# Don't know how to feel about this cop's question...
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-know-how-to-feel-about-this-cops-question/601263
**Category:** The BBQ Pit
**Created:** [October 30, 2011, 6:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-know-how-to-feel-about-this-cops-question/601263 "2011-10-30T06:02:45Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 13
### Author:  [@CannyDan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CannyDan)
#### Post date: [November 1, 2011, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-know-how-to-feel-about-this-cops-question/601263/241 "2011-11-01T15:45:26Z")
> [@Ambivalid](#):
>
> The hand controls, alone, don’t _prove_ anything (other than the car has been modified). I never said that it did. I said it just adds to the context of an above-the-board situation, when combined with the presence of a valid placard.
You keep saying “valid placard” as if this is something ascertainable from a distance. But you yourself and others have already pointed out that the placard is only valid if the handicapped person is using it, not merely its presence in the vehicle and/or not being expired. Neither observing it hanging from the mirror nor waving it out the window establish this validity. Nor do the presence of hand controls in the car prove that the person behind the wheel is handicapped. Questioning the occupant is the only way to determine validity.
> [@Cheshire\_Human](#):
>
> What the OP describes is a standard technique cops are taught in their training. Ask a mildly rude, intrusive, and somewhat accusatory question.
This.
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### Author:  [@Living\_Well\_Is\_Best\_Revenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Living_Well_Is_Best_Revenge)
#### Post date: [November 1, 2011, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-know-how-to-feel-about-this-cops-question/601263/242 "2011-11-01T16:33:36Z")
> [@Cheshire\_Human](#):
>
> What the OP describes is a standard technique cops are taught in their training. Ask a mildly rude, intrusive, and somewhat accusatory question.
Jamie, I think you should consider joining the police force. You have this technique down pat!
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### Author:  [@GrandWino](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GrandWino)
#### Post date: [November 1, 2011, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-know-how-to-feel-about-this-cops-question/601263/243 "2011-11-01T16:49:03Z")
The proper response to his question would have been to shit your pants in front of him. That’ll learn him!
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### Author:  [@Living\_Well\_Is\_Best\_Revenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Living_Well_Is_Best_Revenge)
#### Post date: [November 1, 2011, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-know-how-to-feel-about-this-cops-question/601263/244 "2011-11-01T17:00:34Z")
> [@Bob Ducca](#):
>
> The proper response to his question would have been to shit your pants in front of him. That’ll learn him!
I just spit coffee all over the monitor.
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### Author:  [@KinkiNipponTourist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KinkiNipponTourist)
#### Post date: [November 1, 2011, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-know-how-to-feel-about-this-cops-question/601263/245 "2011-11-01T18:05:52Z")
> [@Bob Ducca](#):
>
> The proper response to his question would have been to shit your pants in front of him. That’ll learn him!
Yeah, this post earns you my forgiveness for stirring that BigPotO’Crazy thread.
You know the one I mean. 😃
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### Author:  [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)
#### Post date: [November 1, 2011, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-know-how-to-feel-about-this-cops-question/601263/246 "2011-11-01T19:20:27Z")
> [@CannyDan](#):
>
> You keep saying “valid placard” as if this is something ascertainable from a distance. But you yourself and others have already pointed out that the placard is only valid if the handicapped person is using it, not merely its presence in the vehicle and/or not being expired. Neither observing it hanging from the mirror nor waving it out the window establish this validity. Nor do the presence of hand controls in the car prove that the person behind the wheel is handicapped. Questioning the occupant is the only way to determine validity.
>
> This.
Bullshit. A quick glance at my driver’s license determines validity.
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### Author:  [@mlees](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mlees)
#### Post date: [November 1, 2011, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-know-how-to-feel-about-this-cops-question/601263/247 "2011-11-01T19:29:41Z")
> [@Ambivalid](#):
>
> Bullshit. A quick glance at my driver’s license determines validity.
Do the placards in Michigan have the user’s name on them?
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### Author:  [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)
#### Post date: [November 1, 2011, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-know-how-to-feel-about-this-cops-question/601263/248 "2011-11-01T19:33:34Z")
> [@mlees](#):
>
> Do the placards in Michigan have the user’s name on them?
There is corresponding drivers license/I.D. info on the placards, not names.
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### Author:  [@mlees](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mlees)
#### Post date: [November 1, 2011, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-know-how-to-feel-about-this-cops-question/601263/249 "2011-11-01T19:36:50Z")
> [@Ambivalid](#):
>
> There is corresponding drivers license/I.D. info on the placards, not names.
Ah. Ok, thanks!
The google image I got showed a blue placard with just a serial number and expiration date.
