POLICE + CULTURE
Pulled Over By The Police With A Smile
The difference between American and European police culture Is night and day, and America needs to take a new approach
I got pulled over by the Police a few nights ago, and it was the first time I didn’t fear for my life.
Well, that’s not necessarily factual. Initially, I was because it was just past 1 am, and I was with my fraternity brother, who just so happens to be black like me. It also happened to be in Germany, where they rarely do traffic stops as there are enough devices along the side of the road to send you a glamour shot and a fee in the mailbox as proof that they caught you speeding. Outside of me, seeing the Polizei actually helping people on the side of the road, giving directions on a sidewalk, providing security for events, or at local transportation areas, you rarely see them. I guess that’s what happens when you have a society not based on violence, aggression, and lackluster restrictions on gun laws. Fear of the gun and a disregard for human life are not prevalent here.
Based on that knowledge, the random traffic stop scared the hell out of me initially, but not for long. The officer came to my window with a peaceful, almost “melancholy” tone at 1:32 am. He greeted me and my…
