(Facebook photo)
A citizen recently posted to a social media site a picture of a Cedar Rapids police car parked in a handicapped parking space while an officer was responding to a theft in progress call.
In response, the Cedar Rapids Police Department offered an explanation:
“So this (photo) was taken today and there have been some people who are quick to judge before knowing the situation. This was taken at the Mt Vernon road Kum N Go. The officer responding to the call who parked here was responding to a theft in progress. For obvious reasons we don’t have time to search for an appropriate parking spot; she parked in the first available spot to respond quickly to the theft.
The suspect was caught and charges were filed.
Things are not always as they seem.”
The social media post made by police was quickly answered by dozens of citizens, both in support and against the police.
The woman who allegedly posted the photo which started the firestorm even commented, saying the photo “was meant as a joke for only MY fb friends. Thanks for making me out to be a horrible person though!”
Police responded, saying:
“It is not a joke to us. We take our job seriously (name redacted). We do the best we can given the situation. Your photo had over 35 shares with many disparaging comments, not from you of course. These kind of photos, without context, can and most times do promote distrust and hatred from some in the public towards police. Even after telling everyone what happened you can see here that there are still those who relish in thinking that we are bad people. This is, in part, why this was developed so we could get our side of the story out when it mostly doesn’t.”
Several comments were made in support of the woman who posted the photo. One mad said “Good for you holding the police accountable! They should have to explain themselves! As normal 99% of all cops or their brainwashed sympathisers will now gang up on you bullying you around as they are here. Good for you for posting that pic…if cops werent always getting off with breaking laws they are suppose to uphold maybe then we wouldn’t all assume the worst about them.”
Others called for the woman to apologize to police.
I’m astonished the police would respond or put out a statement at all. If any good has come out of the national police controversies, this would be it. Most of the time police ignore people, as they deem themselves above mere “civilians”. As far as parking in a handicap spot…if emergency dictates it, then by all means. If the cop is just going in to relieve himself or get coffee…then NO.
Hopefully this lady learned something from all of this. I don’t think the police are above the law, but in cases like this, I think that officer took the appropriate action.
I hope the lady that posted this photo had the decency to apologize to the police officer and department.
If the police are responding to a emergency they should use whatever they need to respond in the fastest, safest manner. If they are not responding to a emergency they should follow all the laws we all follow. I believe for the most part they do, but like with everything there will be some that will take advantage.
my first thought on reading this story was, if a police officer is responding to a crime in progress, they should pull in right behind as many vehicles as possible sideways so they can’t leave in case one is the get away vehicle. Of course I don’t know the facts on this case so monday morning quarterbacking is out of line. Sounds like this one was handled correctly. The CR police officers have a tough job. I lost a good friend who was an officer there, he was killed on the job.