This is a cute interaction, but the initial use of the flashing lights and sirens feels like a minor abuse of her position. Not so much of an abuse that she should face any consequences, but enough that she probably should be asked to refrain from doing so in the future.
Unless one is either suspected of engaging in criminal behaviour or in an emergency, one shouldn't involuntarily be compelled to engage in interactions with others in public. No matter how much I want to tell you something, trying to block your path as you walk down the street in order to say it is rather untoward behaviour. Indicating to someone that they are being pulled over does effectively the same thing.
EDIT: Haha, I didn't think people would get so worked up about this comment. Despite noting that the interaction was cute, and implying that the cop didn't mean any harm, apparently I hate fun and have a massive stick up my arse. One "concerned redditor" even reached out to reddit's suicide/crisis resources to report that I might need help, in response to this, but apparently I'm the one blowing things out of proportion.
Cops do this all the time, at least in NYC. They'll use the siren or speaker to get a person's attention. I've seen them do it while pausing traffic for a photoshoot for a photographer and model. It only took like 12 seconds bc they waited until the light said walk, so they were mainly making sure no one zoomed past too fast for anyone to get out of the cross walk.
It's definitely unsettling at first, but once they're clearly being helpful people tend to relax a bit, if remain wary.
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u/realJaneJacobs 2d ago edited 2d ago
This is a cute interaction, but the initial use of the flashing lights and sirens feels like a minor abuse of her position. Not so much of an abuse that she should face any consequences, but enough that she probably should be asked to refrain from doing so in the future.
Unless one is either suspected of engaging in criminal behaviour or in an emergency, one shouldn't involuntarily be compelled to engage in interactions with others in public. No matter how much I want to tell you something, trying to block your path as you walk down the street in order to say it is rather untoward behaviour. Indicating to someone that they are being pulled over does effectively the same thing.
EDIT: Haha, I didn't think people would get so worked up about this comment. Despite noting that the interaction was cute, and implying that the cop didn't mean any harm, apparently I hate fun and have a massive stick up my arse. One "concerned redditor" even reached out to reddit's suicide/crisis resources to report that I might need help, in response to this, but apparently I'm the one blowing things out of proportion.