The Public

Well, I had an odd day the other day. Cops get a bad rap most of the time. People don't like us because we write them a speeding ticket for going 75mph in a 50mph construction zone, or arrest them for stealing hundreds of dollars from someone. Working 2nd and 3rd shift gets a lot of the negative attitudes. I believe that I am very fair when it comes to arresting/citing/or any other action authoritative that comes with the job. Working the shifts that I have been assigned to makes me see the bad side of people much more often than the good. Most of the public doesn't have contact with us unless they did something wrong or something was done wrong to them. Because of this, we get a lot of negativity that is pretty constant. It drains us more than people realize. It's not easy getting that attitude all day long every day. But on the rare occasion that we get someone that is nice, without attitude, it comes as quite a shock some of the time. On this particular day, I went into a local burrito establishment that I frequent to pick up a quick lunch. When I went to the register a thirty-something lady came up with her credit card in hand and refused to let me pay. She stated " I just want to say I appreciate what you do." In those simple words and the $3 in food, she completely made my day. It was unexpected,l but very much appreciated (the thought much more than the $3). I just want to say on behalf of all cops....thanks to all the public that we are here to serve, but usually never encounter. These rare comments make the job worthwhile.