For 30 days, Anne Arundel police will not put themselves in front of speeding cars to stop violators.
County officials have ordered officers to stay in their cars while conducting speed enforcement details in response to the death of Howard County Pfc. Scott Wheeler, who was killed while trying to stop a speeding motorist.
“I?ve wondered about this practice for a long time, and this fatality has brought it to the front burner,” County Executive John Leopold said.
Police commanders will decide after the 30-day period if the move should be permanent, said county police Sgt. David Feerrar.
Wheeler was struck by a Nissan Sentra June 16 he was trying to pull over during a speed enforcement detail on Route 32. The 24-year-old female driver, who has not been charged, failed to see Wheeler, Howard police said.
Feerrar said he could not think of an incident where a Anne Arundel police officer was struck or nearly hit by a motorist. County officers wear a bright orange and yellow vests during those details.
Stepping up traffic-safety enforcement means putting more officers in harm?s way, but it?s a fundamental part of policing, said Rockville-based criminologist Alvin Cohn, president of Criminal Justice Administration and Criminology.
“It?s a trade-off no matter which way you go,” Cohn said.
Enlisting officers to enforce speed limits on foot, as Wheeler was, “is a tough call,” he said.
In 2006, 15 law enforcement officers were struck and killed by a vehicle, and 45 were killed in auto collisions, according to the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund?s Web site.
Staff reporter Joe Palazzolo contributed to this report.
