Thanks for your thoughtful and insightful comments. And of course, your definition of integrity is right on! Thanks for your public service!

Have a wonderful day,

Steve

As a former officer I will say that you did about all you could have done. From me you would have almost certainly received a warning. There are times and circumstances where there is nothing that can change the outcome for various reasons. This was likely one of those. As you may, or may not, know many people will lie to an officer. So some officers take the approach, as a defense of sorts, that they have decided the outcome prior to speaking to you. With that approach you may be able to make the situation worse, but probably not any better. I personally didn’t care for that approach, though I understand it.
You obviously get it, but for your readers that may not I offer a tip. You can more easily talk yourself into a ticket than out of one. If you are rude you will almost certainly receive a ticket, though if you are being rude you probably already believed that you were getting one. That may not have been the plan. I personally gave more warnings than citations, but I was not a trooper. They seem to have more pressure to “prove their worth” through citations. That is the big reason I would never be a trooper, just not my style.

Saw your profile on Twitter, my friend. You and the rest of the heroes are what makes our country great. I have no doubt about the integrity and character of you and your brothers. Thank you.

Steve

: )