Dear Officer,
It has taken me years to process and articulate the impact of our brief encounter back in April 2009. For a long time, I felt ashamed and hesitant to share my experience, believing I might have been at fault. However, I’ve come to realize that the underlying issues we both know were central to that night were not my doing.
Let’s Revisit That Evening
I was in my early thirties, with a clean driving record and of South Asian descent. I recall attending a fashion show with a friend who designs lingerie, and we had a wonderful time. Unfortunately, the rain had left the roads glistening, making visibility difficult as I approached my usual exit. As I neared the exit, road flares appeared, indicating a possible closure. Given the time—around 10:30 p.m.—and the sparse traffic, I chose to proceed cautiously.
As I approached the exit, it was dark and the reflections from the wet pavement obscured my view. Realizing the exit was closed, I attempted to merge, but it was too late; I found myself behind a squad car, where you were busy taking a report from what seemed to be a minor accident. When you approached me, your expression was one of anger as you sternly asked, “What are you doing here?”
In your report, there seems to be a discrepancy regarding my response. I stated, “I didn’t realize the exit was closed,” but you recorded that I said, “I don’t know.” It’s disheartening to think you might misrepresent my words to justify your actions. You took my license and insurance, ran them through your system, and found that my record was clean. A few minutes later, you informed me that I would receive a ticket in the mail and instructed me to proceed through the exit.
I was relieved when you didn’t exhibit further anger, but I was determined to contest the ticket. I wanted to explain my unintentional presence at the accident scene, hoping for understanding. However, when the ticket arrived, I was shocked to find it was a criminal court summons with three misdemeanor charges: Careless Driving, Failing to Yield to an Emergency Vehicle, and Passing through Two Emergency Vehicles.
Clarifying My Actions
I want to clarify a few things before we proceed. I approached the scene cautiously and yielded to your presence to the best of my ability. You even instructed me to pass through the emergency vehicles, which felt like a trap. I had a pristine record, was not intoxicated, and our interaction lasted no more than five minutes. Why did you feel the need to charge me with these crimes? That question has haunted me ever since.
Your actions forced me to spend my summer in court, hiring an attorney to navigate a system that clearly favored those with resources. In the courtroom, I noticed a striking pattern: many individuals there looked like me and faced similar charges, often with dire consequences. Luckily, I was able to clear my name, but I had to plead guilty to one minor charge. Many do not have that luxury or the knowledge to defend themselves adequately.
A Spark for Change
Surprisingly, your actions sparked a change within me. I became more aware of the issues faced by marginalized individuals and felt compelled to take a stand against discrimination. By the end of that summer, I was appointed as a Civil Rights Commissioner by the City Council and the Mayor’s Office. You may have intended to intimidate me, but instead, you ignited a passion for advocacy within me.
I wish you’d recognized that, as a brown person, I was equally human that night. Nevertheless, I forgive you. This experience has helped me grow and become an empowered woman. Should our paths cross again, I hope to demonstrate how justice can be achieved.
With resolve,
Your Unexpected Advocate
In Summary
The author reflects on a troubling encounter with a police officer that led to a series of unjust charges. This experience fueled her determination to advocate for those who face discrimination, ultimately leading to her appointment as a Civil Rights Commissioner. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and compassion across racial lines.