Let me explain a few things here....
First off, I have gone through the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute version of the Emergency Vehicle Operators Course. I have also taken evasive and combat type driving courses in the military.
Police regardless cannot do just whatever they want. They must exercise "due regard" for the law, whether they are running a red light or speeding to a call. For example, I promise you this much. If a cop was to hit and kill someone and it was to be determined that he was not en route to a call, or just screwing around, he would be held accountable, most likely fired and be at risk for a civil lawsuit. They cannot just screw around on the highways just because they can.
As far as the 1 hand on the wheel thing, I dunno. Get it on video tape honestly. Thats the only thing I can say. If you video tape them, (I am a firm believer in dash cams in all cars) then you can catch them. Otherwise its your word against theirs. And you will get nowhere. You must prove they are out of control (im guessing thats where your going with this).
They are responsible to the laws as well. I've heard of instances where state police have pulled over charles county vehicles and written tickets before. I've seen cops who have pulled over knuckleheads with FOP plates before, whether a ticket came out of it, idk, but I do know they will make the stop. I have seen them stop emergency vehicles.
The whole good ole boys club, will eventually catch up to them or anyone for that matter. Racial profiling is a royal pain and will get you in the washington post.
Im not saying there isn't a problem, however what I will say is that it just might take a horrible accident to bring them back to earth again and put them off of their high horse to realize that they can be held liable in civil court, and money talks, the state will not protect you if you were in the wrong.
Not to mention some of the police chases are out of control. Chasing motorcycles you know a crown vic can't possibly catch? Chasing someone down for simply speeding putting lives at risk for many miles at high speeds and the person wasn't even a violent felon? There is a case in the supreme court right now recently where the police rammed a guy and paralyzed him... they are wondering if deadly force is authorized just because they are chasing a car? Not to mention, they are caught up in the moment (could have used a radio or helicopter support, instead of taking matters into their own adrenaline pumped hands, -chase down the animals and kill them mentality, was it worth the risk?)
Frankly, if you have a problem with it... there a few things you can do.
Many department websites have comment suggestion area's. E-mail them. Let them know that you are concerned and want something done.
Contact the sheriff/colonel of the MSP/Chief of police
Contact your lawmakers. Express concern about the problem.
Contact the Maryland Attorney General. He would be upset to find out that the people put there to enforce the law are breaking it in their free time without sufficient reason.
Call 911. Explain to the dispatcher that you were passed at a high rate of speed by a police car with no lights, and that you are voicing your concern for public safety. 911 tapes are recorded, and if he's speeding to a donut shop, kills someone along the way, it can be used as evidence in court that you called 911 about the problem.
311 is non emergencies for the state of maryland. Its the New Governors hotline for problems citizens are having... If enough complain, there will be change.
Just some suggestions. Im not against police, but I am against those who abuse their power no matter what position they are in, whether its a police officer, politician, government official etc.... and I will make my statement demanding they be held accountable.
