Why is it...

[Rockjockey]

Why is it that when local, county or state cops block off a road for an accident, they don't direct traffic to alternate routes? This happened again to me the other day. Local cops blocked off a major state route for an accicent investigation for over 5 hours. Plenty of time to post detour signs, ask other forces for assistance in redirecting traffic, but no such effort was made. Lucky for me that I had my Chicagoland mapbook to figure out a new route, but very few people would have that resource. Seems to me if your going to shut down a route, you should guide people along the new route.

[Rockjockey]

Just as I figured...no good reason for sloppy police work.

[The_Governor]

Why is it that when local, county or state cops block off a road for an accident, they don't direct traffic to alternate routes? Seems to me if your going to shut down a route, you should guide people along the new route.

No coffee-No donuts/no directions.

Giving directions is outside of the workscope for an LEO.................you don't expect them to work for free do you? ;)

[USAF_2T2]

While I can't speak for any other department, our city will set up alternate routes if possible. We will call for officers to direct traffic and so forth. There are some roads in our jurisdiction that it isn't possible. Anyone familiar with NC109 south towards Denton will understand. We go all the way to Commercial Park Dr. If you are coming into Thomasville there is really no way to turn a truck around that is coupled to a trailer.

Another point with us is that other crimes don't stop when there is an accident. We only have so many Officers on duty and can only do what we can with the resources we have.

In the event that there is a fatality, alot of other Officers(Detectives), and possibly NCSHP are called out and nothing is to be touched until they arrive. I understand your complaint, but look at it as though your family member was in that accident. You would want every possible stone turned over to get to the casue of the accident.

The_Governor, you are right, we don't work for free. :cheers:

[Rockjockey]

I understand that the investigation needs to be done. I don't see why a plan between the police and the local dot department of the town cannot be put in place to put up detour signs. Seems simple enough to do; that's probably why it isn't done.

[USAF_2T2]

I understnad what you are saying, but do have any idea how long it would take some local DOT's to come there? How would they get through traffic? In the mean time you are still waiting. I guess it is one of those things. It sucks for everyone, including us.

[Rockjockey]

Let's see...in the middle of a town, 2 blocks from the town dot garage, with traffic still moving, about 20 minutes, including grabing 6 detour signs. Even if it was an hour, the road was shut down for 5 hours. I understand that it is easier to make excuses than make things happen.