At times it must be exhilarating bein’ a state trooper? Now ‘course I realize most of the time the job is probably just as boring as regular peoples mundane occupations. Still, most folks rarely get that cool opportunity to slap handcuffs on ya, either? And it’s pretty seldom the baker, banker, even indian chiefs still around get shot at? Not that this takes place very often even during the longest career in law enforcement. And I’m bettin’ just once might offer all the excitement needed for an entire career (or early retirement?).
 I’ll admit it’d be way too exciting (scary) for me to stop a complete stranger late at night in the middle of nowhere, just to tell ‘em their brake lights don’t work? Cuz as an “officer of the law” yer also obligated to skulk up alongside the offenders vehicle and (politely) ask to see proper drivin’ documentation. Hopin’ (prayin’?) the driver has the correct papers handy (not an incorrect gun!).
 And there’s all that time ya hafta spend hangin’ around the courthouse trying to prove some scofflaw’s actually guilty. Then the offender finds a good lawyer (?) and gets off. Making the poor lawman look bad, causin’ him to ponder why he even bothers?
Aah! But then there are those rare, yet exhileratin’ (acceleratin’) occasions!! High Speed Chase! Hot Pursuit! Hot Da..!! Here’s where I mighta signed up (when I was younger feller). That opportunity to drive at any speed ya dare! Who’s gonna stop ya, a fellow lawman? Both cars (state supplied hotrods) have the same souped-up engines. It’s doubtful either could run the other down anyway?
I’ve said all that so’s I’d feel less (slightly less) guilty for offerin’ up my indictment of that part of cops jobs (duty?). Hi-speed chases up and down (our) highways and byways! This apparently officially sanctioned job duty offered to police? Well, I don’t like it!! And I don’t think any of us (citizen taxpayer/employers) should allow it to go on anymore!
 Today I’m thinking particularly about cops chasin’ speeding motorcyclists. A couple weeks ago I read (yet another!) depressing report in the papers. A young man rode by a cop somewhere, purportedly above the legal limit. Naturally the trooper was obligated (?) to pursue the “offender”.
 What ensued quickly escalated into a “Hot Pursuit”! The motorcyclist going faster, the trooper doin’ the same! But not even souped-up police cruisers can out run a modern motorcycle in a fair race. The trooper lost sight of the speeder. But, he kept on chasin’,  “...hopin’ to catch sight..." of the speeder (figurin’ to git lucky?). Instead, a short way up the road he “caught” the young speeder. Who’d finally run off the roadway, smashed against some trees, motorcycle destroyed, young operator dead. The “chase” had finally driven the young fellow right into the ground!
 Why!? The pursuit took place (got out of hand) because the young rider was drivin’ too fast. Not because he’d murdered someone. Not because he’d robbed a bank, or mugged a little old lady. He was speeding. Mighta just as well crossed the yellow line, failed to use a turn signal, broken a noise ordinance. Doesn’t matter, He did not deserve to be driven into the ground! Not on my (your?) behalf.
 In todays world of radios, cell phones, video surveillance (in cop cars), radar and all the rest, there are alternatives to “Hot Pursuit”.  Especially when the offender is only operating a few hundred pounds of motorcycle. In the remote (though terrible) event of collision with most modern vehicles, he’ll be killed or badly hurt. In the car, SUV or truck he hits the people will survive, 99% of the time unscathed.
 If it’s a car (or SUV) trying to out run the law in a high speed chase, then you and I are truly in danger if the operator loses control. Crossing that center line at 90 or 100mph, he will certainly kill you (and your kids in the back seat)! So why is this outmoded means of apprehension still sanctioned on our hiways?
 I’m not sayin’ the police should let people become scofflaws about their driving. I’m not sayin’ a speeding driver should (always) be let alone. Especially if he exhibits erratic (drunk?) driving early on. I’m just saying there’s reasonable pursuit of a lawbreaker. But escalating from that into a high speed chase are two Very different things. 
I Don’t Know About You..., I strongly believe unless that driver is a KNOWN murderer, Don’t drive him into the ground f(or me)!
 Cal Teeple now on the web at: wayneindependent.com/cal Founder of the Observational Cogitation Consortium, he’s still often found three stools down. He may be ignored, accosted, or contacted in either place.