Wife is pretty shaken up from minor encounter with the police

[Pyrophosphate]

Why I'm glad I live in Canada.

Because I'd rather be able to defend myself than wait several minutes for the police to maybe show up?

 

[awkwardamanda]

Because I'd rather be able to defend myself than wait several minutes for the police to maybe show up?

It's sad that so much of America thinks this way. Uh oh. Anybody could whip out a gun at any moment. Better have mine handy! Really, there are gonna be a few nutjobs anywhere. It's just that in Canada we don't all live in fear and feel like we have to keep guns around just in case we bump into that one unlikely kook.

 

[WeirdyMcGee]

Personally, I'd rather have a gun.

I'd personally rather be killed than be a murderer... and I do have a gun.
For hunting... and zombies.

Let's not turn this into a Canada vs. States thing though, people?
I'll have to lock the thread.
Stay on topic, please.

 

[Kiwong]

I actually did just that. I phoned the headquarters downtown and spoke to a PR officer. I explained what happened, and basically told them "look, this isnt about contesting whatever shes charged with, its specifically about the behavior and demeanor of 3 officers who essentially cornered my wife, half their size, and reemed her out for a very minor offense, and took it to the level that she felt like a total criminal. Your guys used alot of unnecessary sternness and intimidation. I know youve got a job to do, but keep your people in line. That was completely out of line and uncalled for. Because of their actions shes now having anxiety attacks whenever she sees a police officer".

That last part was the truth, we were at a red light in traffic today, and a cruiser stopped beside us. She saw the cop driving and turned to me closing her eyes and was trying to breathe slow. She started trembling and shaking, and started to hyperventillate. Luckily we were near where we needed to go and got into some fresh air. I think this event may be with her for a while.

To my suprise, the person i was speaking to sounded quite sincere and concerned, asked me who the officer who wrote the ticket was, and which train station this was at and what time of day. I explained everything to her and she said she would be forwarding this matter to their internal affairs.

Im not trying to be a sh*t disturber. I totally respect the law, i want to be its friend, but when people are scared of the police, instead of feeling comforted by them being around, i think theres a problem there.

I dont want to get this guy fired or anything, i just simply want him to be told his actions werent acceptable and cant happen again. The lady i spoke to said shed be getting back to be no later than 10 am tomorrow morning.

Should be interesting.

Well done Lone Gunman, good luck, I hope there is some accountability for the officer's behaviour More importantly your wife can slowly get over this.

 

[Agent_Violet]

Is there anyway that you can get her a taser? i have a little pink one that i keep in my purse with my pepper spray.

it isn't the one the police use...it's one where you actually have to touch the person with it. I believe luck favors the prepared and honestly, women aren't as physically able to defend themselves as men. I think people are generally good and wouldn't hurt anyone but on the off chance that I run into someone who would be willing to hurt me, i'd like to be able to protect myself.

even having those things in her purse make give her a sense of safety and peace of mind...i've never had to use my pepper spray or my taser but just having them makes me feel more at ease when i go places alone.

i live in a really decent area but i still hear about women getting robbed in the mall parking garage and parking lots sometimes...it happens. it's better to be prepared

 

[lilmutegirl]

I just came across this, though, I realize from the dates that it has been up for some time.
I'm sorry your wife went through this, but glad that you were there to support her.
I agree that the entire situation seems like overkill. Why did it take 3 cops to stop her? And, I don't live in Canada, nor do I ride trains, but I don't understand why a 5 minute expired ticket would warrant such a penalty--especially if she was off the train at that point. The fine seems awfully high and it is ridiculous, in my opinion, to put out a warrant for her arrest.
I do, actually, understand why one would need i.d., and it is very unfortunate that she happened to forget hers that day (I am paranoid about not having mine with me).
Unfortunately, as I am learning, in the world, even if everyone around you agrees that something was handled wrong or policies are stupid, once you are in a situation, you can only deal with it as best you can, and it won't magically go away. Best of luck to both of you.

 

[Section_31]

I actually did just that. I phoned the headquarters downtown and spoke to a PR officer. I explained what happened, and basically told them "look, this isnt about contesting whatever shes charged with, its specifically about the behavior and demeanor of 3 officers who essentially cornered my wife, half their size, and reemed her out for a very minor offense, and took it to the level that she felt like a total criminal. Your guys used alot of unnecessary sternness and intimidation. I know youve got a job to do, but keep your people in line. That was completely out of line and uncalled for. Because of their actions shes now having anxiety attacks whenever she sees a police officer".

That last part was the truth, we were at a red light in traffic today, and a cruiser stopped beside us. She saw the cop driving and turned to me closing her eyes and was trying to breathe slow. She started trembling and shaking, and started to hyperventillate. Luckily we were near where we needed to go and got into some fresh air. I think this event may be with her for a while.

To my suprise, the person i was speaking to sounded quite sincere and concerned, asked me who the officer who wrote the ticket was, and which train station this was at and what time of day. I explained everything to her and she said she would be forwarding this matter to their internal affairs.

Im not trying to be a sh*t disturber. I totally respect the law, i want to be its friend, but when people are scared of the police, instead of feeling comforted by them being around, i think theres a problem there.

I dont want to get this guy fired or anything, i just simply want him to be told his actions werent acceptable and cant happen again. The lady i spoke to said shed be getting back to be no later than 10 am tomorrow morning.

Should be interesting.

ok so, she was a bit off on timing, i got a call this morning at 10:07 am, , i think thats forgiveable.