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### Author:  [@CannyDan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CannyDan)
#### Post date: [November 1, 2011, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-know-how-to-feel-about-this-cops-question/601263/250 "2011-11-01T19:40:32Z")
> [@Ambivalid](#):
>
> Bullshit. A quick glance at my driver’s license determines validity.
Yes, yes. We all know you would have preferred the officer to approach you, lean toward your window, and snarl “Lemme see your driver’s license, punk. Don’t wave that stupid card in my face, just dig out your ID. And if you reach behind the seat like that again I’m likely to blow your ass away.”
Because then you might indeed have had cause for some outrage.
But no, instead the cop asked you a question designed to test your emotional state, to see if you might give some indication of hiding something, like using your crippled grandma’s placard. Then, when he had satisfied himself that you probably were entitled to park in the handicapped space – without, mind you, actually seeing your license – he left you in peace.
So you take this encounter as justification for the same level of righteous indignation as my hypothetical above. Because – well, because that’s just so _ **you** _.
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### Author:  [@Capitaine\_Zombie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capitaine_Zombie)
#### Post date: [November 1, 2011, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-know-how-to-feel-about-this-cops-question/601263/251 "2011-11-01T19:44:13Z")
I dont really understand what Jamie gets out of these threads. He always ends up being roasted by anyone and everyone, will not learn anything, and then start another thread in the exact same vein.
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### Author:  [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)
#### Post date: [November 1, 2011, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-know-how-to-feel-about-this-cops-question/601263/252 "2011-11-01T19:45:26Z")
> [@CannyDan](#):
>
> Yes, yes. We all know you would have preferred the officer to approach you, lean toward your window, and snarl “Lemme see your driver’s license, punk. Don’t wave that stupid card in my face, just dig out your ID. And if you reach behind the seat like that again I’m likely to blow your ass away.”
>
> Because then you might indeed have had cause for some outrage.
>
> But no, instead the cop asked you a question designed to test your emotional state, to see if you might give some indication of hiding something, like using your crippled grandma’s placard. Then, when he had satisfied himself that you probably were entitled to park in the handicapped space – without, mind you, actually seeing your license – he left you in peace.
>
> So you take this encounter as justification for the same level of righteous indignation as my hypothetical above. Because – well, because that’s just so _ **you** _.
Uh huh.
“Could I see you I.D., sir?” This is frickin parking enforcement, not a murder investigation. He doesn’t need to “test my mettle” or test my emotional state to determine if I’m lying or not. Simply request my id, look it over and wish me a good day. I’ll gladly return the well wishes.
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### Author:  [@aux203](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aux203)
#### Post date: [November 1, 2011, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-know-how-to-feel-about-this-cops-question/601263/253 "2011-11-01T19:56:14Z")
Another jamie thread. With a new name too. Gah. Does he really think people will line up behind him? Does he really believe he’s a reasonable person and its everyone else in the world that’s an asshole? Or is it attention seeking, on a conscious or unconscious level? 😕
> [@Bob Ducca](#):
>
> The proper response to his question would have been to shit your pants in front of him. That’ll learn him!
😛 That deserves more props
Also, I put the under/over at 11.5 pages
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### Author:  [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)
#### Post date: [November 1, 2011, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-know-how-to-feel-about-this-cops-question/601263/254 "2011-11-01T20:04:43Z")
> [@aux203](#):
>
> Another jamie thread. With a new name too. Gah. Does he really think people will line up behind him? Does he really believe he’s a reasonable person and its everyone else in the world that’s an asshole? Or is it attention seeking, on a conscious or unconscious level? 😕
>
> 😛 That deserves more props
>
> Also, I put the under/over at 11.5 pages
So tell me your opinion as to the nature of a cop questioning the terms of a person’s disability who is parked in handicapped parking with an up-to-date-placard hanging from the rearview? Do you think that is acceptable when all necessary information can be obtained from a person’s license? Yes or No?
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### Author:  [@Damuri\_Ajashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Damuri_Ajashi)
#### Post date: [November 1, 2011, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-know-how-to-feel-about-this-cops-question/601263/255 "2011-11-01T20:16:58Z")
> [@Lust4Life](#):
>
> ., I used to work with a woman who had a legitemate disabled car sticker because her daughter had asthma.
>
> And she abused that sticker like nobodys business.
>
> You should be grateful that that cop was looking out for YOUR interests, if he hadn’t of been you might not have had a parking space to be in in the first place.
>
> There could have been an able bodied assehole sat in the spot.
>
> Then no doubt you’ve have complained that the police weren’t doing their job, and you were put to inconvenience etc.
>
> Cops HAVE to be suspicious by nature, otherwise they can end up dead cops.
>
> They do a thankless job at the best of times on top of laying their lives on the line on a daily basis.
>
> And then you complain because he was trying to look after handicapped peoples rights.
