Abuse Of Privileges?

[TexasPride77]

Perhaps I am over reacting but I would like to have some clarification on the uses of patrol cars that are assigned to officers - who are not on duty. I understand that I do not know the complete story of things so I am more than willing to give benefit of doubt. Yesterday I was at the World Gym in Leonardtown and just as I am getting out of my vehicle (going in the gym myslef), a patrol car pulls up and parks as well. Out comes an officer in wind pants and t-shirt. It appeared that he was going to the gym. Soon enough, as I walked out of the locker room - there he was - working out.

Now, my issue is not whether this officer needs to be in the gym (as it looked as if he really did), but rather the county tax dollars that pay for the operation of patrol cars. These cars, I do not believe, should not be used for personal reasons – ONLY official business. Is it permissible for officers to use their cars for their own personal use? This officer had no form of paging device or of any sort; much less a radio - so I am inclined to believe he was not on duty at the time.

Where can one go to obtain a copy of the regulations that dictate an officer’s responsibilities to the property they are assigned.

Again, as I said before – I only see one side of this coin….so any clarification that can be offered is appreciated. I just dont want to have a misunderstanding of things.

 

[Chasey_Lane]

What if he stopped at the gym before/after work, or even on his lunch break? Should the officer have to drive all the way, get his "personal" vehicle, drive to the gym, then back home to pick up his patrol car?

 

[Chasey_Lane]

Again, as I said before – I only see one side of this coin….so any clarification that can be offered is appreciated. I just dont want to have a misunderstanding of things.

And while I'm ranting, your boss probably doesn't pay you to play on the internet.

 

[DoWhat]

Perhaps I am over reacting but I would like to have some clarification on the uses of patrol cars that are assigned to officers - who are not on duty. I understand that I do not know the complete story of things so I am more than willing to give benefit of doubt. Yesterday I was at the World Gym in Leonardtown and just as I am getting out of my vehicle (going in the gym myslef), a patrol car pulls up and parks as well. Out comes an officer in wind pants and t-shirt. It appeared that he was going to the gym. Soon enough, as I walked out of the locker room - there he was - working out.

Now, my issue is not whether this officer needs to be in the gym (as it looked as if he really did), but rather the county tax dollars that pay for the operation of patrol cars. These cars, I do not believe, should not be used for personal reasons – ONLY official business. Is it permissible for officers to use their cars for their own personal use? This officer had no form of paging device or of any sort; much less a radio - so I am inclined to believe he was not on duty at the time.

Where can one go to obtain a copy of the regulations that dictate an officer’s responsibilities to the property they are assigned.

Again, as I said before – I only see one side of this coin….so any clarification that can be offered is appreciated. I just dont want to have a misunderstanding of things.

They are allowed to use the patrol car for personal use, but when they do they have to carry their badge and gun with them.

 

[Dutch6]

I believe they want them driving their patrol car for the visiability effect. Could be wrong though.

 

[onebdzee]

I guess this would be on the same lines....

I was going down the hill toward the Clements(Rt 234) intersection the other day on my way to drop off the trash....I am slowing down(speed limit goes from 50 to 40 half-way down the hill) and as I look in my mirror, I see a STATE COP flying up behind me....She got so close that the long cardboard tubes that were hanging out of the back of my truck, cast a shadow on her hood....She then puts her lights on and I get over and she passes me....I look over at her and she's on a cell phone!....When she gets to the 4-way stop and she turned her lights off, coast thru the intersection(without stopping) and floors it up the hill

 

[BS Gal]

A lot of times on the scanner, I hear "off-duty" on the scene, so I know if they see or maybe hear something, they will respond whether on duty or off duty. I don't think when they are "off duty" they are necessarily "off duty," particularly if they are in their cars.

I do not think it is appropriate for them to have their children or family in the cars though. I would think that would be a liability issue, but that's JMHO.

 

[rack'm]

They want them driving their patrol car for the visiability effect.

Quit your whining.....

 

[FastCarsSpeed]

usually the rule of thumb is that officers that live in the county they patrol have the ability to take their vehicles home with them and use them for personal use to create visibility as Dutch has said. Also think about the fact that these guys arent getting paid 80k a year to do their jobs and any perk they get is usually deserved considering what police officers are paid.

 

[Sharon]

Perhaps I am over reacting but I would like to have some clarification on the uses of patrol cars that are assigned to officers - who are not on duty.

Come on over and ask my neighbor, he's sleeping right now because he just got off night shift duty. I'm sure he won't mind you waking him up to ask why the patrol car is parked in his driveway.

 

[mkd20012001]

I'm not sure about here in St. Marys or MD, but in Louisiana I know they are allowed to drive there patrol car around as much as they like. My dad said as long as he is within 60 miles of home its fine and they pay for all the gas even just for personal use. They are noy allowed to drive it past 60 miles away. And they pay his car insurance. Geez, they get a lot of benefits! But they deserve them!

 

[Somdmommy]

A lot of times on the scanner, I hear "off-duty" on the scene, so I know if they see or maybe hear something, they will respond whether on duty or off duty. I don't think when they are "off duty" they are necessarily "off duty," particularly if they are in their cars.

I do not think it is appropriate for them to have their children or family in the cars though. I would think that would be a liability issue, but that's JMHO.

Police are never "Off Duty"

 

[BS Gal]

Police are never "Off Duty"

Please re-read my post and get back to me. TIA

 

[desertrat]

What about using them to go to a second job? That doesn't seem right to me.

 

[Larry Gude]

Now see...

- These cars, I do not believe, should not be used for personal reasons – ONLY official business. Is it permissible for officers to use their cars for their own personal use? This officer had no form of paging device or of any sort; much less a radio - so I am inclined to believe he was not on duty at the time. .

...I don't understand this at ALL. As far as I am concerned, officers should be REQUIRED to use their patrol cars everywhere they go, on duty or off.

I don't care if he is in the gym, the McDonald's, the Mall or in a restaurant. His car alone says 'police presence' and that is the entire point of patrolling in the first place, as I understand it.

Why wouldn't we want cops in their patrol cars off duty?

 

[Somdmommy]

Please re-read my post and get back to me. TIA

I didnt mean to Quote you, Its habit for me to click the button!

 

[Geek]

Since they risk their lives everyday for us I say "Yes" let'm have the keys to the car

 

[Somdmommy]

What about using them to go to a second job? That doesn't seem right to me.

Alot of those second jobs are sitting in the parking lots of Gas stations, and shopping centers.

They get paid to just BE there!

 

[DoWhat]

Did you know that they also get reduced rent?

 

[LordStanley]

Police are never "Off Duty"

"sorry mam, I cant stop the mugger from raping you.... Im off duty. But please call 911 and they will send someone out who is on shift."

Or how about a doctor.... "sorry I cant offer you medical help while your having that heart attack sir, Im off the clock and not in a hospital"


Id rather see those cop cars on the street, as a deterant. Then parked back at the station