Not blocking the fire hydrant, not blocking the disability ramp... car does not seem to be causing a negative impact on traffic flow, and the driver has chosen to not occupy a space that a civilian could use, I do not see a problem.

What I do see is courtesy and respect, someone who has established an equilibrium with his surroundings.

Now...

let's talk about that red van or truck you conveniently cut out of the picture, it seems much closer to the hydrant than the blue car.

Well, if you'd check the other postings you'd see that he's been known to come closer to the hydrant (in fact, as I write this he's moved closer). Where that van you mention is located is his other favorite spot.

More to the point - this rationalization that he's not taking a space away from a civilian, and is therefore doing us mere civilians a favor! - often put forward by the appologists on this site - is completely bogus. ANYONE using that space would be leaving an extra space somewhere for other drivers. I'd LOVE to be able to use that space. Would that fill my fellow drivers with gratitude? The point is that he has no better right to use that space than I do, and yet he can and does by knowingly abusing his authority. That's not "courtesy" or "respect."

Incidentally, if I tried to fight a ticket I received for using that space by explaining that my car (in your own words) "didn't block the fire hydrant," "wasn't causing a negative impact on traffic flow," and didn't "block the disability ramp," how far do you think that would get me? You really don't see the double standard here?? Truly?

Of course you would love to use that space, you're just jealous that you can't use that space. Maybe the cop works off hours like from 4pm to 12am or 12am to 8am when parking cannot be found anywhere else. Just imagine you work all night in a dangerous job and you get home but no space is available and it's late. You just want to get back to your family. Again, he's not doing any harm to the hydrant, ramp or flow of traffic. I say let the cop go on with his/her life protecting ours. Give the cops what they deserve, Courtesy, more Pay and Respect.

Stop with the more pay issue this is not the forum to discuss those matters. Your union leader is responsible for accepting the low wages, vote him out and get a real leader in there to stick up for you guys. Courtesy and Respect are a two way streets. Simply accepting the job of being a police officer does come with a certain amount of respect but it is up to the individual to maintain that respect. By taking liberties with parking spaces shows a feeling of being above the law (even if there is no safety hazard, and I agree with you that there is not in this case). The general public looks at this and says why should I respect a person who is willing to break a minor law. Bottom line is the NYPD does an outstanding job of policing this city (with the help of several other agencies) but police are looked at how they conduct themselves off the job too. Park where everyone else can(and obey every other law) and the respect and courtesy will follow.

well said bay ridge