[Scene: A sidewalk near a convenience store. A police officer is casually standing by his patrol car. A stranger walks up and starts a conversation. They speak for a moment before things shift.]
Stranger:
You been out here long?
Officer: (relaxed)
Couple hours. Just making sure everything stays calm. Pretty quiet today.
Stranger: (nods)
Yeah… quiet’s good.
You from around here?
Officer:
Born a few towns over. But I’ve been on this beat a while.
Try to know the community, you know?
[There’s a short pause. The stranger looks the officer up and down, then suddenly changes tone.]
Stranger:
What’s your name and badge number?
Officer: (slightly surprised, but composed)
Officer Daniels. Badge #1476.
Everything okay?
Stranger:
Just like to know who I’m talking to. You never know these days.
Officer: (nods respectfully)
Fair enough.
Accountability goes both ways, right?
Stranger: (lowers tone slightly)
I respect that you didn’t get defensive.
Officer: (earnest)
I wear this badge to serve — not to hide.
If I ever forget that, someone should ask for my name.
[They hold eye contact for a moment. The tension fades a little.]
Stranger:
Alright then, Officer Daniels. Stay safe.
Officer:
You too.
