Can Trooper Steve take law enforcement action while out ‘on Patrol’ with News 6?

Trooper Steve answers viewer questions

ORLANDO, Fla. – News 6 traffic safety expert Trooper Steve Montiero answers viewer questions about the rules of the road, helping Orlando-area residents become better drivers by being better educated.

Trooper Steve was asked, “When ‘on Patrol’ with News 6, if you witness a flagrant violation of the law, can you make an arrest as a trooper?”

He said he may be a fully sworn state law enforcement officer, but “there is a time in place to turn that on and off.”

“My situation here at News 6 is extremely unique, and the only of its kind in the country. I cannot take traffic enforcement actions while in Results-1. When we are doing that, we are solely working for the news and considered a civilian vehicle. That’s not to say I do not have a duty to act in cases of extreme emergencies,” he said.

He said if he were out and something dangerous occurred or a forcible felony happened, then he would most likely “interact with that situation.”

“But when we are out doing our news coverage, traffic infractions are not something I am paying attention to for enforcement purposes,” he said.

If you have a question for Trooper Steve, submit it here.

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About the Authors

Steven Montiero, better known as “Trooper Steve," joined the News 6 morning team as its Traffic Safety Expert in October 2017. A Central Florida native and decorated combat veteran, Montiero comes to the station following an eight-year assignment with the Florida Highway Patrol.

Brenda Argueta is a digital journalist who joined ClickOrlando.com in March 2021. She is the author of the Central Florida Happenings newsletter that goes out every Thursday.

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