http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ChrisCobler/8131 I was cruising down Main Street toward downtown Saturday morning when I had to brake suddenly even though my light was green at Crestwood. A police officer with lights on had pulled out into the intersection even though he had a red light. Of course, flashing police lights always take precedence, and I probably wasn't paying enough attention to cross-traffic. I didn't have to screech my brakes so I don't want to overstate the threat of any injury or damage here. A funeral process then crossed in front of me. The incident did make me think about police departments providing funeral escorts. Where I've lived before, the funeral homes arranged this service on their own. I don't know whether Victoria does this as a free service or charges the funeral homes. Anyone know? I'm not suggesting police shouldn't provide this service. My experience did make me wonder about the wisdom of an officer pulling out on a red light. Do police have devices to change lights from red to green? What are your thoughts about police providing funeral escorts? Here's a law enforcement forum on the subject. I was cruising down Main Street toward downtown Saturday morning when I had to brake suddenly even though my light was green at Crestwood. A police officer with lights on had pulled out into the intersection even though he had a red light. Of course, flashing police lights always take precedence, and I probably wasn't paying enough attention to cross-traffic. I didn't have to screech my brakes so I don't want to overstate the threat of any injury or damage here. A funeral process then crossed in front of me. The incident did make me think about police departments providing funeral escorts. Where I've lived before, the funeral homes arranged this service on their own. I don't know whether Victoria does this as a free service or charges the funeral homes. Anyone know? I'm not suggesting police shouldn't provide this service. My experience did make me wonder about the wisdom of an officer pulling out on a red light. Do police have devices to change lights from red to green? What are your thoughts about police providing funeral escorts? Here's a law enforcement forum on the subject. en-us I was just in Houston...and They do provide this service  and i think it comes with the funeral procession service .. you must have it ..I think..I am almost sure of it....I dont know if you all heard or read about the officer on a motorcycle not too long ago in Houston, Texas  he was escorting a funeral and he had the freeway blocked off and one nut case .. I gather was on the cell or just wasn't paying attention didn't see him parked on the freeway waving his hands and flashing his lights .. as the vehicles were exiting the ramp.. .. rammed him and threw him almost over the guard rail..and killed him...yeah that is a dangerous situation trying to do a good deed.. and you know the deceased wasnt even in a hearse he was in the back of a chevy 4X4  in the bed of the truck.. go figure.. They need to be careful and so do we... http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ChrisCobler/8131/#c_59415 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ChrisCobler/8131/#c_59415 I was just in Houston...and They do provide this service  and i think it comes with the funeral procession service .. you must have it ..I think..I am almost sure of it....I dont know if you all heard or read about the officer on a motorcycle not too long ago in Houston, Texas  he was escorting a funeral and he had the freeway blocked off and one nut case .. I gather was on the cell or just wasn't paying attention didn't see him parked on the freeway waving his hands and flashing his lights .. as the vehicles were exiting the ramp.. .. rammed him and threw him almost over the guard rail..and killed him...yeah that is a dangerous situation trying to do a good deed.. and you know the deceased wasnt even in a hearse he was in the back of a chevy 4X4  in the bed of the truck.. go figure.. They need to be careful and so do we... I'm pretty sure this is a free service and no, they do not have the capabilities to change the lights status. http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ChrisCobler/8131/#c_59425 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ChrisCobler/8131/#c_59425 I'm pretty sure this is a free service and no, they do not have the capabilities to change the lights status. Chris - Texas Huckleberry (why is it that name just makes me smile?) is right. As long as I can remember, police escorts have been available for funerals in Houston, and I do believe they do this as a public service/free courtesy. I thought it was that way everywhere....you mean it's not?? http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ChrisCobler/8131/#c_59428 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ChrisCobler/8131/#c_59428 Chris - Texas Huckleberry (why is it that name just makes me smile?) is right. As long as I can remember, police escorts have been available for funerals in Houston, and I do believe they do this as a public service/free courtesy. I thought it was that way everywhere....you mean it's not?? Why Thank you   ** SugarMagnolia ** .....that  was sweet of you, ......HONEeeee.... (In sweet east Texas drawl voice)... hehhehee.. http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ChrisCobler/8131/#c_59433 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ChrisCobler/8131/#c_59433 Why Thank you   ** SugarMagnolia ** .....that  was sweet of you, ......HONEeeee.... (In sweet east Texas drawl voice)... hehhehee.. Chris, If you are simply asking if Law Enforcement charges or is Funeral escorts a free serive you should have just asked that, and ask when readers think of Police providing escorts. But by describing the situation that propted your questions in the way that you did, even with the caveat that you were probably inattentive, and you "Don't want to overstate" the situation, You did it anyway. You sensationalized what is a normal situation and flung wide open the door for all the anti-cop haters to come post their ranting uninformed B.S. Good going there. You really should work for the Inquirer rather than a traditional Newspaper. But here is to your questions as best asI can answer them: FEE OR FREE? : Don't know. I asked my Bro who has done many an escort.  