Careers: Police/Traffic

Advertisement

Expert: - 4/6/2006


Question
Thank you for your time, and very fast response.  I have another question, what are the chances of receiving a fine, how long would it take to know if the police department are going to issue a violation?  Would it only come in the mail?

-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
Is is true that if one runs a red light with cameras at the intersection, that the person can later be cited upon review of the video, when no officer was present at the time?
 I'm unclear as to how that is possible on that form of evidence.
Answer -
   I don't know how many states have "red light cameras" but quite a few do.  In my county there seeems to be a red light camera at every third intersection.  The legislature passed a law that more or less says that a photo of a car running a red light is a prima facia case and that the owner is responsible for the fine but there are no points assessed.  Very similar to a parking ticket where the owner and not the operator of the car is responsible for the fine.  I have no idea how the law reads in your state but its probably about the same.

Answer
Sallie,

    It sounds like you are afraid that you are going to get a ticket because you ran a red light where there is a traffic camera.  You should have just told me what has happened.  

     I have no way of knowing if you are going to receive a rine or how long it would be before you are notified because all police departments work differently and have different procedures.  My best advice would be to be patient and if you are going to get a ticket then the ticket will eventually come.  I'm sorry I can't be of more help.

Careers: Police

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Jack Toomey

Expertise

U.S.: I am an expert in this category for the purpose of giving young people an idea what the hiring process involves for the position of police officer. I am getting a flood of questions from young people who are being influenced by unrealistic television shows. I'd ask you to consider that when you watch police shows on television that they are NOT realistic and most of what you see does not happen in real life. Please do not ask me about potential jail sentences that you, your friends, or family might receive in court. There is no way for me to know that. I am NOT a probation officer so I cannot answer questions about probation and parole matters. I am a retired police officer with 26 years experience.I worked in a variety of assignments including investigations, homicide, sex crimes, runaway investigations, missing persons, and fraud.I also dealt with the general public during that time giving a wide range of advice on matters such as domestic disputes, problem solving, teenage problems, civil/criminal matters, and dealing with the mentally ill. I am available to give sound and reasonable advice which can solve most problems. Please do not ask me to do homework questions or online interviews. Young people should not rely on the Internet for interviews. Local police officers are normally very agreeable to assist students with interviews and surveys.

Experience

Worked as a police officer/detective for 26 years.

Graduate of the University of Maryland.B.S. in Law Enforcement.Attended numerous schools and training courses involving investigations, interviewing, interrogations, crime detection, domestic violence, and others. Recognized in court as an expert witness.

Received numerous awards during my police career for expert investigations. Handled the most sensitive and confidential investigations. In 1999 I won an award for my work with high school students while working in my new career in a large suburban high school.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.