Last Friday, I participated in a “ride along” with a Fairfax County Police Officer from the Reston Station during an eleven and a half hour evening shift patrolling Reston and part of Great Falls. I sat next to my officer-partner’s computer in a 2008 Ford Crown Victoria cruiser. Our role was to back-up officers in nine other cruisers patrolling Reston. During the shift, I got to spend time with many of the officers we saw on calls and over dinner. All the officers were experienced, with up to 25 years’ service. All were bright, engaging, and dedicated professionals. Patrol duty involves a lot of traffic work—responding to and writing reports on accidents, and directing traffic as needed. And, it turns out there are lots of traffic violations happening in Reston. My partner pointed out at least 20, including running red lights, illegal lane changes, speeding, failure to signal, and texting. Yet, my partner gave only three warnings. Often, we were unable to stop to cite offenders because we were responding to calls which take precedence, unless a violation is more serious than the call routine. This particular Friday, most dispatcher calls were routine--no high-speed pursuits with sirens or violent crimes—although two had potential. We had four calls to check on home alarms (all malfunctions) and three domestic dispute calls, one involving a woman responding to a boyfriend’s aggressive behavior coming at him with a knife. He fled before we arrived. There were none of Reston’s most typical crimes--car and home larcenies. We did join other officers for the most exciting call--serving an arrest warrant for Loudoun County to twin brothers, possibly armed, holed up in a Great Falls mansion. But, it was a wrong address. I was both disappointed and relieved, although I felt certain the Reston team could have handled it. One of my goals was to learn how cops feel about their work. First I had to convince them I wasn’t anti-police. They feel misunderstood, with controversy fed by media and politicians. Once I was accepted, we could talk pretty frankly—agreeing more than disagreeing. They asked how I felt about the John Geer police killing, for example. I told them I thought both the shooting and FCPD stonewalling were unjustified. Surprisingly, they did not disagree. They felt responsibility should have been admitted.
I asked why so few officers use tasers, a less lethal alternative form of force. Look! No room! They pointed to already over-loaded belts with pistol and holster, two clips of cartridges, pepper spray, flashlight, folding baton, handcuffs, etc. Some were uncomfortable with the complex new two-cartridge taser, and spoke of maintenance issues. As a result, only two of 10 officers carry tasers. Something must change if tasers are to be used by all.
Officers acknowledged their pay is “OK,” and despite challenges, they like their work. However, they say “higher ups” are often unresponsive to their operational needs. Examples include the tasers, excessive reports, and the choice of Ford Taurus to replace Crown Vics. The Taurus driver cockpit is badly undersized for the average officer. The rear “cage” area is truly cruel and unusual. One officer I met (6 ft., 210 lbs plus body armor) sits partly side saddle to drive 11 hours a day. I myself could not sit upright in the rear cage with my feet on the floor. I doubt reconfiguration is possible. I’m not sure there is a solution unless these vehicles can be sold to the Munchkin Police. Actual officers should pre-drive future fleet choices.