that is a question "above his paygrade" . At the street level, an Officer is assigned the duty, usually from traffic rather than patrol division. how it is arraigned you might want to ask a funeral home, they should know. RIGHT OR WRONG: Texas Law authorizes the use of Emergency vehicles (police vehicles) as funeral escorts and allows them to close intersections and move through red lights in order to do so.  CHAPTER 546. OPERATION OF AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLES AND CERTAIN OTHER VEHICLES SUBCHAPTER A. AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLES  § 546.001.  PERMISSIBLE CONDUCT.  In operating an authorized emergency vehicle the operator may: (1)  park or stand, irrespective of another provision of this subtitle;     (2)  proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign, after slowing as necessary for safe operation; (3)  exceed a maximum speed limit, except as provided by an ordinance adopted under Section 545.365, as long as the operator does not endanger life or property;  and (4)  disregard a regulation governing the direction of movement or turning in specified directions. § 546.002.  WHEN CONDUCT PERMISSIBLE.  (a)  In this section, "police escort" means facilitating the movement of a funeral, oversized or hazardous load, or other traffic disruption for public safety purposes by a peace officer described by Articles 2.12(1)-(4), (8), and (22), Code of Criminal Procedure. (b)  Section 546.001 applies only when the operator is:                        (1)  responding to an emergency call;                                         (2)  pursuing an actual or suspected violator of the law;                   (3)  responding to but not returning from a fire alarm;                       (4)  directing or diverting traffic for public safety purposes;  or         (5)  conducting a police escort. Cops are required to slow up, use their lights and give a few whelps of their siren, and EASE INTO the intersection and stop cross traffic. They DO NOT just pull out in front of you. Only people who are not paying enough attention would miss them and have to suddenly hit their brakes. ::hint, hint::   http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ChrisCobler/8131/#c_59434 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ChrisCobler/8131/#c_59434 Chris, If you are simply asking if Law Enforcement charges or is Funeral escorts a free serive you should have just asked that, and ask when readers think of Police providing escorts. But by describing the situation that propted your questions in the way that you did, even with the caveat that you were probably inattentive, and you "Don't want to overstate" the situation, You did it anyway. You sensationalized what is a normal situation and flung wide open the door for all the anti-cop haters to come post their ranting uninformed B.S. Good going there. You really should work for the Inquirer rather than a traditional Newspaper. But here is to your questions as best asI can answer them: FEE OR FREE? : Don't know. I asked my Bro who has done many an escort.  that is a question "above his paygrade" . At the street level, an Officer is assigned the duty, usually from traffic rather than patrol division. how it is arraigned you might want to ask a funeral home, they should know. RIGHT OR WRONG: Texas Law authorizes the use of Emergency vehicles (police vehicles) as funeral escorts and allows them to close intersections and move through red lights in order to do so.  CHAPTER 546. OPERATION OF AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLES AND CERTAIN OTHER VEHICLES SUBCHAPTER A. AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLES  § 546.001.  PERMISSIBLE CONDUCT.  In operating an authorized emergency vehicle the operator may: (1)  park or stand, irrespective of another provision of this subtitle;     (2)  proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign, after slowing as necessary for safe operation; (3)  exceed a maximum speed limit, except as provided by an ordinance adopted under Section 545.365, as long as the operator does not endanger life or property;  and (4)  disregard a regulation governing the direction of movement or turning in specified directions. § 546.002.  WHEN CONDUCT PERMISSIBLE.  (a)  In this section, "police escort" means facilitating the movement of a funeral, oversized or hazardous load, or other traffic disruption for public safety purposes by a peace officer described by Articles 2.12(1)-(4), (8), and (22), Code of Criminal Procedure. (b)  Section 546.001 applies only when the operator is:                        (1)  responding to an emergency call;                                         (2)  pursuing an actual or suspected violator of the law;                   (3)  responding to but not returning from a fire alarm;                       (4)  directing or diverting traffic for public safety purposes;  or         (5)  conducting a police escort. Cops are required to slow up, use their lights and give a few whelps of their siren, and EASE INTO the intersection and stop cross traffic. They DO NOT just pull out in front of you. Only people who are not paying enough attention would miss them and have to suddenly hit their brakes. ::hint, hint::   Sailor - I would hope that most people give the proper respect and courtesy/right-of-way to funeral processions, escorted (as I said, I wasn't aware there were any other kind) or not. I know that I do, and the presence of the police officers always makes me pause to think about the duties they perform day in and day out. They are appreciated! (at least, by me). I know that my parents taught me to always pull over, turn down the radio, and give respect to a funeral procession. I remember them telling me that was the person's "last