Should WA troopers be paid for commuting to work in marked cars?

[flylow7f39]

My thoughts are that they should drive their own cars and pay for their own gas and maintenance for their daily commute.

Full article at https://www.theolympian.com/news/sta...igest_politics

Should WA troopers be paid for commuting to work in marked cars? A lawsuit’s been started

"Three state troopers from Pierce, Thurston and Lewis counties claim the Washington State Patrol’s policy of not paying them for commute time in marked patrol cars violates wage laws, according to a class action filed in Pierce County Superior Court last week.

The practice is unlawful, the troopers say, because they are essentially “on duty” at a “prescribed place of work”: their marked cars. Commuting troopers must follow WSP policies — such as wearing seat belts and refraining from personal errands — pick up emergency dispatch calls and respond to any disabled vehicles, collisions or traffic violations they witness en route to work.

Even if troopers aren’t actively working during their commutes, the lawsuit contends research shows “that even the mere presence of a law enforcement officer in a marked patrol vehicle can greatly improve the safety of motorists, particularly on high speed roadways.”"