New LMPD chief says no immediate changes

Pro's:

--We can split our punishments in half with our partners for things like speeding, forgetting oil changes, not seatbelting a prisoner, failing to turn the camera around when transporting, etc, etc, etc.

--One can pump while the other gets the drinks.

Con's:

--Our mdt's already block our cupholders, so now we'll have to screw a second one into our passenger side airbag compartment.

--We'll have to leave our shield windows open so we can toss our trash into the backseat since the passenger floorboard will be in use.

--If I'm the one riding shotgun, we're gonna have to stop cause I'm gonna puke.

Deputy Darrell

Pro-

Potentially safer (suppose that depends on the partner)

Easier to look for suspects/prowlers/scantily clad joggers

More time mobile (One can complete reports or look up info etc. while partner drives)

Better camaraderie once you get over the fact that you are sharing space

Take turns driving and gunning could be less fatigue/more variety?

Assuming personally assigned vehicles remain, a little less wear and tear and also not as much stress waiting on the garage if one unit is down. (I understand where this could lead to "pool cars" which I would detest and think would be a poor move)

No better reason not to talk to the girlfriend or wife than "I am in a car with someone"

Con-

Less public visibility. (same number of officers, half the cars)

HUGE POTENTIAL FOR ADMIN TO THROW IT UP THE CHAIN THAT WE WOULD NO LONGER NEED PERSONALLY ASSIGNED VEHICLES)

Loss of personal space/time.

Potential of getting assigned with an idiot is always looming.

Now, the challenge was to list more pros than cons before I get ridiculed but the loss of personally assigned units counts for two or three points. It IS a lost benefit, for those just looking at budget numbers it would be easy to put on the chop block.

Honestly, If implemented I think it should not be fully employed. Either have one per beat on priority for hot calls/proactive patrol (adds incentive with few reports) or if you want more tandem units have select units be "solo units" which would be for senior officers who had displayed exceptional performance.

Just a few thoughts... still not entirely sure how I feel about it.

JR

Are you kidding?