132 replies to this topic

[A trophy guy]

I like to do my grocery shopping later in the evening, as it tends to be less crowded around then and it's easier to navigate the store. Well I was finished shopping a few days ago and I had just put away the bags into my car and had transferred into it myself and pulled my chair in after me.

I drive a Mazda RX-8, which is a sports car that has little "suicide doors" that open the opposite way which allow me to pull my foldup in lickety-split. Anyway, I was just sitting in the driver's seat, preparing to start the car and pull out, when I see a cop pull up behind me and "light me up".

Now I am sitting in the handicap space of course, but I have my placard hanging perfectly clear from my rearview. But I could think of no other reason why he would be doing this, other than he thought I was parked there illegally.

So, hoping I could save us both the time of his getting out of hhis car and coming up to mine, I rolled my window down and kind of waved my placard in the air a bit. Ugh, no such luck. He came up to my car and said, "Yeah, I just saw you sittin' there and I'm like 'what's up with this guy?'" I asked him if he had seen my placard hanging from my rearview. "Yeah, it's that tint, it's hard to see anything through there." Ok, that's bs. I know the placard is visible through the tint and the tint is perfectly legal.

He continued, "Come on man, how are you really disabled?" And his tone was so mocking and sarcastic, like he just knew I was doing something I wasn't supposed to be, like he knew he had caught me. Ugh. I then grabbed the frame of the folded up left side of my chair, which was kind of sticking out a bit between my seats, and said I used a wheelchair. He looked like a buffoon very quickly. "Ohh, yes, well I'd say that counts as a disability."

After a few seconds, he was gone. I thanked him for enforcing the spots, but it seemed to me like his question was rather inappropriate. If I have a valid placard, along with a valid driver's license, I am legal to park in the handicap spots. Period. I understand why he did it, he thought, because I'm young and driving a sports car, that I MUST be abusing someone else's valid placard. But it's not right. Cops shouldn't be in the habit of second guessing the legality of a person's valid handicap placard based solely on the appearance of the person and/or their vehicle.

What do you all think?

[4kriyaan]

i guess he was trying to do his job but the manner in which he approached you was kinda messed up. He immediately assumed that you were doing something illegal. His communication skills are poor and it would have been less insulting if he had appraoched the situation in a less judgemental manner. He saw a nice car and a young person and automatically thought that you were doing something wrong. He shouldnt judge a situation just by how it appears or else he'll always look like a fool...lol

[quadinva]

I applaud his effort to police the handi-spots, but am less than enthused by his execution. I would have been put off by his demeanor. If he had lit me up, approached, and said something like "Afternoon, may I see your placard and license please?" I would have likely telephoned the police dept. to commend the guy. Presentation goes along way. Consequently, having a truck, I anticipated the suspicion of my disability and decided to deter some doubts by getting handicap plates. That way, if you can see my vehicle in a handicap spot, you can clearly see my handicap credentials. Not to mention I never have to think worry about having/displaying my placard.

-Bags

[tomsov]

Dude I am waiting for that to happen to me. I am waiting for a cop to screw with me. That is why i prefer to drive with people that have monsterous trucks or insanely fast cars. I live in a town were cops are "nationally KNown" for dui arrests. At least that is what the back of there cars say. Really in your case he was inforcing the handicapped parking. Be glad that they are doing that. Generally i have to do that. Just remember we live in a world were we are guilty until proven innocent. yes his manner in talking to about the tints was bs. but If you weren't in a chair or disabled had the placard and were using it just to get the spot how else would someone find out if they were using it illegally. For me until my accident i assumed most handicapped spots were filled with old people that could barely walk. I mean you usually see grand marquis and lincoln town cars parked there. Everyone has there perceptions. they stereo type, they are shifty, they will look to make an example of anyone. I wouldn't sweat it.

