Woman Arrested, Cuffed for Eating Candy

[Chip NoVaMac]

And let's not forget about the Red Line, which has been 15-minute delayed for four days now from a rainstorm. Although judging from your handle, I would guess that doesn't really affect you.

Honestly, Metrorail should have better things to do with its time and money than to bust people for chewing inside a Metro station.

Yeah, and the shame of it is that it is harder for me to take the Metro than to drive. I live out near Dulles, so it is a good bus ride to the rail. But hey, they tell me that I might see the rail by 2017. Gee, just a few years short of retirement (unless the raiding of Social Security raises the retirement age to 80).

 

[Chip NoVaMac]

So its the cops fault if they can't find the dude who stole your car?

At leas the cops are doing their jobs, enforcing the law.

Like it or not, we have laws for a reason, and if you break them, you pay the consequences.

DC Metro has a big problem with stolen cars. But instead of patrolling the parking lots, they have cops detaining someone for three hours for chewing a candy bar. Guess they are frustrated that they can't beat down a real criminal.

 

[musicpyrite]

DC Metro has a big problem with stolen cars. But instead of patrolling the parking lots, they have cops detaining someone for three hours for chewing a candy bar. Guess they are frustrated that they can't beat down a real criminal.

No, what I'm saying is that a law is a law.

It's against the law to steal a car, it's also against the law to eat a candy bar in the subway.

The cops don't make the laws, they just enforce them.

If you want to bitch to someone about laws, at least don't do it to the cops, they deal with a lot of crap: low pay, dealing with the societies worst, ect.

 

[Chip NoVaMac]

No, what I'm saying is that a law is a law.

It's against the law to steal a car, it's also against the law to eat a candy bar in the subway.

The cops don't make the laws, they just enforce them.

If you want to bitch to someone about laws, at least don't do it to the cops, they deal with a lot of crap: low pay, dealing with the societies worst, ect.

Problem is that "eating" is not defined. As this cop did, chewing gum could result in a ticket. Metro has come out and in a round about said that if you have it in your mouth before entering the turnstiles, then you are safe. This is what the woman had done.

It is a matter of these cops thinking that they are greater than they are. Surprising that we hear very little of actual serious crime they have stopped.

 

[leftbanke7]

I'm not one to complain about the police as they generally do a good job with what they are given but this is rediculous. Yes, rules are rules but the punishments given out by these police officers far exceed the crimes that are being committed. If you wanna give them a ticket, that's fine. But to cuff and arrest somebody for something as pointless as eating a candy bar where you aren't supposed to? Come on, that is just stupid. You can't sit there and think that the Metro police are doing anybody a service by arresting people for this? And it's unfortunate that good cops bear the brunt of society's frustrations because of cops like this who need to be complete pricks for no reason. Just like every other group of people in society...there are the good and the bad and these guys seem to resemble the latter.

 

[themadchemist]

I don't know about you, but I'm proud of our boys in blue, and I think you guys should just stop criticizing them. With the risk of global terrorism, I think it's important that we have an unquestioning loyalty to our Commander-in-Chief, our government in general, its laws, and the fine individuals who serve to enforce them.

 

[parrothead]

And if it's a litter issue then don't put bins (trash cans) on the platforms. There are no bins in any tube stations or train stations in the UK due to the threat of being blown up and they are generally very clean.

If they took the bins away there would be trash everywhere. It is hard enough to get people to use existing bins. Heaven forbid I have to carry my piece of plastic/paper/etc. in my hand or pocket until I found a trash can!

 

[Bedawyn]

If they took the bins away there would be trash everywhere. It is hard enough to get people to use existing bins.

The bins have been already been removed from the platforms in DC (after 9/11), and the system actually stays quite clean, most of the year, at least. Of course, tourist season is another story. I have to wonder whether this latest incident would have happened some other month when we weren't inundated with people who ignore whatever rules they feel like. I know I'm much more likely to strangle a fellow passenger in July than March; I'm sure the transit cops are equally frustrated.

Of course, that doesn't excuse the idiocy of this incident. But think about it -- this is three idiotic incidents, spread over a few years. And how many people ride the Metro every year? The transit cop in this case needs to be whapped upside the head with a large fish, but overall I think they're doing a pretty good job. (The transit cops, that is, not the Metro administration in general. Robert Smith needs to be locked in a typical small Ride-On bus with no shocks, no air conditioning, too few seats, and 30 sweaty people and driven over potholes until he comes to his senses and realizes that Maryland should support Metro because Metro supports Marylanders. Errr...rant off.)

