Neveda - In Harm's Way: Police Break Traffic Rules Gillespie: Officers 'Did Do It Safely'

OFF THE WIRE
Police have an interesting way of looking at the law.
http://www.fox5vegas.com/news/26868026/detail.html

LAS VEGAS -- On the morning of Oct. 26, Las Vegas Metro traffic officers are making routine stops along northbound Interstate 15 between Silverado Ranch Boulevard and Blue Diamond Road.
An officer, who had just finished writing a speeding ticket, prepared to head back to catch another speeder.
But instead of taking the exit and turning around, the motorcycle officer does what his colleagues are also doing -- he cuts across four lanes of highway traffic and drives against traffic on the shoulder.
Lt. Randy Sutton, a 24-year retired veteran of the Metro police force, said this is a violation of department policy.
"Everything that we do faces scrutiny, and we are all responsible for our own actions," he said. "Even more in the past year and a half."
Sutton is referring to the year 2009, one of the deadliest in Metro's history. Three officers, James Manor, Milburn Beitel and Daniel Leach, lost their lives in traffic wrecks.
Manor died while speeding to a call, Beitel died in a rollover crash and Leach died after colliding with a big rig.
"The officers we lost in the line of duty in 2009 haven't been forgotten," Metro Sheriff Doug Gillespie said.
Their photos hang in Gillespie's downtown office. In Dec. 2009, he issued a 39-page safe driving policy.
"I have not driven by a police officer since the policy's been instituted that I have seen not wearing their seat belt," he said.
Since the policy has been instituted, not a single officer has been killed on the road.
On page two of the policy, it dictates that officers are to follow all the rules of the road, except when running their lights and sirens.
But in the video captured by FOX5, two officers are seen driving against traffic, their lights and sirens off.
When shown the video, Gillespie said, "I think when you look at this on face value, I think anybody could say, 'Wow, what is he doing?'"
"But (the officer) did do it safely," he said. "You didn't see cars slamming on their brakes or swerving to avoid striking him."
Gillespie told FOX5 that he wanted to ask the officers why they chose to drive in the wrong direction against oncoming traffic going in excess to 65 mph.
"It's easier for (the officer)," Gillespie said. "And I'm not saying it's right. It's the first time I've seen the video."
After watching the video, retired officer Sutton said he's worried about the public's perception.
"How does it look (to the public) to disregard traffic laws when you're enforcing traffic laws?" Sutton said. "The last thing that anyone wants to see is another police funeral."
According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, traffic-related deaths jumped 43 percent from 2009 to 2010 and has been the leading cause of death in the line of duty for 13 consecutive years.
"The slightest mistake can be very costly, in terms of safety," Sutton said.
Gillespie said he has a message for his officers: "Do it the safer way, don't do it the more expedient way."
"We don't want to have what happened in 2009 ever again," he said.
Sutton said he thinks the safe driving policy is effective but can also be too restrictive. He said many officers are afraid they'll be hit with disciplinary action, even for minor issues.
As for the video, Metro said the department is still investigating to identify the officers.