[StillFingers]

Their "JOB" is to enforce the law, too many ABs park in handicap stalls and he was just checking things out. I drive from my powerchair and have had this happen; and my van is all windows lol...the cops response; while walking, looking down while writing me a ticket, reaching my window, asks for licence and registration...raising his head, eye contact with my hand controls then chair then me was priceless "... you're disabled", me "yep", cop with the classic stunned deer in the headlights look "well...have a good day sir!"

The funny thing, three weeks later, same cop, different shopping centers, he twice stopped me for seat belt violation, no over the shoulder chest belt; my two belts are chest and waist, with a very secure chair lock down...he was a tad embarrassed, even said "my apologies Mr. Johnson..."

They deal with so many people, a few asses along the way, day after day, it's human nature to get tired of the BS, so they may not react as we like....aren't always "polite".

Crash your car, they pull your ass out...even when it's burning...relax a bit they have a tough job!

Jerry

[Califanna]

tomsov, on 01 November 2011 - 04:21 AM, said:

Dude I am waiting for that to happen to me. I am waiting for a cop to screw with me. That is why i prefer to drive with people that have monsterous trucks or insanely fast cars. I live in a town were cops are "nationally KNown" for dui arrests. At least that is what the back of there cars say. Really in your case he was inforcing the handicapped parking. Be glad that they are doing that. Generally i have to do that. Just remember we live in a world were we are guilty until proven innocent. yes his manner in talking to about the tints was bs. but If you weren't in a chair or disabled had the placard and were using it just to get the spot how else would someone find out if they were using it illegally. For me until my accident i assumed most handicapped spots were filled with old people that could barely walk. I mean you usually see grand marquis and lincoln town cars parked there. Everyone has there perceptions. they stereo type, they are shifty, they will look to make an example of anyone. I wouldn't sweat it.

I so agree with you on this one. Stereotyping is common place when determining what car should be parked in the handicap spot. I drive a Volvo XC90 and I always get people tapping on my window. I kindly smile and show the wheels next to me.

[A trophy guy]

StillFingers, on 01 November 2011 - 04:23 AM, said:

Their "JOB" is to enforce the law, too many ABs park in handicap stalls and he was just checking things out. I drive from my powerchair and have had this happen; and my van is all windows lol...the cops response; while walking, looking down while writing me a ticket, reaching my window, asks for licence and registration...raising his head, eye contact with my hand controls then chair then me was priceless "... you're disabled", me "yep", cop with the classic stunned deer in the headlights look "well...have a good day sir!"

The funny thing, three weeks later, same cop, different shopping centers, he twice stopped me for seat belt violation, no over the shoulder chest belt; my two belts are chest and waist, with a very secure chair lock down...he was a tad embarrassed, even said "my apologies Mr. Johnson..."

They deal with so many people, a few asses along the way, day after day, it's human nature to get tired of the BS, so they may not react as we like....aren't always "polite".

Crash your car, they pull your ass out...even when it's burning...relax a bit they have a tough job!

Jerry

He can do his JOB and enforce the laws without asking me such a rude question. Like I said, I have all the necessary legal requirements to park where I was parked. And he can validate that it is me parked there and not someone simply using my placard by taking two seconds and looking at my driver's license. Done and done.

[A trophy guy]

quadinva, on 01 November 2011 - 04:17 AM, said:

I applaud his effort to police the handi-spots, but am less than enthused by his execution. I would have been put off by his demeanor. If he had lit me up, approached, and said something like "Afternoon, may I see your placard and license please?" I would have likely telephoned the police dept. to commend the guy. Presentation goes along way. Consequently, having a truck, I anticipated the suspicion of my disability and decided to deter some doubts by getting handicap plates. That way, if you can see my vehicle in a handicap spot, you can clearly see my handicap credentials. Not to mention I never have to think worry about having/displaying my placard.

