Glaring violations by Jordanian traffic police

Since absolutely power corrupts absolutely, same can be said about a law enforcement buddy that is not being controlled, monitored and disciplined continuously. And below I will state the incidents I've seen. And that's in only one week

Using the Siren as their personal horn

So we came to a point in the street where there was a sort of a jam. The cars were packed bumper to bumper and there was little room for movement. The police car, came to the point (slowly and didn't appear to be in any hurry) after a moment of waiting with everyone, they turned on the siren, the baffled drivers scrambled to move and many accidents were barely evaded. But not by a big margin!

The police car cleared the jam, turned off the siren and continued with their business, they left in no hurry to go anywhere.

The siren is not the police car's personal horn, and it shouldn't be used unless there's an urgent need for it. It contributes to the noise pollutions and might have adverse effects. The only reason it's allowed is for it to be used for emergencies where it's a matter of life and death. But to push people to move out of the way is abuse of resources.

The decorated bike!

I was at the airport where I saw the motorcycle of the policeman with a nicely calligraphed "Allah - Muhammad" which is ok if it was on the back of a truck hauling goods and heading to the border. But not on an official vehicle, paid for by the tax payers and is entrusted to the policeman.

If anything this ruins the image of the whole force. This is not a "Sarvees" car, this is a police motorcycle for god's sake!

Blocking the road for prayer!

This I also witnessed when I was going to the Friday prayer. Not only did the people attending the mass double and triple park on both sides of the street. But the police vehicle which is supposed to prevent such obstruction triple parked next to them and the officers got out of the car, and went to the prayer! Don't get me wrong, I commend them on going to the prayers. But NOT on their poor parking skills

Cellphone on the bike!

This one was outrageous! Not only is it a violation of the law, it's such a hazard. This Officer was on his bike, travelling downhill. One hand on the steering handle, and the other holding a cellphone to his helmet!

Smoking on the Job!

Another biker officer was smoking while riding his bike. I just couldn't believe my eye! I know as a matter of fact that there is a low that forbids drivers from Smoking, eating, drinking or using the cellphone while driving! I'm sure riding a motorbike is no exception, and I'm even positive that that it's not allowed for police officers.

Not to mention the countless police officers on foot that were smoking. But that's really their business.

Hitting on the chick officer!

So apparently, one of the officers decided to stop the lady on the other side of the tight street that I was in. When he noticed that she's well developed in the upper section he preceded to sweet talking the lady. Who promptly took advantage of that and changed her posture to exert maximum effectiveness on the drooling officer. Few moments later she was driving off, with a minor "wink" for her not-worthy-to-mention failure to stop at a traffic light. But who cares about that?

My thoughts....

Police officers must be the role models for everyone else. Trying to explain to an officer who has caught you red handed with a cell phone stuck to your face while driving that you've seen other officers doing the same thing will probably not fly. You were only imitating, but unless you're in uniform, you won't get away with it

There needs to be self accountability. Every officer must have that as an integral part of his character. There also needs to be systems of monitoring and control. If not continuous feedback and updated training on how to make sure that they don't fall into trap of absolute power. They need to be continuously reminded that they are in service of the society and not above it. And that's the bottom line