One of the short-lived jobs I tried was that of Metro Transit Police Lieutenant. One
evening I was supervising the officers overseeing the loading of buses at the Mall Of America Transit Station. Recent
gang activity had erupted at the Mall. Based on my experience, training and observation skills I personally stood at
the door of each bus at it loaded. If I detected problems I would assign uniformed officers to ride the buses as they
left the Mall.
I watched the loading of a bus destined for downtown Minneapolis. Drawing on my expertise
I knew the passengers on this bus would create no problems. I advised the driver that the passengers were a good group
of kids. He and the bus would be fine. I decided no cops would be riding that bus.
You probably know by now that Clark is not necessarily always correct. During the
ride three passengers drew guns and opened fire wounding two riders. I heard the police radio broadcast the information
about the shooting and I thought 'Oops'! The suspects then fled and weren't apprehended for days because, of course,
there wasn't a cop around when they needed one.
Once the suspects were arrested I learned they were the same guys I was talking with before
they boarded the bus. The topic we spoke of was ... get this ... how I seemed like a friendly cop. I
guess they were laughing at my gullibility as they racked the bullets into their semi-automatics!
Aren't you glad Clark retired?
