[Hack]

We had heard about it a little while after it had happened. It is unbelievable how some people go way beyond their scope of employment. It was a good lesson concerning what our duties are, and are not. Now if a person acts as a good citizen, (without lights, and so on), that is a totally different thing. If I stop someone it will be in the line of duty, and on the rez, which I have. But, that joker who did what he did made us look bad. Sometimes when I think of it ...

[CJStudent]

Originally Posted by Hack

We had heard about it a little while after it had happened. It is unbelievable how some people go way beyond their scope of employment. It was a good lesson concerning what our duties are, and are not. Now if a person acts as a good citizen, (without lights, and so on), that is a totally different thing. If I stop someone it will be in the line of duty, and on the rez, which I have. But, that joker who did what he did made us look bad. Sometimes when I think of it ...

Agreed. Now that I think about it, it might have been something we were told in the first day or so at Glynco; I do remember hearing about it with the burro, as well as with the state before, too.

[Hack]

Originally Posted by CJStudent

Agreed. Now that I think about it, it might have been something we were told in the first day or so at Glynco; I do remember hearing about it with the burro, as well as with the state before, too.

Yep. All good reasons for me not to get the lights and siren, (both required in KS, as you can't have one without the other). I figure if I have to use my personal vehicle then I will get any other equipment issued to me on the spot for the purposes intended, and probably wind up manning an escape post or something with it. Or, be a courier getting information out to nearby agencies.

[CJStudent]

Originally Posted by Hack

Yep. All good reasons for me not to get the lights and siren, (both required in KS, as you can't have one without the other). I figure if I have to use my personal vehicle then I will get any other equipment issued to me on the spot for the purposes intended, and probably wind up manning an escape post or something with it. Or, be a courier getting information out to nearby agencies.

If that happens, they can give me a g-ride.

KY is weird, though; state law allows blue lights/siren for LE, with red being able to be added to the mix at the county/local level. Corrections (used to be just state, now state and county level as of last year) is only authorized blue lights--no siren. That makes absolutely no sense to me.

[Hack]

Originally Posted by CJStudent

If that happens, they can give me a g-ride.

KY is weird, though; state law allows blue lights/siren for LE, with red being able to be added to the mix at the county/local level. Corrections (used to be just state, now state and county level as of last year) is only authorized blue lights--no siren. That makes absolutely no sense to me.

Well, here at the state level and below, red lights at a minimum and sirens. For federal level they leave us be to do our own things, which of course varies a little bit by agency. Most federal in this area is red and blue with take down lights. The little plug in thing we had was red and blue, and to be placed in the windshield area. In fact for a while all of our vehicles had that type after we got rid of the old windshield set up, and sirens. Now we have the basic kit in each chase car, with everything else being a plane Jane vehicle.

Of course perimeter patrol is fully equipped with the basics.

[Rabbi]

Originally Posted by k9medic

I also have a traffic vest in the same bag.

I do as well. I have always carried a first aid/breakdown kit in my cars, long before I ever thought about being a cop.

Of all the things I figure I will have to do off duty and would do off duty, a crach where I have to jump into action at the mighty traffic director is probably it. Making a traffic vest among my most realistic and valuable off duty tools.

[CJStudent]

Originally Posted by Hack

Well, here at the state level and below, red lights at a minimum and sirens. For federal level they leave us be to do our own things, which of course varies a little bit by agency. Most federal in this area is red and blue with take down lights. The little plug in thing we had was red and blue, and to be placed in the windshield area. In fact for a while all of our vehicles had that type after we got rid of the old windshield set up, and sirens. Now we have the basic kit in each chase car, with everything else being a plane Jane vehicle.

Of course perimeter patrol is fully equipped with the basics.

We run red/blue dash lights; mostly LED, with a few strobe still in there. Mostly vans, with dash light only and siren. Our few cars seem to have both dash and deck lights, though I've only seen a car used once since I've been here (chase on a guy leaving and coming back via ambulance, off our hospital floor). Perimeter has a full red/blue halogen lightbar (Code 3 Excaliber) with takedowns and alleys. The bus seems to have a siren speaker visable, but I've never seen lights on it.

