The Range of Police Interactions: Reflections on Professionalism

I've only received a couple of traffic tickets in 60 years of driving. Such interactions have been rare, and most encounters with law enforcement have been professional and respectful. However, two tales stand out in my memory, showcasing an unprofessional side of police behavior during such encounters.

A Ticket and the Implied Self-Incrimination

A particularly memorable experience occurred back in the 1970s, while driving through Chicago. I was pulled over for speeding. The motorcycle officer, instead of providing clear reasons, began his conversation with a vague inquiry: “Well, how fast do you suppose you were going?” Despite my honest response that I didn't remember the speed, he pressed on, suggesting a specific speed—43 miles per hour—and encouraged me to admit to it, applying pressure through implied incrimination. When I repeated my honest answer, frustrated, he wrote a ticket with that speed, misrepresented later as clocked on radar.

Given my situation, working 70 hours per week, it wasn't worth the effort to contest the ticket in court. This approach by the officer was not only unprofessional but also disrespectful to the principles of justice and fair treatment.

A More Brutal Encounter

Another unprofessional incident involved a different officer, also in the 1970s. In this encounter, a motorcycle cop hinted that he would let me go if I bought him lunch. Instead of an elegant solution, I decided to test his offer, handing him a twenty-dollar bill in a roll. He left the scene, and just minutes later, he pulled me over again with his lights flashing. This time, the officer angrily threw the twenty back at me, with a vulgar remark: “What the f**k do you think I eat for lunch? F**k… hot dogs.”

Encounters with law enforcement are often positive, but these two examples highlight the importance of maintaining professional and respectful standards. Police officers are not just enforcers of the law; they are public servants with a duty to uphold the law and the trust of their communities.

As stated, they often interact with diverse groups, including law enforcement professionals, immigrants, working-class individuals, union members, and members of the LGBTQIA community. Despite occasional tensions, most young patrol officers are highly commendable for their dedication and bravery, given the risks and modest pay.

Yet, it's clear that such unprofessional behavior, though rare, can have significant impacts on public opinion and trust. Ensuring professionalism in traffic law enforcement is not a matter of political capital but a fundamental aspect of ensuring justice and respect for all individuals.

In conclusion, while most interactions with law enforcement are professional and respectful, there are instances that undermine the trust and credibility of these officers. It is essential for law enforcement to maintain high standards of professionalism to foster a collaborative and respectful relationship with the public.