ride" and one should always be respectful. If a man our car was wearing a hat, it was taken off as a sign of respect. I just always assumed that people did things like that, but I am saddened to think that maybe people don't anymore. C'mon, guys, show a little respect to the deceased and their families, AND to the officers escorting them on their "last ride". It only takes a minute out of your busy day. Wouldn't you want them to do the same for you and your loved ones? Texas Huckleberry    :)        You're welcome! http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ChrisCobler/8131/#c_59438 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ChrisCobler/8131/#c_59438 Sailor - I would hope that most people give the proper respect and courtesy/right-of-way to funeral processions, escorted (as I said, I wasn't aware there were any other kind) or not. I know that I do, and the presence of the police officers always makes me pause to think about the duties they perform day in and day out. They are appreciated! (at least, by me). I know that my parents taught me to always pull over, turn down the radio, and give respect to a funeral procession. I remember them telling me that was the person's "last ride" and one should always be respectful. If a man our car was wearing a hat, it was taken off as a sign of respect. I just always assumed that people did things like that, but I am saddened to think that maybe people don't anymore. C'mon, guys, show a little respect to the deceased and their families, AND to the officers escorting them on their "last ride". It only takes a minute out of your busy day. Wouldn't you want them to do the same for you and your loved ones? Texas Huckleberry    :)        You're welcome! It is a pay system, it is not free. At least the last time I was involved. Don't know about the one for my aunt in Mississippi. It was neat there though. When the law enforcement stopped the intersection, the officer got out of the car, took their hat off and put it over their heart at least for the family cars. http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ChrisCobler/8131/#c_59443 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ChrisCobler/8131/#c_59443 It is a pay system, it is not free. At least the last time I was involved. Don't know about the one for my aunt in Mississippi. It was neat there though. When the law enforcement stopped the intersection, the officer got out of the car, took their hat off and put it over their heart at least for the family cars. Sailor, Everything isn't an invitation to bash the police. As far as I can see so far, everyone has offered reasoned and restrained observations on the topic. Many municipalities no longer offer this service. When officers are badly needed on the streets, it's a reasonable question to ask whether taxpayers should continue to foot the bill. I don't have a strong feeling one way or another, but this incident did bring the question to my mind. I'll have to ask more about how much the service costs and who pays for it. My suggestion to you would be that you'd run into less opposition on these forums if you didn't immediately go into attack mode. I appreciate that you're active and interested in the community. I shake my head at your comment about the National Enquirer. You frequently complain when people post what you deem to be personal attacks, yet you're quick to do the same to others. http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ChrisCobler/8131/#c_59447 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ChrisCobler/8131/#c_59447 Sailor, Everything isn't an invitation to bash the police. As far as I can see so far, everyone has offered reasoned and restrained observations on the topic. Many municipalities no longer offer this service. When officers are badly needed on the streets, it's a reasonable question to ask whether taxpayers should continue to foot the bill. I don't have a strong feeling one way or another, but this incident did bring the question to my mind. I'll have to ask more about how much the service costs and who pays for it. My suggestion to you would be that you'd run into less opposition on these forums if you didn't immediately go into attack mode. I appreciate that you're active and interested in the community. I shake my head at your comment about the National Enquirer. You frequently complain when people post what you deem to be personal attacks, yet you're quick to do the same to others. Sugar and Sandwich (a new combination?), You make a good point about the service being a good reminder of what police officers do. That in itself might make the service worthwhile for the public to pay for it. http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ChrisCobler/8131/#c_59449 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ChrisCobler/8131/#c_59449 Sugar and Sandwich (a new combination?), You make a good point about the service being a good reminder of what police officers do. That in itself might make the service worthwhile for the public to pay for it. I ahve a freind who was a cop in ft bend county.  He had an awesome motorcycle.  He did funeral processions, oversize escorts, and freeway closings.  All were paid jobs in addidion to the regular duty.  Usually the police escort is included in the price of funeral expenses.  http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ChrisCobler/8131/#c_59451 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ChrisCobler/8131/#c_59451 I ahve a freind who was a cop in ft bend county.  He had an awesome motorcycle.  He did funeral processions, oversize escorts, and freeway closings.  All were paid jobs in addidion to the regular duty.  Usually the police escort is included in the price of funeral expenses.  There is a fee for it and I think the funeral home takes care of it. Whether they add it on in their fee, I don't know. I do know that when the officers enter the intersection that make sure it's safe to do so. What irritatesme is that the traffic coming towards the processional doesn't stop to show respect. I guess I shouldn't be surprised, most don't even stop for emergency vehicles.  