The motto “to protect and serve” started with the Los Angeles Police Department in the 1960’s. Today many departments across the United States have adopted the same for their city. New York State Troopers use “serve, protect and defend”.
For New York State Troopers, as well as city and town law enforcement, what does that motto cover in terms of which conduct is right and which is wrong for officers? For example, is it legal for New York police officers to “run your license plate” anytime they want?
According to White Law PLLC, the term “run your plates” means a police officer has scanned your license plate number into their database to retrieve information about you and your vehicle. What information can an officer see once your plate is scanned?…