Viewers Share Driving Pet Peeves, Cops Top List

By Rusty Surette, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Viewers submitted their own driving pet peeves after NEWS 9 aired our citizen citation story about drivers who break the law, and the biggest complaint was about local law enforcement's driving.

From inconsiderate and irritating to risky and rude, NEWS 9 received a variety of driving pet peeves from Oklahoma drivers. But one unexpected complaint that was submitted again and again concerned citizens who believe metro police officers take advantage of the law.

"They speed. They speed just like the rest of us," said Holly Raglin.

"Well, they think they're above the law. That's why they do it," said Candace Taylor.

"I've seen them turn their lights and sirens on to run through red lights," said Chris Wright.

NEWS 9 followed several law enforcement agencies for several hours and found what all the fuss was about. One officer was tailgating on I-44 and another was tailgating a garbage truck.

There were several Oklahoma County deputies slow rolling through a stop sign, and several Oklahoma City officers were spotted not using a turn signal.

The public is invited to take part in one of four community conversations about public safety with Oklahoma City Police Chief Bill Citty and Fire Chief Keith Bryant.

The Chiefs will provide information on how they are keeping residents protected, discuss the biggest safety issues affecting neighborhoods and answer questions about police and fire services.

Locations:

• Tuesday, May 19 from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
  St. Antony Hospital, St. Mary's Conference Room, 1000 N. Lee.
• Thursday, May 21 from 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
  Francis Tuttle Tech Center's Rockwell Campus, Building 7 Room 101 South, 2777 North Rockwell
• Tuesday, May 26 from 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
  Springlake Metro Technology Center, 1900 Springlake Drive
• Thursday, May 28 from 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
  Integris SW Medical Center Auditorium, 4401 S. Western

RSVP requested, but not required. Please call 528-6322.

One officer even came close to hitting another car after drifting into another lane. With all of these violations, NEWS 9 wanted to know if police officers are allowed to get away with this, and the answer is yes, sometimes they are.

"There may be good reason," said Oklahoma City Police Capt. Steve McCool.

Oklahoma City police and peace officers across the state are allowed to break certain rules of the road.

"We can violate certain traffic laws if we're responding to a true emergency," said Edmond Police Officer James Hamm.

And there are times when an officer is allowed to break the law without using lights or a siren.

"It could be a burglary in progress. As they get close to that call, they may kill their lights and sirens to catch the person in the act," said Capt. Kelly Marshall with the Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office.

It's a policy practiced by law agencies nationwide but there is a risk. A young boy on a bicycle was hit and killed last year by a Dallas police officer who was speeding with no lights and no siren.

It's something local police keep in mind and stress during driving courses and training.

But, what about the officers who broke the law without good reason?

"I appreciate that you brought this to our attention," Capt. Marshall said.

Each agency said there are serious consequences for any officer who breaks the law just because he or she feels they're above it.

"If it's a continuous problem, we have had people terminated for traffic violations and that's not something we will put up with as an agency," Capt. McCool said.

If you feel an officer, deputy or trooper is violating the law without good reason, you're encouraged to contact's that department's supervisor. Just be sure to get as much information as possible about the vehicle in question like the unit number, or license plate.