03-02-2019, 11:11 PM
Almost 40 years ago, I went food shopping after working an 8~4 shift (I wasn't in uniform). As I was getting back to my legally parked vehicle, a young woman pulled into a clearly and legally marked handicapped stall. As she got out, I mentioned to her that she had parked in a handicap stall. She didn't say anything but, before walking away, shot me a look that I interpreted as "silly boy, I'm beautiful and, can park / do anything I want". Had she said something (anything) "ditzy", I would have let it slide. She walked into a store and, I got my memo book out of my car. I was just finishing writing her illegal parking summons when she walked back. Now, she started apologizing. I reminded her that, when she was blatantly doing something illegal (or simply inconsiderate), even if it was the town drunk telling you, you would be wise to pay attention. Over the 32+ years working as a Police Officer, that was one of maybe three times I issued a summons while I was off duty. It's a shame that summary executions in such situations are unacceptable.....