Speeding in Allen TX

[Rrash]

Welp, my lucky streak of 12 years without being pulled over has been broken recently, and I guess when it rains, it pours (if you can call being pulled over twice in 13 months an unlucky streak). Today, I was caught in Allen going 54 in a 40. I had a good story: Two sick kids, spent the whole morning at the doctor, picked up their prescriptions at the pharmacy, delivered them to my mother-in-law's so somebody can take good care of them, and was desperately trying to get to work - I need to be a little productive at some point today! I wasn't going to voluntarily share my excuse, but oh, how I hoped the officer would ask. Either way, I was speeding and I'm responsible for operating my vehicle within the law regardless of how my day has been going. But one can still hope!

I handed all my information over to the officer, he asked his routine questions (do you have outstanding warrants, etc.), but no, "Why were you speeding?" questions. He immediately gave back my CHL, saying, "I don't need to see that - you're good." It was obvious he was CHL friendly, so as I kept my hands in plain sight, I was starting to think I would be one of the lucky ones I read about on here.

A couple minutes later, he returned. No luck today; I got the ticket. What happened afterwards, however, was awkward, yet cool. He thanked me for being polite, for "not cussing him out." He told me how glad he was to see that I was carrying my firearm - that too many people get their CHL and ever don't use it. I told him I carry everywhere I legally can. Next, he asked what I was carrying, which led to a pleasant chat about guns, EDC knives, flashlights, etc. I told him that in light of all the bad police press lately, I appreciated the job he did. He apologized for giving me the ticket, but said it was "...unfortunately the business side of catching someone going 14 over the limit." (I didn't say it, but I was thinking the "business side" probably had more to do with needing revenue to pay for that fancy new stadium.) We shook hands and went about our ways.

As I drove away, I kept thinking, "Should I be mad?" Yes, but only at myself for being the only idiot who didn't slow down.

[RoyGBiv]

Thanks for sharing. Good on you for giving the officer some positive reinforcement, even though he was giving you a ticket.

Now.... SLOW DOWN... (and get off my lawn!)

[Scott B.]

Well put. That little bit of politeness, or professionalism, never hurts.

[MotherBear]

(I didn't say it, but I was thinking the "business side" probably had more to do with needing revenue to pay for that fancy new stadium.)

If it's any consolation, the school district budget is completely separate from the city budget in every city/school district I've ever known and I'd be pretty shocked to hear it operates otherwise anywhere in Texas. I've rolled my eyes every time I've driven past that stadium, but at least it likely doesn't have anything to do with the police. I'm given to understand the police there have pretty generous salaries, but I doubt it's out of line with the city's budget as a whole, and I'd imagine the department works to provide service in keeping with their pay.

[Munk]

Has anyone ever gotten out of a ticket in Allen? Haha!

[Beiruty]

(I didn't say it, but I was thinking the "business side" probably had more to do with needing revenue to pay for that fancy new stadium.)

If it's any consolation, the school district budget is completely separate from the city budget in every city/school district I've ever known and I'd be pretty shocked to hear it operates otherwise anywhere in Texas. I've rolled my eyes every time I've driven past that stadium, but at least it likely doesn't have anything to do with the police. I'm given to understand the police there have pretty generous salaries, but I doubt it's out of line with the city's budget as a whole, and I'd imagine the department works to provide service in keeping with their pay.

Allen TX HS stadium is paid by a municipal bond authorized and paid by the Allen residents' home taxes. To be on the positive side, Allen HS team, Allen Eagles are Texas Champions in 3 yrs in row 2012, 2013, and 2014.

[Beiruty]

Has anyone ever gotten out of a ticket in Allen? Haha!

I did not got a ticket in Allen. In Plano, I was zapped 3 times in the last 3 years, each ticket would cost $185-$240 or so in defensive driving course and court fees.

[Rrash]

(I didn't say it, but I was thinking the "business side" probably had more to do with needing revenue to pay for that fancy new stadium.)

If it's any consolation, the school district budget is completely separate from the city budget in every city/school district I've ever known and I'd be pretty shocked to hear it operates otherwise anywhere in Texas. I've rolled my eyes every time I've driven past that stadium, but at least it likely doesn't have anything to do with the police. I'm given to understand the police there have pretty generous salaries, but I doubt it's out of line with the city's budget as a whole, and I'd imagine the department works to provide service in keeping with their pay.

Allen TX HS stadium is paid by a municipal bond authorized and paid by the Allen residents' home taxes. To be on the positive side, Allen HS team, Allen Eagles are Texas Champions in 3 yrs in row 2012, 2013, and 2014.

I was trying for a bit of humor. All good. I was the one speeding, not him.

[mojo84]

And the stadium was shut down to address construction defects. Nonetheless, I understood his point and recognized the attempt at humor.

[jimlongley]

Has anyone ever gotten out of a ticket in Allen? Haha!

I pulled an illegal 'u' turn, IN FRONT OF THE POLICE STATION, a few years ago. I was stopped, and not ticketed.

[AlaskanInTexas]

In Allen, 14 MPH over is about the most serious crime there is (well except for the recent rash of home invasions of Indian and Pakistani families). If they didn't write those tickets, they'd have nothing to do.

[Rrash]

In Allen, 14 MPH over is about the most serious crime...

[Maxwell]

You were speeding and he was just doing his job.

You did well being polite. I always am because when they pull me over I am usually in the wrong anyway...