[Hack]

Every institution is a little different. We have had chase vehicles for some time, because of the fact that we had high/max back in the day. Now, they are mainly used for other official uses as needed. Of course we have a couple of vans or so, with lights, trucks with lights and sirens, bus with what have you, special ops vehicle and what not with equipment. Some of our stuff is just parked in case of need now a days, since nothing really happens for the most part here, LOL.

[Magicmanmb]

Saw the perfect example of an EDP wannabe at the gas station today. Gassing up my car @ c-store care next to me is a plain crown vic pillar mounted spotlight, set of lights over the rear view. Guy is wearing a t-shirt and OD BDU pants, with a pistol exposed. Back design on his shirt is so close to the State Law Enforcement logo I did a double take because of the open display (FELONY in SC for non-LEO) the logo was of a bail bonding agency in another county. I called and had him pulled. Searching the car he had transport belt, fold down shield, strobes, blue light, shotgun rack w/870, badges from several local agencies, raid jacket, 3 shirts w/badges embroidered on & POLICE across the back. Plus better body armor than we have.
Fun part he has been convicted in 3 different states for stalking, menacing, ADW, Impersonation & felon in posession of firearms. His bond hearing will be Monday. Have the feeling a few rapes will be cleared in other areas.

[nyycanseco33]

Originally Posted by Wonder140

OK...whacker

Do you really think it's safe to be driving that fast? I don't ever drive 90 even in my fully marked cvp. Just saying...does no good to possibly cause another accident responding to an emergency. Not worth it. I can't see any agency standing behind someone who is driving in a reckless manner. Food for thought.

Yes reckless driving is frowned upon and should not be tolerated... However if the firefighter/emt is driving like mrs daisy to the station then you all would change your tone if it was your house burning or your loved one in the car accident or in need of medical treatment... You all look at first responders poorly and it blows my mind that you cut them down but are quick to change your tune when SHTF and it affects you personally


Outdoor Hub mobile, the outdoor information engine

[jhooten]

Just a suggestion, Check your insurance policy before you do.

[Oso]

I see a lot of the red flashers on vehicles around here. You can't throw a stone and hit somebody that is not a volunteer fireman or EMT. I know a guy who has more gear, lights, and equipment than most full fire departments. He is a real nice upstanding guy. It's just his passion. His reason for not going more than volunteer is that he makes a lot more money in his day job.

FWIW I've never seen a LEO in this area that has lights on their personal vehicles and none have take home cars, except maybe the chief (not sure).

[Kadetklapp]

It is an epic no-no for any LEO in my county to have lights for the purpose of, well, being an LEO. The only exception is a couple of town marshals who own their own cars and have equipped them accordingly. These cars are low-mileage department lease returns that they were able to buy with their own money and lease to the towns they work for. The car is plated with police plates, insured by the town and the town splits maintenance and fuel costs with the owner.

In the other counties I work, it's not uncommon for deputies and reserves to have old CVPIs and Impalas festooned with red and blues for use on paid traffic details in the Metro area. I don't really know how they are getting away with it though, as the cars aren't plated accordingly.

I have never understood why it's ok and appropriate for a VFD to run around with his pickup truck festooned with $3000.00 worth of lights to respond to the station, but off-duty LEO's cannot do the same. Especially in this day, when we are losing our take-home cars right and left. Oh well.

[Oso]

Originally Posted by Kadetklapp

It is an epic no-no for any LEO in my county to have lights for the purpose of, well, being an LEO. The only exception is a couple of town marshals who own their own cars and have equipped them accordingly. These cars are low-mileage department lease returns that they were able to buy with their own money and lease to the towns they work for. The car is plated with police plates, insured by the town and the town splits maintenance and fuel costs with the owner.

In the other counties I work, it's not uncommon for deputies and reserves to have old CVPIs and Impalas festooned with red and blues for use on paid traffic details in the Metro area. I don't really know how they are getting away with it though, as the cars aren't plated accordingly.

I have never understood why it's ok and appropriate for a VFD to run around with his pickup truck festooned with $3000.00 worth of lights to respond to the station, but off-duty LEO's cannot do the same. Especially in this day, when we are losing our take-home cars right and left. Oh well.

Probably because the VFD is expected to respond 24/7. Most LEOs aren't. Just my guess.

[CJStudent]

Originally Posted by Oso

Probably because the VFD is expected to respond 24/7. Most LEOs aren't. Just my guess.

