One of my neighbors is an officer with the SJPD. I've never talked to him except for the day I introduced myself after I moved in; he didn't mention his career at our introduction, and has been uninterested in any further discussion. So, how do I know what his occupation is? Because his patrol car is parked in his driveway more hours than it is away. I attribute the consistency of its appearance to the idea that perhaps this fellow works the night shift. Don't get me wrong, I think the vehicle's presence is a good deterrent from would-be thieves, but that is the extent of the positive feeling I have about this patrol unit being parked day-in and day-out at this officer's house.
Unable to find any relative answers, I am left wondering the following:
1) Do all street patrol officers take their vehicles home?
2) Is there a substantial reason for having a vehicle for each officer?
3) Has it ever been considered that some, or most, officers could share their vehicle with someone on a different shift, thereby saving costs?
4) What is considered a full-time shift period?
5) Is it common for patrolmen to spend a significant time at home?
A few disclaimers:
a) I highly respect our police force. It takes a special person to put the uniform on every day with the intentions of keeping our city safe.
b) The only reason I raise this discussion is because I have never heard of patrol officers having a personal vehicle in any other city.
**UPDATED 4/17/09** In the recent newsletter distributed through the City, there was a notice indicating that the SJPD will be purchasing TEN Chevy Impalas. Do they need that many vehicles or are they replacing their fleet?? WOW!
