Today I Met a Professional

Two days ago I got a $50 parking ticket at school for backing into a space instead of pulling in. When you only work two days a week at a job that doesn’t pay very much, $50 is enough to make you write angry emails and vent to your mother.

Today as I was packing up my stuff to leave English class, I heard my name called and looked up to see a very large man in full security uniform waiting for me in the doorway. Ah yes, I know what this is about. It was none other than the chief of campus security, the man to whom I sent the email. He had looked up my schedule, figured out when I would be going to lunch, and sought me out in Oconee Hall. We walked to the cafeteria together, and he explained why I got the ticket…and heard my side of it. And as we stood in the cafe entrance, he told me that maybe I should indeed have gotten a warning and that he was going to waive the fine. (He also produced a piece of paper I had been given with my parking decal once upon a time which did say you shouldn’t back into spaces.) And he asked if I’d wanna serve on the committee that hears and decides the campus parking ticket appeals.

So here’s to you Chief Aman – the most professional and neighborly a man can be.

I’m not sure if this is legal…but this is the conversation between us.

From: Bear, Javen M.
Sent: Friday, January 19, 2018 4:32 PM
To: Aman, Edward J.
Subject: “Backing In”

 Dear Sir,

I’m a student at Tri-County in my second semester. Today, Friday the 19th, I was cited for having “backed in” to a parking spot as Officer Cullen put it. I have filed an appeal, which I doubt will do much good. I just wanted you, as the Director of Campus Police, to know how ridiculous I think it is that a student could get fined $50 for backing into a parking space. I would actually argue that backing in is a safer and more responsible way to park since, with more vision, you have a decreased chance of hitting someone upon exit. Parking theory aside, it’s unjust to cite students for violations they had no way of knowing about. The website’s Parking Rules and Regulations say nothing of this…I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything that would indicate I shouldn’t back into a spot. No signs – nothing.

I work at a coffee shop where I earn a wage of $8 an hour, and that’s how I pay my gas. Citing someone for 6 hours worth of wages (2 tanks of gas) is, in my estimation, an irresponsible a way of letting them know you’re going to be policing which end of their car faces the curb.

A warning with this information would have been appreciated.

Thanks for your time and consideration,

Respectfully,

Javen Bear.

From: Aman, Edward J.
Sent: Monday, January 22, 2018 12:28 PM
To: Bear, Javen M.
Subject: RE: “Backing In”

Javen,

 I will be glad to discuss this with you on an individual basis if you would like. I am located at Pickens 138, and my cell # is 318 3505.  I will try to catch you this afternoon as you are leaving class, if not perhaps you could come by during a break. I would also extend you an invitation to represent your fellow students with regards to parking issues by serving on our Ticket Appeal Committee. This group meets once a month and reviews all of the appeals from the prior period. The committee is made up of faculty, staff, students, and Campus Police to provide the most equitable outcome possible. Please take the time to reflect on this request, and you can let me know when we talk.

 Respectfully,

Chief Aman

From: Bear, Javen M.
Sent: Friday, January 22, 2018 11:54 PM
To: Aman, Edward J.
Subject: “Backing In”

Chief Aman,

My faith in campus security is being restored.

Now if they could just upgrade the website…