I've been listening for over eighty years to stories recounting how those big, mean police officers exert offensive, unduly authoritative and all-around rude treatment toward innocent, defenseless citizens.

I've taken most stories with a grain of salt.

There is often little similarity between a citizen's version of an incident and fact. This is not necessarily because of deliberate dissembling on the part of the citizen. It may simply be the natural desire to defend one's position when confronted by a uniform.

But that still doesn't make his or her story accurate.

Marion police officers are never rude or disrespectful. They are businesslike and courteous. This is well and widely-known and often remarked upon in various venues.

Unfortunately, persons who have caught the attention of a police officer for whatever reason often become hearing-impaired and absorb what they want to.

I'm wondering if it's those big chips they carry around on their shoulders that are blocking their ears.

Thank you,

Florence Savery, Marion