Police are just doing their jobs

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In response to Mr. Glazier’s letter on Oct. 17 titled “Don’t nab drivers at confusing left turn,” the police department (both city and state) are out there doing their job. They’re protecting other motorists from irresponsible drivers making the “illegal” (albeit temporary) left turn at Polo Road.

If you called to report a burglar, they’d respond with more than a ticket book in hand, and you’d be grateful. They’ve spent hours searching for lost children only to find them at home sleeping in a closet. They respond to domestic abuse situations, and deliver news to families that they have lost loved ones in traffic accidents and worse.

If that isn’t “to serve and protect,” then I don’t know what is, so give them a break.

How “observant” do you have to be to “recognize” six signs clearly informing you no left turn is permitted at Polo Road? Two are 4 feet square and on both sides of the road. One is almost 8 feet wide and 6 feet tall and clearly states “no left turn ...” and gives an alternative route “use 43rd Ave.,” and three more with “no left turn” symbols on them. Why do you need flashing lights and waving flags to let you know you can’t turn left there?

I travel Third and Fourth streets every day but still heed the speed limit signs without lights, flags or someone pointing to each one. Do you think it’s just for funding when the police do radar checks? It’s to keep speed under control and protect other motorists and pedestrians, not “strictly to write tickets to those unfortunates who were not aware.”

What more is needed? Fire trucks, a marching band, loudspeakers? If lDOT didn’t think it was dangerous, it wouldn’t be “no left turn” for the duration of construction. lDOT makes that decision; not the state police. Maybe there were three officers there because it’s more than a minor problem with all the irresponsible drivers who don’t believe rules apply to them.

To hint at the governor using this as a way to balance the budget or District 1 to get new equipment is ridiculous and just plain petty. If you truly feel this is wasting police resources, then maybe you could volunteer your time and help alert your fellow, well-traveled, unfortunate, angry motorists to this terrible situation and wave them off to keep them from receiving such unwarranted and undeserved tickets.

Note to readers – To the relief of all concerned, the left-turn lane mentioned in this letter has reopened.

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