Mary Elizabeth O’Connor, Tampa’s police chief since last February, after a 22-year career in community service, found herself the victim of her badge. She stopped on the street aboard a golf cart, which according to US rules cannot travel on the street without a license plate, she allegedly tried to avoid the fine. The scene was taken in full by the body cam worn by the deputy who stopped them. In the video you can hear the policeman explaining to her and her husband, who is driving her, the reason for her detention: in short, an unlicensed vehicle cannot circulate on the public road.
O’Connor asks, “The camera’s on.” The deputy replies “Yes” and the woman continues: “I hope you’ll let us go tonight”, pulling out her badge. The agent tells the couple that they’ve had a lot of problems with their golf carts and that it’s been a pleasure to meet them. The conversation continues and at one point she takes a slippery turn. The police chief says: “If you ever need anything, call me” leaving his business card. And he: “Okay” and she underlines: “Really, I’m serious”.
But when the images became public, the Tampa police chief apologized to the mayor and citizens: “No one is above the law, including me. We were wrong to take a golf cart with no license plates onto the street. This is the first time something like this has happened to us. In hindsight, I realize I had engaged in inappropriate behavior, but that was not my intent. I knew I was being filmed and didn’t want to put the deputy in an awkward position. I’ve already called Pinellas’ department and explained that I’m prepared to pay for a potential subpoena.”
The mayor Jane Castor reacted harshly, calling O’Connor’s behavior “unacceptable”: “We hold everyone responsible, regardless of their position. O’Connor will be liable under applicable law.”
