Why only one cop in police cars now?

Question

Are the vehicles no longer strong enough to carry two of them at a time?

I can see it if they are short on people, but when 4 or 5 cars race to the same fender bender and just hang out while one guy does the paperwork it seems to be a waste of resources.

Answer 1

you so silly. No genius, most cases like that is budget cuts, shortage of personnel.

Answer 2

I don't take offense to this question nor any of the responses...some are well meant humor and some with a bit of disdain due to ignorance.

As one responder already stated...most officers are required to stay in pretty good shape and sadly some let themselves go by the wayside.

But to judge the whole by one would be like inferring that all cops eat donuts.

That myth was worn out years ago when people started to realize the only coffee shops open all night were the donut shops.

Of course I seriously doubt anyone on this forum would question eating a donut themselves for fear of being called a cop!

As for two man units...many departments can't afford enough personnel due to budgetary restraints.

** Linda...ya put a smile of my face! Thanks!

Answer 3

A lot of Police cars have computers in them now, mounted over the passergers front seat. This cuts back on radio traffic. It enables Police to run tags, and receive messages without scanner whackers knowing.

Answer 4

I will assume your question is sincere. The theory is (at least with my department), the more units (vehicles) dispersed on "the streets", the greater the coverage of those streets. One officer per unit, allows for more units to roll per shift. Additionally, the psychological advantages outweigh the disadvantages. The public at large (in theory) will tend to see more police on patrol, and cause a more comfortable sense of security. At the same time, the criminal element will see it as more of a deterrent (in theory anyway).

Answer 5

It comes down to money. It costs a lot in an officer's salary, training, and benefits. The agencies need a certain number of cars on patrol, and it is a lot less expensive for them to be one officer cars.

Answer 6

It's all about visibility. When all officers patrol in individual cars it appears to the public like there are more of them.
It is as simple as that.

We used to have several zones in our city that were considered two officer car areas. Recently they have all been split to singles (except for nightshift).

Answer 7

In our neck of the woods, it depends on what neighborhood they're in or what time of day it is. You'd better believe when there's a call in certain areas at night, there will be 2 officers in the car.

Answer 8

All them donuts, right?

No, its because labor (the cost of paying an officer) is more expensive than capital equipment (cost of the car).

You get more coverage if you spread police out thinner ... they can have cars in more places if you only have one per car.

Answer 9

Hey Numb Nuts, Many agencies can't afford to hire enough officers to allow them to ride two to a car. I work for a law enforcement agency and none of my officers are obese as you seem to imply. You must be a limp wristed light in his loafers cool aid drinker!

Answer 10

NO you and your fellow taxpayers refused to pay even more for faulty service, bad attitudes and laws that make no sense.
So no more money fewer cops -not enough to put two in every car.

Answer 11

Depends on what city you live in. Larger cities tend to have two. Cities with smaller budgets try and get by with one.