At 14, I was daydreaming about my future, what I wanted to be (a meteorologist flying into hurricanes) and who I wanted to be married to (one hint: Urban Cowboy had just hit the big screen).  I certainly wasn’t giving any thought to what a typical day for a police officer is.  In fact, I was probably already plotting ways to get past the county line with an ice chest of cold beer without catching the attention of the sheriff’s department.  Of course, this plotting and planning would serve me well only after I’d gotten my license….and after I got enough nerve to actually hit the county line…and planned my escape if my parents ever caught me.

A fourteen year old boy, however, has other goals.  He was far more successful than I was at that age.  He spent Saturday as a police officer, in full uniform, in Chicago without getting caught.  He actually accepted an assignment, spent the day riding with one of his would-be co-workers and was never questioned!  He didn’t carry a gun, which to me, would’ve been a red flag.  I don’t know if I’d want my partner to not carry a gun as we patrolled the streets of Chicago.  This, of course, begs the question: what did his partner-for-the day think as they were driving around?  Surely he questioned him, yes?  For five hours, this kid pulled this off with no problems.  He didn’t get to write the first ticket, but he has found himself in a bit of hot water with the juvenile system.  He’s been charged with impersonating an officer.  I think someone should be charged with impersonating an officer, but I’m not so sure it should be this kid.  Someone dropped the ball - and it’s going to hit hard before it’s all said and done. 

What would have happened if there had been a serious crime - a burglary or some other crime that could have jeopardized his safety?  Remember, he didn’t have a weapon, so it’s not like he could have protected himself. Granted, that wasn’t a wise choice he made, but I can’t get my mind wrapped around the fact he even pulled it off!   Even the police department has called this a “serious security breach”; so why is the kid the only one being punished?  He (and his lawyers) said his motives were simple: he wanted to become a member of the police department.  He was just getting a head start. 

My guess is the FBI will definitely want to be in touch with this boy.  He’d make the ideal undercover agent.  After he’s legally able to do so, of course.