You'd be surprised at that. Most LEOs are in fact on call 24/7 for major events; it just doesn't happen that often. I've had an emergency "return IMMEDIATELY" message right after I got off work. Luckily, I wasn't that far away, and it was just somebody screwing up testing the emergency recall system (sends automated phone calls out), but yeah, it happens. I'd say it happens more often with smaller agencies, though it can happen with bigger ones for major situations (think riots).

[IrishSheepdog54]

I have a one inch FOP sticker right above my VIN. That's all that will identify me as a cop on my POV.

The administrative guy who does all our uniform, equipment, and vehicle orders has a decked out black Impala. Definitely a whacker. You'd think with all his knowledge we wouldn't have such crap uniforms.

[Oso]

Originally Posted by CJStudent

You'd be surprised at that. Most LEOs are in fact on call 24/7 for major events; it just doesn't happen that often. I've had an emergency "return IMMEDIATELY" message right after I got off work. Luckily, I wasn't that far away, and it was just somebody screwing up testing the emergency recall system (sends automated phone calls out), but yeah, it happens. I'd say it happens more often with smaller agencies, though it can happen with bigger ones for major situations (think riots).

Yeah, I guess I should have worded that better. I understand that LEO's are on call all the time for SHTF emergencies, but that it would be rare enough that most would not see the need or want to spend their own money for the once in a blue moon event. The VFD's around here get called almost daily. The upside is that the response time is fast. At work it is usually under 10 minutes for the VFD to show up.

[CJStudent]

Originally Posted by Oso

Yeah, I guess I should have worded that better. I understand that LEO's are on call all the time for SHTF emergencies, but that it would be rare enough that most would not see the need or want to spend their own money for the once in a blue moon event. The VFD's around here get called almost daily. The upside is that the response time is fast. At work it is usually under 10 minutes for the VFD to show up.

I'm not disputing that it's far more common for VFD's to respond like that than LE; just saying that it can and does happen from time to time. Because of that, most LE agencies issue their officers a take home car, if they live in the county limits. My agency does not; mostly because we're inside the fence, and really only have a need for a dozen or so transport/escort vehicles.

[Rabbi]

Originally Posted by Oso

Probably because the VFD is expected to respond 24/7. Most LEOs aren't. Just my guess.

I am a reserve (actually part time now as I do a lot of paid shifts ...) I am contractually bound to be on call 24/7. (I also have full Police Powers 24/7)

If they call I have to go.

[Rabbi]

Originally Posted by CJStudent

I'm not disputing that it's far more common for VFD's to respond like that than LE; just saying that it can and does happen from time to time. Because of that, most LE agencies issue their officers a take home car, if they live in the county limits. My agency does not; mostly because we're inside the fence, and really only have a need for a dozen or so transport/escort vehicles.

I dont know what the stats are but I am pretty sure that most agencies DO NOT issue take home cars.

[CJStudent]

Originally Posted by Rabbi

I dont know what the stats are but I am pretty sure that most agencies DO NOT issue take home cars.

I think it depends on the area. Around here, it's pretty unusual for an agency NOT to issue a take-home, actually.

[nyycanseco33]

Here most city or town/village police do not issue take home vehicles unless they are a task force member or high in rank... But most Sheriff's depts in this area issue take home cars to all road patrol, civil deputies, investigators, and high ranking officials


Outdoor Hub mobile, the outdoor information engine

[DaBigBR]

Originally Posted by Oso

Probably because the VFD is expected to respond 24/7. Most LEOs aren't. Just my guess.

That would depend largely on the agency. A large number of rural agencies in my state do not have the manpower to provide patrol services 24/7 and in many cases, the budget to provide take home cars. I'm even aware of some rural sheriff's offices in my state that don't have a car out from, say, 0300-0600.

[Rabbi]

Originally Posted by DaBigBR

That would depend largely on the agency. A large number of rural agencies in my state do not have the manpower to provide patrol services 24/7 and in many cases, the budget to provide take home cars. I'm even aware of some rural sheriff's offices in my state that don't have a car out from, say, 0300-0600.

There are a number of agencies in Texas that are not 24 hour agencies.

[silverado_mick]

Neither of my POV's has anything cop related on them. Hell, even my assigned take home doesn't have lights and siren. If I want a car stopped, I call a marked unit. Kinda sucks, but that's the way it's gotta be for now.