Police Issues vs. Parental Issues... there IS a difference!

I made the rounds, stopping at one of our local convenience stores to stretch my legs, grab a Pepsi and chit chat with the counter crew for a few. As I was getting ready to leave, some mid 20's mom walked in with a pouting little girl, probably about 6 or so.

Mom saw me and right away said, "See, there's a policeman... I'll make him arrest you if you're not a good girl."

WTF!

Ya' know, in my rookie years I may have 'helped' mom by shooting a look at the kid, or I may have 'asked' her to be a good little girl for mommy. But my now veteran status means that I've seen more than enough negativity about cops. Granted we do bring most of it on ourselves... so this negative stuff from some mom who can't let her kid be a kid really ticks me off nowadays. Besides, it was 0400... technically my lunch break but understandably too freakin' early for a kid to be 'chipper!'

"You really shouldn't do that, mam." I started out. Being totally matter-of-fact, not about to collect a (ok- ANOTHER) 'Negative Citizen Contact' sheet and a meeting with the Lt. in the morning.

"You see, if you use me as the heavy because of the badge and uniform... and, heaven forbid, something happens to your daughter tomorrow - like she gets lost. She'll actually AVOID going to a police officer for help if she sees one because she'll think that we're the BAD guys. AND if you keep negatively stereotyping police to her... one of these days it may even escalate to the point where she refuses to call us even when her boyfriend or husband is beating the crap out of her."

As the shift's domestic violence officer, I'm responsible for the customer service side of DV Calls and I was able to quickly produce a "Family Assistance Resource" card from my vest carrier. Handing it to mom, who was pretty much in shock at this point, I added, "Here's a Family Assistance Resource Card for you, check out their website and give them a call, they have all sorts of great parenting classes..."

As I walked out I made sure to smile at the little girl and give her one of my Cop Cards that all the kids in our community collect. Her face really lit up!

Of course, I'm not THAT conceited... my card is sponsored by Dairy Queen and the little girl can get a free cone with a cop card that hasn't been punched yet.. :)