 Correct decision, until politics
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I was unemployed for nearly six months. I worked sporadically, but don't consider
temp work a few days a week as I rack up debt to be gainfully employed.
I was happy as I could be to get this job. I direct traffic at an airport. This means
that one of my core functions is to keep people from stopping in front of the airport
for any reason other than loading passengers or their bags.
I do my job, and do it thoroughly. So when this guy lets his family out and sits in his car
I tell him to move several times. He doesn't listen. I start to write him a ticket. As I am
finishing the ticket he identifies himself as a police officer. I tell him that he is not
allowed to park unless he is on official business and hand him the ticket. He demands
my name and still will not move. I have to call airport operations and report that a vehicle
will not move. He threatens my job and leaves.
After this, I call my supervisor and explain what happened. She tells me that all is well
and that I did my job as instructed.
Today I get a call from my boss informing me that the police officer called my corporate
headquarters to complain. Better yet, since I've had this job for less than a month and
am still within my ninety day probationary period, I could loose my job due to political
pressure from corporate.
Am I in a severe minority in thinking that when you follow the rules and have your
manager support you the company should let their people do their jobs without
attempting to manage situations they know nothing about?
If there's nothing wrong with me,
maybe there's something wrong with the universe!
-Dr. Crusher
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Re: Correct decision, until politics
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1 |
What a bunch of crap! Your supervisor, your manager and the company should stand behind you 100% because you made the right decision.
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Re: Correct decision, until politics
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Sorry to hear of this Rev! But, as I got about half way through your posting I THOUGHT there was gonna be a PUNCHLINE at the end of this thing!!!  BUT, if you have posted this in all seriousness, then I have to tell you....WELCOME to the "wonderful" world of LIFE!!! 'Cuz ya see young man, these kinds of "politics" happen THROUGHOUT the corporate world! Yep, believe it or not, almost EVERY business out there is just chocked full of gutless corporate types runnin' the show who have more drive and ambition than they do any sense of honor or EVEN, a lot of the time, the degree of INTELLECT which one would think would be a requirement in order TO run things from on high! (yep...and I'M just glad I've been retired for the last couple of years so I don't have to put up with those kinds of morons anymore!!!)   
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Correct decision, until politics
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,210
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,210 |
Based one YOUR side of the story, I think you might be alright. As long as it all unfolded the way you described.
The one thing that beats political pressure is LEGAL PRESSURE. The one good thing about this sue crazy system we live with is the fact that every little problem has to be handled carefully. Especially big companies like the airline you work for. Every idiot and their mother are always suing these business for payoffs.
If you truly did nothing but your job, you either have nothing to worry about, or a decent "case". And I hate saying that, but in this case (haha) the law should protect you from "THE LAW" (haha).
Some cops are arrogant and thats why theyre cops. It probably really pssed him off having someone like yourself having AUTHORITY over him. And now hes out for the last word.
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Re: Correct decision, until politics
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
The dude slammed you, that's all. I suggest you don't worry until you have something to worry about. Let 'er slide and keep on truckin.'
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Correct decision, until politics
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 593
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Do you still have his license plate number, or even better his name or badge number. Contact his employer and tell them the story. I'm sure the police department would not like the fact that an officer is abusing his position for personal gain. Next step, news papers, they always like police abusing authority for personal gain stories, especially when the little guy is getting stepped on.
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Re: Correct decision, until politics
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
I suggest you don't worry until you have something to worry about. Let 'er slide and keep on truckin.'
Yeah! "Keep on truckin'!" Groovy, dude!
And now Keith, stop your Bogartin' and pass Rev that doobie!
(actually, I think that that's some good advice there, ol' buddy!) 
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Correct decision, until politics
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,735 Likes: 6
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,735 Likes: 6 |
Quote:
Do you still have his license plate number, or even better his name or badge number. Contact his employer and tell them the story. I'm sure the police department would not like the fact that an officer is abusing his position for personal gain. Next step, news papers, they always like police abusing authority for personal gain stories, especially when the little guy is getting stepped on.
That's what I was thinking, don't those tickets make duplicates? Contact his supervisor and say he threatened you, spit at you , kicked you in the shin when nobody was looking....
I'm kidding, a little. If you end up losing the job, contact the news and threaten lawsuit.
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: Correct decision, until politics
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 713
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Abuse of authority is unfortunately something that happens way too often. I totally agree with Mountainman. Get his supervisor on the phone and contact the news. I'm so sick of people thinking they're better than me or anyone else. Stupid seems to have become an epidemic these days.
Have a heart that never hardens, a temper that never tires, a touch that never hurts. - Charles Dickens
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Re: Correct decision, until politics
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Actually, I'm not so sure "contacting his employer", a fellow LEO, and telling them the story" is going to help much.
Don't forget folks, people(and cops ARE people, remember) tend to protect and defend their own(it's sometimes MIS-labeled "Loyalty"), and will tend to rationalize any lack in their ability to see issues in a fair and equitable manner from boths side of any contention because of this social phenomenon.
