Folks, I was a cop and retired after 27 years. I was a Detective for 25 of those years. However, when on patrol I stopped my share of vehicles and only a handful of times was someone so deserving that I knew I would pen a ticket no mater what they had to say. The bottom line was I did not want to issue a ticket just because I stopped a violator. I would observe their demeanor, attitude and reaction to being stopped. On many occasion I would ask them to tell me their best joke and advised that if they made me laugh they would not receive a ticket. Certainly, no mater how funny, I would not laugh and of course return to my car and start writing. I would return to the violator and hand him a written warning for the violation and state, "the jokes on you, drive safely". I received so many letters to the Chief of Police advising what a great officer I was and fortunately my Chief was the type of guy that wanted the public to appreciate the efforts of law enforcement officials. Yes, things have changed somewhat and you may come across the guy who is writing a ticket no matter what. Roll with the punches and hope the next time your stopped its a 'normal' COP.