Formal Complaint

This is a formal complaint against three officers that pulled me over on Saturday August 23rd 2009. I would like to make a strong note; that this is NOT an attempt to get out of the issued ticket as this matter will be handled separately. This is rather an attempt to describe completely unprofessional actions of officers in the line of duty. As I was on my way to pick up a friend of mine around 10:00PM EST time, I approached an unmarked patrol car which was traveling well below speed limit and in my opinion creating a dangerous driving condition at that point. Since I could not use another lane to pass the car in question; I gave a very brief and friendly short honk to let driver of the vehicle know that there is a car behind them. Right after the honk, I observed a service red white and blue lights flashing in the car. At this point it was clear to me that the car was an undercover vehicle on a patrol. They let me pass, which I did (at no point did I exceed speed limit/break any sort of driving laws) and then as I passed they pulled me over. Officers approached my vehicle; and asked me why did I honk at them. I calmly and clearly explained that I was not aware they were an undercover unit and was being polite by giving a brief honk. I followed by explaining that I was taught that driving severely under speed limit created hazardous driving environment. I also apologized. At this point all 3 officers appeared to be smirking at me; followed by un-called and FALSE accusations of but not limited to: 1. Passing double yellow line to aggressively pass their vehicle 2. Tail gating 3. That I was speeding when I was behind them Then another officer suggested that I was drunk, which prompted all other officers jump on this idea and smile at each other. I started to get worried as multiple attempts to bring up false charges were made and accusing me of being drunk seemed a little scary to me; as it was clear that officers were trying to get something/anything to stick at this point. Another unit pulled up and I was addressed a breathalyzer test; which did not record any alcohol level in my system after two attempts.

At this point three officers that pulled me over looked upset and started making claims that my registration is invalid followed by claim that my insurance is also invalid (both false). Newly arrived officer dismissed their claims and ordered me to enter my vehicle as he departed the scene. For the next 15 minutes I observed three officers in their squad car laughing and at the end I was presented with a reckless driving ticket, which to my understanding carries up to 6 points, $600 fine and possible criminal record. All of the above for simply giving a friendly honk to another vehicle which is traveling well under legal speed limit? I don't think individuals that tried to stick random charges on someone because they were honked at should be in power to make any decisions; especially when it comes to serious responsibilities that police officers take upon them self's. While this complaint will probably be ignored, I have had pleasure of dealing with police officers from my previous experiences but officers that pulled me over should not have a honor to wear a badge. I felt like I was back in high school during the stop and I feel very frustrated that individuals in question were abusing their power over something so ridiculous. Summons: xxxxxxxx Pct: 060 Issuing officer: Nelson Don Thank you, Xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxx