So, to set this scene up, due to the nonsense here we are on 12 hour shifts. I have worked 11 in a row with no days off, and have had exactly one day off in the past 19.

To avoid getting someone stuck with a late call at the end of shift, some of us are nice enough to show up for work early in case a call comes out and we jump it so the shift getting off shortly can go home on time.

We were all technically relieved, but since I have a take home car, and live in the area, I didn't log off the radio so if something major happened (as did last night with 5 mins to spare, like friggin home invasion/shooting) I could respond if needed.

So, I decide to stop by the grocery store on the way home. We had permission to head home, but since the store was literally on the way home, and only 3 miles from the house, I stayed logged on just in case.

Since I was still officially on duty, I parked up front of the store near the entrance. Technically in the fire lane, but obviously I had the radio on so would know if there was an emergency there. Lastly, this store ENCOURAGES us to come in on duty, and even gives us $2.50 in store credit to purchase lunch. They only keep 2 or 3 people on staff overnight and WANT us to stop in and see them.

Lastly, I wasn't doing a huge shopping trip with a whole cart full. I was literally buying lunchmeat, bread and cheese to make sandwiches for my lunch the next few days at work.

So, after picking up the lunchmeat they had on sale, and a loaf of bread, I was there by the sliced cheese. I was looking at the display doing math in my head comparing the name brand 16 slice package that was on sale, to the 24 slice store brand to see which was the better deal.

As I am doing this, an older man pushes his cart past me (another customer). As he passed me he says "How's that Prop P working out for you guys?"

(Prop P was a small sales tax increase for the entire county to be dedicated to Public Safety, if effort to raise our salaries to competitive rates, to provide additional training and equipment, and to attract more and better qualified candidates, which we sorely needed. It passed this past April 66% to 34%. That is pretty overwhelming support for a public vote on a tax increase.)

I look at the guy, he's dressed normally, but what stood out was his "Vietnam Veteran" hat. The one you see with vets that lists the conflict, and what they served on or with.

I figured he was just making friendly conversation, so I responded "Well, we don't know yet, we are waiting on the county government to finalize everything." (which is true, it hasn't been finalized by them and we haven't seen a dime yet, for anything. The money won't even start being collected til Nov 1st.)

So then he starts in.

"Well maybe then you guys won't have to park your goddamn cars in front of the store while you do you're shopping on duty."

I responded "I'm sorry? Excuse me?" as I was a bit taken aback... I'm trying to figure why this guy decided to start in on my when I"m minding my own business comparing sliced cheese prices on my way home from work...

He continues "And I see alot of you guys not wearing your seatbelts while you're driving... It's the law you know." His tone has gotten quite cross at this point.

So I see where this is heading, and after working 12 hours, and more so, working 153 hours during this normal 80 hour pay period... I decide this is not a discussion I have the energy to have and try to disengage since he said all this as he is pushing his cart past me. I say "Well, I will be sure to pass those complaints along."

He keeps walking away, trailing off as he does so I only heard the first part of his, but it was something to the effect of "You assholes think you can just do whatever you want...." he kept talking, but he trailed off, and it wasn't worth it to me to continue the conversation...

At this point, the only other customer in the entire damn supermarket was also approaching pushing his cart, looking at both of us with wide eyes... As he approaches he says "hi" and I said "Hi" This third gentleman, about the same age as the first, (and we were the only 3 customers in the damn store) says "someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed" and smiled.

So I selected my cheese during this exchange and I went up front to pay for my stuff, you know, to make my lunch for the next who knows how many days we are working with no days off to actually cook... I'm still a bit bewildered why this guy decided to be an ass to someone minding his own busienss, but hey, best thing about freedom of speech. It lets you know who the jerks are...

So i go up and pay for my stuff, and this guy pushes his empty cart up to the front of the store (this exchange took place in the back corner of the store) and throws a random item off the shelf (at least that is what it appeared to be as he picked it off a front end cap and would have had no reason to push his cart around the entire store otherwise) and gets in the checkout line right behind me as I'm paying.

And then he just sits there and stares at me. The entire time I am talking to the cashier he stares. Now this cashier works overnights all the time, and I stop in the store frequently and have become friends with the overnight crew. Again, they WANT us in there, and we do so in order to keep any riff-raff from trying to rob the store, or steal from them as the kiddies like to come in and steal alcohol, or the crews like to come in and steal baby formula and resell it and the like.

He is obviously trying to bait me again... I'm not searching my memory to see if i have arrested this guy, or ticketed him, or if he had some reason to be mad... and I came up empty. I've never seen this guy before.

