I recently wrapped up a 6-week engagement as an expert witness in a software misappropriation case in Wichita Kansas. Despite spending six weeks in a hotel out of town (I think I will contact the Wichita Chamber of Commerce and offer to run a PSA for them …), it was an interesting engagement. One thing I would note is that the courtroom was in the juvenile court facility. As such, every day, there were crowds of people that were there to deal with custody cases, kids involved with drugs, etc. Our courtroom was the very last one, so we had to walk past a whole bunch of people that looked VERY unhappy to be there.
The facility has a security of course and every day; we had to pass through a smaller version of what you do at an airport. Your items go through a scanner, and you go through a metal detector. As I have an artificial hip, I set off the magnetometer every time. So an officer has to “wand” you with a hand-held metal detector. Since I had to pass through twice a day (morning and after lunch) and I was there for 28 days, I went through the manual security drill 56 times. I got to know those officers very well!
Amongst the good-natured banter as the “wanding” occurred, I noticed one officer always wanted me to stand in a particular place. After doing this several times, I jokingly asked if he was required to stand in only that one location. With a serious expression, he told me this, “I like to stand here so I can keep an eye on the parking lot. People are not always happy with the outcome of their cases, and when they go back to their cars, I am not sure if there are driving off or grabbing an AK-47 to start some trouble”. Well that certainly got my attention! After that, I always stood in the spot where the officers could keep an eye on things. Those officers (and thousands more all across the U.S.) are there for our security and protection. They have the ultimate “regard for others” and are paying attention to potential threats, even when we are not.
That incident made me more aware of the need to pay attention to my surroundings AND renewed my appreciation for those that wear a uniform for the protection of us. Find an opportunity this week to show appreciation wherever possible for these hard-working men and women.