No complaints about this traffic cop

(CBS News) LOS ANGELES - Nobody likes to see a motorcycle cop in the rear-view mirror. But we happened to run into a cop who holds the record for civilian complaints. So where did he find him? "On the Road," of course.

This is L.A. Sheriff's Deputy Elton Simmons, and I bet you don't like him already. Seeing him there, hiding in the shadows.

'Why can't he go catch some real criminals,' you may be thinking. Or, 'No wonder he has a record number of complaints.' Who wouldn't complain about a guy whose sole purpose in life is to ruin your day?

By the very nature of the business, all L.A.County traffic cops can expect to get at least a few complaints every year. A lot of them are petty -- people just mad because they got a ticket. But regardless, they all get documented and placed in the officer's personnel file.

Which is why Capt. Pat Maxwell was stunned when he started looking through Simmons' file. "I just said that's not possible," he said.

Although he did see lots of commendations looking back over the last 20 years -- over the last 25,000 traffic stops, Capt. Maxwell couldn't find one complaint. A record zero.

"I mean, Vegas or M.I.T could not give you the odds of the statistical probability of that," said Maxwell.

Obviously Elton is doing something right. "It's gotta be something," he said and acknowledged he had no idea.

Until the captain told him, Elton didn't even know he had such a record, let alone how he got it. "It's just how I do it every day," he said.

So we trailed him for a day to see if we could figure out how he does it.

The first thing I noticed was that he has this pitch-perfect mix of authority and diplomacy, with none of the attitude that sometimes comes with a cop.

"I'm here with you," said Elton. " I'm not up here" (motions his arm up towards the sky). One thing I hate is to be looked down on -- I can't stand it -- so I'm not going to look down at you."

That's why, in lieu of a lecture, he gives most people the benefit of the doubt instead. Of course they still get the ticket -- just not the guilt trip.

The drivers seem to appreciate that -- so much so that by the end, some are downright smitten.

"You know what it is, it's his smile," said driver Mike Viera, who just got a ticket. "He's got a great smile. He's a nice guy. How could you be mad at that guy?"

Apparently, you can't. Time after time, ticket after ticket, we saw Officer Simmons melt away a polar ice cap of preconceptions.

And his boss said there's a lesson in there for hard-nosed traffic cops everywhere.

"Their excuse is, 'Well, I give tickets all day long, I'm going to get complaints,'" said Maxwell. "Well, that's not true. There is a way to do it. And Elton Simmons is the way."

Certainly no complaints here.

To contact On the Road, or to send us a story idea, e-mail us.

[Hippieatheart63]

Now, if all officers were like this I would never had changed my career field after leaving the service when I was in law enforcement in the military, there are just to many neanderthals out there to put up with it.. This country would be a much better place if all officers were like this gallant man here. Thank you Officer Simmons for being a fine example.

[claptainzoom]

Actually the statistical probability is huge. If you would look at all the traffic cops and try to point one randomly that has a record like this the chance is slim. But the probability that of all the traffic cops everywhere there is one with a great record. The change is big. Exactly the reason why all journalists, as I did myself, should read 'The Drunkard's Walk: How Randomness Rules Our lives'.

Except for this huge failure in understanding statistics it's a good story :-)

[MomsHugs]

To Mr. Elton Simmons:

Thank you for being the type of cop that makes a difference in people's lives every day, day after day. With today's devices distracting us while driving, we all need a friendly, but swift kick in our rears to remind us that we're moving along at a fast clip behind what is really just a fire box. We don't realize just how distracted we are, but studies are showing that we are as impaired talking on a cell phone as if we are twice the alcohol limit for DUI.

You, Mr. Simmons, are saving lives & limbs every day you work, and for every day that a driver who gets one of your tickets, slows down & pays attention.

Thank you for your service in uniform. You've earned every penny of your pay & your retirement. Hugs ~ Moms

To Everyone Else: Remember the "Move-Over Law" was enacted in all states, but Hawaii & DC, because of the thousands of traffic cops killed in the line of duty. So, PLEASE, if you see lights flashing - slow down to 20mph less than the limit & move over in the passing lane if there is one.

[MomsHugs]

Legalbutnotjust - Read all your comments & frankly, you need to give it a rest. Take 2, sleep 8 & you'll feel better tomorrow.

[PMac13]

WOW! Comments are hysterical! And illuminating.

[StarNoquisi]

Yay! Finally we hear something commendable about a GOOD Law Enforcement Officer. Good for him! He absolutely should train other LEOs how to serve and protect. Bless his heart.

Now for the cops who think they are the Almighty......BAD COP-no donut!

[drunk_and_blowing_chunks]

Sounds like a great guy trying to do an important job the best way he can. And it looks like he is doing a great job. It's nice to see a good story like this.

[bss36504]

""They're excuse is, 'Well, I give tickets all day long...""

Their. That is an unacceptable typo from a news agency such as CBS. This isn't even a misquote, it's just flat out wrong.

[soossspert]

Well, to be fair, the mistake might have been made by the person they were quoting, and not in the transcription.

[formerlyluvnut]

What did CBS do, throw away your'e resume? Gawd, go back to bed.

[skeezix06]

One other thought about Mr. Simmons. He may not be looking down on people but after a few minutes, people start looking up to him whether he realizes it or not. An excellent example and job well done. :)

[phwtb100]

Sounds like a very fair man. Nice to know there are still some who don't wear the bully t-shirt along with their power tie.

Congratulations Deputy Simmons on a job FABULOUSLY done!