> > That's so funny! US cops really do hang out in donut shops? I always thought that was just in the movies.
>
> Donut shops, pizza stands, diners... You might find police officers in any place that has decent coffee and a place to relax for a few minutes. [...] Back in College Station, Texas, the police would just cruise around and around...
>
> -Faux "mmm... donuts" Pas

Heh. They don't always just cruise around doing nothing. Yesterday, as Dave and I were watching the X-Men movie, the cops came and cruised around the parking lot placing warning tickets on cars which were unlocked, had windows open, had valuable items visible, etc. When we got back to the car, we'd received something we'd never seen before -- a "Courtesy Ticket." It said, "In order to help reduce crime in our neighbourhood, we have noted on this ticket the omissions you have made when parking your vehicle. You have: None. Félicitations/Congratulations!"

It must have been the Anti Car-Theft division. I like that they were kind enough to give out warnings rather than immediately jump to giving out fines. It's more in keeping with the image of being able "To Serve and Protect" that peacekeepers much prefer, rather than being roundly labeled as donut-hogging losers, eh.