-Bags

A couple issues about the plates:

1) I don't think having plates would have made any difference here. The cop lit me up because he assumed I was someone using a valid placard illegally and he "light me up" because of that. He just saw a sports car and a younger guy and made the assumption. And based on his behavior and body language, I'm pretty sure that is exactly what happened. If I had been a younger guy driving a sports car with handicap plates, he would have made a similar assumption: that I was driving someone else's car and parking illegally.

2) Handicap plates force you to display your handicap status at all times, when the only time such information is really relevant and necessary is when parked. Without the ability to choose when and where such info is displayed, I feel like I am sharing my personal information when it is not needed. And, in some situations, it could actually be detrimental; or at least problematic and unwanted.

[quadinva]

A trophy guy, on 01 November 2011 - 04:47 AM, said:

quadinva, on 01 November 2011 - 04:17 AM, said:

I applaud his effort to police the handi-spots, but am less than enthused by his execution. I would have been put off by his demeanor. If he had lit me up, approached, and said something like "Afternoon, may I see your placard and license please?" I would have likely telephoned the police dept. to commend the guy. Presentation goes along way. Consequently, having a truck, I anticipated the suspicion of my disability and decided to deter some doubts by getting handicap plates. That way, if you can see my vehicle in a handicap spot, you can clearly see my handicap credentials. Not to mention I never have to think worry about having/displaying my placard.

-Bags

A couple issues about the plates:

1) I don't think having plates would have made any difference here. The cop lit me up because he assumed I was someone using a valid placard illegally and he "light me up" because of that. He just saw a sports car and a younger guy and made the assumption. And based on his behavior and body language, I'm pretty sure that is exactly what happened. If I had been a younger guy driving a sports car with handicap plates, he would have made a similar assumption: that I was driving someone else's car and parking illegally.

2) Handicap plates force you to display your handicap status at all times, when the only time such information is really relevant and necessary is when parked. Without the ability to choose when and where such info is displayed, I feel like I am sharing my personal information when it is not needed. And, in some situations, it could actually be detrimental; or at least problematic and unwanted.

Just my opinion, as you requested. Here's a couple more of my opinions...

1) "..he would have made a similar assumption: that I was driving someone else's car and parking illegaly." My opinion=I think assuming someone's assumption is purely speculative. Didn't you condemn him for making an assumption? Why would you turn around and make an assumption yourself?

2)You may not feel the same way, but I'm ok with displaying my handicap status all the time. Afterall I am handicapped, all the time.

[qbounce]

Jesus, their actually enforcing the handicap parking? Do tell!

Anyone who sees a young face pull into the disabled parking bay automatically questions our motives until they see a wheelchair come out of the car. Then they can't stop staring. lol

My thought is, many people use their parents/relatives placards to go places and shop all the time. I'm guessing your friend the cop catches a lot of these law breakers at this time of night, when fewer disabled people are out.

Imagine how often he may have asked the same question to those who it actually applied to?

Anyway, I'm glad someones enforcing the parking there. I've never seen 'em do that where I live.

[A trophy guy]

quadinva, on 01 November 2011 - 05:05 AM, said:

A trophy guy, on 01 November 2011 - 04:47 AM, said:

quadinva, on 01 November 2011 - 04:17 AM, said:

I applaud his effort to police the handi-spots, but am less than enthused by his execution. I would have been put off by his demeanor. If he had lit me up, approached, and said something like "Afternoon, may I see your placard and license please?" I would have likely telephoned the police dept. to commend the guy. Presentation goes along way. Consequently, having a truck, I anticipated the suspicion of my disability and decided to deter some doubts by getting handicap plates. That way, if you can see my vehicle in a handicap spot, you can clearly see my handicap credentials. Not to mention I never have to think worry about having/displaying my placard.

-Bags

A couple issues about the plates:

1) I don't think having plates would have made any difference here. The cop lit me up because he assumed I was someone using a valid placard illegally and he "light me up" because of that. He just saw a sports car and a younger guy and made the assumption. And based on his behavior and body language, I'm pretty sure that is exactly what happened. If I had been a younger guy driving a sports car with handicap plates, he would have made a similar assumption: that I was driving someone else's car and parking illegally.

