New definition of sheriffnado!!!

[Dan Robinson]

In some ways I see this as yet another "us or them" type deal. Eventually, this subject IS going to come up in the media, either via a local paper or TV station. Just like it did in Mulvane. Either we can tell 'our' side of the story first, or they will tell theirs. The Wichita Eagle story in 2004 got on the AP feed and was printed nationwide. Just about every paper in the country printed it. My *grandmother* even read it and told me about the issue, and I had to explain to her I wasn't doing the type of things the article accused us of.

I hate to say it, but whoever is first on the defensive in a story like this is always the loser in the argument. Perception is reality, and people form their perceptions on that first story that breaks. Once that happens, it is hard to get your side in to set things straight. To my knowledge the Wichita Eagle never printed any of the many letters to the editor sent to them after their story went national.

For those that don't remember, the Wichita Eagle article in June 2004 accused all chasers as being crazy 'tornado tourists' that were responsible for any number of grievances, from blocking emergency vehicles from responding to homes hit by the tornado to driving erraticly. In reality, local gawkers and the police's own roadblocks were responsible for most of the traffic problems that day. But that's not the story that was told. There were direct quotes from county officials blaming *chasers* in that very one-sided article, and we chasers as a whole took a major hit in nationwide respectability. When you have to explain yourself to your family, you realize how far-reaching a story like that can be.

 

[Jason Boggs]

Sorry I have not responded much. I just got home from working 13 hrs. Anyway, I really didn't see that much bad stuff happening...not to say that it didn't. I never saw chasers hanging out of a window or stopped in the middle of the road. Again, not saying it didn't happen. I do fully admit that I am at fault for not yielding to him. I have learned a lesson from this ordeal. BUT, like Jay stated, he definitely went over the line when he threatened to arrest me and then called the station and lied about me running him off the road into a bar ditch. If I ran him into a bar ditch like he said, why didn't he at least give me a citation after threatening to arrest me? If he would have been halfway cordial and had given me a ticket for not yielding to him, I would have been a little upset at myself at first, but I would have deserved it. But obviously that didn't happen. I can see the others point about the reckless driving and the speeding and traffic violations. I'm sure this guy was a little frustrated. I can't say that I wouldn't be.

I try to be as safe and mature about storm chasing as I can. Like Jay said, I have a lot of experience under my belt and safety is always my #1 goal no matter what. Like Jay stated in his last couple of posts, the killer to this whole incident was when he called the station and WILLINGLY AND KNOWINGLY lied about what happened. If he would have gotten home that night and thought, "man was it crowded out there today. Maybe I overreacted a little because I was so stressed out". That would have been fine. But he chose to pick up the phone and lie. I can't stand liers to begin with, but when lies are mixed with someone with the authority of law enforcement, it can get ugly in a hurry.

You know, this might be another benefit to having a chase partner or two. At least you have witnesses to back you up in case something like this ever happens. I PRAY TO THE DEAR LORD ABOVE THAT THIS NEVER HAPPENS TO ME AGAIN!!!

 

[David Drummond]

Some of you who are all calling for contacting this and that higher ups in the county, or about elections etc are not really realizing just how rural this county is. The entire population of the county is 1790 people. There are only 1006 houses in the entire county, most of which are in Silverton and Quitaque. The total crime in that county in 2004 consisted of 8 burglaries, 8 thefts and 5 auto thefts.

This is a VERY rural department, and while I couldn't find data I doubt there are more than 3 or 4 officers on the whole department. You can bet they are all good friends.

 

[Warren Faidley]

This is the type of situation where chasers MUST ban together to prevent this from spreading and becoming a regional nightmare. This almost happened many years ago in SW Kansas -- for those who remember. If this guy gets away with this, he will be more empowered next time and someone could get into serious trouble. I would strongly suggest filing a complaint with the local officials, not just posting the video and pissing him off more. Maybe have a meeting with him and his supervisor (like we used to do when I worked for a newspaper) will help. Let him know that we also serve as spotters. I am sure if this guy is doing this to chasers, he's likely taking out his anger in other ways. His family and on other people along the highways. He needs help.

I pulled over next to a sheriff once near Amarillo, who jokingly said, "Do you have any illegal drugs in that chase truck -- then I can confiscate it for my kids." All joking aside, that was a scary thought.

Once near Las Vegas, NV, I was doing a practice chase with my old chase team when I was pulled over by a Highway Patrol Officer who did not like our trucks and the yellow lights on top, although we had permits and were not using them. He obviously had issues beyond this. He pulled me over and wrote me a bogus ticket for speeding. (His radar gun was not the type that could read from behind -- and I was not speeding regardless). I fought the ticket, but the judge (his girlfriend I was later told) tried to charge me with obstruction of justice. (Which cannot be done in court under constitutional law). I then had to hire a big-time Las Vegas attorney, but in the end all charges were dropped when the State and the Highway Patrol Internal Affairs got involved and realized it was all bogus. Apparently, a lot of people in that county were victimized by the same set-up and I think my complaints helped to stop the corruption.

