As we exited the expressway onto Fort Road, the taxi driver and myself found ourselves commenting at the rare sighting of police cars and motorcycles in a quiet, hidden spot. Police sightings are not common events in Singapore. Even less likely is to see police in hiding. I cannot remember ever seeing this before. Additionally, I do not remember anyone talking about seeing something like this.
“Is that what I think it is?”
“Yes, the police are hiding there regularly.”
“Really, I do not recall seeing them hiding like this anything else.”
“I haven’t either, just here. They seem to be targeting trucks carry workers. When they catch one, they conduct on the spot safety checks. They usually find something, at least a taillight.”
As I looked at the scene, I wondered about the reaction I was having. Did I really want to be stopped for a vehicle inspection, even if my motorcycle had been inspected within the last six months? What if I had missed something? Why me?
Asking for justice is a familiar phase. I hear it often. I frequently ask for it myself. There is a catch though. I would choose mercy over justice. When I think of police hiding at the corner where I frequently test the edges of the speed limit, I am horrified! My rationalization goes crazy. My sense of indignation emerges. Even though I know I am wrong, I do not want the rules enforced.
On the other hand, when it comes to others, especially careless drivers, I want a policeman on every corner. My plea is blunt and direct; “You’re God, God of angel armies, Israel’s God! Get on the job and take care of these pagans, don’t be soft on these hard cases.” (Psalm 59.5)
I find myself avoiding the Fort Road exit these days. I do not think there is anything wrong with the bike, but why take the chance? My expectations of firm law enforcement confronting and citing careless drivers have not changed. I wonder when I will reconcile the conflict between these two views.
