Speeding is among the most common reasons for traffic citations. Sadly, it’s also a factor in numerous car wrecks each year, which is why law enforcement agencies work so hard to combat it. Recently, a Virginia police chief was subjected to a traffic stop for this very reason and decided to use it as a teachable moment for the other officers in his precinct. 

Not only was he speeding, but the man was going more than 30 mph over the speed limit

According to WRIC, the Richmond, Virginia, police chief was caught speeding by going almost 30 miles over the speed limit on January 15th. Apparently, the man, Chief Edwards, was heading to a work-related meeting, and an officer pulled him over for a traffic stop. According to Chief Edwards, “He came here [and] he informed me that I was going 61 miles an hour in a 35 [mph zone.] So, I asked him to issue me a summons.”

In other words, the Richmond police chief wanted to hold himself accountable for speeding. This is just like any other driver should be. Then, the following day, the police department had its annual crime briefing. The chief discussed his citation for speeding in front of his colleagues. In fact, he even held up his summons as he spoke. He then said, “So it’s important for me [and] it’s important for our community to slow down. And I will deal with the consequences of this.”

He shared the summons because he wanted to be the one to inform his officers of his instance of speeding. Additionally, it’s a good way to remind officers that they must lead by example. As mentioned, speeding is the reason behind several car wrecks each year. However, slowing down does quite a bit to preserve public safety.