According to a report by a major Florida newspaper, police officers are responsible for some of the state's worst speeding offenses, as well as a number of traffic wrecks, injuries and deaths.

The three-month investigation revealed that nearly 800 officers from across the state have been cited for driving at speeds of up to 130 mph on state highways, many of whom were off duty at the time. Since 2004, such driving has resulting in at least 320 crashes and 19 fatalities. One serious car accident uncovered by the investigation involved a Florida officer who collided with a college student, leaving the young man with permanent brain damage.

An assistant chief with one Florida police department explained that some of the speeding incidents may be explained by officers being called into work for emergencies, but conceded that some officers speed because they know they likely do so without facing punishment. In fact, more than half of the incidents covered by the report involved officers who were traveling to and from work, responding to routine, non-emergency calls or traveling outside of their jurisdiction. Several sheriffs' deputies were found to have excessively sped, but it is difficult to determine whether they were in or out of their jurisdictions at the time.

According to the investigation, many officers that are punished face discipline from their departments, but are often allowed to keep their jobs. Criminal charges for such offenses are reportedly rare. Only one officer involved in such accidents received a jail sentence, with a length of just 60 days.

This information is probably of little solace to the families of victims. They may want to pursue wrongful death or personal injury lawsuits against the police departments.

Source: Sun-Sentinel, "Cops among Florida's worst speeders, Sun Sentinel investigation finds," Sally Kestin and John Maines, Feb. 11, 2012