Call Response Speed Policies

[M4fulltime]

Our department just made a new policy that is not being taken well that states the following: "Regardless of the level of response, under no circumstances should an officer’s roadway speed exceed the posted speed-limit by more than 20 m.ph. on any city street, or 30 m.p.h. on a state highway."

Before this policy came into effect, it was up to officer discretion. I'm interested in finding out if other department's have similar policies and if so, are they as restrictive as this one.

[PhilipCal]

Speed Policies

Our department just made a new policy that is not being taken well that states the following: "Regardless of the level of response, under no circumstances should an officer’s roadway speed exceed the posted speed-limit by more than 20 m.ph. on any city street, or 30 m.p.h. on a state highway."

Before this policy came into effect, it was up to officer discretion. I'm interested in finding out if other department's have similar policies and if so, are they as restrictive as this one.

The Alabama Dept of Public Safety places no maximum speed restrictions on a pursuing Officer. The Officer is to take into consideration, existing road, weather, traffic conditions, the seriousness of the violation, etc. Either the pursuing Officer or a Supervisor may terminate a pursuit, if in their judgment, the risk of continuing outweighs the benefits to be gained in continuing. Should a Trooper elect to terminate a pursuit, the Supervisor cannot overule him/her. That decision is the Trooper's call. Conversely, should a Supervisor order a pursuit terminated, that call too, is non-negotiable. This is a pretty well thought out policy, and it has worked very well over the years.

[sockherman]

I just finished doing an internship with a local sheriff's office. I read through their policies and procedures many times, setting up new books and copies for new officers. They also had a restriction of only going 20 mph over the posted speed, unless in a pursuit.

Bill

[pf217]

I think we have the same thing, but it's typically disregarded even by Administration and Command Staff. I'd imagine it's just to cover Admin's butt if you crash while doing 40 over, going to a stray poodle call.

[beachcop05]

Our department just made a new policy that is not being taken well that states the following: "Regardless of the level of response, under no circumstances should an officer’s roadway speed exceed the posted speed-limit by more than 20 m.ph. on any city street, or 30 m.p.h. on a state highway."

Before this policy came into effect, it was up to officer discretion. I'm interested in finding out if other department's have similar policies and if so, are they as restrictive as this one.

Well then you would hate my dept's policy, we're not supposed to exceed the speed limit at all, regardless of what you're responding to. We've had officers get in trouble for going fast to an officer needs help. It's chicken sh**, I know..... but just cuz the policy says that doesn't mean that's what's done on the streets, but you didn't hear that from me.

[Matto]

Wow.... here is why people aren't lining up to apply at departments.

[M4fulltime]

That's part of the reason I signed up!! Drive fast, fight, and have fun while helping people in need. What's the draw to LE for new guys anymore??

[pf217]

That's part of the reason I signed up!! Drive fast, fight, and have fun while helping people in need. What's the draw to LE for new guys anymore??

Tasers.

[SRT936]

We'll see more and more of these kind of policies coming into play. Its another of those "risk management" deals that adminstrators go so ga-ga over. While it is usually sold as a "safety" issue, it comes down to liability control. Just one more way for departments to attempt to distance themselves from possible litigation.

[Smurfette_76]

We have the same policy with some slight variation in wording. However, if my fellow Officer needs help, screw the policy...if they want to gig me on it later, then so be it...we're CALEA certified and you can't go one day w/o breaking SOME type of policy.

[scratched13]

Polices are written not for safety, as said before they are there to cut the officer loose in case something bad happens. If an officer is in trouble, and you didn't respond just on the edge of wreckless, then YOU ARE WRONG. But, know this, the politicians ...... I mean administrators, will NOT BACK YOU ONE BIT.

This is just more of the same. Lawyers, pols, and libs are destroying our society, one stupid step at a time.

[ChiTownDet]

Car chases, fistfights and gun battles..Everything I came on the job for are quickly flying out the window..

[sgttom]

agreed....................

We'll see more and more of these kind of policies coming into play. Its another of those "risk management" deals that adminstrators go so ga-ga over. While it is usually sold as a "safety" issue, it comes down to liability control. Just one more way for departments to attempt to distance themselves from possible litigation.

[LeanG]

This, as with all policy is for liability purposes only. One day soon, as soon as we check in for service....................we'll be in violation of policy.

[grumpyirishman]

That type of policy is too specific and restrictive. It can easily lead to liaibility to the department the first time an accident occurs...hope they have deep pockets...We used to have one like that, until the judgement was $7,000,000.