Not What It Looks Like
The caption to this photo was going to be something cheeky about how DC MPD can arrogantly park in front of fire hydrants, while if us mere residents did, we’d get tickets.
I was gonna say that even in my most crazy parking days, when I would wedge my car into a spot with 24 bummer taps, or park with a wheel on the curb to make a space, I never, ever would block a fire hydrant. It just isn’t cool or right.
Then as I took this photo and started to compose a post on my joe-cool Nokia 6682, up came a DC MPD Sergeant who asked me what was wrong – why I was taking a photo of the cop car?
When I explained that I was taking a photo because the police cruiser was parked in front of the fire hydrant, an amazing thing happened. The sergeant got mad.
Not at me, but at the poor-parking officer. The sergeant immediately went about tracking the officer down. As I walked away, a shocked and embarrassed policeman passed me at a trot, his Ben’s Chilli Bowl half-smoke half-eaten and dripping sauce as he ran.
That’s amazing! I’m not sure I believe you or not. Usually the DC po-po just doesn’t give a crap about anything.
He shoulda known that donuts are much easier to run/flee with.
You can just color me amazed that he asked you what was wrong rather than responding with the hostility that seems to have surrounded all public picture taking in recent years. Score one point – in my book – for expressing concern that something was an issue and, presumably, looking to correct it.
That sir, is most awesome.
Oh now let’s be clear: the sergeant’s question about my photography was a challenge. He was not happy that I was taking photos. Had I been “just taking a photo” and not catching the fuzz in the wrong, this story might have had a different slant.
I could see him telling me to stop me taking photos, at which point I would’ve taken his just to prove a point. On duty police, especially on duty police in public, are fair game for photography.
In case the MPD tries to stop you, I suggest you be smart and have this handy: http://www.krages.com/phoright.htm
Good for that Sergeant! It’s good to see that someone on the DC MPD has some integrity.
Let’s not forget, folks, that prohibitions on hydrant parking has a real, very important reason: if your house is burning down, the last thing you want is the fire dept. too busy trying to get to the hydrant to actually put out the fire. And while some of you are thinking me a boob for stating the obvious, more people need to do it in times like this—and often.