[freepertoo]

Yeah, I agree, that's what I would have done, too, but I also would have been respectful...that was the right thing to do. BUT...was she arrested for being disrespectful or for eating...that's the question that bothers me.

[cspackler]

My experiences have taught me that as long as you treat officers with respect, they will normally do the same to you. Just as in any situation, there are good people, and there are bad people. Here is a close transcript of an encounter that I had with a Texas State Trooper years back. (I swear, this guy was a replica of Bufford T. Justice...)

Officer pulls me over in my Mustang GT on Highway 59 south of Houston... Looks into the car for any obvious infraction... (There were none...)

Begins to write information on a ticket...

Of course, I did not believe that I was going all that fast,

I inquire of the officer, "So, how fast was I going?"

He then looked at me and replied "Well, I am filling out this warning ticket, which doesn't have a space for the clocked speed. If you really want to know, I will write it down on the other kind of ticket for you."

Message received by me, my reply: "Thank you officer, that won't be necessary."

He gave me my warning, and I went on my way. Was I speeding? Probably. The difference in my getting a ticket and not getting a ticket was my attitude.

Just treat people how you would want to be treated, and usually things will work out all right.