Are cops watching you, too?

Big Brother was watching me from a police helicopter at 9:15 p.m. on July 16. I know this because I was issued a citation by a police officer that had not personally witnessed my supposed wrongdoing.

The ticket was based on a call from a police helicopter.

The intersection of Summit and Golden West streets in Huntington Beach sits atop a minor hill and has a signal that remains red for a long time. It is hard to see cars approaching from the left.

I understand why a "no turn on red" sign would be posted. However, this sign is not easily visible at night. I looked for such a sign before making the turn.

About one mile past this intersection, a beam of white light blazed through all my windows and nearly blinded me.

I realized this was no unidentified flying object, but a police car and helicopter. I hastily pulled over so the officer could  get to the emergency sooner.

To my dismay, he pulled in directly behind me and approached my vehicle.

I mentally reviewed the drive. I was sure I was not speeding.

The officer informed me that he received a report from the helicopter that I had indeed made a right turn on a red signal and that two "no turn on red" signs were posted. He tracked me down to cite me.

I offered my first words, mumbling something to the effect that the signs were not visible at night. His response was that he was not familiar with that intersection. He suggested that I take photographs as proof of low visibility to the judge when I go to court.

I repeat: he was NOT familiar with that intersection and did not witness the infraction for which he was citing, yet I still received a ticket.

Excuse me for being outraged, but I was issued a citation from an officer who did not witness the alleged infraction.

Big Brother and "1984" in 2000: has it finally come?

Sari Malmquist is an Asian studies and public relations journalism major.