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How Police Use Laser Devices

Posted by Steven Goldstein | Feb 03, 2023 | 0 Comments

In New Jersey, police officers use laser devices to measure a vehicle's speed. To present a laser reading in court as evidence of a speeding violation, the officer must be certified to use the device, and the device itself must be calibrated and maintained according to the manufacturer's specifications. The officer must also follow proper procedures for aiming, taking the reading, and documenting the reading. The laser reading will be presented to the court as physical evidence. The officer would also testify about the circumstances of the stop and how the reading was taken and will be subject to cross-examination.

     In New Jersey, proper procedure for an officer using a laser device includes the following steps:

  1. The officer should be properly trained and certified to use the laser device.
  2. The officer should ensure that the laser device is properly calibrated and maintained according to the manufacturer's specifications.
  1. The officer should aim the laser device at the vehicle's license plate or front grill, as these are reflective surfaces that will provide the most accurate reading.
  1. The officer should take the reading from a stationary position, and not while moving in a vehicle.
  1. The officer should document the date, time, location, and vehicle speed, as well as the make and model of the vehicle.
  1. The officer should also make sure that the reading is reliable by taking multiple readings and making sure that the results are consistent.
  1. The officer should also make sure that the reading is not affected by any other factors such as other vehicles, buildings or other obstacles that may interfere with the accuracy of the reading.
  1. The officer should also be aware of the surrounding environment, such as poor lighting or weather conditions, and make sure that the reading is taken safely and without putting anyone at risk.

It's important to note that the police officer must have a reasonable suspicion to stop the vehicle. If the officer stops the vehicle without a reasonable suspicion, the evidence obtained may not be admissible in court.

An officer should aim their laser device at a vehicle's license plate or front grill when checking for speeding because these are reflective surfaces that provide the most accurate reading. The laser device uses a beam of light to measure the speed of a vehicle, and the accuracy of the reading is determined by the strength of the reflection received by the device. It's important to note that aiming at the license plate or front grill is not mandatory, but it is the recommended procedure to get the most accurate reading.

About the Author

Steven Goldstein

Steven Goldstein was admitted to practice in New York State in 1992.  He was admitted to practice in New Jersey in 1993. His practice areas are plaintiff's personal injury and criminal defense.

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