I see and hear of police giving people rides after accidents or being broke down all the time. Are they chancing losing their jobs for these people?? I doubt it. Also, when someone gets arrested and they wreck, are they gonna let the criminal go uncovered? Why hell no. They have more rights than any non-criminal. I'm sure you know that.
As far as government officials and their vehicles; I'm quite certain as long as they are using it for business whether it's training, going to lunch or whatever, they can use them. If they are carrying their kids to school enroute to work, then good! They should be able to do that unless they are required to be at work before 8 or so.
As a fireman, if they want me to drive to Tuscaloosa for a week long class, they will either provide me with a car or pay my mileage, or I won't go and I'll continue working on the side instead of going to that class and make money instead of spending it on going to a class. I just don't see an issue with driving a gov. owned car to do training or carrying kids to school if it's on the way anyway.
As said before, it's just my opinion. Doesn't bother me unless taxpayer money is being abused. So far, I can't see where it is in this thread.