Wasn't this bloke was it... may explain a few things

On a serious note, I'd be tempted to submit an official complaint but it will be the old 'your word against his' senario..... if said copper was in fact a copper?

I think Tomo1971 may have raised an intresting point, but you'll only find out is if you report it...

On a similar note I was pulled on my motorbike last week apparently because I was driving at 30mph in a 30 zone and had just taxed my bike using the online DVLA website system. To be fair the copper was fine and didn't check all over or anything. He actually asked me if I always ride at 30mph in 30 zones (I do actually, speed is for other, more appropriate, areas). I told him that I did and what would he expect anyway with a 'jam sandwich' in the rear views.....

In your case I would write the letter of complaint - get it off your chest officially

Mater, Can I ask a question?

Was the "officer" in uniform at all?

If that was a genuine copper then he certainly needs reporting.

But, I am always wary of unmarked cars remembering that flashy blue lights are readily available on Flea-bay for peanuts.

Police, proper traffic police especially very rarely stop people from the front, they will use their blue lights from behind you where they have a much better view of you.

Also did the car have any dealer stickers on it (on back window/registration plates etc), again a sign its not police (they arnt really allowed to advertise)

If you are 100% sure he is a genuine plod then he needs reporting ASAP, if you now think it could be some one trying it on then he DEFINATLY needs reporting before he causes an accident!

Steve

thats a scary thought.....

and just so you all know, you don't HAVE to get out of the car when they ask you....... and you can ask them for their card as proof of ID.....

to be honest , all the traffic cops I have met, have been fine, if this really was a copper, he is seriously damaging the police image.......

To answer the questions posed by Tomo1971

1. The officer was in civillian clothing but had on the standard police issue body armour and hand held radio (part of my job involves working with the police so i can recognise the kit they have)

2. The car was totally devoid of any dealer names/logos etc and although i know you can get the lights from dubious sources i doubt you can get the in-car video and the Number Plate recognition computer.

3. If he wasnt a copper he has some serious issues and i cant see why he would pull me. I know its been done in the past (hence you dont have to stop for unmarked cars) but they have always ended up in a theft or attempted theft of the vehicle.

I have spoken to a few friends i have in the police about this matter. Apparantly he will be part of an anti-car crime unit (similar to the one i know operates in manchester) and they more often than not will pull a car from in front to make it harder for thieves etc to get away. I have written a letter to the police complaints comission however i am holding off sending it whilst a "mutual friend" makes some enquiries on the QT for me. If the outcome of those enquiries isnt to my satisfaction then i will send the letter.

Thanks for all you responses

Carl

no probs mate, hope all works out!!

I'd be inclined to send the letter anyway.

Officers like that do massive damage to police/public relations, after all, how many other people has he treated like that? An official complaint, even if nothing happens, may just wake him up.

[PARANOID]

Hopefully he isn't a member/guest/troll on here watching this very thread.

If he has seen this thread he may take steps to get his neck out of the noose.

[/PARANOID]

This is quite shocking.

I have heard many stories about officers trying to coax drivers to exceed the limit by driving as you describe.

As SMStext says, shop him so the in-car data and sound can be examined by IPC.

traffic cops tend to sit over watching pepipoo forums