Once in a while, the cops set up a table at my T station and do random bag checks. It's never occurred to me to wonder what they're checking for: is it drugs? Gun powder? Snacks they can confiscate?
I've been stopped a couple times, and I always giggle to myself. It reminds me of the time my bag got searched at an airport security line, when I was carrying literally a book and a magazine and the security officers laughed to themselves. Of course, I don't carry anything illegal! I don't even carry cigarettes anymore.
This morning, the station was pretty quiet, and I saw that a search table had been set up. Sometimes they don't stop me, but this time I was asked to get my bag checked, and I suddenly and irrationally got nervous.
My brain actually went, "Well, maybe I DO have something illegal this time!" I tried to make small talk with the cops, who had noticed the pins on my bag, while a female officer swept the little search patch over it and then placed it in the mechanical reader that traces remnants of cocaine or whatever they're looking for.
I was so relieved when it got cleared. The drug habit and gun stash I've been hiding even from myself remain undiscovered! Victory!
...I'm so weird.
Like a waterfall in slow motion, Part One
2 years ago
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3 comments:
It always interests me to see who the cops choose to search. My personal opinion is that they find the least suspicious looking person whom they KNOW won't give them a problem. I have been stopped at the Flatbush station 3 different times in the past 4 months on my way to work. Really guys? REALLY?!
I loved the line about your drug habit and gun stash. Funny. You're not weird, you're special.
I don't think there is anything weird about being nervous while being subjected to a search. The seeming presumption of guilt, the show of authority and power, the implied threat of what could happen to anyone who falls out of line-- all of these are likely to get the adreniline system pumping. I've never received a traffic ticket, but I've been pulled over several times in my life. Sometimes I am completely calm, other times my heart is pumping.
thanks for the comments!! yeah, it's like the opposite of racial profiling. or something. anyway, i was amused at my subconscious guilt. and confusion.
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