I had a contact with an LEO today. My first in a very long time, other than social. I drive much more than the average, so I have lots of exposure (50,000+ miles per year). It was an Illinois State Police Sargeant. In town. I was driving on a main street, and glanced in my mirror to change lanes. When I looked back the light was changing to yellow, and I was late for an appointment, soooooooo . . . I said to myself, screw it I'm goin'! The light turned red just as I entered the intersection. No danger, but definitely stretching things. My bad. I went most of the next block, happened to check my mirrors and saw red/blue lights being used to cross the intersection on "my" red. Uh-oh. I made the green at the next block, turned left and started up a long bridge. So did the ISP Officer. Right on my tail. Uh-oh. He lit me up when we reached the other side. I pulled into a restaurant parking lot and rolled my window down. I knew I was a had lad. He was almost too friendly. He asked for my driver's license and proof of insurance. My insurance card was buried in a bunch of gas receipts in my glove box. I told him I would find it. He asked me if I had insurance on the vehicle. I said yes--I am an insurance agent. He chuckled and asked if I knew why he stopped me. I said (in a nice way) surprise me. He said I ran the red light at the intersection of . . . and he was going to have to issue a citation for that. I said, yeah, I cut it pretty close. He said he'd be right back. After what seemed like an eternity, he came back, and explained that he was issuing a WARNING, which "does not count against you, and costs you nothing! Please sign here to acknowledge." I was astounded and told him so. He said to be careful, that "we're really just out here to get the bad guys, and you are friendly and polite. When I told you I was giving you a citation, it was just a test. Had you been hostile and upset I would've given you one. You're a nice guy, so have a nice day, and again, be careful."
Who says nice guys finish last? [:D]
Thank you again, Sargeant, if you are a member of this board. I will fight to my dying breath if I am unjustly accused, but I expect to take my knocks for anything I do wrong. I was wrong, but you gave me a break. [:)]