This will most certainly sound like a "first world problem," but one of life’s most annoying experiences is getting a parking ticket. Especially if you didn’t notice the sign, really believed you were far enough away from the corner or let the meter run over by just a few minutes.

Because of past experiences and a general dislike of "parking checkers" in our society, even the sight of the small, boxy vehicles can almost cause a spontaneous reflex of the middle finger.

The City of Milwaukee employs 56 Parking Enforcement Officers (PEOs). Currently, there are 31 males and 25 females on staff according to Department of Public Works Communications Manager Sandy Rusch Walton.

It’s not an easy or a glamorous job, but one that is sometimes misunderstood.

"Our PEOs do not have quotas," says Walton.

In an effort to better understand the role of the PEO, OnMilwaukee.com sat down with Brian (he requested that his last name be withheld) and asked him about what it’s like to be the person no one wants to come in contact with while he’s on the job.

OnMilwaukee.com: How long have you had the job?

Brian: I began my career with the City of Milwaukee in August 2005.

OMC: What attracted you to the job?

B: Honestly, I needed the job! The city was looking for third shift officers and since I was planning to go back to school during the day, working third shift would be ideal for me. 

I didn’t know for sure if I would be good at this job, but I had always worked directly with people and thought my personality would be a good fit.

OMC: What is the most challenging aspect of the job?

B: Most challenging would be working with irate people. Their first question is usually "Why did I get this ticket?" My job is to defuse the situation. I read the citation details with them, explain their offense, educate them on the parking and traffic laws and answer any other questions.

Often I find that the parker hasn’t read the ticket before they sound off. Once we talk about the issue calmly and matter-of-factly, more often than not we end the conversation in a much better mood than when we started.

OMC: How do people usually react when you tell them what your job is?

B: (Laughs) I sometimes describe myself as "the person you love to hate." I am very comfortable with the job I perform. People use me as a resource  to ask questions about parking rules. I find that maybe 80 percent of people that I meet actually appreciate the work that PEOs do.

OMC: Are people rude to you on the job?

B: (Laughs) I have had my share of expletives shouted at me, or someone giving me "the finger" – and not necessarily because I wrote them a ticket. They see me and just act out.

Often people yell at me to "get a real job!"

Another gentleman told me to "Get my eyes checked!" after I wrote him a citation for not properly displaying his day parking permit. The permit was covered with other paper on his dashboard. Once again, I try to diffuse each situation.

OMC: Do people often try to argue with you while you are in the middle of writing a ticket? How do you handle that?

B: If I’m in the process of writing a citation and the citizen has a justified reason for why I should not issue that citation, I will not issue it. But once the ticket is issued, it stands. I inform parkers who are arguing with me how to contest the citation, and I also take the opportunity to educate them on how to avoid getting a citation in the future.

OMC: What else do you want people to know about being a parking checker?

B: PEOs do a lot of good, and the majority of people know that. Many people thank me for my hard work, and are especially appreciative of the information that I provide them.

OMC: What advice do you have for people to avoid getting parking tickets?

B: Be aware of parking and traffic rules, whether you’re parking at a meter or other timed area or parking overnight on the street. Read the posted signs and, if you have a question, call 286-CITY or go to the DPW website for more information. Parking checkers are always happy to answer your questions too. 

OMC: Have you gotten a parking ticket in the past year?

B: No, I have not.