined and civilized ambiance of more rural Tennessee. Serpas certainly is not just a money collector either, although that for sure enhances his job security. He is going to, by god, regulate the citizens of Nashville just as though moonshine stills, poaching and mailbox baseball were threatening civic tranquility. And in doing so he is not going to be hampered by any damn constitutional guarantees concerning abuse of police power by cracky.
I'm not just annoyed at invasive police scrutiny PJ. I'm outraged with it! My way of dealing with it is keeping the lowest profile possible; never, ever drawing attention to myself. And in fact, shortly, abusive police and infantile beer purchase rules are going to cause me to leave Nashville and hunker down in another community and state, where my civility is recognized and appreciated.
Enjoy the asshole's constabulary antics folks. I will. From afar.
like
dislike
While I'm not going anywhere, what Sam said. But with the notable exception regarding the money angle; our mayor and council love it.
Speaking of elected officials, the new mayor of Coopertown recently told a reporter that one backwater speed trap in Middle Tennessee was enough. He referred to Nashville. My work takes me around the mid-state and a constant rap on Nashville pertains to traffic stops.
If anyone has any delusions about whether Purcell or Dean have proved out the political Peter Principle, look no further than Serpas.
