Gordon Graham
Category: Law Enforcement
Gordon Graham here with Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Today’s Tip is for all my friends in law enforcement. It’s about following traffic laws when you’re on duty or coming on shift with a take-home vehicle.
Remember, most of you are operating a two-ton billboard that not only announces what you do but also signals your authority.
I recently read an article about an officer on his way to work in a marked patrol unit who got pulled over for driving almost twice the legal speed limit. The officer wasn’t using emergency equipment. He argued with the deputy who pulled him over about the validity of the traffic stop. The officer justified his behavior by explaining that he was coming on duty. I don’t need to tell you that the officer’s actions don’t look good for him or his agency.
It’s an extreme example but look, folks, you’re all cops. For many of you, traffic enforcement is or was one of your primary responsibilities. You’re all too familiar with the dangers associated with excessive speed and other traffic violations.
And while safety is paramount, professionalism and positive public perception are also important. What goes through the minds of civilian drivers when they see police officers casually speeding or tailgating, rolling through stop signs, not using their turn signals, or making illegal U-turns? At some point in your career, you’ve pulled over and cited motorists for these same offenses.
Remember, most of you are operating a two-ton billboard that not only announces what you do but also signals your authority. If you don’t take traffic laws seriously, then why should the motoring public?
There’s a saying: “When much is given, much is expected.” You’ve been given the authority to make the roads and highways safer by enforcing traffic laws. Do your part to follow those same laws. Because your agency and the public expect it.
And that’s Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Until next time, Gordon Graham, signing off.