So as I left, he started to say something else, but I cut him off, and told him "I hope you have a wonderful morning sir" and I walked off.

Now, I would understand if this was during a protest, or during a traffic stop, or during some interaction during the course of my job... It wouldn't excuse him acting like this when I'm being professional, but I would at least UNDERSTAND it.

This guy literally saw an opportunity to seek me out, and be a dick... and even in a pretty cowardly way as he would only run his mouth as he was walking away.

I mean, I guess whatever helps him feel better about himself. I guess it is a good thing he chose to seek out an officer of a very professional department who wasn't willing to play his game. I'm sure there are places in the country where he might have gotten his ass stomped.

I hope he feels better about himself...

Sorry, Kevin. Some people are miserable and the only thing they do is try to spread it around.

quote:

Originally posted by arfmel:
Sorry, Kevin. Some people are miserable and the only thing they do is try to spread it around.

That is my thinking... I don't really care. I have been called much worse by much better....

Just interesting how silly some people are. If he really has that big of a problem with me, or my profession... dont be a coward... dont make snide comments while walking away...

Or, just be a decent person and mind your own business...

A wise man once said, if you aren't mad enough for 10 rounds of bare knuckle boxing... then you aren't really mad.

What a douche. I would have more respect for the guy if he had walked up and punched me in the face. At least then he is committed to his "cause"

He is one of those people ....
"If you meet an asshole in the morning, you met an asshole. If you keep meeting assholes all day, you might be the asshole."

I would wager he meets what he perceives as assholes all day, everyday. What a miserable life.

you did the right thing, not giving him any ammunition. He really has ZERO concept of what you go through on a regular day, much less now.
Hell, I have little concept of what y'all go through, but I'm glad y'all are out there doing it.
And folks like him? You'll never be able to explain it to them.

Thank you, screw him, enjoy your sandwich.
Zombieland Rule #32: Enjoy the little things

You would think if he really is a Vietnam vet (he looked way to young, but who am I to judge him, I have no idea) I would think he of all people would understand being under appreciated and shit on for what he did....

Be a dick to a police officer.

Guy is a genius.

quote:

Originally posted by KevinCW:
You would think if he really is a Vietnam vet (he looked way to young, but who am I to judge him, I have no idea) I would think he of all people would understand being under appreciated and shit on for what he did....

Probably one of "those" people that would wear the hat hoping for sympathy or freebies. Just another asshole who can't think of anything better to do than harass an officer when he sees a chance.

quote:

Originally posted by KevinCW:
I'm not searching my memory to see if i have arrested this guy, or ticketed him, or if he had some reason to be mad... and I came up empty. I've never seen this guy before.

Kevin,
You had your comeback right there. I would have said, "Excuse me, have I arrested you before? ... Would you like me to, now?"

quote:

Originally posted by Storm:

quote:

Originally posted by KevinCW:
I'm not searching my memory to see if i have arrested this guy, or ticketed him, or if he had some reason to be mad... and I came up empty. I've never seen this guy before.

Kevin,
You had your comeback right there. I would have said, "Excuse me, have I arrested you before? ... Would you like me to, now?"

Never make a bluff in this job you can't back up. There were no charges.... not gonna be like that idiot in Salt Lake City.

That might have been his angle... trying to bait me into making him an Internet hero by stepping on my own dick.

Well, at least he all he had was taxes, seatbelts, and parking spot. No sovereign citizen routine. Y ou'll probably find him in the future doing chickenshit like "citizen policing" crosswalk use or making sure a left lane on a highway goes no faster than one under the speed limit.

Good luck out there. I hope you can catch a break soon.

The sovereign citizen routine is easy... those guys are morons and almost always give you enough ammunition for an arrest in 30 seconds.

quote:

Originally posted by KevinCW:

quote:

Originally posted by Storm:

quote:

Originally posted by KevinCW:
I'm not searching my memory to see if i have arrested this guy, or ticketed him, or if he had some reason to be mad... and I came up empty. I've never seen this guy before.

I know you wouldn't do that. I just said it to make you feel a little better. Sometime having a good response, even if it's not used, can make you feel better about getting crapped on.

Kevin,
You had your comeback right there. I would have said, "Excuse me, have I arrested you before? ... Would you like me to, now?"

Never make a bluff in this job you can't back up. There were no charges.... not gonna be like that idiot in Salt Lake City.

That might have been his angle... trying to bait me into making him an Internet hero by stepping on my own dick.

I know you wouldn't do that. I just said it to make you feel better. Sometimes having a good comeback, even if it's not used, can make you feel better about getting crapped on by some a-hole.

Some people are just jerks.