And so Rev, I suggest that you do what Keith suggested and chill out("let 'er slide and keep on truckin'") and from here on out go about conducting your business in your usual professional manner as you have been and WITH a smile on your face and exhitibing as little outward hositility as you can muster. And while you're doing this, consider as a OPTION the ideas which Tom and Dave offered up to you just in case this doesn't turn out to be the end of it later on.
(you see, NOW you'll have a "Game Plan" in THAT possible eventuality, and now the PEACE OF MIND knowing that you have one "just in case"!)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Correct decision, until politics
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 413
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 413 |
As much as I like tilting at windmills I'd have to agree with Dwight on this one. Reporting him to his department is unlikely to develop anything positive.
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Re: Correct decision, until politics
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 497
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Quote:
Sorry to hear of this Rev! But, as I got about half way through your posting I THOUGHT there was gonna be a PUNCHLINE at the end of this thing!
I wish it was a joke, but no I just needed to vent about it.
I've calmed down a bit now. Fortunately, my superiors and airport operations backed me against the officers complaints.
I'm still a little shaken from worrying about loosing another job in this economy, but my boss reiterated that I was doing
my job and that everyone was pleased with my performance.
I'm not counting on it just yet, but I was told that I may be promoted to management soon.
Last edited by Rev; 02/15/2010 2:59 PM.
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Re: Correct decision, until politics
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7 |
Hit the SOB where it might really hurt. Go to the elected official with oversight over his department and explain what transpired. Be willing to go public and embarrass the whole bunch of them. A letter to his local paper or a call to the TV station might be in order. Nothing like a law enforcement officer who thinks the law does not apply to them. So called "Professional Courtesy" should be a firing offense for both parties.
We all like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists. But when push comes to shove most of us are sheep who do what we are told. Worst of all, a lot of us become unpaid agents of whoever is controlling the agenda by enforcing the current dogma on the few rugged individualists who actually exist.
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Re: Correct decision, until politics
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
So called "Professional Courtesy" should be a firing offense for both parties.
Yep, I agree Larry! It should be, alright...but as you know, rarely is enforced.
I mean, dude, you might know how some of this mentality works...it's the "You're either with us or against us" kind of (cop, in this case) "Loyalty"...RIGHT?!  
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Correct decision, until politics
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 413
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Good, glad to hear it, and fully understand the need to vent. No problem.
Good luck for the future!
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Re: Correct decision, until politics
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
I'm not counting on it just yet, but I was told that I may be promoted to management soon.
Wow, you screwed up that bad, huh?
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Re: Correct decision, until politics
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Joined: Apr 2009
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Quote:
Quote:
I'm not counting on it just yet, but I was told that I may be promoted to management soon.
Wow, you screwed up that bad, huh?
Ya know I resisted making a crack like that myself.
In all seriousness I hope I do get booted up the ladder. My boss told me that if I was
interested she would recommend me for a position as a 3rd shift area manager. I would
be the one showing up at 3am to make sure Security wasn't asleep or loading a personal
vehicle with company property.
If there's nothing wrong with me,
maybe there's something wrong with the universe!
-Dr. Crusher
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Re: Correct decision, until politics
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
Quote:
I'm not counting on it just yet, but I was told that I may be promoted to management soon.
Wow, you screwed up that bad, huh?
YEAH, Soren!!! Talk 'bout not knowin' how to climb the "corporate ladder", HUH???!!!
(I mean REV, come on now...didn't I pretty much just tell ya in my first response in this thread that to get promoted and rise to the top that you've gotta be one o' those kind'a folks who don't rock the boat and you've gotta be a "real team player"???...uh huh, you can NEVER hit 'em with the concept that playing by the rules OR what's "fair"!...NOOOO!!!..you've GOTTA go along with whatever the dominant culture happens to be, dude!!!)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Correct decision, until politics
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7 |
Quote:
Yep, I agree Larry! It should be, alright...but as you know, rarely is enforced.
I mean, dude, you might know how some of this mentality works...it's the "You're either with us or against us" kind of (cop, in this case) "Loyalty"...RIGHT?!
Do you really want to get into this?
We all like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists. But when push comes to shove most of us are sheep who do what we are told. Worst of all, a lot of us become unpaid agents of whoever is controlling the agenda by enforcing the current dogma on the few rugged individualists who actually exist.
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Re: Correct decision, until politics
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
Quote:
Yep, I agree Larry! It should be, alright...but as you know, rarely is enforced.
I mean, dude, you might know how some of this mentality works...it's the "You're either with us or against us" kind of (cop, in this case) "Loyalty"...RIGHT?!
Do you really want to get into this?
Naaah, not really, Loveable Larry! I think you got my point alright!
SOOOOO, what say we then talk about the WEATHER instead, HUH?!
How's that snow treatin' ya back there in the Heartland, anyway???
(I mean I REALLY hate to rub it in here, BUT it's about 80 degrees out here in La La Land today, AND I'm juuuuust about to take a spin on my bike!!!...SEE YA!!!)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Correct decision, until politics
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,210
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2007
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Awesome to hear about that possible promotion. Thats what America needs right now, some people doing their job the right way.
