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Picked up a couple downtown last night and something felt off right away.
For context, I used to be a cop. I dont talk about it and I dont bring it up, but if someone has spent time in that world, you tend to recognize certain behaviors. The way questions are asked, the posture, the need to control the situation.
The guy started asking really specific questions about my dash cam. If it had a chip, where the footage goes, if videos can be altered or manipulated. Then he started commenting on my speed as I was slowing down from a higher speed road into town, telling me how fast I was going like he was monitoring me.
What really stood out was when he noticed my protective vest and questioned why I was even wearing one. I drive strangers at night for income. That alone answers the question.
When he got out, I saw him in the rear view mirror take a picture of my license plate.
Maybe he was law enforcement, maybe he wasnt. Im not accusing anyone of anything. But the whole ride had that familiar hyper observant, control heavy vibe that you recognize when youve been on the other side of it before.
Im not anti cop. Ive been there. I just dont understand why some passengers feel the need to assert authority in someone elses car instead of just taking the ride.
Anyone else run into this?
Do you get riders who seem like theyre policing the ride instead of just riding?
(Hey, if you happen to read this post, yes, i’m talking about you 🙂
Yeah man, Ive had this happen more than once. Its usually the questions that tip it off for me too. Regular riders dont care how dash cams work or where footage lives. When someone starts digging into that stuff, it feels less like curiosity and more like control.
The speed comments are familiar. Ive had people act like theyre pacing me while Im already slowing down. Its not about safety at that point, its about being the one in charge, even though its not their car.
Commenting on your vest is weird but also tracks. Some people get uncomfortable when they realize they dont have the upper hand. Driving at night, picking up strangers, wearing protection makes sense. Thats just being smart.
The license plate photo wouldve put me on edge too. Ive seen that move before and even if nothing happens, it definitely feels like a flex.
Not saying every cop rider is like this, but when someone brings that energy into a rideshare, it changes the whole vibe. Suddenly youre not just a driver, youre being sized up.
I usually keep it short, polite, and get through the ride without feeding it. No point in engaging. Youre not crazy for noticing it, and youre definitely not the only one.
