2NR: What are some of the best excuses you've heard from drivers when pulling them over?
SS: "It's my mom's car, and she did all the modifications"-I can't talk about it. These guys have full roll cages, 5-point harnesses-and you know it's souped up-but they claim it's Mom's ride.
2NR: Memorable moments?
SS: Although racing is an issue in many counties, it's the deaths that have the most impact. It's when you have to sit down and talk to Mom and Dad and tell them, "I've got to tell you about your son or daughter; you're never going to see them again." That's the toughest thing about our job. Most of the guys in the team like to race. They've raced in the past. I have a degree in automotive technology, and we all believe racing is truly a legitimate sport. We just don't want to see people killed doing it.
2NR: If a death occurs while street racing, is that considered manslaughter?
SS: It used to be. We're working with the district attorneys in San Diego and other states to prosecute the drivers for second-degree murder. The states increase the punishment from the typical probation or two years of jail time to a 15- to 25-year sentence.
2NR: Are you also pursuing tuner shops?
SS: We have in the past and it will be an issue in the future. Oh yeah...absolutely.
2NR: So you'll be pursuing them in the future?
SS: That's correct.