Let's face the facts here. Not every cop is a "good cop". I've learned over the years that there are 3 kinds of police officers: The ones who actually are there to help the community stay safe, the ones that the only reason they became a cop is because they wanted a badge and a power trip, and the ones who TRIED to become a cop and FAILED and now spend their time as meter maids and tunnel officials going out of their way to make everyone's life miserable because they failed at life.
I think we know which 1 of these Rich ran in to.
Scottie
Scottie,
With out going in to your facile generalization of Bridge and Tunnel Officers as "failures at life" I can assure you that they are regular men and (some) women just like you or I. They take the job for the decent pay, benefits and pension so that they can take care of their families. No one there is getting rich at the public expense (as is often implied), they are simply doing a tedious and at times dangerous job under harsh conditions outdoors twelve months of the year. In addition to that, it's been my observation over the years that most of them do their jobs in a courteous fashion and with a sense of humor.
As Jeff noted above, security was stepped up after 9/11. Prior to that time the rank and file officers didn't even carry a sidearm for regular duties. They kept them in their gun lockers. Only the Sergeants and Lieutenants carried although all receive regular and continuing firearms training and have full peace officer status.
A lot of them even ride motorcycles.
Chuck.