Dear PoP – Unfortunate encounter with MPD

Photos from PoPville flickr user Mr. T in DC

“Dear PoP,

Last night, Sunday, I went to the bus station at midnight to pick up my roommate who was coming in late. I got to the Greyhound bus station behind Union Station, and pulled off to the side of the street. I called her to find out where she was, only to find out she goofed and told me the wrong bus station. (She came in on MegaBus at Metro Center.) I was trying to calm her down and tell her it wasn’t a big deal and I would be there in a few minutes. I put the car in drive and began to hang up my phone, when a cop car pulled in behind me. I didn’t move, and the cop car flashed his lights, then proceeded to pull along side me. The cop then slid to his passenger seat, rolled down his window and knocked on my window. I rolled down my window, and the officer said (and I quote) ” Get off the F***ing phone.” I said, ” I’m sorry Officer, I’m a little turned around and I was trying to figure out where I need to go.”

I’m not sure what disturbs me more, the fact that the police officer dropped the F bomb on me, didn’t get out of his car, or when I admitted I was a little lost, he didn’t even ask if I needed help. And the area I was in is not well populated, and not that safe late at night. I also have to admit I look like I’m about 18 when I’m actually 26.

I can’t help but think this officer violated his duties of an officer of the law a few times during my brief encounter. I was just wondering if anyone else has ever had this type of experience before of an member of the MPD.”

I agree that this is completely unacceptable behavior. I know this is not a life or death example but small examples like this, I think, can lead to larger problems. I will make sure that this note is forwarded to the commander of this police district. Have others experienced behavior like this before?