Cops - Tire Change

A question for the men and women in Blue... Is it against the rules for you to change a tire if you see somebody on the side of the road w/ a flat?

Here's why I ask...

On the way home today I saw some older folks who had apparently just had a blow-out. I made a U-turn and pulled up behind them. As I was stopping a police officer pulled up behind me and put his lights on. (I actually thought he was going to get me for the U-turn, though I didn't think it was illegal.)

I started talking to the folks w/ the flat and then asked the cop if he was going to change the tire. He said that they weren't allowed to, but he'd keep his lights on and get traffic to move to the left lane so I could change it safely. He left his car behind mine w/ the lights on and stood halfway in the lane directing people around.

I had no problem w/ this... I intended to change the tire anyway (or why else would I have pulled over?) I just thought it was strange that he said it was against the rules for him to change the tire.

So what say you, officers? What are the rules in your departments? If you're not allowed, why not? If you are, why do you suppose some cops aren't allowed?

 

i had also herd this a long time ago
good for you for stoping to help

 

I don't know either, cause the chp's are dicks and drive by when you have a flat.

I bet the resident copper will tell us.

 

props on stopping, i usualy only stop for old people and sexy ladies, if there like a 40 footer ill merge back in...jk

 

My guess is that there are people out there who might fake a flat, then attack the cop when he's stooped over the tire. IF that's the reason, it sure says a lot about society, doesn't it?

I'll stop if I have time and if I'm not wearing a suit or something. Pretty lady isn't necessary, but it's a bonus.

 

haha my grand ma lives about 40-30 mins a way from me and she rode 5 mi home on a flat(not sure why) and i told her that if she called me i would have been there in 20...lol

 

yeah, if they look a little shady i take my knife with me, but ill stop most of the time, i can only drive till 8 and i stoped at 7:45 to help out this really old lady, it always seems to make my day better if i help somebody out

 

I'm a state LEO and we change them. Was it a BPD, JCSO or someone else that "couldn't" change the flat?

 

I can't speak for tires- but as a Federal LEO/Search and Rescue officer-

If you boat breaks down somewhere and you are not in mortal/immediate danger and commercial salvage (TowBoatUS or whatever) is available- We can only give you the number or radio freq to contact them. As government agents, we can not compete with commercial folks who do the same thing. I'm not sure if the same thing applies to LEOs and tires...but it's possible.

The liability thing is another good point...It's stupid that someone who sue after getting helped like that...but I'm sure it would happen- but it haven't already...

 

The cop that stopped was a Homewood Police Officer. Young guy... really nice. He looked like he would change the tire if those folks asked him to, but was happy I was there so he didn't have to break the rules.

 

haha i woulndt chang it when im a cop if its agianst the rules, i would call one of my buddirs and if there not doing anything i would ask them to do it...idk why but like i said earleir it makes my dad better when i help somebody out

 

It is probably a liability issue. I am not allowed to pull anyone that is stuck in the woods out with my work truck unless it is another state vehicle or one of our contractors for that reason.

 

yes this makes since, theres a bunch of a**holes that will sue for anything

 

Yeah I'm sure its a liability thing. Way back when, back in california, my buddies car died near the side of the road because the alternator went to crap and the police officers couldnt give us a jump off of his battery.

 

hey tigerfan... If you got stuck in ur cruser, are you allowed to have someone pull you out? JUst curious