So it was the same woman i spoke to calling me back, and she advised me that the officer who had given her the ticket had been spoken to about this situation an was being dealt with, as I guess theyve recieved other complaints about the same guy. I did try to make it clear to her i didnt want to see this guy lose his job over this, i dont want to be responsible for hardship like that on someone else, just that id like him to watch his tone and keep his temper in check. She wouldnt tell me exactly whats giong on, as its their dept policy, but she did say he would be getting a proper refresher in public etiiquette. I feel satisfied with that. Apparently hes also typing up an apology an mailing it to us. I feel that wasnt necesarry, but i appreciate the gesture.

So, we still have this big bill to pay, but at least we got our point across.

 

[coyote]

When i have someone trying to bash down my door, i want someone to call.

Personally, I'd rather have a gun.

incidents of purely random violence are actually very rare in north america

most violent crime is either perpetrated by one criminal against another (gang violence, drug wars, etc.) or the attacker is someone the victim knows well

the average law-abiding citizen has little need of a gun to "protect themselves"

unless you live out in the forest where there's wolves and cougars

 

[awkwardamanda]

incidents of purely random violence are actually very rare in north america

most violent crime is either perpetrated by one criminal against another (gang violence, drug wars, etc.) or the attacker is someone the victim knows well

the average law-abiding citizen has little need of a gun to "protect themselves"

unless you live out in the forest where there's wolves and cougars

...and coyotes?!::

 

[coyote]

...and coyotes?!::

i don't bite...

very hard

 

[awkwardamanda]

i don't bite...

very hard

Ok, nibbling's fine.

 

[zav943]

I think part of the problem in this city, i cant speak for others, is the quota's they have to make for so many speeding/train tickets handed out. It basically turns it into a giant witch hunt.

I respect the law and police, i wanted to be an officer myself. I dont think it would be fair to paint them all with the same brush from this experience. Ok, sure, if you REALLY get down to it, yes she was in violation of the law. but 5 minutes? really guys?. common!

Just one of those things. Im wondering how shes going to do now when taking the train in the future :/

$400 for failing to show a ticket on the ctrain? Last I remember it was $150...

 

[MaliceInWickedland]

Aww Gunman.. I'm really sorry to hear that your wife was put in a situation like that. Cops sure can be a real stick in the a** sometimes. She's very lucky to have a nice husband like you there to comfort her. Hope she's doing okay now.

 

[Vampayah88]

What a bunch of *******s, I'm sorry about what happened to your wife man. Good thing she has a great hubbie who's there for her.

 

[Section_31]

So, small update on this, sorry for the zombie thread.

Initially, we had tried to look at fighting the ticket, but we just dont have the money. So, i relented, and went downtown to just pay the stupid fine and have done with it.

Talk about an adventure.

Ive been through airports, and they werent as secured as this building was. I was suprised. I go through the front doors, and they have a giant security section set up. A female guard, kinda cute actually, was being nice and asked me how my day was thus far. I was feeling like a cocky little sh!t and couldnt help but grin at her at say "well, its not too bad, i have a pretty lady in uniform here to protect me". She laughed and then told me to be a good boy then and take off my clothes...specifically my belt, shoes, socks, and jacket. Soooooo i did just that. along with my watch, glasses, and wedding ring. Jesus i felt naked even though was still wearing jeans and a t shirt.

So i walk through 4 metal detectors, get waved down by a guy holding a 5th metal detector just in case the first 4 were broken, and then get checked out by 2 hungry looking sniffer dogs. after all that im allowed to put my clothes back on. Then take an elevator up 28 floors, to go see some mousy looking old lady behind a bulletproof window. I remember her glasses were as thick as coke-bottle bottoms.

So anyway, theres no one else on that floor, and shes sitting there reading a book. I walk up to her, and im about to say somthing when she, without looking up from her book, tells me to go grab a number. I look around, and say "well, ma'am, theres no one else here...". Then she looks up, and more sternly tells me to go grab a number....back at the main entrance. *sigh*

so! back to the ground floor for me!. Luckily, i was able to grab a number from one of the guards who got it for me, otherwise i would have had to go back through the security again just to get the stupid thing.

So, i go back up 28 floors, get back to her window......and she closes the shade down and said shes going for lunch, come back in 2 hours....2 HOURS?!?!?!?

Christ, so now im looking for someone else to help me. The guard said shes the only one here who can process this ticket right now. I tell the guy i have to go soon, can we please just get a supervisor or somthing?. He grumbles a bit and wanders off back into their back offices, and comes back with another lady, who looked like she was eyeing up some bug she found on her pristine kitchen table. She reluctantly accepted my payment, and away i went.

So then, i dont know why, i had to go back through security the same way i came in. So again, off with my belt, shoes, socks, glasses, wedding ring, watch and any loose change. 4 metal detectors dont go off. Mr Wavy-wand metal detector beeps. The guy looks at me odd. I look right back, just as confused. He's waving the thing over my crotch and its BEEPING. Im thinking "w....t......f". The guy goes sir, empty out your pockets. I turn my jean pockets inside out. nothing. He waves the wand again. Angry buzzing sound. By this time 3 more big guys had noticed and had politely asked me to come with them.......and now im thinking "oh sh*t...cavity search!".

So im taken into this room with these 4 big guys. Including mister wavy-wand. He waves it again and sure enough, angry buzzing sound.

So now, i get the "sir, would you mind removing your jeans?".

Im sweating now, wondering just what in the blue f*(k is setting their little toy off. Yes, yes id mind very much removing my pants!. I do so anyway.

And clink! a coin falls out of them onto the floor. Turns out i had a hole in one of my pockets, and it had fallen into my leg and was stuck there. I never even felt it.

So they wave the wand all over me again, and im clear. Woot! i get to get dressed and go home.

So i do just that and man, i can say ive never been that happy to get out of a place before. All over a stupid expired train ticket fine!. And i dont understand why all the security for people LEAVING. It makes sense for those entering....but leaving???? need someone to explain that one.

So yea, that was my ordeal.