Rarely was an early-day police vehicle equipped with a two-way radio, or even a receiving only (one-way) radio! Many of the officers who contributed photos of early police cars commented that the officer was not protected from the prisoners being transported. No information has been found indicating that any of these cars had any sort of cage or barrier to separate officer from offender. Many departments used the close coupled business coupe for police work, resulting in a transported prisoner sitting directly alongside the officer!
The officer was not protected from the prisioner being transported!? Sitting directly alongside the officer?! That couldnt be too good. That would never fly today!
ReplyDeleteBefore police had the advantage of the shield between them and the criminals they now transport in the back seat, along side of them was the best option they had. This way atleast they could keep somewhat of an eye on the persons they were transporting. Also I think that it was more common to have 2 officers in one vehicle in these times, one to do the driving and the other to watch the criminal.
ReplyDeleteI don't see how police cars didn't have barriers between the criminal and the officer. Thats just sounds completely unsafe. I'm curious if any police officers were injured due to this lack of safety. Especially if you don't have a partner riding with you. How could you watch the criminal behind you and drive. I'd be so nervous
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