I like the list. It's easier than debating.
Between 15.5 and 40, pulled over for no apparent reason at
least 20 times. I'm giving them the benefit of memory with the number. I was guilty of driving an older car, hair slightly below my ears, and the ultimate sin; driving after 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday.
Told to empty out my pockets because I was talking to a homlessness person.
At least three tickets, where I honestly didn't know what law I broke. I once kindly asked the officer to diagram what I did wrong. He did and even initialed it. Street wrong, wrong color car. He didn't show up n court. (Highway Patrol harldy ever shows up, and they are well coached. Local cops will always show up--there's not much to do in the burbs.)
Watch my dad get out of a DUI, because he as giving a get out of jail card. His buddy gave him his detective's business card, with some scribbling on back.
Done Coke at two different parties, and the supplier were both in law enforcement. Great Coke--I guess? (I was much younger, and honestly, really didn't even like the Coke effects. I think I was drinking too much at the party? I'm no angel.)
In college, I worked as a life guard. The lonely Sherriff would hang with us. He would leave a party if mariguana was in the air, but would get stinky drunk, and drive us around. When we got pulled over, he would Just pull out the Bagde. Yes--I went along. Never like the hypocracy of the dude.
Watched a Francisco cop drive my high school sister, and her model friend to the north side of the bridge, actually they escorted her. They allowed her to drive drunk. One then asked for her phone number. Yes--it's great they didn't ticket/arrest her, but only because she was young, and attractive.
Listen to my dad complain about his cop best friend who just played chess in the basement of the corner building. My dad thought they should be out cruising for the bad guys. I asked my father, "Wouldn't you rather them playing chess, over looking for cheezy tickets?" Father, "Well yes." (I see nothing wrong with doing nothing while on shift, especially in low crime areas. And I don't expect cops to risk their lives. Honestly.)
What has this thought me; buy two cheap dash cams from China. $15 a piece. Just don't drive certain nights. If you are going to go to the evil bar/hootenanny, buy a $19 breath analyzer at Costco.
I can't imagine what minorites have been through, as I am a white dude. Am I an angel--hell no. I guess I'm just unlucky? When I was younger, I honestly didn't think slightly longer hair, and a VW would equate with being harassed, but it did. Do I get harrrased as much now--no. I don't go out like I did, and I drive a car that's inconspicuous, with no bumper stickers. I once put a Police Officers Association sticker on my rear window; trying to invoke reverse psychology. Well it just bought in a red brick.
Do I see people being treated like they had no rights--hell yes, more than ever. The image of a women being forced to empty her purse because she was sitting on the sidewalk is my latest imprint. She was bum rushed by five cops, and a particularly eager female cop whom frisked her too agressively. They left her alone after finding nothing suspicious in her purse, but took her picture. Love to take those pictures?
Again I know they have a tough job, but don't make up tickets. Get to know the law--other than on the job. Oh yea, we all don't get roaring drunk when we go out? You might, but most of us don't. We are not, "Just like you on our days off?". As to the danger of the job; I do morn the death of an honest cop, but actually deaths are higher in construction/taxi cab drivers.
I guess what I'm trying to say is don't stereotype, and make up drama. I'm wondering if I'll live to see the day where I don't cringe when a cruiser is behind me? Done!