Dear ethical-ga
After 22 years in law enforcement I can tell you honestly that the
answer varies depending on who you ask, what region of the world you
are asking about and under what circumstances the issue is applied.
Suffice it to say that most law enforcement officials agree that a
single officer is exposed to dangers that may result in injury or
death. A second officer no only doubles the manpower but increases the
display of authority thereby decreasing (even if only a bit perhaps)
the likelihood that a suspect will challenge the officers, resort to
assault or resist arrest. The fact remains that when two officers
patrol together, if one of them is assaulted the other one will be
there to call for help or come to the aid of his partner, where a
single patrolman has no benefit of this SEEMINGLY safer practice.
Here is a Canadian article that examines the debate on the subject:
ONE OFFICER VERSUS TWO OFFICER POLICE CARS IN WINNIPEG
http://www.fcpp.org/pdf/one_vs_two_office_police_cars.pdf
http://www.fcpp.org/main/publication_detail.php?PubID=178
The other side of the debate is that a one-man car reduces bravado and
forces an officer to ?wait for backup? before charging into situations
(or perhaps letting his mouth get him into trouble). There is an
argument that single car patrols are more alert ? less chat and
complacent behavior leads to more active and attentive patrol. An
officer who has no one but himself to rely on, another argument goes,
that he tends to make sure he doesn?t let himself down. He often goes
strictly by the book and second-guesses everything, leaving nothing to
chance.
Exactly 50% of all the officers I have known personally who were
killed in the line of duty had partners, and 50% did not. I?m afraid
this old debate won?t be settled here, but I?d be delighted to know if
I?ve answered your question, such that an answer is possible.
Best regards;
Tutuzdad-ga ? Google Answers Researcher |
