First off, this thread is not meant to bash the police. Rather, it is here to compile your observations regarding what I see as a dangerous problem in LE, and to hear any suggestions about the most effective way to curb this trend.
Anyone who has spent time reading the fatal accident reports on the ODMP website is well aware of the loss of life that often occurs when a LEO loses control of their cruiser during a pursuit, poor weather, or while responding to an urgent call.
I have witnessed a few incidents where I have observed the police "throwing caution to the wind" while driving to a call. The latest occurred last night. A back-up police cruiser suddenly appeared behind me on the way home. I had already watched the first cruiser go by before I pulled out onto the road. He was driving normally because the call was not urgent, and did not require code. (I am a former police dispatcher and I was listening in on the scanner)
I decided to pull to the right and let the second cruiser pass me even though he had not activated his lights and siren. Before I could do so (I was on a dangerous curve) I heard the sound of the engine in his Crown Vic. roar, and he passes me at 55 mph on a 30 mph 2-way road. When he attempted to move back into the right lane, he overcorrected and began to fishtail. He came close to taking out a telephone pole, but managed to regain control of his vehicle.
Shortly thereafter the call disposition was broadcasted as resolved. No other action taken. This further confirmed that excessive speed was not necessary for this call. Why did the officer drive so recklessly? Youth can make one feel invincible, not to mention the effect of adrenalin. Many officers are in their early to middle twenties, and have not fully matured like the older officer who was driving the first unit at the speed limit.
Finally, the question? Have you observed similar situations, and if so, how do you let supervisors know that they have an officer who may be a driving liability without making yourself public enemy number 1 with the police?
Anyone who has spent time reading the fatal accident reports on the ODMP website is well aware of the loss of life that often occurs when a LEO loses control of their cruiser during a pursuit, poor weather, or while responding to an urgent call.
I have witnessed a few incidents where I have observed the police "throwing caution to the wind" while driving to a call. The latest occurred last night. A back-up police cruiser suddenly appeared behind me on the way home. I had already watched the first cruiser go by before I pulled out onto the road. He was driving normally because the call was not urgent, and did not require code. (I am a former police dispatcher and I was listening in on the scanner)
I decided to pull to the right and let the second cruiser pass me even though he had not activated his lights and siren. Before I could do so (I was on a dangerous curve) I heard the sound of the engine in his Crown Vic. roar, and he passes me at 55 mph on a 30 mph 2-way road. When he attempted to move back into the right lane, he overcorrected and began to fishtail. He came close to taking out a telephone pole, but managed to regain control of his vehicle.
Shortly thereafter the call disposition was broadcasted as resolved. No other action taken. This further confirmed that excessive speed was not necessary for this call. Why did the officer drive so recklessly? Youth can make one feel invincible, not to mention the effect of adrenalin. Many officers are in their early to middle twenties, and have not fully matured like the older officer who was driving the first unit at the speed limit.
Finally, the question? Have you observed similar situations, and if so, how do you let supervisors know that they have an officer who may be a driving liability without making yourself public enemy number 1 with the police?

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