Friday, November 21, 2008

Criminal


So you'll never believe what happened to me:

I'm going to make a long story short(er)~

I was speeding down a long strip on the way home last night, and I got caught. Not a big deal, right? I'm calm, very in-control of the matter... until the officer comes back to my car and informs me that I'm driving with a suspended licence! He asks me to step out of my vehicle, face the car, and place my hands behind my back. He places me under arrest, and escorts me to the back of his vehicle!

Normally, one would be freaking out, right? Especially someone like me, who totally DISLIKES cops. I know a couple in my own life that are the exception, but generally speaking, I think they suck. However, this officer was so nice, and so caring. When he placed me under arrest, he did so almost apologetically. He gingerly put the cuffs around my wrists in a manner that allowed for the most comfort while still serving their purpose. He read me my rights and asked me the questions he needed to, without prying into my personal life, or lecturing me. He was kind, quick, and helpful. He made sure that I got into and out of his patrol vehicle without hitting my head. He told me everything he was going to do before he did it, and respected me as a human being; he didn't treat me like a criminal at all!

When he was through issuing me my ticket, and explaining to me what I needed to do to take care of this matter, he offered to give me a ride home if I was unable to get someone to come get me. I let him drive me home, and ,again, he did so without lecturing me. He made it a point to gather my things for me before he or I forgot them in the car, and he asked me to relax, and made sure I felt okay. When I thanked him for making it such a painless experience, he told me: "Well, it's my job to do that. I'm not here to harass ya. I'm here to help you." Then he apologized that I had to go through that, and after I told him not to worry about it, because it was my own fault, he said, "Well it's not very often that people take responsiblity for their actions. Thank you, and you try to enjoy the rest of your night." Then he left.

I looked at the ticket he issued, to find his name. Would you know that he had the same initial as me, and the same last name?!

I thank God that I was pulled over by this officer, and not another who would have treated me poorly. Having already had one bad experience with a state patrol, I was very grateful to have that experience with a law-enforcement officer who epitomized the position and authority he held. And I'm grateful that I was able to get home, get my car back not 30 minutes later, and have things with my car taken care of so easily. I felt so blessed when I came home, and realized how much simpler a trial that was for me than it should have been, or might have been. I was arrested, you know?!

4 comments:

Mrs. Boojwa said...

Wow. Well I'm glad that it wasn't a horrible experience. Why is your license suspended if you don't mind me asking?

EJ said...

I had a rather large ticket I didn't finish paying off. I'm still in the process of paying it off, just for some reason my payment didn't get recognized or something.

I'm stil working on the whole "being responsible" thing, haha...

Bravone said...

Can't wait to see you on Cops bad boy.

One time I was pulled over for speeding in Kuna, Idaho. I didn't realize I was speeding. I was lost and late for my son's field trip. The officer asked me for my license, registration and proof of insurance. I always have them in the jockey box, but couldn't find them. He took my license, told me to keep looking and went to his car.

When he came back, he asked me if I had found the registration and insurance card. I hadn't, it was probably stuck somewhere between the Les Schwab yellow envelopes. He asked me if I knew that my driver's license was expired. I didn't. He must have seen the look of exasperation on my face and asked if I was having a bad day:) He then handed me my license back with at least 30 staples in it and crossed out with black marker. He told me that if he ever caught me speeding in Kuna again, he would give me a ticket. He then told me to go get my license renewed and have a nice day!

Tender mercy!

EJ said...

Tender mercies, indeed, B! I thank the Lord above for them~