Warren

 

[Mike Hollingshead]

Alright, I believe this was a reply to my "scary" comment. The intent of my post was not to overdramatize the situation. I was simply commenting on what I *perceived* was ths situation - I wasn't there, so I only went on the comments that I was observing. Regardless of what happened on this day, the point was to attempt - and I repeat, to attempt - to try to just put another point of view on this particular "problem".

Perhaps from now on I shall refrain from comment on these situations unless I myself am there to avoid this sort of sarcasm.

I wouldn't pay much attention to things I say. This topic makes me relate to those that "love" the tornado stats topics. I was just poking fun at the circus. It's not a laughing matter, I know.

 

[Brian Stertz]

True enough David...the good 'ole boy scenario probably runs deep in Briscoe Co. TX. This should be a red alert to chasers moving through or chasing in this county for this spring and likely well beyond. Need to keep that in the back of the mind, especially if this ends up being an active Caprock/Panhandle kind of year.

 

[Tony Phillips]

i'm a newbie to chaseing, and i'm trying to get my FCC Ham operaters licence as well, and just the other day i talked to the sheriff reguarding ambers and joining the local Skywarn Radar group, and all he said was "you have to have a licence" and wrote down a place that they give this test to qualify a person for this national licence, apparently this is reffered to as a "storm chaisers licence" now i'm not sure if i want to pay the 15 bucks to get my HAM and then go and pay an additional fee (if any because i havnt looked any further into this yet) to get a licence to go chase a storm, if it were me in that situation y'all faced i would have definately given the tape to somebody in the broad stream media and saw to it that something was done before something like this happened to someone else

 

[Earl Faubion]

Jason (and Jay)... I realize in your minds you have the full story and I don’t doubt what you say happened. I’m looking at this from the perspective of the official who is assigned to work the complaint against the deputy; he can’t take one side’s views and then render an opinion on the matter. He has to have BOTH sides of the story before he can even begin considering whether the deputy violated the law or the agency’s policies. Frankly I’d be surprised if his agency has a policy against calling a motorist’s employer about a traffic incident. That alone is probably no cause for a complaint, it’s what he said that is the contentious issue and unless the deputy admits lying we’ve now got a third party involved, the assignment editor, because only he (or she) is, as I understand it, the only one heard the deputy’s claim of being run into a ditch. Do you see where this is going? In a formal court setting that’s hearsay evidence. The rules for handling complaints are often more relaxed so that may work in your favor, but keep in mind there’s a possibility that for the phone call to be an element of the complaint, the editor may have to give a statement too.

I have considerable experience working with witnesses to both traumatic and non-traumatic events. It’s extremely rare that two people will perceive the same event in the same way. What’s a full story in one’s mind is only one version of the story to the mediator who has the task of sorting through the matter. Physical evidence is powerful and in most cases it will carry much more weight than witness testimony. If you have it, use it. The video may be worth its weight in gold. The deputy or others may have video too.

I hope you understand that I don’t doubt what you say happened. I’m only trying to provide a little insight based on my experience in dealing with similar issues. As an investigator I had to approach each case from an objective point of view and put aside any natural bias I may have had beforehand. Until the full (as in both sides) of the story is in, the LEO in me says I should adopt a wait-and-see attitude before arriving at a conclusion. It’s not an “us vs. them†thing if one is open-minded, what it should be is, “let’s get all the information†before slamming the door shut on further viewpoints.

Jason, it’s your deal to pursue or to drop. No one else can make that decision for you. I know what I’d do if it was me, but it’s not so I am keeping my opinion on that point out of this thread. If you’re interested, PM or email me. One thing I will recommend though is if you’re going to make a complaint, do it as soon as possible without further delay. Unnecessary delays can diminish a complaint’s importance. And don’t post the video for public viewing before this is resolved. The fairer you are in handling this, the more likely you are to reach a favorable resolution. Your demeanor at the scene appears to have been exemplary. Keep it that way.

Moderators, I don’t envy you keeping an eye on this thread. I hope there’s been some consideration given to limiting further discussion of this specific incident, at least until the official side of it has reached a disposition.

 

[David Drummond]

i'm a newbie to chaseing, and i'm trying to get my FCC Ham operaters licence as well, and just the other day i talked to the sheriff reguarding ambers and joining the local Skywarn Radar group, and all he said was "you have to have a licence" and wrote down a place that they give this test to qualify a person for this national licence, apparently this is reffered to as a "storm chaisers licence" now i'm not sure if i want to pay the 15 bucks to get my HAM and then go and pay an additional fee (if any because i havnt looked any further into this yet) to get a licence to go chase a storm, if it were me in that situation y'all faced i would have definately given the tape to somebody in the broad stream media and saw to it that something was done before something like this happened to someone else

I'm sorry but that is just simply not true. There is NO such thing as a Storm Chaser License. If someone is charging you $15 for one, your getting scammed.

