Police dept.s’ “running radar” strategy needs to change

Posted on June 28, 2007 in Crime & Law Enforcement by DM

The story about the officer who was hit from behind while running radar illustrates a dangerous practice that police departments all over the metro need to change: placing officers on the shoulders of high-speed, high-traffic roadways.

Now I am all for officers running radar, and catching speeders. (I wish they’d step up efforts in my neighborhood, as the street I live on is apparently a designated speedway.) But more and more, we are seeing officers parked on the shoulder of the freeway, or out on the interstate, and it’s frankly a tragedy waiting to happen. This particular officer was parked on the shoulder of an entrance ramp onto I-235, and a motorist entering the on-ramp rear-ended the squad car with the officer in it.

I wish this officer a speedy recovery, and yes, motorists need to be more aware. But, all law enforcement agencies in the metro need to re-evaluate this park-on-the-shoulder strategy, at least as it applies to 235 and the Interstates. You are in additional danger in these locations, and at the very least you need to do something to increase your visibility.

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