[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by UncleWede

Have you ever pulled over a firetruck/ambulance that wasn't rolling lights and sirens?

No, but we (…collectively as a shift) chewed out a paramedic who thought it was prudent to record a Code 3 roll for social media likes while we were transporting a small child who was run over by the Rivian his mother was driving (..the child fell out of the car). The child was bordering on death imminent when me and my partners arrived, and later subsequently died at the trauma center. We did everything we could to give that child the best chances of survival, so to see the paramedic taking selfie videos for SM was just troubling.

Originally Posted by jamesinaz

I confess I am concerned about backlash of helping. Especially since I am older and weaker now from surgeries. I remember years of martial arts training but I would need to use strikes and finish the deal right away cause I can't risk getting dragged onto the ground. And that is bad optics. This a little bit restores my faith in humanity.

There are considerations, but often we act without taking our own safety into account when we’re trying to save a life. It is a heroic act and I wish more people heeded that call. The fact that you even consider it despite your age and physical condition says a lot.

[Maynard]

r.e. DUI enforcement, I'm curious why police do not just sit outside a bar and watch people slosh into their cars, then pull them over for it right after they drive off (like they do for drug sales) - is this just social/financial pressure from the bars or the chamber of commerce, or is there a procedural/legal issue?

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by Maynard

r.e. DUI enforcement, I'm curious why police do not just sit outside a bar and watch people slosh into their cars, then pull them over for it right after they drive off (like they do for drug sales) - is this just social/financial pressure from the bars or the chamber of commerce, or is there a procedural/legal issue?

What makes you think we don’t? The law enforcement departments of many, many cities with a significant number of establishments that sell/serve liquor do exactly that. It’s like shooting fish in a barrel. There are no procedural nor legal issues. There are only so many units on patrol at any given time and more bars than there are available officers. Furthermore, a busy city replete with gang violence, assaults, etc. will prioritize those calls over Code 5’ing a bar for drunks. That said, we often receive grants specifically for DUI enforcement. That grant money is often used to fund DUI checkpoints and DUI task force cars.

[Sedan_Clan]

To add to the DUI topic, if you venture into a small(er) city with nothing going on (…like Fullerton, California or Hermosa Beach, California), you’ll observe exactly what I’m talking about. Because overall crime is low, the cops park out in front of the bars or along the side streets just waiting for the inebriated to enter their vehicles.

[Maynard]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

What makes you think we don’t? The law enforcement departments of many, many cities with a significant number of establishments that sell/serve liquor do exactly that. It’s like shooting fish in a barrel. There are no procedural nor legal issues. There are only so many units on patrol at any given time and more bars than there are available officers. Furthermore, a busy city replete with gang violence, assaults, etc. will prioritize those calls over Code 5’ing a bar for drunks. That said, we often receive grants specifically for DUI enforcement. That grant money is often used to fund DUI checkpoints and DUI task force cars.

Good to know that this is happening. You make me realize how I'm working from that insular 'if I didn't notice it, it isn't happening' mindset.

[wizardofOz]

Will you be getting any BMW M2s or any BMW for that matter to drive as a police car like in Germany to chase any potential offenders?

I know in Europe it's quite commonly used.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by Maynard

Good to know that this is happening. You make me realize how I'm working from that insular 'if I didn't notice it, it isn't happening' mindset.

No worries! I have similar conversations about law enforcement accountability. People assume we never get reprimanded and/or fired, but it happens all the time. I’ve had so many partners relieved and/or fired that I’ve lost count.

Originally Posted by wizardofOz

Will you be getting any BMW M2s or any BMW for that matter to drive as a police car like in Germany to chase any potential offenders?

I know in Europe it's quite commonly used.

Never! You have to remember that BMW and Mercedes cars are utilized differently in Europe. Here they are largely mid-level luxury cars. Overseas they are used as taxis, etc. We will forever use Ford and Chevy cars and trucks.

[vreihen16]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

To add to the DUI topic, if you venture into a small(er) city with nothing going on (…like Fullerton, California or Hermosa Beach, California), you’ll observe exactly what I’m talking about. Because overall crime is low, the cops park out in front of the bars or along the side streets just waiting for the inebriated to enter their vehicles.

This was common in our small town around bar closing time on weekends.

In some places where this is common, the bar's patrons coordinate a 100% sober driver to go out around closing time and attract the attention of the waiting cop so the others get away clean while the officer is distracted chasing the decoy rabbit.....