Why Don’t Police Generally Respond to Calls About Cars Doing Donuts? Priorities and Realities

When someone is spinning donuts in a parking lot or near a street, it may seem like a thrilling, yet illegal stunt. But what happens when their excitement turns to panic or injury? The question often arises: why don’t police arrive in time to address these incidents, and is it due to low priority?

The Reality of Donut Driving

Donut driving, or wheelie driving, is an illegal and potentially dangerous activity. When someone performs this stunt, they run the risk of losing control of their vehicle, hitting objects, or crashing. While the spectacle of donuts may be over by the time police arrive, the incident can still cause significant damage and risk harm to people around them.

Police Response Strategies and Priorities

The decision on whether to respond to an incident like donut driving hinges on several factors, including the urgency, the likelihood of capturing the perpetrator, and the distance to the incident. Donut drivers usually drive off or stop the stunt by the time the police arrive, making it difficult to address the situation effectively. The time required to document an incident can be extensive, taking up hours while the police officers could be focusing on more pressing matters such as apprehending real criminals.

Consequences of Ignoring Low-Priority Calls

Still, officers like myself recognize that even a low-priority call can have severe consequences. A significant number of individuals who partake in this behavior are young and may not envision the downstream effects of their actions. When a young person engages in this activity, it is more than an illegally thrilling activity but a show of disrespect toward others. Therefore, bringing such individuals to justice and educating them is crucial, even if it means dealing with slower response times.

Narrative Illustrating the Harms of Ignored Donut Driving

A tragic example of the devastating consequences of donut driving involves a father walking his children to the store on his daughter's birthday. A teenager performing a high-speed donut on the street hit the gutter, lost control, and hit the father. Unfortunately, the father was unable to save both of his children; one escaped, while the other died on her birthday. This incident highlights the grim reality of actions driven by thrill-seeking and the regrettable toll they can take on families.

Conclusion

While it is frustrating to realize that police often have to address more critical and time-sensitive issues, it is important to recognize that all calls for service are handled based on a complex set of priorities. Even a seemingly low-priority incident involving donut driving can have serious repercussions, making it essential for officers to engage with these cases with due attention. The overall goal is to ensure public safety and reduce harm, even if it means dealing with slower response times.