A radar gun is a very important tool for police officers to combat speeders and reckless drivers. With its possible negative effect on a driver’s permanent record, insurance, and wallet, radar guns should be used only by those that are specifically trained to do so. Sheriff P.J. Tanner of Beaufort County, South Carolina, requires all of his deputies to participate in the proper speed radar gun use.
The three day radar gun class held at S.C. Criminal Justice Academy in Columbia educates officers to become certified in the use of speed detection equipment. Radar and Lidar are both covered in the course, as well as tactics to receive the most reliable data. When a driver is given a ticket, they have the option of fighting it in court, disputing the accuracy of the radar gun’s reading. Since a machine is the key witness and testimony, officers must protect their case by being able to explain how to operate, calibrate, and read the police radar gun. For instance, if a small car exceeding the speed limit is targeted beside a larger slower vehicle, the smaller car would go undetected. Utilizing Lidar and their training, officers can now pinpoint offenders to issue citations.
Not all officers are required by the state to attend such training seminars, much to the dismay of area residents. Those that argue velocity radar gun tickets usually use this to their advantages, although judges do not automatically throw tickets out.
You too can learn about radar guns on our helpful How Radar Guns Work page. Stay tuned to RadarGunsBlog.com for all of the latest radar gun news.
