I sometimes notice stranded motorist on the road, and of course, in this day and age, it is hard for a person with car trouble to find someone that is willing to stop and help them. Thankfully, i've yet to be in that position, but i've always wondered about the duties of Police officers, when dealing with motorist having vehicle trouble. Sometimes, I will see a police, or highway patrol car pass by the motorist, and not stop. I was just wondering, are they even supposed to stop and help someone with car trouble, or is it left up to the discretion of the Police officer involved? If the driver had to walk, would they pick them up and take them somewhere to get help for the vehicle? Also, if you have car trouble, could you call the Police station for help...especially at night, when the situation can get more dangerous? If you did, would they actually send someone out to help you, or is their main focus on criminal activity only?
2006-09-21 05:53:20 · 9 answers · asked by LibraT 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
With me, I always stop for a stranded motorist if I am not on my way to a more pressing call. If I am on my way to a VIN inspection of some other civil matter that can wait, then I will divert to help you...if I see that a person has it under control, I will slow and wait to get the thumbs up from the motorist...
Seriously though...if you are a GUY change your own tire...I'll help with the traffic or maybe hold the flashlight so you can see better...although I will do it for you, and not give you any attitudent, I didn't go to college and grad school, not to mention police academy to change tires...and NOTHING is lamer than seeing a female cop change a man's tire.
2006-09-21 10:18:02 · answer #1 · answered by Glockmeister 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the department/agency's policies and/or the officer's discretion. However, I hold the opinion that it is good business to stop and make sure everything is ok for a number of reasons. First, you just never know what you may find, you may end up making a drug pinch or a warrant arrest. Second, you are keeping someone from getting hit by a car on a busy street or highway or from being hurt or mugged at night. God forbid you pass someone on the side of a road for no good reason and they get hurt. Third, its good business. It just looks good for you and your department.
But just because you see a cop drive past a broken down motorist (or doing anything for that matter), you don't know where he is going or why. They may be responding somewhere already that more important than someone with a flat tire.
2006-09-21 13:58:05 · answer #2 · answered by Matt 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is going to be up to the department that the officer works for.
In GA and TN you will see a state trooper often changing a tire for someone. But normally they will stop and call a tow truck or a service truck for the people..
Often what people don't know is that a police car going down the road is on a call that does not require lights and sirens.
next some departments have policies where the officer merely radios this in for a road assistance vechile to come to the scene.
Many depts don't allow them to transpost people who are not prisioners but they can call them a taxi or a tow truck.
Other departments have different rules. Very seldom is it left up to the officer
I will add one story, I saw a car with smoke comming out from under the hood, I drove up behind them in my police car.
They started moving and I followed for a couple of blocks at about 20 mph. starting up a hill, they put it into reverse and rambed my car. Turns out they had just gotten away from the city police and did not know I was only seeing if they needed help.
2006-09-22 00:48:17 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It can depend on department policy. But it can also depend on the volume of calls they are currently dealing with. If one cop passes a stranded motorist, it's likely that he is in route to another call and can't stop. All of the people I work with stop to help motorists on a regular basis.
2006-09-21 17:01:39 · answer #4 · answered by gunsandammoatwork 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It seems to depend on the cop. I have been in that position a number of times. Several times, the cops have actually been VERY helpful, pushing my car to safety, or getting me a towtruck. And I look like a Hippie freak, so I'm not just a white guy in the mainstream. Other times, I've had them drive right by and refuse to help. So it can go both ways.
2006-09-21 13:03:48 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Usually if you're sitting in your disabled car they will stop and offer to help. If you're walking they will not stop and give you a ride. (Its up to the individual officer also) If I had car trouble at night I would not hesitate to call the police and ask them to send a tow truck. Just explain the situation and they will usually help out.
2006-09-21 15:10:28 · answer #6 · answered by kathy p 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That is a scary situation to be in especially at night. I would think they would radio someone for help. If you leave your car on the highway for any reason, be very cautious!
2006-09-21 13:02:40 · answer #7 · answered by ginarene71 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good question - Sadly I think it all depends on the cop that is driving by.
2006-09-21 12:57:38 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
they probably call it in for someone else to come and help
2006-09-21 12:56:59 · answer #9 · answered by laurali79 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