I think the inexperience of one young police officer should not cast a shadow on the rest of the team.

And I mean that with no disrespect to the specific officer.

I think the police officer’s enthusiasm for the safety of pedestrians should be noted. And after all, the implications of legislation can be tricky.

We all make mistakes – the more keen readers would label me hypocritical if I did not acknowledge that. 

What I am concerned about is how a citizen and responsible taxpayer was given seven days to change her bull bar in the lead-up to Christmas. There would be many others out there too. 

And when this woman questioned the law – and did her research to find out her rights – she was punished further. 

It is good the defect notice was cancelled by police. I believe the police officer’s judgment was misplaced. 

And while we all lose our good sense of judgment from time to time – once again, feel free to look my way – what if it had been a more serious offence? 

What if the police officer – through his zealousness and concern for order in the community – misjudged a situation in which something like a stun gun or pepper spray was used?  

At the risk of sounding dramatic, a defect notice can be retracted. Excessive force cannot. 

But fortunately the police officer is young and has many other police officers at his station I’m sure are willing to pass on their wisdom and experience. 

And some perhaps acknowledging their experience was earned the hard way, which is why they are now so good at their job. 

 – CHRIS BURNS