Speaking as a sandlapper, you are more than welcome to return at any time.

How much respect does a law-abiding, adult taxpayer owe a police officer? How much respect does the police officer owe a law-abiding, adult taxpayer?

Also, I did not say she was being disrespectful when chewing her candy, according to the article, she responded to the officer in a manner that appears to be disrespectful. Stating to her that she needs to go take care some real crime and then ignoring or disobeying the officer’s request to show identification is a sign of disrespect.

The last time I checked the rule book, being disobedient is a way of showing disrespect, is it not? Whether it be toward that person or the law itself.

Speaking of over the top…
Is it not over the top to sensationalize such small and petty incidents such as this as if it were breaking news? In the Washington Post none the less.

While it may be true that the perpetrator was complying with what she felt the officer meant, is obeying the law based on what we feel or what it says? According to the article, the officer clearly requested that she finish her candy prior to entering the station. Obviously, the officer did not mean for her to eat at all within whatever boundaries were established for non-eating and she did not comply. Not only that but when the officer requested I.D. she refused and continued onward. That is considered resisting an officer or noncompliance isn’t it?

I agree with you all that it is a petty crime and the officers have better things to do, yet, why not contend that this perpetrator should have complied with the officer and maybe if she would have have been more respectful, she could have avoided incident all together? Just because she did not feel that it was a big deal doesn’t mean that she doesn’t have to obey the rules or respect the law enforcement of that facility.

The officer it would appear, was taking an extremely literal line on interpreting the ordinance (i.e. a mouthful of food as you enter is TECHNICALLY a violation of “no eating or drinking in the Metro”).

My opinion (based on 19 years of Law Enforcement experience) is that this was petty and probably not consistent with what the average officer would do in that situation.

Consistency and fairness is the key to fostering justice. If these security officers are fair and consistent in how they carry out enforcing the policies and laws of that station then more power to them. Hopefully it will discourage others from doing the same or worse.

A few years ago, a 12 year-old girl was arrested and handcuffed for eating fast food either on the train or the platform.

On Metro, Metro is not a D.C. run system. It’s run by a board that consists of D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

The Metro police is not part of D.C. government.

Oh! wait a minute, we’re talking about DC. My bad. the same Dc that’s outrage over getting no representation in the federal govt :p

So it’s come down to where a $10 misdemeanor fine warrants handcuffs and frisking. I’ll bet the moonbats will blame that on the Patriot Act & Ashcroft.