Florida police officer gives himself a citation for running a red light

'I've always been taught that if you've done something wrong, to take responsibility for what you've done,' says officer Tim Glover

Officer Tim Glover of the Haines City Police Department in Florida (WTSP)

A Florida police officer has given himself a citation for driving through a red light.

Tim Glover, of the Haines City Police Department, whose job is to review red light camera footage, was surprised to see his own car.

He didn't remember the incident until he saw the infraction on his computer two weeks later.

While on his way to buying a sandwich for lunch, Mr Glover made a left turn in his patrol car when the lights changed to red.

He told WTSP: "Realized that the vehicle did look familiar, and I was hoping it wasn't mine, but I walked out and confirmed it was mine out here in the parking lot.

"I've always been taught that, if you've done something wrong, to take responsibility for what you've done and accept your punishment."

Mr Glover added: "In this part, it was paying the fine and getting my letter of reprimand.

"It was a good sandwich, but it probably wasn't worth the 160-plus dollars I ended up paying for it."

While he was reprimanded, his commander, Acting Police Chief Jay Hopwood, praised Mr Glover's honesty.

Chief Hopwood said: "That’s what makes wearing the badge so important. If you don’t have that, then your name is mud in law enforcement."