Police Officer Catches Car After 1.72 Seconds

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A motorcycle officer pursues a car that ignores a stop sign, starting her chase 1.72 seconds after the car has passed. She accelerates at 3.6 m/s² until reaching a speed of 104 km/h, then maintains that speed to catch the car, which is 1.2 km away at the start of her pursuit. The discussion focuses on calculating the time it takes for the officer to catch the car and determining the car's speed. Participants suggest using relevant equations to solve the problem, emphasizing the initial delay in the officer's pursuit. The thread highlights the importance of understanding motion equations in solving such scenarios.
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Homework Statement


A motorcycle officer hidden at an intersection observes a car driven by an oblivious driver who ignores a stop sign and continues through the intersection at constant speed. The police officer takes off in pursuit 1.72 s after the car has passed the stop sign. She accelerates at 3.6 m/s2 until her speed is 104 km/h, and then continues at this speed until she catches the car. At that instant, the car is 1.2 km from the intersection.

a) How long did it take for the officer to catch up to the car?
b) How fast was the car traveling?
 
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You might find the search function useful, this is like the third thread in three days with this question.

Also, it is useful to post some relevant equations, perhaps?
 
I am having trouble with the fact that is starts 1.72s behind.
 
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