Anyway.... I have to speak up in favor of the no-eating rules. And yes, I have been warned once for eating on an outdoor platform, when I thought the rules only applied to the Metro cars themselves. It's hard enough just finding room for the people on the Red Line -- I really don't want to have to share the space with all the dropped water bottles, soda cups, candy wrappers, fast food bags, used gum, etc. And this is DC, after all. We're supposed to have a reputation. Hard to be a shining star for all the visitors when the subway cars are mobile trash bins.

 

[bousozoku]

I don't know about you, but I'm proud of our boys in blue, and I think you guys should just stop criticizing them. With the risk of global terrorism, I think it's important that we have an unquestioning loyalty to our Commander-in-Chief, our government in general, its laws, and the fine individuals who serve to enforce them.

Ummmm, no. This isn't the 1950s and I (and many others, I'm sure) refuse to go back to those kind of days. Having unquestioned loyalty to the U.S.A. is great, but to the government, no.

Many police do their jobs well and are even-handed. Others enjoy their power trip and make sure that you know it. Others still, around here, do anything to stay in the air conditioning and avoid the criminals. As with anything else, you should support those who do an excellent job and remind the riff-raff that they need to improve.

I think enforcement of the law should be absolute but cuffing people for eating food is a bit extreme. Well, usually, it is.

 

[themadchemist]

Ummmm, no. This isn't the 1950s and I (and many others, I'm sure) refuse to go back to those kind of days. Having unquestioned loyalty to the U.S.A. is great, but to the government, no.

Many police do their jobs well and are even-handed. Others enjoy their power trip and make sure that you know it. Others still, around here, do anything to stay in the air conditioning and avoid the criminals. As with anything else, you should support those who do an excellent job and remind the riff-raff that they need to improve.

I think enforcement of the law should be absolute but cuffing people for eating food is a bit extreme. Well, usually, it is.

I was kidding!!!!

If you've seen me in the political forums, this isn't quite my type of argument. It was facetious. C'mon, bousozoku, appreciate the nuance!

Oh, well, I guess I should have heeded the warning to use copious smilies.

 

[Chip NoVaMac]

The bins have been already been removed from the platforms in DC (after 9/11), and the system actually stays quite clean, most of the year, at least. Of course, tourist season is another story. I have to wonder whether this latest incident would have happened some other month when we weren't inundated with people who ignore whatever rules they feel like. I know I'm much more likely to strangle a fellow passenger in July than March; I'm sure the transit cops are equally frustrated.

Of course, that doesn't excuse the idiocy of this incident. But think about it -- this is three idiotic incidents, spread over a few years. And how many people ride the Metro every year? The transit cop in this case needs to be whapped upside the head with a large fish, but overall I think they're doing a pretty good job. (The transit cops, that is, not the Metro administration in general. Robert Smith needs to be locked in a typical small Ride-On bus with no shocks, no air conditioning, too few seats, and 30 sweaty people and driven over potholes until he comes to his senses and realizes that Maryland should support Metro because Metro supports Marylanders. Errr...rant off.)

Anyway.... I have to speak up in favor of the no-eating rules. And yes, I have been warned once for eating on an outdoor platform, when I thought the rules only applied to the Metro cars themselves. It's hard enough just finding room for the people on the Red Line -- I really don't want to have to share the space with all the dropped water bottles, soda cups, candy wrappers, fast food bags, used gum, etc. And this is DC, after all. We're supposed to have a reputation. Hard to be a shining star for all the visitors when the subway cars are mobile trash bins.

To be fair these people may have been able to pass muster with the editors. I have been involved in incidents (not with the police) that at the "right" time would have been all over the news. Also in the retail sector, we operate under the premise that if there is one complaint - then there are twenty others.

Being from DC, you are aware that the MPD violated the civil rights of uninvolved citizens during the IMF protest a couple years back.

Before some condemn me; my Dad spent many a year in law enforcement. 20+ years as an MP, then with the NRL, FAA, and with the Marshall's Service. His own opinion was that the WMATA cop's were nothing more than "rent a-cop's". The pay was low, and the standards even lower.

So to those that feel that the "men in blue" deserve our undying gratitude, I come from a background that respects "honest" police work.

