Police patrols

[JJohnson]

When driving in a vehicle, Do police have to drive with 10 and 2? I drive very relaxed with one hand in between 7 and 8. I know it's not full control such as the 10 and 2 position, So it may be considered a bad habit. But does a cop need to drive a certain way?

[G35 Mass]

You've started three posts on this forum. First, you wanted to know what the biggest tickets we've written are. Then you start a thread asking for details regarding parts of our private lives. Now you need to know where we put our hands on the steering wheel?

Enough already. Enough.

Allow me to remind you that none of us get paid to be here.

We're here mostly to keep up on LE news, talk to other LE in the "verified" sections and sometimes take a minute out of our day to answer citizens' and the community's questions. We come here because we're enthusiastic, dedicated and interested in our jobs, not to answer ridiculous questions that have zero bearing on anyone. Who cares what the biggest ticked it that I wrote? Why do you care what I do with friends when off-duty? And what the heck does it matter if I drive 10/2, one handed gangster style with my seat leaned far back, or drive with my knees while texting?

[JJohnson]

Didn't know I was only allowed two questions. Thanks for your support. That was sarcasm. But if you insist I stop asking things like this, then I will.

[Kimble]

Didn't know I was only allowed two questions. Thanks for your support. That was sarcasm. But if you insist I stop asking things like this, then I will.

There's not a limit to the number of questions you can ask, I think what G35 was suggesting (and I'd agree) is use some common sense before asking questions here. You can ask whatever you want, but if what you asks annoys and seem to be, well... goofy questions, you may not have many folks answering your questions after a while.

Instead of getting offended and sarcastic, why not take what was said as friendly advice that will help you fit in within our community (if you plan to stick around a while).

[JJohnson]

well... goofy questions

I don't think they're goofy at all. I'm serious in wanting to know exactly if cops need to drive a certain way, such as 10/2. Maybe Some have to in so and so state and others don't. I'm just curious.

Knowledge is most easily gained by asking. And that is exactly how I found this site/forum. I simply googled "Ask A Cop" And this was the first thing I saw. The site looked legitimate.. so I created an account. I thought for a while I was getting warm hearted welcoming support, then all of a sudden I get a sour answer. My sarcasm was just sort of a defense was all.

I'm curious about this because this is the profession I chose. I wan't to know about the job before I get there. I could simply act on what I seen in shows and in the movies. But even I know that it's most likely nothing at all like the movies.

Allow me to remind you that none of us get paid to be here.

I know that. Infact I know some of you actually pay from your hard earned money for this site to remain active.
Using Kimble as an example:
"Moderator
Supporting Member L2
Supporting Member L4
Verified LEO"

And I think that is great. When I have some spare cash, I'll probably donate some to this site too.

[madchiken]

There's no such thing as a stupid question, just... ah, nevermind.

[Radical Jack]

I don't think they're goofy at all. I'm serious in wanting to know exactly if cops need to drive a certain way, such as 10/2. Maybe Some have to in so and so state and others don't. I'm just curious.

Not trying to rag on you or anything, but seriously, just think about that for a second. How could a department possiby enforce that? Rig each patrol car with video equipment focused solely on the driver? Make officers ride around with drivers-ed instructors looking over their shoulders?

[JJohnson]

Not trying to rag on you or anything, but seriously, just think about that for a second. How could a department possiby enforce that? Rig each patrol car with video equipment focused solely on the driver? Make officers ride around with drivers-ed instructors looking over their shoulders?

Most LE have partners. Most police cruisers have dash cameras. So It may not be impossible to enforce it upon new cops.

If the answer is simply no, no cop has to fallow the a certain driving procedure, then just say so.

[Radical Jack]

Most LE have partners.

Most of our cruisers are one man.

Most police cruisers have dash cameras.

Most, if not all, of our cruisers have no dascams.

So It may not be impossible to enforce it upon new cops.

Well, no it's not impossible. But it certainly isn't feasible for an agency to install dashcams that records the interior and exterior of their vehicles and then have a supervisor watch every second of footage from every car to determine if their officers have their hands at ten and two o'clock.

[marinepilot]

Most LE have partners. Most police cruisers have dash cameras. So It may not be impossible to enforce it upon new cops.

If the answer is simply no, no cop has to fallow the a certain driving procedure, then just say so.

Most agencies run single man cars. Bigger cities may run partners.

Dash cameras are just that, forward of the DASH. They are made to record outside the front of the vehicle. Some of the newer ones in my agency are also equipped with a camera that faces back, but it is focused on the rear seat. (Great for putting two thugs in and letting them talk while the LEO is not in the car, and then everything is recorded!)

The answer is simply no, there is no way and no need to enforce an officer to drive specifically at 10 & 2. Besides, the new way driving is being taught is at 9 and 3 due to airbags (this allows the arms to fly away from the face when the bag deploys). But those are only guidelines or recommendations. I spend about 10 hours a night in my car, do you really think I sit with my hands in specific locations on the steering wheel?

[Cat_Doc]

If you keep your hands at the 10 and 2, just how are you supposed to transmit on the radio, work the MDC, light switches and spotlight? And, if we are operating in emergency driving conditions, should we disregard the 9 and 3?

Don't supervisors have better things to do than to try and stay on top of line staff making sure they use the 10 and 2?

I've rolled on officer involved accidents a few times. I've asked if they were utilizing their seat belts, but I have never even thought about asking what their hand position on the steering wheel was.

Am I the odd man out here? Are there other supervisors here who worry about hand position on the steering wheel?

[Kimble]

Am I the odd man out here?

A quick review of the content of the OP's other threads will quickly show that's not the case.

[JJohnson]

Look there are a lot of dumb laws. Old and current. State and federal. I wouldn't have been surprised if there was one about a driving procedure.

[G35 Mass]

Someone please bring the hammer....

[TEXASCOP]

Look there are a lot of dumb laws. Old and current. State and federal. I wouldn't have been surprised if there was one about a driving procedure.

Ok yes, there is a regulation on how we drive, starting on October 1st we have to drive with our heads up our a$$es like the rest of the world.