Yeah. That's what I'm wondering. It's the police department's job to maintain the vehicles. And some PDs rotate cars. So it's entirely possible he didn't know it was out. If you want to avoid tickets/problems, just gotta give them no reason to pull you over. Busted taillight is a pretty easy identifier. Not saying you deserve it OP, but it's possible he was going to give you the ticket either way. Also, I know a few officers, and the less trouble you give them (including paperwork), the less reason they have to trouble you.

Yes. All cops are evil. Let's not have any. Or any guns. Because those are evil too. There are plenty of good officers. There are plenty of bad ones. The department is a main factor is the reviews/suspensions though. All departments needs to have external reviews of incidents. That way it's unbiased. That being said, even in a case that is blatantly obvious: Innocent until proven guilty. These guys (and gals) can be putting their lives on the line anytime they answer a call. So yes, they should get paid while on administrative leave for an investigation. But if it turns out they're guilty and get fired, they should be liable for what they were paid.

What an ass!!!! You should have given him a ticket or put him under citizens arrest for being a smart ass.

IDK what the laws are for your state but here in California a cop is not allowed to fix it himself. It must be done a authorized mechanic. If not the city becomes liable if any accidents happen. Basally it's so the city won't get sued by some a##hole.

Protect and serve.

Not sure about your state, but in mine you are given a few days to correct the problem. You can fix it and find any officer or go to a station, show them it's fixed, and they will discard the ticket.

The cars are maintained by the police department may have happened earlier. Cops have certain laws amended as it may apply to them on the job and off the job. Carrying on and off the job,speeding on the way to a call or if they need to catch up with someone doesn't mean if you get caught for speeding you can mention it and expect to get out of it.

Welcome to america, Where if your told to do something you will get shot, Dont do what they tell you, You still get shot and aressted, They have a badge and you dont this badge gives them the power they need to go do whatever they want.

A cop "pulled " me over bc I was on the shoulder of the highway with my EMERGENCY lights on . Waiting for Siri to figure out my way home . He Told me to get out . Searched my car , found my moms unopened bottle of alcohol inside a cooler ( she went to a party the night before ) and the cop charged me with posses with alcohol ..

Cops usually drive around with a headlight out because you won't think it's a cop.