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Re: Correct decision, until politics
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,695 Likes: 22
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,695 Likes: 22 |
Make a formal complaint (Written) with his Internal Affairs office for conduct unbecoming an officer. Explain his trying to badge his way out of it. It will end immediately.
That type of conduct is reprehensible and cannot be tolerated regardless of your not being in trouble for it.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: Correct decision, until politics
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,497 Likes: 7
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,497 Likes: 7 |
Do you know what town, city or county this cop works? Keep your nose clean around there. I would wait till the sh!t hits the fan,, then contact anybody that will listen!
Last edited by Two_Wheel_n; 02/15/2010 5:04 PM.
'04' Black America
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Re: Correct decision, until politics
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 497
Adjunct
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He works about 3 1/2 hours away from me. I shouldn't have to worry about it.
If there's nothing wrong with me,
maybe there's something wrong with the universe!
-Dr. Crusher
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Re: Correct decision, until politics
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Quote:
Make a formal complaint (Written) with his Internal Affairs office for conduct unbecoming an officer. Explain his trying to badge his way out of it. It will end immediately.
That type of conduct is reprehensible and cannot be tolerated regardless of your not being in trouble for it.
OOOO yeah, I.A. The other cops already hate them so they love this kind of stuff.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: Correct decision, until politics
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,028 Likes: 8
New Tires
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New Tires
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,028 Likes: 8 |
Difficult situation, stressful I'm sure, but till you get fired hold your powder. If you do get fired the corp your working for has no liability since you're on probation, they have the right to fire you for no cause. If they are smart it all ends there because they won't give you a reason, at least not in writing. If they are stupid and give you a written cause notice, then you should protest in writing to both corp and police. If you're still screwed after that, go media, media , media. As Two Wheels n advised keep your nose clean especial in the said cops jurisdiction. If after your formal protest and go media some cops kick your ****** you have won the lotto. Most of all relax and good luck.
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H. L. Mencken
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Re: Correct decision, until politics
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
Difficult situation, stressful I'm sure, but till you get fired hold your powder. If you do get fired the corp your working for has no liability since you're on probation, they have the right to fire you for no cause. If they are smart it all ends there because they won't give you a reason, at least not in writing. If they are stupid and give you a written cause notice, then you should protest in writing to both corp and police. If you're still screwed after that, go media, media , media. As Two Wheels n advised keep your nose clean especial in the said cops jurisdiction. If after your formal protest and go media some cops kick your ****** you have won the lotto. Most of all relax and good luck.
Wise words there, Mac! 
(listen to this gentleman here, Rev!)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Correct decision, until politics
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
I'll stick to what I said in my first post here (let's see here... what DID I say) ummmm, or yeah, "let 'er slide and keep on truckin." Especially now that you feel more confident the storm is clearing. You're okay and from what yer saying, it's over. So there is nothing to do... and this is not a good time to make some sort of point. Just move on and enjoy what lies ahead. The guy is probably a moron and.... "oh well." There's plenty more guys like him wherever you go. The only person you can truly control is yourself and it sound like you're doing a pretty good job of that. No matter what you do you cannot change this guy or anyone else. I personally would not fight the issue... life's working out pretty good regardless of that moron.
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Correct decision, until politics
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Yeah Keith, that in reality is pretty much what Mac said above. However, Mac, and few of the other guys here supplied a "Game Plan" juuuuuust in case Rev's life doesn't end up "working out pretty good regardless of that moron". And I say it's always a good idea to have a "Game Plan" in place for any occasion. (as a matter of fact, I always have a "Game Plan" I use around HERE...but that's ANOTHER whole issue for you folks to ponder...and put up with!!!) 
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Correct decision, until politics
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,580
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,580 |
As far as I understand it, once a ticket has been started it is too late and it has to be issued and the recipient will have to go through whatever appeal procedures are in place as the issuer cannot withdraw it because of tracability, so when this guy badged you after you had written said ticket you would have most likely lost your job had you torn it up.
Such moronic actions from a cop who would know this makes me believe that this guy is just plain stirring things and deserves whatever he gets, upto and including losing his job
So stick to your guns Rev, and I hope everything turns out well for you, just avoid his area for a while
Too old to die young, too ugly to leave a good looking corpse
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Re: Correct decision, until politics
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 497
Adjunct
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OP
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He never did badge me.
I can stop the ticket at any point.
I'm not sure about other places but I have the ability.
Company policy discourages voiding one, but as long as I have a valid reason I could
void the ticket without repercussion. I just don’t see someone telling me that they
are a cop to be valid reason.
Shoot, I approached an Air Martial, the one group that I don’t want to cross at the
airport, and asked what he was doing parking a private vehicle in the police only
section. He informed me of who he was and promptly went back to his vehicle and
put a placard in the windshield showing that it was a vehicle operated by the
US Air Martials.
It seems that the people in real power understand the rules and are willing to obey
them, while those who assume they have power will hang themselves with their own
credentials.
If there's nothing wrong with me,
maybe there's something wrong with the universe!
-Dr. Crusher
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