2) Handicap plates force you to display your handicap status at all times, when the only time such information is really relevant and necessary is when parked. Without the ability to choose when and where such info is displayed, I feel like I am sharing my personal information when it is not needed. And, in some situations, it could actually be detrimental; or at least problematic and unwanted.

Just my opinion, as you requested. Here's a couple more of my opinions...

1) "..he would have made a similar assumption: that I was driving someone else's car and parking illegaly." My opinion=I think assuming someone's assumption is purely speculative. Didn't you condemn him for making an assumption? Why would you turn around and make an assumption yourself?

2)You may not feel the same way, but I'm ok with displaying my handicap status all the time. Afterall I am handicapped, all the time.

Yeah but my car's not. When I'm driving on the expressway, neck to neck with congested traffic; there's nothing disabled about my car or my driving. There's definitely no need to inform anyone of the driver inside's handicap.

qbounce, on 01 November 2011 - 05:26 AM, said:

Jesus, their actually enforcing the handicap parking? Do tell!

Anyone who sees a young face pull into the disabled parking bay automatically questions our motives until they see a wheelchair come out of the car. Then they can't stop staring. lol

My thought is, many people use their parents/relatives placards to go places and shop all the time. I'm guessing your friend the cop catches a lot of these law breakers at this time of night, when fewer disabled people are out.

Imagine how often he may have asked the same question to those who it actually applied to?

Anyway, I'm glad someones enforcing the parking there. I've never seen 'em do that where I live.

Well, right. I did thank him for enforcing the spots. I am just discussing here, afterwards, his questioning of me that I found somewhat inappropriate. It's like he couldn't imagine a young man in a nice car, even with proper tags, actually being disabled.

Edited by A trophy guy, 01 November 2011 - 05:36 AM.

[Aparr]

I give the police officer a lot of credit for stopping. I also believe his comment was uncalled for to say the least.

[quadinva]

"Yeah but my car's not. When I'm driving on the expressway, neck to neck with congested traffic; there's nothing disabled about my car or my driving. There's definitely no need to inform anyone of the driver inside's handicap."

Neither is my truck. When I'm driving on the expressway, neck to neck with congested traffic; there's nothing disabled about my car or my driving. There's definitely no reason to hide the fact that the driver inside is handicapped...except I have never been blue lighted to validate my disability.

You asked for opinions about a problem you had. I gave a possible solution. Take it or leave it, but Ive said my piece

[A trophy guy]

quadinva, on 01 November 2011 - 06:02 AM, said:

"Yeah but my car's not. When I'm driving on the expressway, neck to neck with congested traffic; there's nothing disabled about my car or my driving. There's definitely no need to inform anyone of the driver inside's handicap."

Neither is my truck. When I'm driving on the expressway, neck to neck with congested traffic; there's nothing disabled about my car or my driving. There's definitely no reason to hide the fact that the driver inside is handicapped...except I have never been blue lighted to validate my disability.

You asked for opinions about a problem you had. I gave a possible solution. Take it or leave it, but Ive said my piece

And I thank you. Just because I disagree doesn't mean I don't appreciate it. Who said anything about hiding my disability?

Another perk to the placard is it's mobility. If I am riding in someone else's car, I can take the placard with me and have access to parking that otherwise would be inaccessible. That plus I can take the placard out of the car when/if someone else is driving it; thus removing any and all possibility of that person "giving in to temptation" and illegally parking.

[4kriyaan]

everyone has off days, maybe this was one of his, but one should still consider how they approach every situation they're in, and think before they talk

[A trophy guy]

And what I meant is, the only time the disability is relevant whatsoever is when a person is parked and getting out of their vehicle. That is the whole point of handicap parking spots; the extra space given and their proximity to the entrance. So the only time a person's physical disability even comes into the equation is when it comes to getting out. That's when it comes time to identify yourself as handicapped and needing access to the restricted parking areas. Areas legally restricted to those possessing the legal documents.

