I know I rarely post twice in a day, but, It’s Choose Your Own Adventure Time here at Velvet in Dupont. I gots a little problem and I need some input.
Unlike last week, where the cops were actually working to stop jaywalkers, they are back to their usual lazy routine. Okay, so this morning, I go out to get into my car, and there’s a Ford Taurus parked so close to my car that not only could I not squeeze in my drivers seat, but I can’t slide inbetween the cars sideways. I DESPISE the people who think it is okay to block one of the two functioning lanes on 17th Street so they can get their big gulp at 7/11 – but during morning rush hour? It’s especially rude since, just in front of me were several beautifully empty parking spots. So I walk into 7/11 and pose the question to the 2 people in there – is that your Ford Taurus out there? One guy turns around and says, “No, did you get hit?” I said, “No it’s blocking me in and I can’t get out.” Not a peep from the cop. He was very busy looking at the selection of Bear Claws. Hmm. One of America’s Most Wanted must be hiding in there.
So I walk back outside, standing there trying to decide if I’m too fat to squeeze from the passenger side. (Speedracer is small and Velvet ate at Maggiano’s this weekend.) Then the guy from 7/11 calls out to me and says, “Hey, it’s the cops car.” So I look in there and what do I see? DC’s FINEST ASSHOLE chit chatting with the 7/11 clerk. Steaming mad, I just won’t let these guys push me around, especially when they are wrong. So I say to the other guy, “What’s he doing? I need to get in my car!” The cop turns around from the cash register, where he’s very busy solving crimes, and he says “GO STAND BY YOUR CAR!!!!” So I say, “You had to double park and block me in? You couldn’t have parked in the open spots?” Then he screams at me and tells me that I am “not to raise my voice to him.” Ok. Asswipe. Let’s look at this situation for a minute. I’m standing on 17th Street, next to an 18 Wheeler with its engine on. So SORRY if I’m screaming so your lazy useless good for nothing ass can sit in there digging around in the “Give a Penny Take a Penny” box. He comes out of 7/11 sauntering slowly like he has not a care in the world, like the whole downtown isn’t flooded, like nothing else needs to be done, yelling at me to “shut my mouth.” He gets in his car and drives away.
I got his plate number.
I called 311 and they forwarded me to the Sarge! She ran the plate, called me back, wanted a description of the guy, and said, “I’ll call you back in a few after I locate the officer, but think about if you want me to handle it or if you want to file a formal complaint.” I asked her what she thought I should do. She said, “These guys can’t be out there on the street talking to citizens like this.” I told her, “It’s not the norm. I know most of the guys in my neighborhood and they aren’t like this.” (Lazy, yes, but belligerent? Nope. Two of them have asked me out as a matter of fact.) A formal complaint involves going to the police station to file a paper on him. You know, the station right across the street from my gym. You know, the gym I’m at sometimes twice a day.
Keeping in mind that I’m SO OVER these DC Cops who do nothing, what should I do? File the complaint or keep my mouth shut? I’ve already been told by friends in the ‘hood that the cop will be looking for me to commit any minor infraction since he knows my car. But, I don’t really do illegal shit while driving. Kind of hard to in a city that moves a snail’s pace.
Ok. Help.
Beware retaliation. Not just from that cop, but from his piggy brothers.
I feel your pain. One night, when Jason and I were walking down U, we saw a cop speed through an intersection with his lights and sirens blazing, nearly taking out some cars and pedestrians on his way. Was he going to thwart a rapist or a robber? Nope–he parked (illegally, I might add) at Love Cafe, got out of his car, and high-fived a friend who was waiting for him. Jason went to the station, talked to one of the higher-ups, and filed an official complaint. He said the folks at the station were actually quite responsive.
If I were you, I would go to the station and file the complaint. The cops are supposed to “protect and serve” you, not block your car and talk smack to you. You have a right to voice your concern, even if the only result is that the officer gets a lecture from the sarge. Enough complaints in a cop’s file, and you’d think he/she would get more than that–so it’s worth your time to place your experience in the public record.
I, too, am tired of DC cops–last night, in the torrential downpour, we watched a patrol car stand by while multiple vehicles parked illegally on U and nearly caused accidents because of it. It’s really sad, since there are so many good police officers out there, and everyone knows what a challenging and dangerous job it can be.
Oops! Sorry for the novel. Let me know how it turns out. 🙂
What an ass! Good for you for standing up to him and not taking his crap. It drives me nuts how cops consider themselves to be above the rules.
I’m not sure if you really need to fear retaliation, but it’s more a matter of your time. I mean, do you really want to waste it on some selfish bastard, be he a DC Cop, a 7-11 clerk, or anyone else for that matter?
Does it warrant a complaint?
Maybe, but having filed a complaint myself before, it’s a bunch of paper I’d rather not use. just my two-pennies-in-a-box.
I had made a comment and it was erased. Hmph.
I don’t think it’s worth your time and energy. It means paperwork and frustration on your part. Not worth it, in my humble opinion.
