I'd lean to creative
bending of their powers. Often, the call is not sent out Code 4 (or whatever the jurisdictions' emergency code is) but the officer thinks it might get critical. At least in Colorado, they cannot break speed laws without their lights and sirens visible and audible -- so they might be using this ability to get to a non-critical call that they think is important.
We do certify them to make judgements on our behalf...
