Creepy POE officer experience ! Ambassador Bridge

[Married_my_love 0]

So I went to visit my husband this weekend, he is in London (Canada) - I am the USC, we are doing K3.

I returned to the states alone via Ambassador Bridge to Detroit. I approached the booth and the officer started with the usual questions.

He was going to wave me thru, but stopped. He looked in my passport and asked why there weren't any stamps in it. Asked if I wanted one (?) and then asked me if I had any "people" in my trunk, and to pop the trunk so he could look inside. I couldn't see what he was doing back there but I wouldn't have been surprised if he was touching my underwear!!

He went back to his booth and the only way I can describe how he was talking to me is like I was in a pick up bar. He acted miffed when I said I went to see my husband. He made a little comment that it was "unfortunate I was married".

Then he asked me what I did for a living. I told him, still thinking this was regular questioning. He asked for my business card. Then he started to pitch his "jewelry business" and that he wanted to know if I design jewelry. I said, no, I do graphics for a land development company. He looked at my card very closely and by now I just totally had the creeps. Said again, "so you don't design jewelry?" and then "I'll call you". ICK!

He held up this small plastic ring (from a water bottle) and said "I just designed this jewelry, but it broke". (what the?) By the time he let me go I had a serious case of the willies and a very long line of cars behind me.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Sounds strange.

So they kept you waiting in line while they did this?

I've been detained for questioning at that same bridge before but in my case I was waved over to the side, asked to exit my vehicle and give my passport + car keys to the nice officer while I waited inside.

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

What a creep.

[zyggy 9]

Sounds strange.

So they kept you waiting in line while they did this?

I've been detained for questioning at that same bridge before but in my case I was waved over to the side, asked to exit my vehicle and give my passport + car keys to the nice officer while I waited inside.

I used to be in CBP and I have to admit, that sounds very inappropriate.

I used to work at the Tunnel... I always recommend that people use the tunnel. The staff there is much more friendly and professional than the bridge and has a lot more experienced officers. The bridge is a little bit of a revolving door.

Did you get the guys name and number. If so, you should report him. It may be a case that there may have been some problems in the past and your complaint is the one that will put him over the edge so to speak.

Edited February 21, 2006 by zyggy

[Mand 1]

Do not know anything about crossing the Canadian/US border, but that sounds WIERD!! I'd keep note of the time you came through etc and description of the guy, incase he does call you or something like that.

That way if you need to make an official complaint down the road, you have all the info saved somewhere.

Creepo for sure!!

[Married_my_love 0]

So they kept you waiting in line while they did this?

Yeah, and I'm telling you this had nothing to do with Homeland Security.

[Dixie_Peach 1]

What a creep.

I agree!

[john_and_marlene 162]

Was his name Chester?

[Married_my_love 0]

When they stamp your passport, does it include anything about the person who stamps it? (it is at home, just wondering).

Zyggy, taking the tunnel, is it as ez to get to detroit airport? I am going back March 10 and I DO NOT want to see this creep.

[slim 1,514]

The best way to deal with creeps like this guy:

Act all interested too.... ask him his name, rank, badge number, supervisor's name.... then get out of your car (leave it in his lane) and walk over to the main station or whatever and talk to the supervisor. Tell the supervisor what a creep this person is and that his questioning was out of line and that you would like to file a formal complaint.

Usaully, that's enough to get you a "We're real sorry ma'am. We'll take care of this guy. Please have a nice day."

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

When they stamp your passport, does it include anything about the person who stamps it? (it is at home, just wondering).

Zyggy, taking the tunnel, is it as ez to get to detroit airport? I am going back March 10 and I DO NOT want to see this creep.

Yeah, I've driven to DTW using both the Bridge and the Tunnel. Just get directions first and you'll be fine. Or you could use this shuttle.... I forget what it's called, but it runs from the Windsor holiday inn to DTW. Maybe the other Canadians can chime in. I used the shuttle once and the border people treat you nice. They make you spend some time at a duty free store though...

Edit: I remember now.. it's called Robert Q

Edited February 21, 2006 by Agent Smith

[aussiewench 9]

That is so creepy. I'd be taking a different route next time too just in case.

[zyggy 9]

When they stamp your passport, does it include anything about the person who stamps it? (it is at home, just wondering).

Zyggy, taking the tunnel, is it as ez to get to detroit airport? I am going back March 10 and I DO NOT want to see this creep.

Yes.. it's very easy to get to the airport from the tunnel....

PM me if you want specific directions from the 401.

They have new stamps now that they're CBP. Not sure how the stamps are issued now. When it was INS, each officer used to have their own. I'll have to ask some of my friends that are still in how it works now...

Edited February 21, 2006 by zyggy

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

I've crossed that bridge more times than I can remember and never had a single problem - also, why would they stamp your passport going to Canada or returning back? I've only been asked to produce ID once or twice at that crossing, though I guess things are different now.

[Married_my_love 0]

why would they stamp your passport going to Canada or returning back?

The stamping part seemed like a game to him, he asked me if I wanted one to make my passport look pretty or something, he mumbled something but I had a hard time understanding what he was saying, I was just like "sure, stamp it, yes, Ah huh" because I wanted to get away!!

I didn't think they'd stamp for US/Canada visit either, but I wasn't about to ask. I was so nervous when he was done with me I didn't even think to go in the office or anything, I just wanted to go.