http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ChrisCobler/8131/#c_59454 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ChrisCobler/8131/#c_59454 There is a fee for it and I think the funeral home takes care of it. Whether they add it on in their fee, I don't know. I do know that when the officers enter the intersection that make sure it's safe to do so. What irritatesme is that the traffic coming towards the processional doesn't stop to show respect. I guess I shouldn't be surprised, most don't even stop for emergency vehicles.  I've buried four members of my family over the last four years and I can tell you that the cost of police escorts are included in the funeral bill along with use of the hearse, etc.  At least this is the way it is with the funeral home I dealt with. http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ChrisCobler/8131/#c_59486 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ChrisCobler/8131/#c_59486 I've buried four members of my family over the last four years and I can tell you that the cost of police escorts are included in the funeral bill along with use of the hearse, etc.  At least this is the way it is with the funeral home I dealt with. Vietnam Vet, I'm sorry you've had such a difficult four years. Were your family members buried in Victoria? http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ChrisCobler/8131/#c_59491 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ChrisCobler/8131/#c_59491 Vietnam Vet, I'm sorry you've had such a difficult four years. Were your family members buried in Victoria? Chris, Thanks for your condolences. Yes, they were all buried here in Victoria in the same cemetery. http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ChrisCobler/8131/#c_59497 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ChrisCobler/8131/#c_59497 Chris, Thanks for your condolences. Yes, they were all buried here in Victoria in the same cemetery. I am with Chris about Sailor..  as George Lopez  friend always states in the SHOW .."You Cant Say Nothin"..hehheehe... ms ATX gurlee....... I still do as you.. pull over and turn down the radio and wait till the procession goes by and its just common courtsey taught to me also by my parents.... and people will follow your lead (sometimes)...because ..they dont know what is going on..so to be on the safe side they will also pull over.. http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ChrisCobler/8131/#c_59498 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ChrisCobler/8131/#c_59498 I am with Chris about Sailor..  as George Lopez  friend always states in the SHOW .."You Cant Say Nothin"..hehheehe... ms ATX gurlee....... I still do as you.. pull over and turn down the radio and wait till the procession goes by and its just common courtsey taught to me also by my parents.... and people will follow your lead (sometimes)...because ..they dont know what is going on..so to be on the safe side they will also pull over.. the escort does a drill that  the back unit stays  till main group passes then hurries to the next intersection.  I have never seen them blare out into the open intersection regardless of the  lamp color.  The route is taken into consideration as well.  Safety for all  is a factor as well.  Please don't hound on it.  I WANT THEM to stay doing this.  It's a great civic duty, paid or not.  chris- by  chance did you not see cars pulled over or traffic not moving?  early sign of procession nearby.  http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ChrisCobler/8131/#c_59502 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ChrisCobler/8131/#c_59502 the escort does a drill that  the back unit stays  till main group passes then hurries to the next intersection.  I have never seen them blare out into the open intersection regardless of the  lamp color.  The route is taken into consideration as well.  Safety for all  is a factor as well.  Please don't hound on it.  I WANT THEM to stay doing this.  It's a great civic duty, paid or not.  chris- by  chance did you not see cars pulled over or traffic not moving?  early sign of procession nearby.  Fatboy, No, I didn't see any traffic stopped because they were coming off a smaller side street, Crestwood, while I was driving on an arterial with a green light. I wasn't looking at the traffic on the side street, although good defensive drivers should be doing that. I don't know whether this is a legitimate safety concern, but officers are at most risk on the job from traffic. I did a quick search on the subject and found this recent example of two motorcycle officers being injured during a funeral procession. Everything carries risks, of course. If we as a community think this service is worth performing, that's fine with me. I've been fortunate enough to not have a funeral for a family member recently. I agree with paying our respects and stopping for processions. The forum discussion I linked to on my post contains quite a few interesting other perspectives. http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ChrisCobler/8131/#c_59503 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ChrisCobler/8131/#c_59503 Fatboy, No, I didn't see any traffic stopped because they were coming off a smaller side street, Crestwood, while I was driving on an arterial with a green light. I wasn't looking at the traffic on the side street, although good defensive drivers should be doing that. I don't know whether this is a legitimate safety concern, but officers are at most risk on the job from traffic. I did a quick search on the subject and found this recent example of two motorcycle officers being injured during a funeral procession. Everything carries risks, of course. If we as a community think this service is worth performing, that's fine with me. I've been fortunate enough to not have a funeral for a family member recently. I agree with paying our respects and stopping for processions. The forum discussion I linked to on my post contains quite a few interesting other perspectives.