Turning On Red Signals

Q: I have been wondering for some time now why there are different red lights for left turn lanes. Why do some of them have signs that say turn on arrow only, no turn on red, etc.? Is it then okay to turn on one that is just a red light with no sign?

A: IC Code 9-21-3-7 (3) spells it out for you. In short:

(3) Steady red indication means the following:
(A) Except as provided in clause (B), vehicular traffic facing a steady circular red signal alone shall stop at a clearly marked stop line. However, if there is no clearly marked stop line, vehicular traffic shall stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection. If there is no crosswalk, vehicular traffic shall stop before entering the intersection and shall remain standing until an indication to proceed is shown.
(B) Except when a sign is in place prohibiting a turn described in this subdivision, vehicular traffic facing a steady red signal, after coming to a complete stop, may cautiously enter the intersection to do the following:
(i) Make a right turn.
(ii) Make a left turn if turning from the left lane of a one-way street into another one-way street with the flow of traffic.

Turning with a red light displayed under any oter circumstance is a violation of this statute, is considered "disregarding a red signal", and if stopped in violation, you can be cited with a ticket and 6 points on your driver's license!

Loud Noise From Neighbor Stereo

Q: I have a neighbor who plays his car stereo loudly. It was so loud it woke me up twice in the last two weeks. I do not want to approach this person. I am a single white female living alone. I cannot get the license plate # as he has tinted plastic covering his license plate. I couldn't see the numbers. My question is, can an officer drive by and get the license plate number and send him a warning letter in the mail to let him know he is disturbing his neighbors? I work hard and am tired of being woke up in the middle of the night.

Q: I have a neighbor who revs their engine and honks their horn after midnight repeatedly every night. We have asked them to please stop because it's waking my children who have school, to no prevail.

A: Unfortunately there is not a way to send a generic enforcement letter or contact unless an officer can verify this complaint. This would need to be done by you contacting the police when this noise complaint is taking place and if witnessed, the officer can take appropriate action, including a verbal warning or citation. I suggest to contact our non emergency number (235-9201) to report when this is happening when possible.

Do I Have A Warrant?

Q: Do I have a body attachment warrant on me? (name omitted)

A: I get this fairly often. I cannot tell you if you have a warrant or not via this forum. You need to contact the County Police Warrants Division or stop into the county jail to discuss and confirm these for you.

Weapons Capacity?

Q: I have heard that there is a ban on high capacity pistol magazines in the city of South Bend. As a concealed carry permit holder, I feel it is necessary to know for sure. Is it unlawful to carry a pistol with a high capacity (greater than ten rounds) magazine within SB city limits?

A: The former "Brady Bill" banned high capacity magazines but that law has since expired and high capacity magazines are no longer banned federally or at the city level.

Take Home Cars

Q: I understand that once you have completed FTO (Field training) you can get a take home squad car. Are the take homes available to all officers or just those in specialized units (ie. swat,k9)?

A: All SBPD officers who live in the county boundaries can participate in the take home car program. It is not limited to just specialized officers.

Getting Hired WhileOn Active Duty

Q: I am currently in the Army (deployed to Iraq), my enlistment will be up next fall, and I'm interested in applying to your department. I was wondering if I could apply in advance or if I'd have to wait until I'm out of the Army. I would obviously like to get
hired ASAP, but I'm concerned that if I applied ahead of time, that I'd be expected to be able to start right away. I'd appreciate any suggestions - thanks!

A: You would need to be available for testing and interview dates as required, so your best suggestion is to apply once you have fulfilled your military duties and are available. You can contact the training and recruiting division to discuss with them in more detail. Good luck to you!

Question About CVOs

Q: Can the CVOs pull over a vehicle on a traffic stop without a commissioned officer present?

A: The CVOs (Civilian Volunteer Officers) are non-sworn volunteer civilians who donate time and resources to assist the police with mostly traffic related duties, including directing of traffic at games and special events, and assisting with traffic crashes. These officers are not authorized to make traffic stops for vehicle or driving violations.