I will say, the optics of parking in the fire lane does seem to say, “the rules don’t apply to me.”

I understand what you’re saying, but I would guess the vast majority of the public would look at that poorly. By no means does that justify him being a dick. If I saw a cop do that, I certainly wouldn’t be impressed. Just food for thought.

“Knowing” you on this board for several years, I have zero doubt that you’re NOT a rules don’t apply to me type of cop. You’re good people for sure! Folks who don’t know that just see a cop breaking the rules because he can.

quote:

Originally posted by esdunbar:
Some people are just jerks.

I will say, the optics of parking in the fire lane does seem to say, “the rules don’t apply to me.”

I understand what you’re saying, but I would guess the vast majority of the public would look at that poorly. By no means does that justify him being a dick. If I saw a cop do that, I certainly wouldn’t be impressed. Just food for thought.

“Knowing” you on this board for several years, I have zero doubt that you’re NOT a rules don’t apply to me type of cop. You’re good people for sure! Folks who don’t know that just see a cop breaking the rules because he can.

I get that... and had I not been still officially logged on, or even had it not been 5:55am with as of me pulling up not a single car in the parking lot, I wouldn't have done so. But he made ASSumptions.... that were untrue. Had he asked instead of being a dick, I would have gladly had a friendly conversation about it.

He HD no idea if I was on or off duty... or if I was coming or going for my shift. Or possibly I showed up officially and handled my business and then logged off and did personal business.

Technically, that was what I did. The brass wants us to do business checks... They want us doing "business checks" there is even a spot to log such activities. I even did so. I stopped on my way in and talked to the night manager for a few seconds... that is what we are required to do...

And, one last thing about the "fire lane" or "emergency vehicle" lane.

WHen on duty, or even off duty and in my car, i AM an emergency vehicle. The entire point is to allow emergency vehicles easy access to... AND FROM... the building.

Had a call come out there, I would hear it over the radio, and could have made my decision to move my car, or run to my car and act as needed.

My first aid kit is in my car, the one that contains quikclot, bandages, tourniquets, CPR masks, fire extinguisher, spare ammo, body armor, long guns, etc etc is in that car.

If i ever need that stuff, I need it NOW, and as close as possible.

Here in MO, we are on duty 24/7. We are REQUIRED to act in order to preserve life or public safety. If i were to happen upon a life threatening situation, I could literally be fired for not doing anything. Anything from someone choking on a shrimp, to a structure fire, to an active shooter situation. Hell, we are REQUIRED BY POLICY to at all times be in possession of our firearm. Literally, If i get caught off duty without my gun, I could be in trouble...

They take that seriously.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: KevinCW,

quote:

Originally posted by KevinCW:

This guy literally saw an opportunity to seek me out, and be a dick... and even in a pretty cowardly way as he would only run his mouth as he was walking away.

From the rest of your post it seemed like he did it right in your face.

I wouldn't take it personal. Some LEO's do have the "I can do whatever I want" attitude with parking and other similar situations. Maybe he has run into a few of them and was taking it out on you.

quote:

Originally posted by esdunbar:
Some people are just jerks.

I will say, the optics of parking in the fire lane does seem to say, “the rules don’t apply to me.”

I understand what you’re saying, but I would guess the vast majority of the public would look at that poorly. By no means does that justify him being a dick. If I saw a cop do that, I certainly wouldn’t be impressed. Just food for thought.

“Knowing” you on this board for several years, I have zero doubt that you’re NOT a rules don’t apply to me type of cop. You’re good people for sure! Folks who don’t know that just see a cop breaking the rules because he can.

Yeah, I have wondered about that "parking in the fire lane" a few times.

There are a couple of grocery stores around here that have up-front parking slots marked "For Police Use Only." They are right next to the handicapped spaces. I have never, repeat NEVER seen one of these slots used, any police cars I see at those stores are parked right in front of the door, in the fire lane. I would understand that if the guys (gals?) were responding to a call, but whenever I see this, I see the LE folks shopping in the store -- you know, comparing cheese prices.

I keep wondering why somebody has made the decision to remove a parking slot from public use, to reserve it for police, when the police park their cars in the fire lane, maybe 30 feet less walking to do.

NOTE: I am not bashing police here, I am just wondering about the logic of the situation. I also have a confession to make. I normally don't mind walking a bit, I certainly could use the exercise. But on the infrequent days that my hip is acting up and each step is a reminder of the reinforcing rods buried in my leg, if the handicapped places are all taken, I have, maybe once or twice, parked in the police slot. Don't tell anybody, OK?

quote:

Originally posted by V-Tail:

quote:

Originally posted by esdunbar:
Some people are just jerks.

