10 Ways to Make Any Policeman's Day Better

and copy the information in this hub. Tape it to the dashboard of your vehicle. For someday it will prove to be very beneficial to you.

I'm not kidding around. I am serious.

Our police officers of every branch of law enforcement, sheriff's office, city police, state troopers, even the F.B.I. and D.E.A. officers need a break sometimes. Don't you agree? I mean if "I" were in their shoes facing death and danger at every turn during my shift, I would be shaking in my boots.

Police officers cannot help the fact that they are all flesh and blood. Human. Capable of human error. And quick to admit that sad fact to anyone. So would I.

And given the way that my mind works, I thought, "what the harm, giving out "10 Ways to Make Any Police Officer's Day Better?" So I did. Free of charge. No strings attached. Just my personal way for you and I, as citizens of this great country, to show these men and women who protect our lives and property on a 24/7 basis, that "we appreciate" what they do. Again, I am serious.

I tell you what. Read over all of these easy ways to make a policeman's day better, try it tomorrow, and let me know how it goes. I promise you that if you email me and share your results, I will put your name at the top of my next hub. That, you can take to the bank.

1. SHAKE HANDS

with one officer the next time you see him or her on the job. It doesn't matter if you know them or not. Just put yourself in their place and walk up and extend your hand and say, "sir, (ma'am), I want to tell you just how much I appreciate what you are doing for me and my community," then do not linger around for the accolades. This one gesture will make that officer's day a lot brighter.

2. OFFER AN OFFICER A COLD DRINK

of refreshing bottled water. On a hot summer day, believe me, the officer will be your friend for life. And in the colder months, offer the law enforcement officer a fresh, hot cup of coffee. It's the little things that make the most-solid relationships.

3. GET TO KNOW THE OFFICER

by simply making moderate small talk. Ask about his wife or kids, if they are okay or not. Show the man or woman of law enforcement that you are about them. I know what the old song and dance about "well they, (the police), don't care for me," well why not? What about you do the police not like? Besides this isn't about you, but them. You do not have to "hog" the conversation. Just ask a few casual questions, bid the officer a good day, or night, and walk on about your business.

4. TAKE THE OFFICER TO LUNCH

and this will show the officer that you are "real." The police do get a lunch break and it is not against the law to buy them a lunch. It's only wrong if "you," verbally use the situation as a bride to get the innocent officer to do something shady for you.

5. TELL OFFICER A JOKE OR TWO

and there isn't a lawman or woman anywhere that doesn't appreciate a good joke. Laughter breaks tension. And if the officer were to admit it, he or she works under a lot of pressure, so sharing a good joke with him or her might relax them enough that they can have a smooth, safe shift and not be so edgy.

6. VOLUNTEER YOUR DRIVER'S LICENSE

to the state trooper. Only if you meet him out in public away from his car. I started to suggest that the next time a state trooper gets behind you on the road, pull over immediately before he "blue lights" you. Sit in your car perfectly-still with driver's license in your hand. The state trooper will be running your tag for prior offenses or expired tag. Then he will approach your car and say, "sir, why did you pull over? Are you in trouble?" Do not laugh. Humbly reply, "no sir. Thanks for asking. I just wanted to show you that my license is still current." Odds are the state trooper will do one of two things: 1. Laugh at you, but appreciate your gesture. or 2. Warn you to not do that again unless told to pull over by him or an associate. Actually I am guessing about the second one. I've never heard of anyone "pulling over" prior to being "blue lighted." This just might be a "first."

7. GET YOUR PHOTO SNAPPED

with the officer, state trooper, F.B.I. or D.E.A. agent. I don't really think that whatever officer you choose to be snapped with in a digital photo, will mind that much for as a rule, metro police and sheriff's department deputies are trained for "good will" gestures for the community to build trust among the law enforcement and citizens, but the F.B.I and D.E.A. agents may frown on this practice. They might even scold you for they want to keep their identities secret for they might be "working undercover." Be careful. Just start with the metro cop. Or sheriff himself. If they ask, "what is this for?" You shake their hands and reply, "for a scrap book I am making as a shrine to our local law enforcement officers and to use the book to teach my grandkids all about respect for the law." The officer who asked you that question will be looking off with tears in his eyes.

8. VISIT POLICE STATION

often. Just to say hello. But remember. These guys and girls who are in law enforcement are not there for a gossip-session. They are there to solve the tough cases. Bring criminals to justice. So do not be shocked if the policeman or woman looks at you in an irritated way. The police aren't used to people like you who just show-up at their precincts and visit. Take this one real easy. It will be fine and do not overdo this, or the police may get suspicious of why you are there so much.

9. VOLUNTEER AT THE POLICE STATION

to go out and get the policemen some fresh coffee before their shift begins. Or when it's over. I do not know if this is illegal or not. Looks like to me that a kind gesture by a law-abiding citizen like you, wouldn't be against the law, but check first. Then in a casual, low-key manner, be at the station house early, say around 6 a.m. and ask the day commander if it would be fine to buy coffee for the guys about to "roll." He might look at you funny, but you never know. This police station just might make "you" an honorary policeman for a day.

10. INVITE OFFICERS OF THE LAW

to your birthday parties. Your anniversary celebrations. And even your children's birthdays. Of course, he or she will come while off-duty. But I think that they would enjoy a few hours to see how a common citizen and his family live. And since you are a law-abiding American, I don't have to tell you to make sure there aren't any guns, illegal drugs or terrorist magazines laying around your house. I'm kidding here. Just invite your favorite officer and have a good time.

Next time . . .

"How To Easily Survive Your First Time In Jail."