A another example of the good and bad. Those in the MD Beltway can sympathize. My sister traveled about twenty miles up the Beltway. In her travels she noticed the police "out and about". On her return trip she locked her cruise control in at 60mph. Due to a back injury and a near fatal accident (which would have not been helped by seat-belts); she was not wearing her seat-belt.

he was ticketed for her seat-belt violation. There were others that passed her by doing well above 25+ mph. She was wrong, but there were more serious violations going on around her.

I gave her hell about the lack of seat-belts, but in all honesty there were others that posed a greater danger. So what gives?

 

[Chip NoVaMac]

I know that your tar was taken from some one else.

But the reference to God in the way you mentioned can be offensive to many users.

"Vulgarity" can be achieved in other ways.

For some your use of "God" can be considered blasphemy.

I have remained silent only because of one user. Now that I see two or more, we need to be more sensitive.

 

[homerjward]

ive got a story about another stupid cop. me and a friend were walking to jack in the box at like 11:30 along a major road thru our neighborhood and i had a can of coke in my back pocket. the cop pulled up behind us, told us to stop walking, asked us "what the f*** are u doing walking around at midnight with a flashlight?" and it was all i could do to say because i dont have freakin night vision! but i told him it was a can of coke and he said he thought we were gonna rob houses cause he thought i had a flashlight. i wonder if it ever occured to him that it's a good idea to take a flashlight on a walk down a poorly lit street at night? the cop gave us a ride back to my house and woke my parents up to tell them we were out "making mischief." MY TOWN (which is actually a suburb of san antonio) DOESNT HAVE A CURFEW!!!!!!!! i committed no crime, didnt even have a flashlight, got killed (not literally) by my dad, and still didnt get a bacon ultimate cheeseburger! but i wasnt exactly in love with the government anyway, especially in texas where u basically have to be 18 to drive!! the only solution as i see it is for all us anti-government people to get government jobs and take it down from the inside.

 

[QCassidy352]

After reading the story and then the replies to this thread I'm just dumbfounded. As an outsider looking in (living in the UK) stories like these really do make Americans look stupid. I'm sorry but it's true. I've travelled on various rail systems, the metro, the tube etc and having a ban on people eating is hilarious.

I commuted to work for two years on the tube (London) six days a week and the only time people ended up on the track was by jumping. Now to use the fact that eating on the platform is dangerous is just downright laughable. And if it's a litter issue then don't put bins (trash cans) on the platforms. There are no bins in any tube stations or train stations in the UK due to the threat of being blown up and they are generally very clean.

Having to impose a law against eating to stop people littering just goes to show the level of respect Americans have for other people and property. It should never have reached the point where a law is needed but I guess it's an easy way for the local government to raise revenue by issuing fines. And I thought America was the land of freedom, man you can't even eat on a train platform, what next ?

I completely agree. I'm an American, and I'll be the first to tell you that as a country, we are MORONS. The dumbest country on earth. Seriously.

Laws (and stories) like this just make me furious. No eating on the train? Why?
Safety? I can see it now:
"Oh dear god! There's spilled soda on the platform!!!!!! Everyone evacuate! Call the national guard! Please remain calm and file out in an orderly manner. The risk of slipping is simply too great!!! (Panic ensues, screams are heard as the soda puddle slowly, ominously spreads out...)
Litter? Give me a break. In most of the train stations I've ever been in, it's just not a big problem. Almost everyone uses the trash cans.

There is absolutely NO justification for banning food from public transit. It's bureaucracy at its absolute worst. Only in America.

 

[Chip NoVaMac]

I completely agree. I'm an American, and I'll be the first to tell you that as a country, we are MORONS. The dumbest country on earth. Seriously.

Laws (and stories) like this just make me furious. No eating on the train? Why?
Safety? I can see it now:
"Oh dear god! There's spilled soda on the platform!!!!!! Everyone evacuate! Call the national guard! Please remain calm and file out in an orderly manner. The risk of slipping is simply too great!!! (Panic ensues, screams are heard as the soda puddle slowly, ominously spreads out...)
Litter? Give me a break. In most of the train stations I've ever been in, it's just not a big problem. Almost everyone uses the trash cans.

There is absolutely NO justification for banning food from public transit. It's bureaucracy at its absolute worst. Only in America.

What o you expect when we put a "shrub" in the White House?

