When is the last time that you came into contact with the police? Since I am married to a police officer, I come into contact with one daily. This doesn’t mean that I am immune to the law. I can recall a few years back when I was heading home. That particular afternoon could not be more perfect and I had my windows rolled down as I enjoyed the warmth. The Bluetooth capabilities of modern vehicles make it near impossible not to connect my phone calls to my vehicle. There is a set schedule when I call my dad. Shortly after making the call and catching up on the day with my father, I found myself stopped at a light with a helmet shoved into my vehicle. This helmet was that worn by a motor cop.
Receiving a Written Warning
I wish I could say that it was my LEO leaning in for a kiss. Instead, it was an officer asking me to pull over and turn onto a side street. In full transparency, this was my first time truly being pulled over. The officer guided as I complied with his requests. My first thought was concern because I had no idea why I was being pulled over. Could I have had a flat tire that I was unaware of? Remembering to put the officer’s safety above my own, I placed my hands at 10 and 2 as I watched him hop off of his bike and make his way to me. He asked me for my license, registration and insurance. Without questioning, I gave him what he asked for. After a few short minutes, he returned to my car with my documents and a written warning.
A Friendly Reminder
I looked down at the piece of paper that I was asked to sign and it was for using a cell phone while I was driving. This amused me because when I first found this helmet in my window to begin with, it was just as I said (hands free) “how was your day daddy?” The officer saw directly that I was communicating without the use of my hands to talk on the phone. I thought back before I signed the warning. To be honest, I remember pressing on my dad’s name on my actual phone before setting it in my purse. Instead of getting upset, I accepted the facts and was appreciative for just a warning.
The officer asked me to keep my hands off of my phone and explained what receiving a warning means. I thanked him, he hopped on his bike, and I sat in my vehicle for several moments before calling my dad back. When I tell the story, people laugh at the thought of a giant helmet in my driver’s window and what my face probably looked like with the shock.
Admitting My Faults
Truthfully, I could have been upset and argued that I wasn’t deserving of even a warning. I held my phone for seconds just as I could have while putting a water bottle to my mouth. Instead, I accepted the fact that it is those seconds that make the difference when accidents happen due to distracted driving.
Police Spouses Are Members of The Public Too
For anyone who thinks that police spouses are immune to the law could not be more wrong. In fact, I believe that our subconscious mind draws attention from other officers to us more than others. This acted as a reminder for me to fully use the hands-free capabilities of my vehicle. It also allowed me to remember that I needed to keep my foot off of the gas a little more and pause at a stop signs a few more moments. Police officers aren’t out to get any of us. They are simply doing their job to protect, serve and remind us when we break or bend the law.
To my dear LEO Warriors, if any of this resonates with you, I want you to know that you are not alone. I think that you are beautiful, you are strong and you are LEO Warriors. Sign up for our newsletter and receive resourceful information that is completely curated around YOU. If you have a writing suggestion, please comment below. Like us on Facebook @leowarriors1 and follow us on Instagram @leowarriors
