I Got Pulled Over

The other evening I ran out to the store for some supplies.  On my way home, I saw blue and red lights in my rear view mirror. Aaaaah.  I blinkered into the right lane, turned on to the first side street, and coasted to the curb.  When was the last time I was pulled over?

The sheriff’s deputy made a driver’s side approach.  I was actually a little nervous as I kept both hands on the steering wheel; I’ve been on his side of the traffic stop, too.  The deputy stayed safely just behind the B-pillar and said, “Sir, I need to see your license and registration.”  I replied with a chagrined smile, “Yes, deputy.”

After I had produced the documents, he stated, “You rolled through a stop-before-right-turn-on-red at that last intersection.”  Thinking back, I had checked for cross-traffic and proceeded slowly through the right turn.  Yep, I’d have to agree with him.  He said he would be right back.  In my side view mirror I watched him walk back to his cruiser.

No, I did not “badge him,” nor did I tell him that I was an off-duty officer.  Although I am normally armed when I go out, this was a rare exception that I had no gat, so there was no reason to mention it.  The decision to ticket me would be based solely on my driving error and his officer discretion.  Yeah, I was a bit worried. Nobody wants a ticket.  But he made a lawful stop.  My bad.

I have written many traffic tickets in my career.  I have also issued many more written or verbal warnings instead.  A cop’s discretion allows him or her to take the totality of the circumstances into consideration when citing a driver for minor traffic infractions.  I did not have long to ponder these things.  The deputy was holding a strip of paper along with my creds as he exited his car.

“I’m giving you a written warning, sir.”  He continued, “That intersection has three sides which are either no-right-turn-on-red or stop-before-right-turn-on-red.  They are posted with signs before each right turn.  Here is your license and registration.  Please drive safely.”  “Thank you, deputy,” I said as he turned to leave.  No, I still did not tell him I was a cop.  I did not feel there was a need.  He was doing his job.

My FTO critique would be that the deputy effected a legal traffic stop, positioned his vehicle correctly, used good officer safety on both approaches, and acted with professionalism.  As a citizen, I appreciated his courtesy.

When I got back to the house, my wife told me, “That was quick.”  It would have been quicker if I had not been pulled over.  I showed her the written warning.  She asked me why I did not tell the deputy that I was a cop.  I replied, “I guess I didn’t want to be that guy…”

Randall

Post Script:  I sent the deputy’s supervisor a very nice letter commending the deputy.