You’re Parking Up The Wrong Tree

(I work as a security guard at a local bank. Typically my job is to open the door for people and direct people with any questions as well as to be a visual deterrent. There is a holiday parade that is running along one of the streets next to the back. I am told by my boss not to let anyone park in our lot for the parade since we have a smaller lot on a corner and do not have a lot of parking. The woman is an older lady who parks her car and proceeds to walk not towards the bank but to the street with a folding chair to watch the parade.)

Me: “Excuse me, ma’am. I’m very sorry but you cannot park your car there. This is private property.”

Older Lady: “What do you mean? I can’t park here to watch the parade?”

Me: “The bank manager was very clear that this is private property and not to allow parade parking. I’m very sorry.”

Older Lady: “Well, the police said that they weren’t going to give out tickets because of the parking situation.”

Me: “That is very kind of them, but unfortunately this is still private property and not open for parade parking.”

Older Lady: “Well. the police said that I could park here and that local retailers and banks would be allowing this.”

Me: “They didn’t talk to the branch manager, so I guess he’s not aware of this.”

Older Lady: “If the police said it’s all right, I’m going to park here.”

Me: “The police can’t give permission to park on private property, and the number for the towing company to retrieve your car is available on the signs that explain that this lot is for bank business only.”

Older Lady: *full blown yelling* “Are you telling me that you know how the police work better than I do, young man?”

Me: *still absolutely calm and polite* “Well, seeing as I have a bachelor’s in police sciences, yes. I’m pretty sure I do, actually.”

Older Lady: “Well. Then… um…”

Me: “There is public parking right across the street. Would you like me to go and stand in a spot for you, ma’am?”

Older Lady: “Yes, that would be very kind of you, young man.”