Signing it:
”
Regarding the May 7 message concerning driving and being stopped
by the police. Living back East, one person saw the solution this
way: They had a small sign made with large letters that they held
out the window facing the unknown car behind them that said, ‘I’m
going to a well-lit area where people are present’ and let it go at
that.
Signing it: “Regarding the May 7 message concerning driving and being stopped by the police. Living back East, one person saw the solution this way: They had a small sign made with large letters that they held out the window facing the unknown car behind them that said, ‘I’m going to a well-lit area where people are present’ and let it go at that. They did just that no matter how long it took. With the amount of wackos out there today, it seems like fair advice for anybody. Bye-bye, I’m gone.”
The Red Phone agrees there are some wackos out there and that people should be cautious. It thought your idea an interesting one and contacted Gilroy Police Chief Gregg Giusiana to get his opinion.
“I really don’t think this is very practical,” he said. “First, the sign would have to be large enough to be read from several car lengths away, which would be fairly large.”
Giusiana also said that using such a sign might create additional danger.
“I would be concerned that a person trying to hold up a sign would have to take their hands off the wheel and would be distracted, possibly causing an accident,” he said. “Also, where would the person keep this sign when not in use – which would be most of the time? If it was not readily available it would be of no use and to have it readily available would mean keeping it on the seat and who wants to do that?”
In addition, Giusiana said, the proposed situation is not one that occurs often.
“Most people are good drivers and don’t get stopped by the police,” he said. “When our officers do stop people, we look for places that are safe for the officer and the driver. That means we usually look for well lit areas, which often already have people near them.”
Thanks for the suggestion, caller. Perhaps it’s one some may take into consideration. But for the others, just stick to the officer suggestions from the original story on April 28 – drive slowly to a well-lit area, explain your reason for doing such, ask for the officer’s identification and cooperate. Those suggestions will help keep you and the officer safe.
Opinions wanted, opinions offered: “Hi, I’m calling about the opinion wanted on the sex offender. I’m wondering if this caller has children. I’m personally thankful Gilroy PD is taking a proactive approach. While I agree that everyone has a weakness in one form or another, when that weakness is a child, that individual has no place in society whatsoever. I’d just like to thank Gilroy PD for taking that approach. I can’t even imagine where this caller’s head is. Thank you.”
• “I’m responding to the May 11 article about the person wanting opinions about the entrapment of the trolling for sex offenders online. Did this person vote for George Bush? It just amazes me. Maybe you can ask this person what part of illegal does he not understand? If he doesn’t understand the law, maybe he should look them up and see what the laws are regarding underage encounters with females or males with adults. Maybe that might explain to him why the cops do it. Man, this guy has to be a George Bush lover to say something like that. That’s my two cents. I totally disagree with this guy. He’s way off base about the entrapment. If the guy doesn’t want to get caught doing it, then don’t do it. Thanks.”
Thanks for taking the time to call in and offer your opinions, regarding the sting police used to catch the would-be molester, like the previous caller asked for. The Red Phone – and likely its readers – enjoys hearing various opinions on hot topics and looks forward to more calls.
Hey readers: Remember to leave a name and number when you call or e-mail. The Red Phone won’t publish this information – it will only be used if verification is necessary. If you call in about a problem with a streetlight, give the intersection street names. It makes it easier for the Red Phone to report the problems or offer the city suggestions. The Red Phone is here to listen to your troubles and do its best to find answers to your burning questions, so call 842-9070 or e-mail
re******@gi************.com
.
