 |
|
Steve Marquez
officer, Tucson police department
|
|
|
By Nathan Tafoya
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Wednesday, November 19, 2003
Print this
Officer won't allow people to touch his gun, finds that it is always hot, and is anxious to get off of work
[In front of Circle K on East Speedway Boulevard and North Park Avenue]
Wildcat: So my name's Nathan and you're On the Spot. Can I touch your gun?
Marquez: No.
Wildcat: How much money do you make a year? · Actually, you don't have to answer that. It's just one of those questions they tell you in elementary not to ask the police guy when he comes to class. I just had to get it out of my system.
Marquez: I'm doing better than I though I'd be doing, so ·
Wildcat: So are your clothes hot in the summertime? It looks like polyester and I know polyester doesn't breathe.
Marquez: It's just hot, period. It doesn't matter what you wear.
Wildcat: Is it more hot, though?
Marquez: Well, you got a vest too, and you got to put your gear, so · it makes you sweat. You're soaked when you get out of work, no matter if you're inside.
Wildcat: Can you arrest me?
[Pause]
Wildcat: Like, you can throw me on the ground. We'll make a scene. It'll be fun.
Marquez: Nah. I get off work right now and that's too much work for me.
Wildcat: I'll be compliant · I'll be a willing prisoner.
Marquez: That's no fun.
Wildcat: You like it when they're rowdy?
Marquez: Not when I'm about to get off work. If I got time for it.
Wildcat: Can you arrest me and then just drive me down the street to the Wildcat office? ÎCause I don't have a car, my bike got a flat ·
[A taxi pulls into the station and Officer Marquez points his thumb at it]
Marquez: No · that's it right there. A taxi cab to give you a ride. I only give rides to one place.
Wildcat: Even as a public service? To a nice, Tucson citizen?
Marquez: If you were stranded in the middle of nowhere, I'd give you a ride.
Wildcat: Really? How come you don't have a dog?
Marquez: That's a special assignment. The dog has to live with you, you got to take care of it, it's a lot of work.
Wildcat: Are you an animal lover though?
Marquez: Yeah.
