Why do cops speed?

Question

Maybe I'm generalizing, but I've noticed that a lot of them speed. I go maybe 5-10 miles over the limit, and they always seem to zoom right by me. And no, I don't slow down when I see them, because by that time, it's too late to do anything - they already know how fast you were going.

My dad says they have a right to, but I think it's just an abuse of power.

I didn't say I 'only go 5-10 over.' I know it's not legal. But at least I don't drive recklessly, tail gate, or weave in and out of traffic.

Answer 1

All police are exempt from the local speed limits while doing their job. Although. Here's the twist. If the are involved in a accident, then they are held accountable to their actions.

Usually the people who see the police speeding have no idea, what the cop just heard over the radio or maybe that they just got a call of a man beating a women, now which would you rather the cop do, obey the speed limit and respond to the man beating the women to death or get their as fast as he can, without causing alarm.

All police have to obey their departments policy, even though most state laws, do not restrict them as much, the local policies do.

Some cops just abuse the right to haul butt, to go get donuts, end of their shift going back to their office to write that last report before going home, going to court on the man who killed his wife in the earlier radio call.

Answer 2

Abuse of authority is admittedly a problem and one of the reasons why Police officers on duty may drive over the speed limit just because they can get away with it. However I will also state that they do have the authority to exceed the speed limit and ignore other traffic regulations while in the execution of their duties. There may be a legitimate reason for these officers exceeding the speed limit without their lights or sirens on. There are often emergency calls where officers need to get to the scene quickly but don't want to "let the whole world" i.e. the bad guys at the scene know that there around the corner and give them the chance to take off before they arrive. Some old timers also have said that its easier to move through traffic more quickly and without attracting unwanted attention when going to a call without your lights and siren on unless you need to really kick it up a notch. Also I don't know if it's the same in the U.S. but almost all officers in Canada will not pull someone over for exceeding the speed limit by only a few Km/ or Miles.

Answer 3

Police have a legal right to exceed the speed limit if they are going to a call. Now remember that going to a call does not always mean that they will be driving with lights and siren on. There are times when you want to get some where with out alerting the bad guy. I am not saying its right and the officer leaves himself open for civil action if something happens but some time the situation justifies it. As a police officer I am sure that this does get abused and if you think you have witnessed abuse of power you certainly have the right to complain about it. Be aware though that a lot of departments have adopted a policy that in order for a complaint to be taken seriously you have to file a report and the situation will be handled internally. The reason for this is so someone the officer has dealt with won't call in and falsely accuse the officer of wrong doing just because they are mad because he wrote them a citation.

Answer 4

My brother is a cop. I know that most of the time, they just do it because they are used to doing it, but you have to consider that it might sometimes be a call. They are restricted on when and how they are allowed to use their sirens, at least in some states. Also, it might be a need for stealth. If you were in a situation where you needed help, but had to remain quiet, would you want a cop pulling up sirens blaring and lights flashing? Probably not. So the next time you see a speeding cop, have an open mind. You don't know what it is. As for knowing you speed, I think that it is 100 yards away they know.

Answer 5

You just admitted to going 5-10 over the limit , as most of us do .So we can't complain . They are just going a little faster than we are . I actually know an officer that issued a ticket to another officer for speeding . He warned him he would if he didn't slow down some . He was driving a little to fast all of the time for the other officers to ignore. As for why they speed ? It's because we all do . Just not at the same pace .

Answer 6

Maybe because we our doing our jobs! Maybe it's because we are going to a call that means life or death for someone. Maybe because we are short-handed, Maybe it's because we realize you are speeding but we give you a break! Maybe because we are not out there to pick on you, but we are after the bad guys, you know the rapists, killers, The ones we are paid to protect you from? Where do you live by the way? I'll call my fellow officers in your town and tell them not to give you a break when you are speeding! And then you can accuse them of abuse of power. But when you are sleeping in your little bed at night, remember this, there is a cop out there putting his life on the line for you, A Cop who has a family that worries everyday he goes to work if he will come home. Listen to your dad, and unless you know what it's like to wear the uniform, please don't judge us without knowing us. We care about you all we ask is for you to understand and give it in return. Signed Graveyard Cop!

Answer 7

It takes a great deal of discipline for someone in a position of authority not to abuse it sometimes. Sadly, there are some police officers who have let their positions go to their heads. But the vast majority of them are good men who care about their jobs and doing their jobs well. They're certainly not in it for the money!

When you ride a motorcycle, it seems like police officers are looking for an excuse to pull you over, but I have to say the officers in our city have always treated me with respect whether there was a good reason to pull me over or not. And the accidents that I've been involved in -- the responding officers were very good helping me remain calm. Once on a road trip, I got hit by a pickup truck and the officer helped me find someone to help me make sure my bike was rideable before I got back on the road.

If you respect police officers, they can be great!

Answer 8

Cops were the kids that got picked on in school. They now have authority! I don't care for them because of all the crap they get away with. Double standards for them. I love Compton because at least there those people do something about it once in awhile. You're right they do speed and do alot more like drinking and driving, taking a pinch of weed home with them, etc.

Answer 9

i totally agree..its just an abuse of power.
i had a friend who was driving down a country road going about 55, and a county sherrif was tailgating her for no apparent reason. and a deer ( i live in wisconsin) jumped out in front of my friends car, and she had to slam on the breaks. well needless to say, the cop rear ended her. and he was charged with reckless driving. so i suppose cops do get what is coming to them once in a while. thinking they are above the law doesnt always prevail.
oh well

Answer 10

cops speed because they think they are above the law, just because they wear a badge, they think they are superior to civilians. not all cops are like that, but as a general rule they are. however, alot of the times, cops will speed because they are trying to get somewhere, they will get a call over the cb radio, and if its not major, they wont use their siren or lights. so it just appears as though they are speeding for no reason.