>
> You should be thanking him not bitching about him.
>
> It would serve you right if your local police dept.decided not bother enforcing what are after all YOUR rights anymore because when they do all they get is a kick in the head from the people that they’re trying to help.
>
> Its like moaning that the Fire Dept. made your favourite carpet wet when they were putting out your house fire.
Perhaps you don’t know this but when you get a disabled tag or placard, you are also issued a disabled ID card. The procedure is for the cop to ask for your ID card, period, full stop. Not ask you “so what’s wrong with you that you need a handicap space?”
Thats not to say there isn’t abuse but the way to control that abuse is to make sure that t6he person in teh car is the person with the disability ID card. With that said, cops asking non-discriminatory questions don’t bother me.
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### Author:  [@Living\_Well\_Is\_Best\_Revenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Living_Well_Is_Best_Revenge)
#### Post date: [November 1, 2011, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-know-how-to-feel-about-this-cops-question/601263/256 "2011-11-01T20:20:49Z")
> [@Capitaine\_Zombie](#):
>
> I dont really understand what Jamie gets out of these threads. He always ends up being roasted by anyone and everyone, will not learn anything, and then start another thread in the exact same vein.
It’s a form of trolling in my opinion, a way to get attention. He knows exactly how these threads will turn out.
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### Author:  [@Damuri\_Ajashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Damuri_Ajashi)
#### Post date: [November 1, 2011, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-know-how-to-feel-about-this-cops-question/601263/257 "2011-11-01T20:21:34Z")
> [@Ambivalid](#):
>
> I am not complaining about the cop enforcing the laws; not at all. I am complaining about the cop’s behavior in the process of enforcing those laws.
See post 42.
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### Author:  [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)
#### Post date: [November 1, 2011, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-know-how-to-feel-about-this-cops-question/601263/258 "2011-11-01T20:23:22Z")
I’m begining to rethink my position on those “taser first, ask questions second” cops.
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### Author:  [@CannyDan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CannyDan)
#### Post date: [November 1, 2011, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-know-how-to-feel-about-this-cops-question/601263/259 "2011-11-01T20:28:53Z")
> [@Ambivalid](#):
>
> So tell me your opinion as to the nature of a cop questioning the terms of a person’s disability who is parked in handicapped parking with an up-to-date-placard hanging from the rearview? Do you think that is acceptable when all necessary information can be obtained from a person’s license? Yes or No?
You didn’t ask me directly but I’ll answer anyway. Yes. Simply yes.
You’re parked in a handicapped spot, for crissake. It makes perfect sense to inquire about your handicap. If you are so hypersensitive to casual public notice of your handicap as to take offense at such as this, either get some intensive therapy or stay sequestered at home. Or at least stay the hell away from handicapped parking spots.
I was out on my boat once when a wildlife officer “lit me up”. I wasn’t fishing or anything else at the moment, just cruising from one place to another. He might legitimately have said “Can I see your fishing license?” But he didn’t. Instead he said “Catch anything today?”
Same thing. An officer inquiring into a person’s activities, intending to elicit a response that he would use as the basis for deciding whether or not to continue his investigation or to drop it.
Had I answered “Gee, of course I haven’t caught anything, I’m not fishing, and anyway I left my license at home on the desk, and that cooler is full of just beer and lunch, no fish, no sir, no fish at all…” things might have gone differently.
Instead I said “Jumped about a 60 pound tarpon, out near Dildo Key Bank earlier today, but lost it. Not much else.” And he said – without even seeing my license – “Sounds good. Have a great day!”
So I guess if I was you I’d have come home incensed and steaming about his intrusion into my personal affairs and my embarrassment about being shown to be a failure as a fisherman and all. But I didn’t because – thank Og!! – I am not you (on so many levels).
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### Author:  [@Damuri\_Ajashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Damuri_Ajashi)
#### Post date: [November 1, 2011, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-know-how-to-feel-about-this-cops-question/601263/260 "2011-11-01T20:32:20Z")
> [@Ambivalid](#):
>
> No, I don’t mind disagreement. And when I’ve posted about others using placards illegally (actually it was once) it was only after I noticed the person, who had used the _permanent_ disability placard to park in a gym parking lot, engaging in all kinds of running, jumping and working out once inside that gym. A bit different than just seeing someone inside their car, _with proper tags_, and jumping to conclusions that just because they are young and sitting in a sports car, they must be using that tag illegally.
To be fair, a sportscar is not that much less reasonable suspicion for a disability than a woman who can do a workout. IANOD but I wouldn’t be surprised if some disabled people had really bad days and some really good days with no way to know if those bad spells will come in the middle of a workout or not. Still, a workout would be enough to make me go “hmmmm”
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