AUSTIN, Texas — Doubling up in patrol cars means double the manpower.
“It’s a lot easier if there’s two of us,” said Senior Police Officer Peter Arroyo.
But the downsized fleet does not mean partnering up has been all that easy for the men and women of the Austin Police Department. The Austin Police Department sidelined 400 Ford SUV's after complaints of carbon monoxide exposure. The move forced officers to pair up.
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“When you’re used to working by yourself you get into certain habits and when you have a partner you have to adjust your habits,” Arroyo said.
"Everybody has their own ways of doing this job, they have their different ways of writing reports, different ways of speaking to people," said Arroyo's partner, Officer Tim Skeen.
Still, the team is steering clear of any problems that prevent the job from getting done. Officers Arroyo and Skeen said during their 10-hour shifts, it is inevitable that they learn from each other. Arroyo is a 16-year veteran, while Skeen is a rookie.
“You feel safe, safer having somebody with you when you go out on somebody you know might be up to no good,” Skeen said.
“You have instant back up, he’s with you. You have two set of eyes, watching out, looking scanning the neighborhood," Arroyo said. "If you're writing a report, you have a partner who’s watching out for you while your head is down.”
But the pressure is on when officers get a heavy load of calls. APD reports a 30-second increase to response time, including priority calls.
"There have been quite a few times, I’ve heard complaints about how long it took us to get there, you know," Skeen said. "We always try to be apologetic and let them know exactly what’s going on, always be open and honest."
"Just be patient with us, we’re trying the best we can with what we have in hand," Arroyo said.
Interim Police Chief Brian Manley said four APD officers linked to suspected carbon monoxide exposure remain on a no-duty status, as advised by their doctors.