I must disagree with Raincouver. A little bit of paperwork and time is exactly what this situation requires. Sweet is right. Cops are required to protect and serve within the law. They are citizens just the same as anyone else, but that kind of authority can go to anyone’s head.
If he had apologized and been polite, it would be fine to ignore. The attitude he had to the entire situation is unacceptable. I recommend you file the complaint.
That sucks and is super annoying but I think I’d let it go. How anonymous can the complaint be??
“But, I dont really do illegal shit while driving.”
*cough* *cough*
ahheeeeemmmm [SJ clears throat]
If you file the complaint, chances are nothing will happen, but you might feel better about it.
If you don’t file the complaint, nothing will happen, and you won’t even get the release of getting it off your chest.
I hate you Sarah Jayne. It was POURING RAIN and I had to get back to my poor Thora, fashioning the bedsheets into a noose as we drove!
This is a case where you simply can’t do the right thing because it will have nothing but bad effects on your future. There are bad-ass cops just like there are bad-add citizens. It’s just that the bad-ass cops seem to be able to get by with everything but murder. So much for law and order…
As much as I would personally love to stick it to a cop like that, what he did isn’t worth the trouble he might cause for you if you filed a complaint.
I’d do something like put it as a comment on the Mayor’s blog or something. heh.
IMHO you should complain. It’s law-abiding citizens who fear retaliation or just don’t want to “cause a fuss” and don’t report inappropriate behavior that encourage this type of arrogant disrespect from our “public servants”. It just makes my blood boil when these things happen!!! *getting off my soapbox now*
File! File! File! A reprimand on his record should be enough for this guy to calm the $%!# down. Retaliation will only get him more complaints, which will result in a non-promotion and possibly non-raise when the time comes. Plus, it can’t hurt for his sarge to give him a lecture about addressing citizens and the protocol for doing so. Good luck!
File the complaint, Velvet. There are too many times in DC when situations like this happen, but the person is unaccountable (neighbors, tourists, etc). Not only can this guy be held accountable, but he was abusing his power. Book him.
It’s in my blood to file, so I say DO IT! I can’t stand people who take advantage of their “power” and feel as though they can belittle others. Take his ass down. Fuck him. Take a stand for the little people! LOL! It certainly can’t possibly end like DRH did! 🙂
god forid a police officer take a break from protecting YOUR general safety. god forid you got inconvenienced for THREE minutes.
maybe if you were a little nicer and talked to his with respect, he would have treated you with respect back.
As much as I’d like to say to go ahead and file, what good will it really do?
He’ll get a slap on the wrist that I am sure will not prevent him from double parking in front of 7/11 while he fattens his ass even more on bear claws.
Then he knows who you are, and you might have to deal with him keeping a sharp eye on you for the slightest infraction you make.
Since you can’t bitch his fat ass out, I’d write him a note addressed to PIG, and leave it on his car next time you see him double parked. Not the most mature way, but I’d certainly feel better doing that than nothing at all.
The majority seems to say to go ahead and file. Wow.
And to anon, who is such a pussy and such a coward for not putting your name, I only allowed your comment through moderation to show what a complete fucking idiot you are. Have you found the “B” key on your computer? Because it’s “God Forbid” not “forid” – and twice at that! People like you are too dumb, and you need the cops to protect you between bear claw noshing. And clearly you can’t read because I went in there and asked first if that was anyone’s car. He chose to ignore me, then tell someone else, “yeah that’s my car.” Yup. He’s really a life protector that one. I’d save him from the next round of cuts.
I’d say file. If he retaliates, file again.
: )
AM
Velvet~ A tough one, indeed. On one hand, I would be a little wary of retaliation- but if you know the other cops in the neighborhood, chances are, they are onto his BS too! Of course, it’s in my nature to fight, especially when people in postions of somewhat “authority” abuse it… I say file (and make sure NOT to do anything remotely illegal w/in the next 60-90 days! hahaha)
~Fab : )~
I’m wary of retaliation too, but seriously, what’s he going to do? Pick on a citizen who complained that he was impeding her ability to get to work to make the all mighty dollar to pay her D.C. taxes to ultimately pay his salary? The whole thing is a ridiculous circle and in no way does he come out looking like he was the least bit in the right. I’m leaning toward filing. Because it’s the right thing to do. I’m no stranger to having my rights violated, but this time, I’ll do something about it.
It’s not just DC cops, it’s cops EVERYWHERE. You would ban me from your blog if I posted every story I had regarding sleazy law enforcement.
You have to keep in mind the personality/psychology of a person who chooses to become a cop. It’s not exactly the intelligent or creative or academically gifted that pursue this vocation. For many people this is their only hope for a so-called “respectable” profession, as well as their one opportunity for authority/power over people who would otherwise be paying them to landscape their lawn.
Before readers get upset, I am of course speaking in generalizations and understand that their are a few pigs, um cops, er law enforcement officers who are not meathead losers.
Will a formal complaint be effective? Probably not, but I say do it and hope that his superiors take this type of thing seriously.
