MythBusters: 4 Things You Need to Know About Policing / Columbia Police Department
Hey, Columbia. Do you ever wonder what things you need to know about policing? Have you heard myths about Miranda warnings or speed traps? If so, take a moment and allow me the chance to dispel a few common myths about policing.
- Officers must recite Miranda warnings when you are arrested or detained. ➡️ False.
The requirement that Miranda warning be read only applies when police intend to question an individual. If no questioning occurs, the Miranda warning is not required.
- Officers must be completely visible at all times in order for any traffic citations to be valid. ➡️ False.
Going unnoticed and using radars does not qualify as entrapment. Officers do not tell drivers that it is okay to speed, but they are allowed to catch drivers that do.
- Officers must fill monthly ticket quotas. ➡️ False.
Targeted enforcement is in locations where we receive complaints, school zones, crime hot spots and high traffic accidents. The Columbia Police Department does not receive revenue from tickets.
- K-9’s or ‘police dogs’ are aggressive animals. ➡️ False.
K-9’s are trained in multiple skill sets to include tracking, drug detection, criminal apprehension, handler protection, building searches and article searches. They go through many hours of training with their handler to maintain the highest level of proficiency and rarely attack in unprovoked situations.
Hopefully, as we continue to provide transparency about our operations, the information will help debunk some of the misconceptions about policing. I encourage citizens to visit our website for the most up-to-date information about our policies, operations and more.
Stay safe until next time.
–William “Skip” Holbrook, Chief of Police
