Driving around town this morning I noticed something unusual (for me). There was a law enforcement operation going on involving speed traps to catch holiday weekend travelers who are in too much of a hurry. That isn’t the unusual part. What I thought was strange was seeing who was involved.
I saw West Des Moines Police and Dallas County Sheriff’s Department officers pulling people over – in Pleasant Hill, IA (in Polk County). What’s up with that? I know many officers are deputized county-wide; some even in multiple counties. I know there many different types of law enforcement operations that involve multiple jurisdictions including federal, state, county and numerous local law enforcement agencies. These could be a joint drug enforcement task force, anti-terrorism units, or possibly even serving outstanding arrest warrants, etc. I understand the value of having multiple agencies work together.
But to do this for traffic violations for a holiday weekend crack-down? That just doesn’t sit right with me. I’m sure it’s legal, but is it really the best use of taxpayer money and resources? Frankly I don’t believe West Des Moines Police should be allowed to pull people over for traffic violations in Pleasant Hill. I’m sure some people were leery about pulling over for a police officer who is clearly out of his jurisdiction. I know I would (not that I would *ever* be driving in a way that would get me pulled over).
What are your thoughts? Maybe Governor Chet Culver is out with them today. Perhaps this is common, but it’s the first time I’ve noticed it.