The Officer Who Hid Behind The Bush

Few days ago, I got stopped by a police. A hiding police who waits behind bushes to catch unsuspecting trespasser. He made me show my driving license and my vehicle registration card, then he took them away.

I was annoyed. I was aware I did a misdemeanor by violating the street sign. But what made me upset was the consequences of getting caught. I had to choose between bribing the officer, or have my license taken to later get an decision in a local court.

Bribing would be a faster and cheaper option, but it did not feel right. I thought that I should be a man of integrity. I would hate myself if I choose succumb to it.

Yet getting into the court is an excruciating experience. I would lost considerable amount of time just by dealing with the administration. Just thinking about using my precious day-off at the office only to attend the legal hearing hurts.

There is a third option actually, which is settling for the highest number of the ticket fine. However, my license would still be taken and I still had to collect it back from the local police station after I paid the fine. Still a total waste of time.

To be honest, I didn’t mind the fine amount. But I despise the wild-goose chase. My time is more precious since my daily rate is much higher.

It’s like they do not honor the time. It’s like wasting the trespasser’s time and money is their real punishment. It’s like they want the trespasser to be bribing instead of paying the fine legally.

Supposed he came with an EDC or something to pay legally, I would settle for the highest amount of fine. I really would.

“So sir, how is it?” said the policeman breaking the silence. I construed the sentence as a call to make decision on bribing or not.

I looked at him for a while with a blank stare. I finally took my wallet out and gave him some money. Then I left with such a huge dissatisfaction.

I felt violated.

By an officer who hid behind the bush.