That being said… I love The Shield. What an awesome series!
I’m as anti-establishment as anyone most days, but I think I’m going to be in the minority here. Not worth it.
For me, it comes down to a simple calculus of whether the result is worth enduring the whole process.
In all likelihood, he’s not going to get punished, and honestly, it might just be a piece of paper, but filing a formal complaint requires some effort — and handing over your name, address, etc.
Plus, what do you get out of it other than a little bit of satisfaction coupled with a minor fear of retaliation?
Oh Honey! yikes… I’m so suprised you weren’t arrested. I would have expected nothing less from DC finest when you had enough balls to call them out on something. And they wonder why we have no respect.
Here’s were you go – http://policecomplaints.dc.gov
You can fax your complaint or even email Melanie, the Director. But, I’m with you and your friends, it’s scary to think about how they will get back on you if you even file it. jackass. pfft! good for you for talking up.
I wouldn’t not file a complaint because of the possibility of retaliation. If he, or his friends, did retaliate, your complaining about that would likely have much more serious consequences for them. I hope they would realize that and not do it.
Even given that, I agree with Dara that you should weigh whether it’s worth your time. The police should be enforcing double-parking laws , not adding to the problem.
I think since you are Velvet, you will never forgive yourself if you don’t take action. If anything else, we can have a few drinks then go find his Ford Taurus:-) muahahahahaha…
Do it. Report him. Cops should be setting an example of what correct behavior is not taking advantage of their position of authority. In fact take it one step further, call the news media and get them to meet you at the station when you file that report. They’ll love an exclusive on Meto PD corruption. With the news involved internal affairs will be sure to do something about this rogue cop.
I saw file. This post made my blood boil! I’m with Law-Rah too, let’s find this Taurus and send him a message via Krylon.
The reality is nothing (good) will come of this – you can file your complaint, and that will be the end of it (from their end – Mr Jinxy at Son of Clown Ops did an “expose” on this matter..many cops hate filing complaints and will probably give you sh–t about it – you’ll be lucky if it doesnt wind up in the trash).
I’d forget it and move on.
I’m not normally one for filing formal complaints, but the dormant left wing cop-hating radical in me says go for it. Look at it as karma. What goes around comes around.
I could write a 14 page essay on morons of the metropolitan police department. This post hit so close to home that I can’t even begin to describe how rude, belligerant,….and oh my god, I can’t even finish my thought that’s how much they anger me.
They f*cking suck. The end.
File the complaint. It’s almost a certainty nothing will happen from one complaint, but a paper trail will be created and if the cop makes a habit of being rude, double-parking, etc., then he’ll begin (or maybe is already well on his way) to accumulate complaints. I’ve learned through community meetings that if you don’t file a complaint, it didn’t happen, according to the police.
Sorry so belated but I have to agree with
I-66…Be careful when filing…you do want him to pay for being a dick but I don’t know that its worth it from his “friends”.
Ok, I take that back. FILE. 🙂
File.
Yeppers………file. We’ve got your back!
🙂
Kate
I am really impressed with people’s fear about retaliation. That is exctly why everyone should file complaints in situations of an authority misusing their power. This is exactly why we have free speech zones. We are not calling out dictatorial jerks when they exceed the limits of their office or abuse our rights.
This cop is a complete cobag and it is everyone’s civic duty to file complaints like this. Those who choose avoid their duty only exacerbate the problem.
My Dad would tell me to let it go and I would. But it would be wishing I had the guts to take action. So many of us are afraid of retailiation and/or paperwork and therefore these type of people get to walk all over us. The whole thing is a crap shoot because you have no idea what the outcome would be.
Why not contact one of the news stations, like ABC 7 On Your Side, and get them to investigate for you?
That’s so rediculous!!
Like they’re above the law. F that!
You report em! Screw them!
If only I could catch one of their license plates as they speed all over the city.
If you don’t report him, then they ARE above the law. No offense but you’ll just be reinforcing this type of behavior.
Enough of us private citizens tell these bloated tards to not break the law and then turn around and give me a ticket for the same thing, and we might have a cival society.
Take one for the team if you have to. I would. Hell, I have! But that’s a whole other story
btw, totally gonna have you on my blogroll now! Fight the man!
File.
Report it. Like, totally.
Report it–this guy shouldn’t get away with such disgusting behavior. And hey, if he tries to retaliate, we’ve got some luuurvely militants over here in the Middle East who could do a number on him.
I’m with the group who says “FILE”. File that sucker so that the damn cop has it on his record.
I hate cops who are above the law and are the ones breaking them more than normal citizens yet will not hesitate to make it your problem if you do the same.
Plus he was an absolute asshole – he deserves all bad karma that comes back to him.
File! Let him think twice the next time he pulls that crap.
I just got a $50 parking ticket today so I’m pissed.
Girl, don’t even get me started on the D.C. cops. I have some very serious shit to throw down with them. Being a middle-class white girl, I’ve always been a cop-fan, but after my experiences with the D.C. cops- oh, hell nah.