[KayDub]

To be completely honest, I'd be thrilled in a weird way. I've never ever seen a cop ticket or stop anyone who misuses a handicap spot, even when I call them in because I am unable to get into a spot and thus, unable to go to school. Where do you live? I want to move there! The biggest offenders are the people who misuse others placards to park in spots and if they're approached by anyone, claim they're the disabled one. Like the woman at the gym today who took the last handicap spot and while we were waiting to use it after she ran back to her car, I asked if she knew she was in handicap parking. She said, duh obviously I have a placard. I told her it doesn't mean she should be using it, it's for people with mobility problems. She got catty and asked if I seriously asked everyone that. I told her just the people who run from the building and hop into their cars. It's a $5,000 fine in my state and yet I don't even think any of the city or county police forces have an agenda at all to pursue it, it's left to "volunteers".

So yeah, bit of an inconvenience for you, but if you look at it in the scheme of things it was a win for us (not an ideal win but nothing is ever ideal so I'm content with baby steps instead of a stalemate). Better to accidentally stop a few deserving folks (which should be resolved by a polite ID exchange, a smile and off you go) than not stopping anyone.

Cops do stereotype though sometimes. It sucks but also I can't blame them to a certain degree (I don't support things like ethnic stereotyping and the like, it's entirely based on ethnicity rather that a combination of factors including a chosen activity). More teenage boys in sports cars speed than middle aged women in mini vans, etc. That doesn't mean the cops should overlook people who don't fit the "profile", that's wrong. Nor should they treat those within the profile wrong either. Respect should be given between both parties until something is done to change it.

Edited by KayDub, 01 November 2011 - 07:41 AM.

[Kayak Girl]

Honestly, I wish there more cops like this. Yeah, he was rude... that sucked. Yeah it took time from your day and that sucked too. But, if there were more cops like this there would be less problems.

We spent two days defending ourselves to the apartment manager for parking in the handicapped spot when our new neighbors moved in. They saw the kayak racks on the car and didn't think either one of us could possibly be disabled. They wanted us to give up the space for them because the wife is disabled with a bad knee and can only walk a few feet. She has handicapped plates on her car. She told them she was getting ready to have knee surgery. A year and a half later there has been no surgery. She has gone to Disneyland and refused to rent a wheelchair. She walked around the park all day, but she did have to ice her knee at night. Tonight she just told me she went with the kids she nannys for trick or treating. The dad counted, they went to 80 houses.. So yes I wish there were more cops like that who are skeptical and not afraid to ask questions.

[goose]

I've been in my chair 25 years and alot of the time I stay in the car while my hubby runs in for something quick.( parked in normal spots) This means I've sat in quite a few parking lots and I've never once seen a car written up for a parking violation. I've seen lots that could have received tickets but didn't.

I know you was treated unfairly and shown some disrespect BUT I'm excited at least 1 cop was doing his job checking your status. That has to be a victory for everyone who uses those spaces. I've seen too many misuse them and I wish more cops would display some attitude toward the ABs who get away with it.

It really bugs me when an AB in a sports car parks in a handicap space and half runs into the store.( and I've seen them with stickers) That cop has probably seen that too and was hoping to bust their chops.

Chill out just alittle and be glad he checked. Cops have to put up with some pretty crappy people with nasty attitudes and receive very little pay.

[wheeliebear75]

I've seen/had it happen a few times where an officer made 100% sure that it was indeed MY disabled placard & not my grandmother's.....I was actually quite glad & told them "Be my guest card away".