I live in the DC area. And the Metro Transit cops are on the lowest rung. A friend and neighbor who is a Herndon police officer shakes his head at he antics of the Metro Police. He is the source that they take a hard view on hiring from the Metro Police. He is also the source of my comments that Metro Police are no better than "rent-a-cops". I have to respect his opinion.

 

[Nermal]

Are the subways Government owned? If not, why are cops enforcing a rule of the subway company? I find it hard to believe that a subway company can get their rules made into law.

 

[bousozoku]

I was kidding!!!!

If you've seen me in the political forums, this isn't quite my type of argument. It was facetious. C'mon, bousozoku, appreciate the nuance!

Oh, well, I guess I should have heeded the warning to use copious smilies.

Oh, sorry. I'm half dead and the other half isn't so good. I didn't even realise it was you. You know we have some, ummm, people who have posted things of that, ummm, nature.

Nermal:

It would be rare indeed that a private company would provide any kind of mass transit in the U.S.A. It's 99.99 percent government-owned and operated.

 

[Nermal]

OK, the rail system here used to be Government owned, but was sold to a private company several years ago.... for $1

Edit: Changed '£1' to '$1'.

 

[Chip NoVaMac]

I was kidding!!!!

If you've seen me in the political forums, this isn't quite my type of argument. It was facetious. C'mon, bousozoku, appreciate the nuance!

Oh, well, I guess I should have heeded the warning to use copious smilies.

You have to be careful. i have seen comments from some here that makes one wonder of you were serious or or not.

 

[bousozoku]

OK, the rail system here used to be Government owned, but was sold to a private company several years ago.... for £1

Private rail around Tokyo works very well. Various companies wanted to make certain their employees could get to work in a timely fashion.

Here, in Floriduh, we could really use rail transit but everyone resists it because it takes away their freedom or it's too close to their house (accessibility?) or they don't want to pay when they already have a car or...

The people voted for high speed rail to connect the major cities but afterwards, the governor wanted a re-vote because the people didn't want the same thing he did.

It's a crazy country, this.

 

[Chip NoVaMac]

Private rail around Tokyo works very well. Various companies wanted to make certain their employees could get to work in a timely fashion.

Here, in Floriduh, we could really use rail transit but everyone resists it because it takes away their freedom or it's too close to their house (accessibility?) or they don't want to pay when they already have a car or...

The people voted for high speed rail to connect the major cities but afterwards, the governor wanted a re-vote because the people didn't want the same thing he did.

It's a crazy country, this.

In your case it is a sense of false economy/ It is the same we see here in the DC area. Most transit systems are based on the concept of suburban to urban commuting. This does not match the realities. So it is set up to fail...

 

[2A Batterie]

How Ironic

Like it or not, we have laws for a reason, and if you break them, you pay the consequences.

Shiver me Timbers! This comes from a guy who openly discusses downloading "free" (ie stolen) music online. His name alludes to his pride in pirating music, which by the way is illegal. I'm not saying that I agree or disagree with what musicpyrite is doing, but to quote him "Like it or not, we have laws for a reason". ARgh. Does contradiction lead to scurvey?

 

[Bedawyn]

Being from DC, you are aware that the MPD violated the civil rights of uninvolved citizens during the IMF protest a couple years back.

Well, yeah, duh. But... rent-a-cops, yeah? It never would have occurred to me to hold them to the same standards I expect from Real Cops, and it certainly wouldn't occur to me to blame them for what Ramsey does. Unless you're talking about something the transit police themselves did that I don't know about or can't remember.

What o you expect when we put a "shrub" in the White House?

*blink* Okay. I'm the last person to say anything nice about Bush, but even I can't justify blaming him for rules that were in place long before he took office.

 

[themadchemist]

Oh, sorry. I'm half dead and the other half isn't so good. I didn't even realise it was you. You know we have some, ummm, people who have posted things of that, ummm, nature.

Yeah, it's cool. Now that I come to think of it, you're right, there are some people from whom such blind faith would be expected, which was perhaps my point for the post in the first place. It's too bad that sometimes, basic common sense about the purpose of the law is too much to ask.

 

[Stelliform]

Perhaps, the candy company could make an ad about how irresistable their chocolate bars are. "You can put me in jail before you can separate me from my chocolate."

I think that is a great idea! I heard it was a Payday by the way. Those things are pretty good.