Alright, I’ve really had enough. Today, I went to lunch and I got pulled over again by a cop for “suspicious activity.” I was pulled over previously this week also for the same reason. In all circumstances, I was obeying the law.
I’m not sure why I seem so suspicious, I was traveling at a nominal speed, driving straight, using turn signals, paying attention, and also have valid plates (’till next month).
Anyhow here’s how the Field Interview (FI) went:
[Radio off, hands positioned at 11 and 1 on the steering wheel]
Officer: Good afternoon, how are you doing today?
Me: I’m doing fine. May I ask why you pulled me over?
Officer: You seemed a little suspicious.
Me: What was suspicious? … My vehicle or my driving?
Officer: Can I see your license, registration and insurance?
Me: Sure. [Hands them to him]
Officer: Where are you from?
[Understand that I gave him my AZ license and registration, and I still have my AZ plate]
Me: [Redacted], Arizona
Officer: Ah, where you going?
Me: Just out to lunch and on my way back to work, sir.
Officer: Where do you work?
Me: AOL, it’s right off of Waxpool. Here’s my employee badge — [shows my RFID badge].
Officer: Hm. Ok… [He goes back to his Tahoe and runs some records and comes back]
Me: Sir, what was the reason why you pulled me over? … I’ve been very compliant to your questions today and I haven’t exhibited any unusual or criminal behavior. I would like to know the reason for initiating my stop.
Officer: We’re just making sure everyone is safe.
Me: I beg to differ. This is just so you and your buddies can earn quotas. This is my second time of being pulled over on this road. It’s getting ridiculous. The officer last time provided me the same lines of bullshit on why you are pulling people over.
Officer: Sorry to hear that.
Me: Sure you are. Are you going to write a ticket or am I free to go?
Officer: You better watch your tone, or–
Me: Or what? Write me a ticket that is questionable in the first place, and that it will be my basis for holding you and your department accountable for harassment. Last time I checked, it isn’t a crime to drive in Virginia.
Officer: Here you go. [Abruptly hands back my license, registration and insurance and returns to his vehicle.]
[Drives back to work, fuming.]
I know I was very abrasive at the end, but his dodgy questions and overzealous attitude deserved it. While I may not be the one wearing a badge, I am a customer of sorts, and the police here need to understand how to better adapt to different “customers.” For instance, when I asked very direct and clear questions, I expect them to reply with just as much clarity.
I am thrilled to pay for for my vehicle registration this month. Exhilarated!
