Is it rare to keep your car on after arriving to a call?

[studentcj]

common sense would tell me that no, an officer always turns off his car, it would be embarrassing to have someone jump in and take off in a patrol vehicle while the officer is inside of an apartment or house taking care of a call

one of the few situations where i could see one keeping the car on is when they have to jump out so for a foot chase or what have you

Am i right in my assumption

[Creeker]

It depends on how reliably the Cop can count on being able to re-start it... or if it is a Chrysler product.

You have to leave a Chrysler run, because if you don't the Hamsters in the trunk get lazy and you have to go thru the pre-start checklist each time.

[mcsap]

Thats why they make door locks and spare keys.

[SnapShawt]

Your question, though probably not intending to, borders on getting into patrol tactics.

[pac201]

most of the junk we drive won't restart for whatever reason...better to leave 'em running so you can go to the next call...:(

[S43riff]

It would depend on what the agencies policy and procedures says. Ours stataes that you will NOT leave an unattended vehicle running. However, if I am in close proximity, such as a traffic stop....I am leaving it on. But if I have to go into a building or it is out of my view, I am locking it up and shutting it off...ALWAYS. You be the one that has to advise over the radio,,,"um,,,my cars gone." :eek: HAHAHA.

[Legoate]

Also depends on how cold it is and what electrical items are running. If I need the lights and computer on they will go down quickly if I shut the engine off.

I always carry at least 2 keys. Not unusual at all for me to hop out and lock the car with it running.

[studentcj]

Your question, though probably not intending to, borders on getting into patrol tactics.

i apologize that was not my intentions, just curious after seeing 2 cop episodes last night, where they all seem to leave their car running

[Puddle Pirate]

Mine stays on the entire shift, unless I'm on a call for service that's going to be lengthy.

I like it to be warm in the winter and cold in the summer.

[Johninaustin]

Stays running, just lock the door and have an extra key.

The computers and video systems we have will shut down if it gets too hot inside the car. :eek:

[Ispbear]

We run ignition bypass switches. Otherwise you are not going to be able to put my car in gear without knowing the secret.;)
Nothing like taking it to get an oil change and watching the guy take the key out and the cars still running. The state of confusion on their face is priceless. Kind of like when they hit the horn so the other mechanic can open the overhead and the siren goes off. I love that panic look they get.

[lawduck]

My vic doesn't turn off unless I am on lunch or at the PD taking care of business.

Two sets of keys.

And if it gets stolen the PD has good insurance on the cars.

Plus, my car is tricky to put into gear.

[ParadeRest]

We're lucky to have one set of keys much less two for our cars. So the car is always locked and off.