OPERATION AND USE

- radar speed enforcement

        Alternative: cross examination

 

• Visual estimate of speed of Defendant's vehicle
          Reinforce lack of certification re visual estimation
          Distance of Defendant's vehicle at estimation of speed
          Length of time of observation prior to speed estimation
          Obstructions to vision
          Time of day of citation
          Light or dark

 

• Weather date of stop

              Rain, sleet, snow, blowing dirt/sand/debris

 

• Number of vehicles in each lane and each direction of travel

              Describe defendant's vehicle

              Describe other vehicles in proximity to Defendant's vehicle

 

• Audio (Speedgun 8, K-55, MR-7, MR99, HR-8, K-911)
          On/Off
          Volume
          Doppler signal strength
          Detection of interference or other vehicles
          Describe sound
          TV or Radio test pattern
          pitch vary with speed of target
          volume vary with speed of target

 

• Round off vs. lop off by device; i.e.: 49.4 or 49.6
          Speed unknown; insufficient evidence

 

• Identification of terms and effect on radar device:
          Ghosting: weak signal or multiple bounce
          Shadowing: beam bounce off reflective object (trunk) add patrol to D.
          Low speed Combining: combine target & patrol in patrol window.
          Multiple Bounce: i.e.. buildings in town
          Panning: move stationary unit increase speed reading (stationary).
          Batching: rapid acceleration/deceleration of radar car (moving mode). radar device unable to interpret

 

• Cosine Error: angle of antenna to target (stationary unit or mode).
           45 Degree: 100 mph = 70 mph
           30 Degree: 100 mph = 86 mph Aim 500'_750" = 5 Degree
           20 Degree: 100 mph = 93 mph Lift.
           10 Degree: 100 mph = 98 mph

 

• Scanning: move stationary unit increase speed reading
           arc = 2_3 mph "Quick Draw"
           push =10 mph
           Same as panning
           Target Bumping  (Same as batching)

• Feedback Effect: aim antenna at or across readout
              window ==> high reading.
          Interference: accidental false signal
          Jamming: deliberate introduction of false signal
          Own Speed Capture: Moving mode; own speed in patrol & target window.
          Beam shape
              Wedge from antenna - angle?
              NO: CIGAR SHAPE
              How identify target if unaware of beam shape and targets in zone
          Log of checks personal diary or journal
          Target distance

 

• Accuracy
          Maximum distance with accuracy
          Minimum distance with accuracy

• Interference
          Heater fan: false reading or shorten beam range
          Power source: direct to car battery, cigarette lighter, portable battery pack.
              Cigarette lighter = engine & all electrical interference
              Ignition alternator AC alternating current interference
          Shielded cable from power source to battery: hearsay
              engine & electrical interference *Panel instruments in in patrol car.
          Multiple cables twisted; antenna, power and remote control
                  Induction coil effect=increase speed reading
          Damage to antenna: effect signal received
          Damage to cords; exposed wires Inspection date of arrest
              suck in antenna or diodes and amplify

• Location:
          Microwave transmitters; radio, CB, Amateur base stations, e.g. KBPI ROCKS THE ROCKIES
          High voltage power lines: how does officer check effect
          Hospital, doctor, dentist, chiropractors: X-ray
          Service station, banks, business: Neon Fluorescent Light
          Generators
          Arc welding equipment
   

• Effect of weather
          Wind, rain, snow, blowing sand or debris

 

• Buildings or reflective signs or burglar alarms
          Around curve: bounce off power lines
          Behind: bounce mirror

 

• Area and traffic: size area and amount of traffic
          position, mass, speed of other
   

• Moving or stationary mode

 

• Automatic lock: first speed exceed threshold entered
          failure to release: improper speed for defendant.
          Lock, automatic or manual
              failure to release prior target reading - no relationship to defendant
              inadvertent error (naturally)

 

• "Out in front and nearest radar"
          Target not always lead car: speed, position & mass

 

• Experience at location
          Number of times set up at specific location

 

• Moving mode
          Comparison patrol window to speedometer
          Calibration of patrol car speedometer
              hearsay unless mechanic testifies

 

• Repair of vehicle transmission or radar device
          re-certification -  Hearsay

 

• Beam absorption - inaccurate patrol window reading (reduced)
          Loose gravel, sand, tall grass
          Moving grass, trees or "stationary objects" increase patrol window.

 

• IF UNAWARE OF LIMITATIONS OF RADAR, HOW DO YOU COMPENSATE?
          Reason enforce prima facie speed

 

• Conditions which rendered defendant's speed unreasonable & imprudent or dangerous
          Have Officer SPECIFY EXACT CONDITIONS - probably can't