Back to Work

Today was the first day back after having six (6) days off.

I received one call to a non injury collision. Two very nice people had the mere misfortune to meet under some very sad circumstances. I think while I was gathering the necessary information, they were working on becoming very good friends.

Its not what happens, but it is how you respond to that incident that makes a difference.

Moving through the day, you are never surprised in what you are going to run into, or should I say experience.

My duties are defined as a traffic officer. That includes the issuing of citations for violations, responding to collisions, traffic hazards or anything that might or does involve an automobile.

When issuing citations, we often utilize radars to assist with speed detection. We will learn about problems from citizens who call either the Mayors office or the police department to complain about speeders. In this case, the neighbors called about speeding on a neighborhood street.

One of my first vehicles to stop, the woman was cooperative when providing the license and insurance. After she learned that she was going to receive a citation, she got quite angry. She began uttering, "Why aren't you out chasing the real problems, like dope dealers, this is crap, I have lived in this neighborhood for 10 years."

I guess that she did not like the fact that I was out issuing citations to individuals who are violating the speeding laws. Not to quote Webster's Dictionary, but someone who violates a law could be considered a criminal.

It was a real surprise though, I actually did what she requested (sort of). I stopped two more vehicles for speeding. The second driver was a "real criminal", maybe according to this one upset driver. This driver had five outstanding warrants. These warrants were for Child Abuse, Obtaining Merchandise by Bogus Check, Driving Under Suspension, Expired Tag and No Proof of Insurance. 'So I guess I caught myself a real criminal according to that one violator.'

But in reality, I caught myself fourteen (14) criminals, who violated many of the laws of Oklahoma and the City of Tulsa.

I am going to assume that since I was ordered to write citations, that this should make those two, who ordered this action, happy.

What do you think?