First of all, radar reads the greatest signal return or the fastest speed from the larger targets in some models. Individual components of the vehicle that may be creating a higher return will not be sufficiently reflective or exposed to be of any moment. One of the reasons an operator should be part of the speed enforcement equation is that an operator can identify and disregard spurious readings. Left to its’ own devices, a radar unit can give some quite disconcerting results.
As to Ladar, or laser speed measurement tools, they are becoming more common. Laser has the advantage of a smaller target area, resulting in the ability to say “That blue car is going x mph.” as opposed to “A car in that cluster is doing x mph, and based upon my training and expertise, it is the blue one.”
Radar comes in two primary packages. First there is a dash mounted model which you stick there with brackets of Velcro. The antenna is mounted on the dash, the visor or on the outside of the vehicle. The second common type is the funny looking gun type that we are familiar with. This type of package is the only type laser comes in, because you have to actually aim laser at a car as opposed to pointing it in a direction as in radar.
Also, a police car is a commercial automobile with or without added frame, suspension and powertrain hardening for heavy duty use. They also have fewer luxury features, no carpet, AM/FM only radios, etc. The agency buying the vehicle gets a fleet discount on these models and then either has the vender add radios, lights, cages, etc. or does it themselves. Many jurisdictions simply use regular stripper versions of cars right off the same lot you bought yours at.
As to traffic cops and regular cops, many cities have special traffic units that do traffic enforcement as their primary or only task. Unlike most parking bureaus, though, traffic squads are manned with real fully empowered cops. They can pinch you for any offense observed should they care to.
The reason for traffic squads is that in a busy city the patrol officers are running from complaint to complaint and do not have the time to stop you for petty traffic offenses, though they do have the authority.
Finally, to the idea of fighting a speeding ticket. When you are charged with any offense, the burden is on the prosecution to establish beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the elements of the offense. In a speeding trial the prosecutor has to establish that: 1) The defendant was operating the motor vehicle, 2) That the vehicle was operated in excess of a properly posted speed limit. (Signage or other legally required notice properly in place. The limit properly filed as law by the jurisdiction.) 3) That the method of speed detection was proper. (Visual estimation, certification of corroborative devices, etc.)
As the defendant you need to challenge the elements of the offense. You will get nowhere arguing about fairness, what a great guy you are, how busy you are, what a jerk the officer was or that you were rushing to get home to use the bathroom. You have to focus on the elements of the offense. A common mistake is that people get upset and stop thinking. Remember, the officer existed before you first saw him. He may have had to go some distance to catch up with you and find a safe place to pull you over. Just because you were speeding on one street doesn’t mean you have to be stopped on that street, let alone in that jurisdiction.
I respect people who have the courage to fight a ticket. I just wish they had a better idea of what they were doing.
