So, why did Mr. Dubley pull my driver over? My thought………….he thought that badge really meant power, and like most simple-minded, small town sheriff’s departments, his supervisor seems to think so too. He questioned the driver like he was a criminal .
Questions asked:
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Are you on drugs?
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Are you hauling drugs?
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Has anyone asked you to put something extra in the back of your vehicle or trailer?
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Why don’t you have curtains in your truck?
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How long have you been driving?
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How long have you owned your truck?
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Let me see your log book and medical card
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Do you have anything illegal on or with you?
I can’t promise what order those questions were asked in, but I can tell you there were more. The driver was going the speed limit, minding his own business at 0300. When the officer lit him up, he pulled over, turned on all the cab lights, and opened the passenger door. The officer stood in the ditch, shining his light directly on the driver. Then stepped on the step and stayed there the entire time, shining a flashlight all over the truck (never stating the reason he needed to do this search). This driver is normally a nice man, but after being questioned like a murder suspect, decided he would give the officer the same respect the officer gave him. I, for one, can’t blame him. (I’ve just found out that indeed, Mr. Dubley has NO DOT credentials, and the McIntosh Sheriff’s Department believes they have the right to perform DOT functions without credentials).
Not all officers are like this. But, the handful of law enforcement that act like Mr. Dubley give a bad taste to the drivers and have the drivers get an unfortunate stigma about them toward law enforcement. There are scale houses, even in California, that I’ll sit and talk to, if the right officer is inside. I’m afraid with more cops emerging out of the woodwork with anti-trucker attitudes, all the good ones will be seen as bad by the truckers that are harassed.
Protect yourself. Have a phone that can record audio or a small recorder. Always record your conversations with law enforcement. If pulled over by someone that is not a DOT enforcement officer, ask for DOT credentials first and foremost. It is MANDATORY the officer have DOT credentials to perform DOT functions with a commercial vehicle. It is well worth your time to wait for a DOT officer in order to protect your rights. Please heed this advice at any traffic stop.
As for McIntosh County, Georgia, I would stay out of it if you could. They aren’t what I consider trucker friendly. I will be discussing with the driver what route to take with them next.
Till next time, be safe.
