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In between work, I went down to the FMPD HQ and asked about data retention. I was told the minimum was 90 days (very friendly BTW) , and that if I wanted anything in particular to file an Open Records Request.

So, I've downloaded one and will have it to the PD shortly. The rub comes when I have to schedule court time and take vacation. I'm losing taking time off, but, to some degree it is the point.

Jeff B.

No issue with the stop (aside from my suspicion that it's not correct), no attitude, in fact at the end, she asked what I was carrying, in a conversational tone. I do beleive that there are some on the FMPD that think they are on a COPS show and take things too far, they are very dedicated to bearing down on HS kids (who in fairness, will find trouble if its out there).

We had a pocketbook tossed on the walk in our cul-de-sac, and called to report it, the responding officer was very pleasant. A couple of years ago, one summer (early) Sunday morning, I had a knock at the door, and it was an FMPD Officer, who informed me that a number of cars up and down the street had been egged, one of mine had egg on it, and that I should spray it off or wash it before it baked on. So, like you say there are plenty of good police officers out there, probably most of them that get painted with the broad brush created by a few.

BTW, I appreciate all the input, opinions and conversation. I'm considering going down to the PD to ask abou the car video and see how long they'll have it. I thought about jumping on her answer, but didn't want to start to come across as hostile or an outhouse lawyer.

Jeff B.

Well, it finally happened. I got pulled over and I got ticketed. Essentially, at the intersection of FM1171 & FM2499, I was cited for a "Red Light Violation". THis intersection is a mess due to its configuration and ongoing construction immediately on the north side. What occured was that there wasa looong string of traffic waiting for the northbound green light, which finally came, there were the normal laggards, and a semi, flatbed in front which was especially slow, by the time I got to the light (white line/crosswalk), the light was and had been yellow for a while, it was going to go to red, very soon, no doubt. Having to deal with this crap on an ongoign basis has probably shortened my patience a bit, so I went on, and, I pretty much knew the light would be changing as I went through the intersection. Well, as I saw it, I had just started to clear the south side (white line/crosswalk) the light turned, so for probably 85% of trip through the intersection, the light was red. Immediately on crossing, a FMPD lit me up (following me through) and pulled me over.

The stop was uneventful, female officer came up, did the "touch" on the back of the truck, asked [abbreviated profanity deleted] DL & insurance card. I gave her my DL & CHL, and then after the "are you armed question" insurance (Bersa was in the console). At that point she told me I was stopped for a "Red Light Violation", to which I politley stated that I believed that I had entered the intersection on a yellow. She answered the "it turned while you were in the intersection", which was correct, without a doubt (leading to my question here). She then went back to the unit, came back with the magic ticket machine and had me sign. As Iwas signing, she did ask what I was carrying, which I answered, no no harmin the question.

So, my question is, who is correct, me or the officer? I thought that as long as you had entered the intersection on a yellow, you have the right of way. Apparently, the local interpretation is that you should not be in the intersection under a red. The second part of the question is on my course of action. Go to court on my interpretation and hope the officer has a good memory about stating that the light changed while I was in the intersection or eat the $200 bucks and do the deferred adjudication payoff to the town?

Jeff B.