Yeah. I would like to think he would have given a warning. One reason I could see that she might have handled it the way she did is if they had been drinking and wanted to preempt possible questions about that. But she wasn't even driving, so even that would have just been on her husband. I'm not saying that's what happened, but seems odd that she did all that over what would have at most been a very minor issue.
Yep. It’s called “professional courtesy”. Not right but a regular occurrence. I attended the Tampa Police academy in 1977 and it was discussed by an attorney who was teaching the legal block.
I agree. Granted at the same time she did not do it with some arrogance of do you know how I am. It would have been interesting if her demeanor would have changed if the interaction just changed a little. As to me she did what anyone would have done in that situation. Same thing if it was a church acquaintance that made the comment don’t you attend so and so church. Or maybe it could have been a cop with a kid at the same school as your kids and you make a subtle comment that don’t I see you at name the school. The cop did stumble in how to stay more to the point like he should have imo. But overall this is nothing to make a big deal about. Give the cop and a half day training on focus and move on if you ask me.
Just another example of how quickly ones life and career can blow up in modern society. I remind my kids all the time.
I suspected this would be the outcome. She wasn’t a popular pick and early in her career she was kicked off the force for assault. Haven’t been very impressed with TPD since Castor left the force to run for mayor Tampa Council members react to Police Chief Mary O’Connor’s resignation
True. Tampa has had a bunch of pretty capable mayors back to back to back. Castor hasn’t been bad but she hasn’t been great. This pick certainly could have been better. Tampa is becoming one of Americas best cities-the search should have been national.
No excuse for this to blow up one’s career. While I agree with your sentiment. This is not an example that should be used to destroy someone.
Totally agree. It often isn't. The social media piranhas don't care though. No way a 22 year career should end by laughing on a golf cart about a silly ticket.
Haven't lived there in years, but Castor lost me when she rooted against the Lightning in game 4 of the '21 finals so they could win on home ice. Talk about tone deaf.
Treating other members of law enforcement as if they're above the law is a huge issue and is characteristic of the problems we see among police in holding their own accountable.
The issue is that this is how bias leaks into policing. If we are serious about the lack of bias in policing, we shouldn't have identifying with a person as a factor in whether they face consequences for their actions or not. Should a ticket end her career? Absolutely not. Should trying to get out of one by creating a point on which to get special treatment through common career? It is certainly an indication of a problematic attitude that has been allowed to fester for too long in law enforcement. So maybe.
It does happen in every profession including the legal profession. I know of a close acquaintance who worked in a law office that recently passed away in a hospital. The ball was set rolling before the body was cold.
I agree in the larger sense but this is a golf cart at a gas station after picking up greek food. Most of us would get off with a warning for this.