Originally posted by svtcarboy:
Personally, I believe that lights, if not lights and sirens SHOULD be required when police are responding to an emergency call. When lights and/or sirens are not on, the officer should be required to obey all traffic laws, at least to the extent that they require any other citizen to do so. If they feel the need to go with traffic in a non-emergency situation, then it is hypocritical for them to ticket us for going with traffic (which is frequently done). Police Officers should serve an example to everyone else on how to behave while on the road. Unfortunately all too many officers provide a bad example, flashing lights to get through traffic lights, passing on the shoulder, weaving, all the things we would get a ticket for.
I have an uncle who's a cop, and he admits that civilian complaints on officer's driving get relegated to the circular file. I agree with Toronto's idea to get cops more out in the communities, so people get to know them, and a better two-way dialogue starts between police and citizens.
From your post it is obvious that you do not have the first clue concerning police tactics. Think about responding to domestics, robberies, etc, and you will see where it's not always smart to announce your presence from 2 miles away with the lights/siren. :rolleyes:
