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by Anonymous on January 23rd, 2007

Anonymous

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There is a seatbelt controversy at my police department. its the law to wear the belts. officer killed. belt held her in, unable to reach her weapon in an ambush. should police be exempt from the seat belt laws for their personal safety?

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Answers. 12 helpful answers below.

  • by Jenniferocious on January 23rd, 2007

    Jenniferocious

    No. I'd say that the unfortunate situation that you are describing is not all that common.

    Besides, if there is an accident, and the officer was not wearing a belt, she may have not been in any condition to even attempt reaching her weapon. She may have been dead, or unconscious, simply from the accident. The weapon would not have been an issue.

    I'd say that the belt will do more good than harm.

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  • by Redhawk on January 23rd, 2007

    Redhawk

    I used to be with SDPD in the Traffic Division. I have to say this sounds like a pretty freakish accident. Since it's more likely that an officer could be killed in a DRIVING accident...I vote for keeping the belt on.

    Maybe there can be some sort of modification made to the belts, or pop the gun out of the holster, when you buckle up.

    I'm sorry to hear of such a sad loss in your department.

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  • by munchkin_kids_downunder on January 23rd, 2007

    munchkin_kids_downunder

    no, my dad is a cop, and has been involved in several accidents, the seat belt saved him. that was 1 incidence and it was a freak situation in being ambushed, there are 1000's of accidents a day, and seat belts save lives.

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  • by Wattsyurz on August 11th, 2007

    Wattsyurz

    C'mon, people aren't statistics, they're individuals. What about custom car holsters near the right thigh? Lefties might not be able to get it done tho. But unfortunately, we had to decide this is a safety issue, so police do need to wear them. Or repeal the law and let people choose again.

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  • by tomsims on January 23rd, 2007

    tomsims

    I would examine the statistics. I am sure that many more officers are killed in traffic incidents than by gunshots while they are in their cars.

    I think the seat belts should definitely be required.

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  • by Sarita1 Goes Bollywood on January 23rd, 2007

    Sarita1 Goes Bollywood

    No because they could go flying through the windshield without it. They should find a better place for the weapon when seated in a car.

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  • by FineBalance . on January 23rd, 2007

    FineBalance .

    This is one instant, but at times the officer are driving at very high speed and not wearing the seat belt can be more dangerous for them. I think they shoud wear seat belt, however, may be their seat can be designed in such a way that they can have a push button in front of them to release the belt versus the conventionally removing the belt.

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  • by Firebrand on January 23rd, 2007

    Firebrand

    Black Cab Drivers and some other people are exempt here.
    Yes unless they are on a chase i think the police should be exempt

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  • by SASSYWI-Q-Sassia-Jetpacking with NASCAR on August 11th, 2007

    SASSYWI-Q-Sassia-Jetpacking with NASCAR

    Sorry about your loss.

    Perhaps a quick release four point belt would work better in police cars?

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  • by Teri00 on January 23rd, 2007

    Teri00

    John, sorry to hear about the loss at your agency. My condolences to you and your fellow officers.

    And while I have seen deputies/officers ride without their seatbelts when approaching high risk situations (understandably), overall I believe that 1) it's the law and 2) they do save lives in traffic crashes and should be encouraged.

    Stay safe, wear your vest, and go home every night.

    “We sleep safe in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm.” - George Orwell

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  • by RockRchick on June 1st, 2007

    RockRchick

    I agree that they should wear them especially when they are trying to enforce the law so strict right now and should set an example. Maybe, if they have a hard time reaching their guns if theyre buckled in, they should think about placing them ina easier to reach spot when in the car..

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  • by Anonymous on August 11th, 2007

    Anonymous

    Sorry to hear of your loss. It's a sad day when an Officer falls.

    I was under the impression that it was optional for LEO's. I see many in my area who don't wear them for the reason that they need to be able to get out of the car quickly in order to render aid.

    Your Department should definately make it a personal choice.

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