[todd95GT]

For those of you reading this far, I am the friend of Chris' that sent him that e-mail. Chris, thank you. Reading the majority of the posts in reply to Chris' letter was not surprising. Negativity from the majority is expected. I did not become a police officer for an adrenaline rush. I didn't do it to drive fast with my lights whirling around and the siren on. I certainly didn't do it to carry a gun and abuse the badge I wear. I became a cop and love my job because I enjoy making people smile when their problems are solved. I enjoy the mental challenge that I endure constantly, making decisions that will effect someone's life forever, whether that be taking them to jail, writing a ticket, laying my hands on them, or using deadly force.
No, I was not forced into this job by any means. Was it a calling? Absolutely. My father is in his 37th year as a cop, and since my childhood, I couldn't think of anything else to do with my life that interested me as much.
Do I make a fortune? No. Do I care about that? Not really. That's what retirement is for. I can always make it then. Do I work crappy hours and have to work holidays? Yep. Do I care? Again, I knew that was the case when I took my oath.
I won't argue other people's perspectives. There are good and bad in every single profession in existence. Certainly this one is not exempt.
Speed traps: I only have one comment to make and of course, everyone is entitled to his or her opinion. But, me personally, I don't form one until I know all sides. If I did, I wouldn't be doing my job very effectively. I have certainly sat behind the trees in my bright-as-day marked cruiser with a laser or a radar gun and zapped traffic whizzing by. Depending on the street, I am fairly leniant in exercising my authority to issue citations. However, what the daily commuter doesn't see is the body of the child that was scraped off of the utility pole that was just blown by, only days before the ticket was written to the offender. Speed limits are posted for a reason. In Florida, we can not write a ticket for 5 mph over or less. Does that mean I'd write one for six mph? Absolutely not. Could I? Absolutely can. That is, after all, part of what I get paid for.
Do I think that departments should require a degree to justify the pay? Nope. And I have my degree. It doesn't make anyone smarter than the next person and smarts doesn't make a good cop. What does can not be taught. Instinct, rational thought, and common sense makes a productive, helpful officer. The money we make comes from the tax payers of the city. I don't get a free toaster for writing a slew of tickets, nor do I get raises or any type of merit for writing more than anyone else.
But don't forget: right now in your neighborhood, someone is beating his or her significant other. Someone is stealing from the local store. Someone is being raped. Someone is being murdered. If we could set up "rape traps", we would. Same goes for every other crime. Most can not be prevented and our legal system has proven to be anything but a detterent.
Before a new server is needed because of my rambling, thank you for the kind words said by most, and to those with not so kind words, I hope you don't have bury two friends in one week for doing something they love to do: helping other people, maybe even your family. I have the utmost respect for anyone who lives a productive, contributory lifestyle. Are there other dangerous professions? Sure. There are jobs more dangerous. I wouldn't want to be fighting in a Afghani cave right now, that's for sure. But like many have said, until I've done your job, I won't knock it. Even if your job has a negative effect on my life, someone has to do it.
Take care all and thanks again Chris. As far as us being normal people, of course we are. Give me a few months and I'll be adding an intercooled Procharger to my Cobra look-alike.
~Todd