While at the beach with some friends & was part of load #1 along with the blanket so they got me, my chair situated while I waited with our friend's wife & baby while the guys went back for the coolers. When they did a cop saw them and asked them to show proof of legitimate use. They of course told him that they'd be more than happy too show them ME they just had to show him where I was on the beach cuz they had to carry me out there in the 1st place.....they cop was figuring at any moment they'd try pulling something but they simply lead the cop to me where I showed matching I.D. to the paperwork they'd showed him from the glove-box. (Say if in the UK the trunk=boot & hood=bonnet what do you call the glove-box?)

Another time a little old lady decided rather than just letting us out she needed to call the authorities on us. My friend TRIED to point out the wheelchair which was under all the Wal-Mart stuff...no dice with her. So she called the cops who then informed her that I'd done NOTHING wrong & that this wasn't senior citizen parking but DISABLED parking & that although no most younger people do not qualify SOME of us DO. Oh & that she was actually now eligible for several tickets the least of which being for blocking the whole parking-lot for starters.

And yeah.....you want to see some SCOWLS? Try being a teenager with a handicapped parking permit? You wanna see some raised eyebrows....JEEZ!

[biggdoggpa]

It was clearly bad perception on the part of the Officer!! It is good that they police the parking spots but they could keep it professional? maybe he had a handicap parent sibling or grandparent?? But Bro.... it would probably be an easy mistake for someone to assume that you were AB you look shredded in your pic lol my question is how do you fit a freakin chair in that car???? I couldn't fit my head in that car!!! hahaha they are nice though.. I have to stick to the full(er) size vehicles I test drove a new vette and couldn't comfortably fit in that either wtf someone needs to accommodate us bigger guys!!!

[Edinburgh Colin]

I would say it's a bad situation, but at the end of the day he's just another person with preconceived ideas being an ass.

Don't waste your time thinking about it, just get on with your day.

EC

[Conez™]

Aparr, on 01 November 2011 - 05:51 AM, said:

I give the police officer a lot of credit for stopping. I also believe his comment was uncalled for to say the least.

Edinburgh Colin, on 01 November 2011 - 09:53 AM, said:

I would say it's a bad situation, but at the end of the day he's just another person with preconceived ideas being an ass.Don't waste your time thinking about it, just get on with your day.EC

Agreed

[mcferguson]

I wouldn't be bothered by the situation, I would just be glad he was enforcing the law. So what if he was a bit gruff, he has to deal with the dregs of society on a daily basis and that would make anyone rough around the edges.

[Muskie]

ok this is from the father of a cop, 99% of the people in the world are descent people cops deal with that other 1% 100% of the time. I have seen how the job has made my son very cynical and distrustful. So he was doing his job, most cops my son included could use more tact, but I can guarantee he went back to his car and felt like an a-hole and more that likely it will stick in his head to look first, then question.

[StillFingers]

I'm gonna throw myself under the bus before I rant; am rude.

I'm not SPESHUL now.
I wasn't before my disability.

Both AB and disabled I've encountered people that didn't like my dress, my long hair, my beard, my bare feet, holey cutoff jeans, coke bottle thick glasses (from 30yrs of computer use)...

Well, grow the f*@k up, get over yourself, there are rude people in this world...can any of us say they are so perfect that we've never been rude...because we weren't feeling good.

Turn the mirror on self, have you ever ASSUMED a person was something just because of their appearance, did any of you snap at a nurse/doctor/carer that didn't respond quick enough to a request, have none of you profiled a person and without talking to them, just avoided them, etc.

To the OP, this isn't your first post of this nature on this forum...and while I don't enjoy rudeness; and your cop could have bee more polite...what's the real problem?

Perhaps I'm just gettin old...this kinda silly shit doesn't get me hot anymore...I'm more interested in enjoying life then whining...oh crap my nail broke

To answer the OPs question...no it wouldn't bother me "now", 30rs ago just after my injury, yep, but it wouldn't have ruined my day...stupid is as stupid does!

Edited by StillFingers, 01 November 2011 - 04:33 PM.

