The first time I saw a police/civilian confrontation in Turkey, I was walking on Vali Konağı in Nişantaşı, right in front of the Askeri Müze. A policeman turned on his car's lights and pulled a driver over. The driver got out of his car in a rage, screaming and gesticulating.

I couldn't move. I was in shock because as an American who was used to American police, I was sure the policeman was going to pull out his gun and shoot this driver. Indeed, the driver was out of control, screaming at the top of his lungs and waving his arms aggressively.

The driver marched up to the policeman, got right in his face, shouting. His pointer finger, shaking in anger, was just centimeters from the officer's nose. And yet I'll never forget how calm the policeman looked. He looked almost bored. His hand never once went to his weapon.

The officer was talking calmly to the man the whole time. After a minute, the driver calmed down. They walked back the driver's car, the policeman's arm draped over the man's shoulders. The policeman was doing most of the talking now. The driver was nodding. They were agreeing.

Then, without even giving the driver a ticket or fine, they both got into their cars and drove off.

My American brain couldn't make sense of this. How had this insane situation been resolved with no violence?

Since then, a few times have I seen Turkish police officers defuse situations with restraint and understanding. In the US, we learn to be wary of police officers. White or black, you are at least nervous when a policeman pulls you over.

I like the way of Turkish officers better.