Is an Elf Entrapment?

Today while watching CNN I saw a report that there is a speed trap set up in Orange County Florida. The speed trap is being run by a cop dressed up like an elf. The elf is running the radar gun while 50 motorcycle cops were lined up and being sent out to ticket the passing speeders.

The little elfing speed trap issued 180 tickets in 2 hours and 45 minutes making $10,000 to $50,000 in under the first three hours.

One of the drivers stated on camera to CNN, "seems like entrapment." Others were quoted stating that this was not what Christmas was all about.

What do you think? Is this right? Is this entrapment? While sitting here I can not help but laugh, but I know that if I got a $200 ticket because of some jolly chunky cop in an elf suit, I'd be pretty ticked.Wouldn't you?

sources CNN TV and

http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/14/1486.asp and

to view video go here http://www.wftv.com/news/10483435/detail.html

Comments: 13

Mariana T. Dec 8, 2006, 8:18pm EST

Hi there Rene: I'd be ticked as hell if I got a $200 ticket under any circumstances but hey if you break the law, you'll eventually get caught - it's bound to happen and in many cases may be long over-due. How many times have we gotten away with speeding?! Now, do I consider it entrapment. No. I'm all for it. It is probably saving lives so slow down folks or face the consequences! However...they could have found a cuter elf - huh? Salud

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True American Dec 8, 2006, 8:42pm EST

erm... this doesnt come anywhere near the defintion of what entrapment is.. she just pissy cause she got caught. 'Nother example of people not taking responsibility and Im willing to bet that the only people who actually got a ticket were the ones who opened their mouths and said something retarded.

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Rene Edde Dec 8, 2006, 8:55pm EST

Wow True, I didn't recognize you at first. I bet your right that she was pissed she was caught. And then you throw a bit of an embarrassment factor into it, being busted by an elf and all!

Yeah Mariana, I would have hoped they had a bit cuter of an elf, might cushion the blow a bit!

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Nanci B Dec 8, 2006, 9:58pm EST

I heard an interview with the elf and I have to admit, it sounded like revenue enhancement to me.

The primary law enforcement purpose should be to slow traffic down and prevent accidents. Studies have shown that the mere presence of a uniformed officer or a marked car will do that. Instead, Orlando is interested in ticketing people who are speeding by preventing people who see the radar trap (actually laser trap) from signaling other drivers by using an officer that most drivers do not recognize as such. I think the goal should be to slow people down not to make money by stopping them so I am not particularly impressed by this stunt.

BTW, he got picked to be Officer Elf because of his size and the PD has done this sort of thing before.

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Lydia O. Dec 8, 2006, 10:07pm EST

There's a saying that nothing slows you down like a cop in your rearview mirror--but somehow "Nothing slows you down like an elf in your rearview mirror" just doesn't have the same ring, lol...

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Rene Edde Dec 8, 2006, 10:11pm EST

Ah, Nanci, so they wanted a fat and jolly old elf. Yeah this is definitely a way to jack up a bit of revenue for the department. I guess its just not the same as one of those electronic signs that tell you that you're speeding. Sometimes ya just gotta be run down by an elf!

LOL Lydia it doesn't have the same ring, I think it might even sound a bit creepy.

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Rene Edde Dec 9, 2006, 12:25am EST

Dude, you are spamming. That had absolutely nothing to do with my elf story.. at all! I appreciate your views, but write an article or something and stay off my post please. This is not fun thread jacking, it's annoying!

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Daniel S. Dec 9, 2006, 1:52am EST

I am just glad we don't have the speed traps that they have in England. We always complaining when we get caught for speeding, even though we get away with it so much. Wouldn't it be worse if there was an automated radar gun that photographed you every time you sped?

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Rene Edde Dec 9, 2006, 2:00am EST

he he he... Hi Daniel! Nice to see that you have come to play! I would hate to be photographed speeding, what if I didn't have my hair done! just kidding... and you know that!

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Michael M. Dec 10, 2006, 2:32pm EST

Nasty Elf.....Perhaps it's looking for speeding sleighs, not cars!

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Is an Elf Entrapment?

Comments: 13

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