This is a docuseries of my own accounts. It’s a story about my interactions with law enforcement and racism that I have faced.
Part 3
I absolutely loved being a part of the police department. I learned so many cool things. As time went on and I got more involved I discovered that several police officer mentors of mine were a part of a large racket in the Atlanta area. They were busted for drugs, prostitution, and other stuff. Needless to say, I was devastated.
The people that I looked up to were a part of a big crime ring and I had no idea. I felt like my world was caving in and I decided not to go into the academy after high school for obvious reasons. I didn’t have a father growing up and I believe I turned to the law enforcement community for a good role model.
This began my hate for the police. (Before you get upset wait till the end for the full story) In high school, I was into low riding and I had a car/truck club. In my area, we had several car clubs with a lot of lowered vehicles. This was in the early 90s when they were pretty much everywhere. Sadly people with lowered cars were stereotyped as drug dealers and criminals.
I was neither but was constantly harassed at every turn. Late at night after work me and my friends would meet up and go to local parking lots to hang out and catch up. We liked to show off what new and cool things we’ve added to our machines. Shortly after arriving and getting comfortable local law enforcement would show up and make us leave. We weren’t doing anything wrong just wanted a place to hang.
Like frustrated youth, we decided to hit another parking lot. A half-hour later the police showed up and told us that we were loitering even though none of the businesses were open since it was late at night. After that, it became a game of cat and mouse.
Sometimes the cops would run us off and have other officers down the road waiting to pull us over to harass us. Truly harass and wanting to search the vehicles. At times the tension was so high that they would actually pull guns on us and start yelling at us to put up our hands. Most of us were high school kids. Some of the cops were cool and just tell us to keep on going so that we wouldn’t get into trouble.
Then later in life, I got into the exotic car world and we would do automotive rallies like the Cannonball Run movie which was based on a true story. One hundred or more exotic cars zooming down the highway. Then of course we would get pulled over for those crazy speeds. Some cops were really cool and others were like Barney Fife drawing their guns at every opportunity. Things definitely got out of hand. Yes, we were speeding, but we weren’t murderers so the responses were over-dramatized.
I have also witnessed firsthand some amazing heroics from the police. Risking their lives to save others without any hesitation. Many times I have seen them do acts of kindness. They are people too. They have hearts and souls. And they also get very emotional based on the crazy things they are exposed to. They give money, clothing, and food to others in need. It’s their money and they don’t make a lot.
I have great respect for the officers in blue who truly want to make a difference in our communities. I will personally sacrifice myself to save an officer in need. Needless to say, I will also do that for any other in need. We are here to help each other rise up. It’s amazing to see communities come together in times of crisis. Its heartwarming. Let’s all learn to appreciate each other for our amazing diversities. Let’s talk to each other with open minds and open hearts. I am rooting for humanity!
THE END…