[dreamerr]

What would this cop have done if it was just a senior citizen or an obese person? A lot of there docs sign off on a card. I know many who aren't disabled who have the blue tags. Also I have a plate and a tag if I happen to go in another persons card so be aware you can have both.

Trophy by your description a person in a power chair with a rear exit doesn't need a disabled spot. They don't need the extra room at all to exit the vehicle. Also a lot of disabled spots aren't the closest in some lots and they are still narrow which defeats the purpose. I often just take two spots and have my car spit on, mirrors moved and maybe in the future who knows. I am planning to put stickers on my car everywhere to alert that I need extra room.

Seems like all the people who did get stopped come from Cali. In most states they are not allowed to ask you. I know when I was still in NYC and complained to the cops about a specific person who wasn't disabled they said there is nothing they can do cause she had a special pass that they use in NY since there are no spots on the street. On "real" handicapped people get the special on. It allows you to park where it says no parking. This person had a sister who was blind and huge medical issues and she worked in the building next door. She said she had to be able to get to her fast bs. She wore 5 inch shoes and could have just ran across the street to get her car. Again cops couldn't do anything. We all commented to her but had no leg to stand on.

I would have called the police supervisor and said you appreciated him inquiring but his attitude sucked. With this info maybe they would improve training. The issues is people get plates or hanging cards for all kinds of reasons, we don't make the law, and most are invisible so how is a cop suppose to ask and really know what is going on. Even a doctor wouldn't know without testing.

I know many who have them because they have a heart condition, over weight, breathing issues ect but yet they can all walk around stores for three hours...my opinion no handicapped spot for them is necessary.

I will continue to take my two spots as needed so I can actually exit my car.

[Ohiokitten4]

Ok, so I do agree that he treated you poorly. Too many assume that we are the bad guy before checking out the situations first. But, Let me ask you this... My husband was going to a baseball tournament, the community park was packed that day. He always keeps the placcard hangin on the mirror, cuz otherwise he will forget to hang it up. So he was driving around to find a place to park, where he ran into this cop directing people where to park. The cop came to the window and said, there is a handicapped parking space up front, go park there. My husband said, yes I saw it, but my wife is not with me right now. The cop got all nasty, and yelled at him I dont care if she is or isnt with you, go park this van there now. My husband was like..wow.. I m not taking that spot if she isnt with me, and went down to another lot quite a bit aways and parked. He came home and said,, OMG, I cant believe he yelled at me to park there. So does that make sense?

[A trophy guy]

Ohiokitten4, on 01 November 2011 - 06:35 PM, said:

Ok, so I do agree that he treated you poorly. Too many assume that we are the bad guy before checking out the situations first. But, Let me ask you this... My husband was going to a baseball tournament, the community park was packed that day. He always keeps the placcard hangin on the mirror, cuz otherwise he will forget to hang it up. So he was driving around to find a place to park, where he ran into this cop directing people where to park. The cop came to the window and said, there is a handicapped parking space up front, go park there. My husband said, yes I saw it, but my wife is not with me right now. The cop got all nasty, and yelled at him I dont care if she is or isnt with you, go park this van there now. My husband was like..wow.. I m not taking that spot if she isnt with me, and went down to another lot quite a bit aways and parked. He came home and said,, OMG, I cant believe he yelled at me to park there. So does that make sense?

That police officer was clearly wrong. It sounds like he just didn't want to be bothered with the details and just waved you away. When you had the "temerity" to question him and do the right thing, he got pissed.

[edlee]

I hope to god that this cop does the same every time he sees the same set of circumstances,,, because in 98% of them,, he will have done us a service by busting the right guy's chops. I'll put up with his aggressive manner,, because I would love to see it more wide spread.

Why are you offended TG,, ?? How manny ripped guys in sports cars do you suppose there are that SHOULD be parking in handicap spots? Everybody condemns profileing,, but without it,, the police would always be playing catch up. And I don't care HOW they ask the question,, as long as they keep asking it.
ed