To be honest, I didn’t know if I wanted to go through with it. Not that I was scared about potentially being part of a crazy car chase. Especially if it ended with the suspect running into an abandoned building- like the old Desseret Industries; that would have been exciting. Maybe it was the anxiety that somehow this cop fellow could pierce into my soul and know exactly how many times I’ve gone slightly over the speed limit. Or more likely, the fear of sitting in a car with an unknown person and finding stuff to talk about.
As it turns out, my fears and anxieties would be for naught, including my fanciful car chase that just didn’t end up happening. Yes, I went on a police ride along with one of Rexburg’s finest. I repeat, Rexburg, Idaho. Not Los Angeles, Chicago, or even Idaho Falls, but America’s Family Community.
I was assigned to ride with Officer Robison on a Friday evening. But even a Friday night in this quaint college town proved to be, and I somewhat hesitate to say this…boring. Now a couple of hours later, when a rodeo some miles away got out, surely that would have produced a drunken cowboy ready to ride the bull.
In fairness, Officer Robison is an easy-going-well-to-chat-with kind of guy. I mean, it’s not his fault that the majority of people decide to act decent and civilized at any given time. I am totally on the train for great communities. But when you grow up watching CHIPS and read Mary Higgins Clark novels, you have a dark hope that you’ll be able to experience crime first hand. Of course as an observer, not a participator.
His supped-up Ford Explorer with recording devices and spot lights did, however, stop three times. Four if you count when he dropped me off.
Stop One: Suspect (Note: term “suspect” refers to anyone the officer talked to, not really suspected of any crime) driving somewhat distracted. Turns out to be teenager with no previous incidents who happened to be looking down the same time the officer looked into his car. Let off with warning to be more careful. Supped-up Ford Explorer did slightly bump a bicycle when backing out of suspect’s ridiculously long driveway.
Stop Two: Suspect going eight miles over speed limit. To her defense, did not know that the speed limit had changed. Let off with warning to know the speed limit. Supped-up Ford Explorer’s flashing lights looked magical when reflected off of the rear of the suspect’s car.
Stop Three: Suspects getting wood for bonfire out of construction dumpster. Let off with warning to ask for permission first. Supped-up Ford Explorer nicely handled the uneven dirt of the construction site.
The absolute best part of it? When asked what was the worst excuse for getting pulled over, Officer Robison said instead of handing him her license, one old woman handed over her triple combination. Welcome to Rexburg, Idaho, America’s Family (ahem, most boring) Community. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
1 comment:
sounds like quite the intense night. It's a wonder you are still alive with all that dirty crime fighting! Your last paragraph reminded me of my ticket and how I honestly accidentally handed the officer my temple recommend instead of my license. I am sure he probably thought I did it on purpose!
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