Thats the way TPD operates, can't make a simple traffic stop without multiple patrol cars and what is called a "Felony Stop".

That's what you get when you hire wannabe hotdogs from places like Stallion Springs PD. Most of them are on a power trip with no one reining them in.

I too have noticed that you seldom see a Tehachapi car stop a vehicle alone, there are usually 2 or 3 cars at every stop I've seen.

I'm sure it isn't all the officers that are overzealous, just a few who make them all look bad. They need to be reined in.

Side note, I heard from a friend in Acton that one TPD officer commutes from Acton everyday in a TPD Police vehicle(Yukon). Thats 150 mile round trip.

Lets see, assuming 20 working days per month X 150 miles thats 3000 miles per month.  A Yukon only gets about 10 miles per gallon so thats 300 gallons of gas per month at $5.00 per gallon equaling $1500.00 of city money per month for one officers commute, not counting tires, maintenence, or wear and tear. I wonder how many others are actually commuting.

I don't know your friend, so please forgive me for asking:  Why did the TPD draw their guns; didn't think they could do that w/o probable cause.  I am totally not judging your friend, just wondering why the guns were drawn.  If your friend did not do anything wrong, he should file a complaint.

TPD certainly has not done anything to improve its image of late, however, there are no laws against them using three police cars for a routine stop, or handing out citations for parking too far from the curb, or even putting a notice in the local paper to move parked cars and towing those that are not moved. You are not alone if you have been stopped or cited by TPD for a seemingly innocuous matter.

Sadly, rather than attempt to clear up the bad PR they are receiving for these types of actions, they continue to flash their badges and foster bad feelings from the community in general. Perhaps Chief Kermode, who appears to be a reasonable, educated and even personable man, will take note of the public's increasing disappointment in his crew and start doing something to remedy the situation. It is never good when the local authorities lose the respect of a town's general. law-abiding population.

On a brighter note for allegedly innocent citizens, the TPD's record of convictions through the DA's office is dismal due to their lack of proper procedure. If you are cited by TPD for something more than a traffic violation or minor offense, I would strongly suggest contacting a local attorney to discuss the charges.

In reference to DonMar's question. There was absolutely no cause for weapons to be drawn. Certainly no probable cause as they released Bert immediately after the stop with no charges or tickets... I do not know if Bert intends to lodge a formal complaint. I would would advise him too also. He is still in the hospital...

Bo Hammond

Last time the TPD was disabanded (was it 1987 or 1988???), it was for similar things (power trip, etc.) which eventually edged into violations of the law......My feeling is that this is inherent in small city police departments (they want authority and power and typically only have small potatoes to fry.......so they play it for all its worth). Hope this does not end up the case, but, sadly, its happened before (that's when we went to the Sherrif's Dept).

The night of the THS lip sync I was driving home from dropping off my daughters friend I had a bad feeling about doing this so late it was almost midnight. I knew my chances of getting pulled over were pretty great. As I was turning back on to Red Apple from Tucker I was not suprised to see in the rear view the lights I had expected. I pulled over my daughter on the passenger side. Did not attempt to get my purse from behind the seat of the pickup. I had to wait until the officer came to my window what I didnt notice was the 2nd police car and another officer at my daughters window. I explained everything to the officer and told him I was afraid to get out of the truck to retrieve my purse with my license until he asked for it(didnt want to get accidentally shot ). He was very polite as I explained everything. But then they got a call about some party going on in G.H. So they just zoomed off with 2 or 3 more police cars behind them. Leaving me there. I guess they are more than bored in this semi-small town and need a little action. I feel very sorry for Bert they could of made his condition worse. I think our police officers need more training. They need to be more active in the community, get to know Tehachapi a little better along with its citizens. Then maybe they might get the trust of our people. Right now as it stands they are going downhill very fast.

Hey Andy Taylor  are you reading this blog? Barney, Gomer and guber are out of control and need a talking to. Driving your car on a city street at midnight is not a crime. Your goon squad is out of control. 3 police cars on a simple traffic violation is a little obsessive don't you think. At least when the Sheriff's pulled someone over they are brave or man enough to handle the call on their own. Your Dept. is quickly becoming a joke. And what is up with those stupid looking hats? Ditch the hats they make your officers look stupid and dumb. Maybe its the hats that are making them act that way.

 really simple... TBD has nothing better to do, they harrass people... they should have just left KCSD up there, TPD is on too much of a power trip.

Its Barney's world and we just live in it.  Unfortunately, Barney's pulled the bullet out of his pocket and Andy's not around to talk sense into him.

Do you think the TPD is living up to their mission statement?

 Mission Statement:
The men and women of the Tehachapi Police Department are committed to providing a safe community and preserving a high quality of life for all residents, businesses, and visitors through community partnerships and responsive professional service.

While building community with safety and service, we will hold ourselves to the highest ethical and professional standards of conduct, always treating people with dignity, fairness, and respect.
 

My dil had a terrible experience with two officers of the TPD. Two - not the whole department, and I don't hold the entire department responsible for her treatment.

If there's two or three cars for a routine traffic stop...so what? That means there's no other serious crime going on in our little town. If you're not doing anything wrong, your vehicle/license is in order, what's the big deal?

Everyone hates the cops - until they need one.

I am still fondly remembering the look on that guy's face in the little red truck when he got pulled over for blowing through the school zone and tailgating me.

What's the big deal?  Well, for one thing, it reveals a level of paranoia that is entirely unjustified and demonstrates that OUR police department sees us as dangerous enemies, and not as neighbors and friends.  It effectively tells me that the stopping officers think I'm a thug.  I could go on - its basically a repulsive practice, better suited for downtown Bagdahd than Tehachapi....

Funny I remember people complaining that the KCSD didn't do enough and were never seen about town. Now TPD is being "seen" to much and are harassing innocent people. I was talking to a TPD officer not that long ago. This officer works nights and was telling me that the amount of people they(TPD) pull over in town under the influence of drugs or alcohol is astounding!! I believe it and quite frankly it is no surprise. This officer also commented on our horrible meth problem. Again, no surprise here either, BUT I for one am glad they are doing something about it.

KCSD had their problems too. When I got pulled over by the KCSD after picking my sister up at the bar years ago I was pulled over by TWO officers. They blared their big ol lights at me and pulled the whole put your hands where I can see them bit. Never thought twice about it...I wasn't doing anything wrong. They figured this out in about two minutes after talking to me and they were off. My mom was totally harassed by an officer from the KCSD because of her last name. Apparently, there were "bad" people in Lancaster with the same last name, and he wanted to know if she was related. We weren't and he let her go with no ticket. Not sure why he even pulled her over. The list doesn't end there, but my point is no one is perfect. So I ask you....would you rather have officers doing their job and pulling people over or would you rather have someone who doesn't do enough?? Quite frankly if I need help I don't care who shows up, just as long as they do. :)

Ha its no surprise that you countygirl would rush to the TPD defense. Well played!