Police and Law Enforcement News

Drag Racers Racing
the Police. Legally.

SAN DIEGO - In a bold and very unique initiative, San Diego Police have launched a new initiate against drag racing; they are allowing it.

In fact, motor heads can actually race the cops in police vehicles. They can even use nitrous oxide.

The program, dubbed “Code 4 Racing,” was created to combat illegal drag racing which was becoming a widespread and deadly problem in San Diego.

Before you laugh, consider this.

In an interview, San Diego Police Chief William Landsdowne said, "We had 14 deaths and 31 serious injuries due to street racing in 2002. This year, thanks to this program that teaches people about where to race their cars, we've had no deaths and only four injuries. It's a 98 percent reduction in street racing in the city of San Diego."

According to the sponsor website, “The RaceLegal.com ‘Code 4 Racing Program’ was conceived and operationalized by San Diego Police Department officers Mark McCullough and Scott Thompson.”

“It was designed to assist with re-directing young people from participating in illegal street racing activity to the fun, safer and sanctioned alternative of legal track racing. In addition, the importance of ‘buckling up’ and strictly adhering to ‘0 tolerance’ guidelines are also emphasized by the off-duty police officers.

The racing events are held once or twice each month.