We have all, unfortunately, heard the stories of ego-driven and heavy-handed police tactics. We need to hear more, a lot more, stories regarding the Officers who get the job done using intellect and measured force. \r
\r
Just this morning (approx. 2 a.m.) my vehicle malfunctioned in a bad place (Wadesboro; top of the steepest hill at stoplight) and I had to roll back downhill into a darkened bank parking lot. This was a scenario for things to only get worse. \r
\r
Soon a patrol car came from around the bank and I moved to meet the officer. I was expecting the kind of treatment I got in Mint Hill a couple years previously at 12:30 a.m. when stopped for allegedly exceeding the speed limit. The Mint Hill Officer harangued me with questions about 'drinking' and went through all my personal belongings. I had to take the baloon test etc........... he claimed it showed trace alcohol. Interesting result as I do not drink alcohol. I also invited him to call back to the pub where I'd been and check on my consumption of one large Sprite. I felt lucky to leave after forty-five minutes w/ a minor speeding violation.\r
\r
The Wadesboro encounter, this morning, should be a textbook lesson for others to study. The Officer (Officer Luckey) worked the situation in the most professional manner.\r
\r
Instead of immediately concluding I was in violation of the law(s) he took the cerebral approach. As I spoke to him in his cruiser I was aware he was sizing me up using visual, verbal and other available objective and subjective clues. He was checking for odors, checking my eys, checking my speech patterns, watching my dexterity and so forth. Officer Luckey did all this w/ minimal words, no threats and no big splashy scenery of lights and sirens. \r
\r
As we spoke I noticed another cruiser w/ two Officers pull up nearby w/ two occupants. To all their credit, they did not come over and complicate matters but silently gave 'backup'. Again, no unnecessary big scene. They had the situation totally controlled with stealth precision.\r
\r
Officer Luckey was kind enough to loan me his flashlight and, when I determined I might be able to get the vehicle moving, he helped out. I had no functional clutch so stoplights were bad news. Once I got the truck moving Officer Luckey drove ahead helping me through the lights of Wadesboro and on my way. \r
\r
This whole encounter could easily have been a totally negative experience with very negative outcomes. My vehicle is old and my clothes are working man. Also, my hair is a bit long. \r
\r
I want to thank Officer Luckey and the others. I'm an old Viet Vet who was coming from visiting another very ill Viet Vet. \r
\r
There was a time when I would have come to the aid of any Officer needing help. It's just the way I am. With so much bad news on the net and in papers regarding 'hard' police tactics I have had to question how I would determine whether to help. \r
\r
Having experienced the Police in Wadesboro the question won't have to be asked; I'll know what to do.\r
\r
Thank You Officer Luckey and your 'backup'.\r
\r
God Bless You and Yours,\r
\r
Sincerely, Brian W. RF, RN, EMTD\r
\r
VietVet 70
Pros: DISCERNING AND PROFESSIONAL POLICE WORK
Cons: N/A
more