Peek-A-Boo!! We See You

Isn’t it ironic that the iconic Red, White, and Blue that represents freedom in our country can mean the exact opposite when it is flashing behind you? I’m sure, like a lot of you, when I see those flashing lights behind me I immediately feel like I did something wrong and feel like I need to call my lawyer. Honestly, when did we start fearing the people that were supposed to be protecting us and safeguarding our streets?  Why do we immediately feel guilty when we see a police car in our rearview mirror, what has changed so much in society that we now fear the very people that we should feel safe around?

Could it be there sneaky tactics to catch us doing something wrong and fining us, turning us into nothing more than a dollar sign on wheels? Growing up, I use to be a huge fan of the television show, The Dukes of Hazard. I always thought it was funny when Boss Hogg and Sheriff Rosco tried to come up with new and creative ways to catch the Duke boys and accuse them of something they didn’t do. Such as; speed limit signs that lower the speed when you pull a string or the parking signs that change to a no parking sign. Well now that I am older I do not find such tactics funny anymore.

Law Enforcement officers must have spent their childhood cheering for Boss Hogg and Rosco as they use very similar tactics. Hiding in bushes, setting up speed traps, and driving around in unmarked cars all in attempt to catch us breaking the law. Don’t get me wrong, I have the utmost respect for law enforcement officers, knowing that they would give their life up to save mine and to protect my families life is a sacrifice that you cannot ask for. I just do not believe that the people in charge of protecting us need to work in the shadows, hiding from us, waiting to strike the moment we mess up. Law enforcement should not have the effect of striking fear and panic into us but instead create a feeling of peace and respect that should overwhelm us when we see them. Until the government changes the way that they operate their Police Department like a business, trying to turn a profit, something needs to be done so that we can feel safe and not fret when we see a police officer looking at us. What we need is a tool that will help people know when law enforcement is nearby. Well it just so happens that “There’s an App for that!”

Let me introduce you to Waze, your very own eye in the sky. The world’s largest community-based traffic and navigation application. Some of its amazing features are:

1. It allows its users to have up to the date traffic reports
2. Updates users of road conditions
3. Provides turn by turn navigation
4. Can automatically re-route you if traffic is present
5. Helps you to avoid toll booths
6. Real-time road conditions, such a Fog, Rain, or Hail
7. Provide real time locations of any law enforcement officers nearby

How does Waze accomplishes all this and more? With the help of all of the users who are constantly updating the information as they see it. If a user sees an accident they can just mark the location right there on their phone. With over 100 million plus users, Waze is able to give you the most accurate real-time traffic reporting out there. It allows people to navigate around accidents and avoid traffic keeping your drive time to a minimal. Waze is also going to start implementing the Amber Alert system, which helps assist in the search and return of a child. This could help save the lives of numerous children that are kidnapped, helping increase the number of children returned safely. That is just one example that demonstrates the usefulness of this application. It allows people the opportunity to help make their area a much safer place. So what does law enforcement have to say about this awesome traffic tool to make your life easier and safer?

Well the answer is simple, Law Enforcement wants the Police Tracking application banned. They consider it stalking and feel targeted.  Well isn’t that messed up, they feel stalked because we are able to see where they are. Seriously when did law enforcement become a game of hide and seek. Law enforcement should be seen at all times, showing that they are there to protect us, not sulking and trying to hid in their unmarked cars or in places people can’t see. People feel safe when they know they are being protected, when they know that help isn’t too far away.

When people see that there is Law Enforcement in the area they are more likely to obey the rules of the road and slow down. So why do they need to hide. Haven’t they noticed that people drive more cautiously when they see a police car near them? Hopefully with apps like Waze our daily commutes will be less stressful, more enjoyable and safer for everyone.

However if you do get a ticket, don’t think it’s the end of the world. Make sure you call us first at 1-800-FightIt and let one of our attorneys fight for you. No matter what the ticket or charge, Finebloom Haenel & Higgins we’ll get you through this. #Fight4U