Talked my way out of a speeding ticket ...

I was pulled over in my 360 going about 65 in 45. I am a doctor, so I showed the cop all of my PBA cards, Police Surgeon card, hospital ID's, etc. (I was actually on my way to the hospital). He let me go and at the end gave me his business card. I am a bit puzzled by that. Does this imply I should send him a gift or a thank you card? Anyone had similar experience or knows what to do?

 

Be thankful, and understand this was a courtesy on his part...

 

I am TRULY thankful. That's why I'm trying to figure out whether I need to express my gratitude

 

I haven't really heard of anyone sending anything...

In fact, my hunch would be that's not the best move. He did something he "technically" wasn't supposed to. Maybe acknowledging it on paper is not the best idea. If I were him, I'd also want to avoid the mere appearance of a "quid-pro-quo".

But you know, I'm not a cop. There are some LEOs on this board, perhaps one of them will pipe up.

I think most would just tell you that it's good at least that you didn't come on here "bragging" about how "you beat the system" or some such nonsense. Some people who don't have the good sense to realize how lucky they got, might do so.

Me, well, I pretty much never get that lucky

(HEY! My post count ends in 355! Well, that's the closest I'll get to one for a while...)

 

If it was indeed a emergency and you were on your way to the hosp I have always felt that there should be an exception to the rule. If it was not well then did you not really take advantage of the situation ?

 

I am a police detective and I can tell you that he isn't looking for anything as far as compensation is concerned, but he probably wouldn't mind if you gave him a call and asked him if he would like to go for a ride in your 360.
Give him a call and you will make his day and it will become a good connection for you to have for your future "going to the hospital" rides.

I can't tell you the amount of favors I have done for people, and I'm not talking about tickets, and never got a thank you after the incident was over and done with.

 

There is an exception - but it typically results in an escort to the hospital so you'd best not be messing around.

 

Not sure this applies to all and its certainly not well publicized - but from the few LEO's that I have encountered, most surgeons (especially hospital trauma) and rescue nurses get good leeway in courtesy. While they don't get "get out of jail free", they are given significantly leeway if they are courteous.

A friend of mine who is a trauma surgeon (and loves it), and while in med school/residency also worked on the rescue squad, has an "RS" (rescue squad) license plate. She says she does have a lead foot and regularly sees cops pull up and then back off when they see the special RS plate. She knows she'll get it someday but she certainly appreciates it.

 

No, but if you get a chance to save a cop in your hospital, you should...

 

I'm a surgical resident... the one time I did get pulled over on the way to work was for ~80 in 50 @ 5:30am, and I was also let go. It was a quick pull over.. as I had my scrubs and ID, he didn't really ask further questions once he asked where I was going.

I never did get a business card though lol.. prob cause I was in a Vette, not a 360

 

Thanks, Frank. This is exactly the kind of advice I was looking for when I posted this. I wish I would've thought of this myself. I will call him tomorrow.

Eugene

 

Let us know the outcome of your phone call

 

I'm sure he's not looking for anything. As said in the previous post, a quick ride would make his day. Doctors and ER nurses always get a pass from me. I'd hate to write one only to see them later in the day!

 

My surgeon brother got a pass for same reason; 'I don't write doctors, might need you one day'.

An ER doc w.whom my brother once worked on ER rotation got paper for a traffic vio. He said to the officer, 'you better hope you don't wind up in my ER one day' as his little way of getting back at him. Officer reported the threat and the doc was in some hot water. Deservedly so.

 

You have to wonder if he had an attitude that "swayed" the officer's discretion!

 

SEND HIM A LIFETIME OF FREE SURGERIES AND OFFICE VISITS.

 

Well did you call him or what???

 

I called a bunch of times but he was never available to come to the phone. So, I stopped by the precinct and left him a hand-written thank you note with my business card and a cell phone number. Haven't heard back yet.

Eugene