Your also not PAYING to get your HAM license. There is a minimal fee that helps pay for the paperwork that the Volunteer Examiners have to do. You have to PASS A TEST to get the HAM license.

 

[Ryan McGinnis]

I haven't taken the tape for anybody to see. I didn't get arrested, so I think at this point, I will leave it alone. It almost seems like he had it out for me for some reason. Anyway, I hope I never run across that loser again.

I would humbly submit that if it's worth your time to complain about on an international chaser message board, it's worth your while to get in contact with the sheriff or supervisor of the police officer who pulled you over. Maybe nothing will come of it, maybe the officer will be talked to, who knows. Maybe the sheriff or supervisor will get back to you and explain what you did wrong so you can avoid it again in the future.

BTW, most police cars these days have in-dash cameras that begin recording when the strobes are activated, so if you call, you might not even need to forward your video.

 

[Andrew Gunneson]

Totally off topic, but just wanted to throw in the two cents.

You pay to the take the test to get your amateur radio license. Regardless of paying, you pass or you don't therefore you get your license or you don't. Now, I'm an ARRL accredited Volunteer Examiner and I'm not sure if the $14 fee is an ARRL related fee, or an FCC related fee. I should know, but I don't (I think it's FCC). The Volunteer Examiners have nothing to do with the fee, up to $14. Anything else is to cover out of pocket expenses. Pencils, paper, stereo (for morse code which is no longer in effect), and stuff like that. My group doesn't recover out of pocket expenses so the fee is $14 per attempt to pass the test.

David's wording just is a little confusing, to me. You don't automatically get your license by paying the fee, but you DO in a sense pay for your license.

To throw some on-topic discussion in:
This whole situation is one of those things that linger in the back of my mind as I get ready to head out for my first year of plains chasing later on and makes me almost want to stay home. You can probably count on me being the one watching the storm from 20 miles away just so I can avoid all of these situations. All of my dreams lately have me almost getting killed by tornadoes though. Bad energy much?

 

[David Drummond]

David's wording just is a little confusing, to me. You don't automatically get your license by paying the fee, but you DO in a sense pay for your license.

David Drummond wrote:

Your also not PAYING to get your HAM license. There is a minimal fee that helps pay for the paperwork that the Volunteer Examiners have to do. You have to PASS A TEST to get the HAM license.

Not sure exactly what was confusing about that. You can pay the fee all day, but unless you actually pass the test your not getting a license. I guess if you wanted to split hairs the paperwork filing fee could in the most technical sense be considered paying for your license. But it's not something you can just go pay a fee and get like GMRS or something. You have to actually pass a test.

 

[Andrew Gunneson]

It's officially clear now.

 

[Morgan Palmer]

I should have thrown in my opinions before now, but hadn't had the time to digest all the posts. Aside from my weather duties, I've been reporting news for TV for about 8 years in a market that has lots of small town police and sheriff's departments. I will agree that larger city police and sheriff's depts are usually very good, as is state police/DPS. There are always bad apples, but that's to be expected.

The frequency of abuses of power do seem to be inversely proportional to the size of the department.

Posting video on youtube and talking about it here is of probably no consequence to the deputy and this situation. Whether you should poke the stick in the hornet's nest by escalating this with the supervisor or sheriff? Obviously, do what you feel you must, but I think that unless you were harmed in some way financially or physically, this instance might be best left to a comment on ST about the incident and to be careful in the future. I agree 100% that when you're in their little fiefdom, they are the boss, and no matter how out of line they are, when you're standing before the officer or deputy, any argument about legality of their actions or attitude means you will lose. I think everyone understands that.

As far as the call to the assignments desk, that MUST be followed up with the news director at the station you're chasing for. If this happened to me, I would be required to give all the pertinent information to my ND, and do nothing further. Any disputes arising (on or off the job)are to be handled by a supervisor.

I do not know anything about your shop and your relationship with them (though I surmise it's a long and beneficial relationship for both sides).

For the edification of all that taking matters further yourself, instead of notifying the station and seeking further instructions, could endanger your relationship with that station.

One last thing for everyone: unless you are on the clock/under contract for a particular station and have station-issued identification, never, ever throw out "I'm with the media," or "I'm working for such-and-such station" to law enforcement in an attempt to get out of a situation. Almost all stations have had phone calls from people claiming that employees or others have threatened them by saying "I'm going to put you on TV" or saying "I'm here for XYZ News," when they're just a stringer.

Spouting off about being media when you're not is a sure-fire way to end a relationship with a media outlet. It also significantly increases the chances your situation with the particuliar officer will escalate, especially in a small town. In my experience, the smaller the agency, the less willing they are to work with media. Many (I would say most) tiny agencies (less than 10 officers or so) see media SOLELY as a hindrance to their jobs. There are many pleasant exceptions, of course.

MP

 

[Joey Ketcham]

and wrote down a place that they give this test to qualify a person for this national licence,else

Do you have the paper that he wrote this down on? I would like to know the place he gave you that supposedly issues these licenses. Can you post it on here?