SB271 - No more talk of "taking a ride"

[Alf]

Good cops don't need a law in order to do the right thing.

Bad cops will find ways to keep doing the wrong things until they're stopped.

[srothstein]

I might support this bill if they fixed the problems it has. For example, it requires the officer to warn the person they will not be arrested but then allows the officer to arrest the person who refuses to sign the ticket. I see lots of arguments and fights coming up over this conflict. I also do not understand why a person must be issued a ticket for a crime in the penal code and is to required to sign it but is required to sign it or be arrested if it is traffic related.

I also disagree with requiring a person to be released for all crimes that involve only a fine. Some of these crimes make going to jail for a night justifiable and the best way to solve a problem. Think family violence during a disturbance as a simple example. It may be class C violence but if the person is allowed to stay there it will escalate.

[Alf]

I have a hard time with somebody being locked up without a trial, when they can't be locked up if convicted.