This Man Just Redefined Police Etiquette As We Know It

Now *this* is how to talk to police officers.

While we're all still reeling from this heart-achingly sweet video of a father teaching his son about the Paris attacks, we've got some even more lovely news for you: an unidentified American man has written a letter to the policeman who pulled him over for drink driving this summer - to say that while he doesn't enjoy his punishment, he's still grateful that he was arrested - because it may have saved his life.

'I write to express my thanks and gratitude to Officer Jacob Collins,' begins the letter.

'Officer Collins pulled me over on Highway 74 during the morning of July 31, 2015. I was severely intoxicated. He saved my life and the lives of others, and I truly appreciate his actions and his efforts. I must emphasize that he was very polite and professional and did not provoke with intimidation. He treated me fairly, and I never felt ridiculed or threatened.

'I have nothing to gain from contacting you. I have already been to court and received my punishments. I contact you because the media and public opinion are saturated with images of officers using excessive force. Officers are constantly on the defensive. The public does not want to acknowledge proper procedures; the public merely wants to see an officer make a mistake to keep the argument and the social media images flowing. You all need to know that what you do every day matters, and we appreciate it.

'I do not like being on probation, and I do not enjoy paying a series of fines, fees and insurance hikes; however I am grateful to be alive. I thank Officer Collins and your entire department.'

The police department have responded with the following statement: 'This is kind of a testament to what law enforcement does every day. Our job is to go out there and make sure people are safe, and that’s what Collins was doing that night, and the end result was the driver is safe, he didn’t hurt anyone and the message was sent, that that’s what we’re here to do.'