"But, try and get a call answered, except in an emergency (even then, there is wasted time involved...)"
Thieves broke into a friend of mine's car and stole $800 worth of property. The police would not come out and investigate. They took the report by phone and mailed him a copy to send to his insurance company along with his claim.
The same has happened here. I guess when Dunkin Donuts is burgled, they will arrive pronto! Yet, they still send me a little sticker, with an appeal for my money....
I just want one of those license plates with "FOP", so I can speed, too!
Thats actually considered innovative in LE. Basically, if the guy smashed your window with a rock and grabbed some CDs a few hours ago he is gone. There is no sherlock holmes activity involved here. All sending a patrol car does is take a car out of service that could be ready to stop an in-progress crime.