NCJ Number
82328
Date Published
1980
Length
109 pages
Annotation
This book is intended to assist motorists in defending themselves against speeding violation charges based upon police use of radar; technical aspects of radar and defense guidelines are emphasized.
Abstract
Because of the highly complex nature of radar and the training of people who use it to monitor driving speed, a high percentage of radar tickets are issued to motorists who are not in violation of the law. By definition, radar is an electronic device used for the detection and location of objects. It operates by transmitting a particular type of waveform and detects the nature of the echo signal. Vehicular traffic radar has been used by law enforcement personnel for approximately 20 years. However, the training received by police to operate traffic radar varies considerably from manufacturer to manufacturer and according to the size and type of police force. Vehicular traffic radar employs radiation and uses the Doppler effect to determine the speed of moving objects. When stopped by the police and informed that you have been caught speeding by radar, you should make a series of key observations, ask questions of the arresting officer, and refrain from making comments acknowledging guilt. Traffic conditions, roadway conditions, weather, time of day, and method of apprehension should be observed. Information regarding patrol car location and radar mode should be procured from the officer. Tactics for the defense in a traffic radar case focus on establishing a reasonable doubt that the defendant's car produced the reading that the arresting officer observed on the radar readout. This objective can be achieved by obtaining facts pertinent to the case prior to trial, obtaining detailed testimony of the officer, and capitalizing on pretrial details and the officer's testimony. Figures, tables, two glossaries, and an index are included.