Reader wonders if cops are really patrolling Rochester streets

Nov. 24—Dear Answer Man: I drive on the Rochester streets eight hours every day, and for the last two years or so I’m lucky to see one Rochester police car out patrolling. If there’s an accident you see a lot of them, but not just patrolling the streets, and I never see them doing traffic enforcement. If a car is pulled over for a traffic violation it’s either the Olmsted County Sheriff or the State Patrol. Goodness knows with the crazy drivers in Rochester we need more enforcement of the traffic laws, just curious if the Rochester police gave up. — Sincerely Confused.

Dear Confused,

Maybe you lead a charmed life. Maybe those cops are out chasing criminals, and you walk (drive) the straight-and-narrow path.

I see cops out patrolling all the time. Maybe they just know that, without the Wise Woman in the car, Answer Man is liable to break some traffic laws, so they’re just waiting for their chance.

I don’t know what to tell you other than to turn things over to Rochester Police Department spokeswoman Amanda Grayson.

“From Jan. 1, 2024 to Oct. 31, 2024, RPD issued approximately 2,000 traffic citations,” Grayson said.

She adds a clue as to why — possibly — you see State Patrol and Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office officers doling out more tickets. “In general, the State Patrol conducts traffic stops on state highways, (i.e. U.S. Highway 52), and the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office conducts traffic stops on county roadways,” she said.

Perhaps your daylong driving routes are more focused on county and state roads, and that’s why you see those officers making traffic stops rather than RPD officers. Or, again, maybe you lead that charmed life.

That said, Grayson assures me (and you) that RPD “is committed to traffic safety and conducts multiple traffic stops throughout the City of Rochester each day.”

Between nine and 13 officers are on patrol during each shift. Additionally, RPD has a dedicated DWI officer funded through a grant via the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

Now, you mentioned the need for more enforcement of the traffic laws. And I, for one, would agree. We’ve all seen drivers speeding at 80 mph in the left-hand lane going up or down Highway 52. We’ve all seen questionable lane changes and drivers who can’t seem to pick a lane while they meander down the road.

Unfortunately, RPD can’t be everywhere. If someone’s driving has you worried, give them a little toot with your horn to, hopefully, bring them in line. And when you do so, I’ll wave back at you.

Nothing keeps you on the cruising the path of success like knowledge. Send questions to Answer Man at answerman@postbulletin.com.

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