I will say, the optics of parking in the fire lane does seem to say, “the rules don’t apply to me.”

I understand what you’re saying, but I would guess the vast majority of the public would look at that poorly. By no means does that justify him being a dick. If I saw a cop do that, I certainly wouldn’t be impressed. Just food for thought.

“Knowing” you on this board for several years, I have zero doubt that you’re NOT a rules don’t apply to me type of cop. You’re good people for sure! Folks who don’t know that just see a cop breaking the rules because he can.

Yeah, I have wondered about that "parking in the fire lane" a few times.

There are a couple of grocery stores around here that have up-front parking slots marked "For Police Use Only." They are right next to the handicapped spaces. I have never, repeat NEVER seen one of these slots used, any police cars I see at those stores are parked right in front of the door, in the fire lane. I would understand that if the guys (gals?) were responding to a call, but whenever I see this, I see the LE folks shopping in the store -- you know, comparing cheese prices.

I keep wondering why somebody has made the decision to remove a parking slot from public use, to reserve it for police, when the police park their cars in the fire lane, maybe 30 feet less walking to do.

NOTE: I am not bashing police here, I am just wondering about the logic of the situation. I also have a confession to make. I normally don't mind walking a bit, I certainly could use the exercise. But on the infrequent days that my hip is acting up and each step is a reminder of the reinforcing rods buried in my leg, if the handicapped places are all taken, I have, maybe once or twice, parked in the police slot. Don't tell anybody, OK?

With regard to that...

I ONLY do so if I am officially on duty, and radio responsive.

When a call comes out over the radio, it could be anything, from someone complaining about a barking dog, to something like last night, a home invasion where a homeowner shot two people forcing their way into his condo (now it turned out to be what will most likely be proven to be a drug rip off, but at the time we had no idea). If you are calling for help, you want us there as fast a possible. the farther I have to run to my car, the longer it takes me to get there.

When off duty and in my company car, I'm using a parking spot like anyone else. THE ONLY TIME I USE THE EMERGENCY LANE IS WHEN ON DUTY, and even then, I only do so when it is a sparsely populated. In this instance, there was no one there, and no traffic, as it was again, 5:55 AM. Had this been 4pm, I would have chosen differently. Added to that, this store WANTS our cars parked out front, to the point that the manager ASKS US to do so, in order to deter any potential criminal activity there.

Additionally, I would also be understanding if i was there with a huge cart full of 200 dollars worth of groceries and had been shopping for a hour... This was literally lunchmeat, bread and cheese.... 5 mins tops.

When an asshole collides...



...with you, ruining your day.


There are people who exist only to make the lives of everyone else less enjoyable.

I'd like to introduce him to my sister. She's the most unpleasant human on Earth.

And in your cruiser, park it where you see fit, especially on the clock.

quote:

Originally posted by AirmanJeff:

quote:

Originally posted by KevinCW:

This guy literally saw an opportunity to seek me out, and be a dick... and even in a pretty cowardly way as he would only run his mouth as he was walking away.

From the rest of your post it seemed like he did it right in your face.

I wouldn't take it personal. Some LEO's do have the "I can do whatever I want" attitude with parking and other similar situations. Maybe he has run into a few of them and was taking it out on you.

Kinda, but not really the way it went down.

I was standing still, comparing... He passed behind me, and made his first comment. I thought he was making friendly conversation and kind of walked down the display as I replied to be polite back... he continued walking and shouted over his shoulder.

And really, that isn't fair...

I've met some vets that have my life very difficult, including two that literally tried to kill me. But I've met hundreds that are wonderful people, and work with hundreds that are wonderful people.

I've had a few others that played up their "status" as an excuse for their poor behavior. including one guy that I got in a hell of a knock down drag out fight who after losing, he blamed it all of PTSD from desert storm... After researching him, he was a cook in the army who literally never left the US during Desert Storm. We both had to get stitches cause of that one...

I'm not sitting here judging him and his status as a "vet" as his hat claims based upon the actions of another? I can't give him a pass even if he did have a bad experience. His experience wasnt' from me, same as mine wasnt' from him.

Some people are jerks. I am in medical sales and we get MDs / nurses / staffers whatever who go off on rants from time to time over the high cost or limited availability of supplies / devices / medicine / surgery or whatever.

It happens. They are entitled to their opinion.

Usually try to diffuse it as best as possible in a cordial way but I don't waste any time trying to 'win them over'.

I have better things to do with my life than spend extra time dealing with sour pusses. They are 'glass half-empty' kind of people.

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