March 2023 Blues Vol 39 No. 3
48 SCORPION STREET CRIME UNITS • FULTON COUNTY SCORPION - DOES IT RIGHT • MEMPHIS UNIT SHUT DOWN AND FIVE OFFICERS INDICTED 60 ALTERNATIVES TO LETHAL FORCE DEPARTMENTS 6 PUBLISHER’S THOUGHTS 8 EDITOR’S THOUGHTS 12 GUEST COMMENTARY lEONARD A. SIPES 16 NEWS AROUND THE US 68 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 70 REMEMBERING OUR FALLEN HEROES 80 WAR STORIES 84 AFTERMATH 90 HEALING OUR HEROES 92 DARYL’S DELIBERATIONS 94 LIGHT BULB AWARD 96 RUNNING 4 HEROES 98 BLUE MENTAL HEALTH DR. 100 ADS BACK IN THE DAY 104 PARTING SHOTS 106 BUYERS GUIDE 126 NOW HIRING 192 BACK PAGE
48 SCORPION STREET CRIME UNITS
• FULTON COUNTY SCORPION - DOES IT RIGHT
• MEMPHIS UNIT SHUT DOWN AND FIVE OFFICERS INDICTED
60 ALTERNATIVES TO LETHAL FORCE
DEPARTMENTS
6 PUBLISHER’S THOUGHTS
8 EDITOR’S THOUGHTS
12 GUEST COMMENTARY
lEONARD A. SIPES
16 NEWS AROUND THE US
68 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
70 REMEMBERING OUR FALLEN HEROES
80 WAR STORIES
84 AFTERMATH
90 HEALING OUR HEROES
92 DARYL’S DELIBERATIONS
94 LIGHT BULB AWARD
96 RUNNING 4 HEROES
98 BLUE MENTAL HEALTH DR.
100 ADS BACK IN THE DAY
104 PARTING SHOTS
106 BUYERS GUIDE
126 NOW HIRING
192 BACK PAGE
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
The BLUES 1
Firearms and Tactical Equipment for Law Enforcement Professionals<br />
800-367-5855<br />
Supplying Law Enforcement<br />
Equipment for the State of TEXAS!<br />
SPOTLIGHT ON<br />
AGUILA AMMUNITION. Since 1961,<br />
we’ve been dedicated to developing and<br />
manufacturing self-defense, recreational,<br />
hunting, law enforcement, and military<br />
ammunition. As one of the largest rimfire<br />
manufacturers in the world, we’re proud<br />
to offer a wide array of ammo engineered<br />
for reliability and performance. And it all<br />
starts with a careful and extensive process<br />
of sourcing raw materials. Bottom line: Only<br />
choice materials enter our factory, so only<br />
choice products leave it. Guaranteed.<br />
CALL US TODAY FOR PRICING!<br />
800-367-5855<br />
>> PRODUCTS & SERVICES
FOUNDED IN 1984<br />
OUR TEAM<br />
MICHAEL BARRON<br />
founder & publisher<br />
MICHAEL BARRON<br />
editor-n-chief<br />
REX EVANS<br />
senior editor<br />
JESSICA JONES<br />
creative editor<br />
RUSTY BARRON<br />
outdoor editor<br />
DR. TINA JAECKLE<br />
contributing editor<br />
DARYL LOTT<br />
contributing editor<br />
SAM HORWITZ & JOHN SALERNO<br />
contributing editors<br />
BILL KING<br />
contributing editor<br />
OUR CONTRIBUTORS<br />
MICHAEL BARRON<br />
light bulb<br />
D.S. SMITH<br />
warstory<br />
D.S. SMITH<br />
aftermath<br />
DR. JC CHAIX<br />
DOUG MACCASH<br />
SPENCER KENT<br />
ASHLEY SILVER<br />
CLIFF PINCHARK<br />
JOSH CAIN<br />
MORGAN LEE<br />
URIEL J. GARCIA<br />
JERRY REYNOLDS<br />
JACOB FACTOR<br />
SARAH CALAMS<br />
contributing writers<br />
The BLUES is published monthly by Kress-Barr, LLC, PO Box 2733, League City Texas 77574. The opinions<br />
expressed in some articles, op-eds, and editorials are those of the author and do not reflect the opinion<br />
of The BLUES or its parent company. Rebuttals or submission of news articles and editorials may be<br />
submitted to: The BLUES @ bluespdmag@gmail.com. The entire contents of The BLUES IS copyrighted©<br />
and may not be reprinted without the express permission of the publisher.<br />
4 The BLUES The BLUES 5
FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK<br />
yrs.<br />
What happens when they do arrive?<br />
Am I the only one who finds this<br />
whole ‘shoot them down’ incident<br />
more than sketchy? I’m not talking<br />
about the weather balloon from<br />
China, but the ‘unidentified’ objects<br />
that were shot down later that same<br />
week.<br />
First off, why would you shoot<br />
down something that you have no<br />
idea what it is. The explanation that<br />
they were moving too slow, and the<br />
aircraft were too fast, is just stupid.<br />
The advanced avionics in today’s<br />
fighter aircraft could identify an object<br />
from 5-miles out. So that’s just<br />
BS. And if the speed of the object was<br />
nearly zero and you believed it wasn’t<br />
armed, then why not deploy a turbine<br />
helicopter to see what it was you’re<br />
about to blow out of the sky? And<br />
yes, some helicopters can fly up to<br />
25,000 feet. They can’t hover at that<br />
altitude, but they could certainly fly<br />
around the object and identity it.<br />
Long story short, we were played.<br />
The government thinks we’re stupid<br />
and will believe anything they say,<br />
regardless of how ridiculous it is.<br />
UFOs and now what they call UAPs,<br />
have been sighted in our skies for decades.<br />
Most, hell maybe all of them,<br />
most likely are aircraft or drones<br />
being flown by either our military,<br />
China or Russia. Or perhaps they<br />
ARE extraterrestrial Drones sent to<br />
explore our planet. Let’s just let’s say<br />
for a minute, they were from another<br />
universe. Sent here with a message<br />
of peace and ‘we mean no harm’<br />
attached to it. Our response is to just<br />
blow it out of the sky. As far-fetched<br />
as it may seem, at some point in the<br />
future if there is life out there, they<br />
will visit earth if they haven’t already.<br />
And when that day does come, we’d<br />
assume our government has some<br />
plan to deal with it. But I can almost<br />
guarantee that Joe Biden has NO<br />
PLAN. Hell, he can’t even finish an<br />
entire sentence and we’re supposed<br />
to believe he can communicate with<br />
an alien race.<br />
<strong>No</strong>w you may think this is all nonsense<br />
and I’ve been watching Independence<br />
Day too many times. But<br />
trust me, sooner or later, it’s going to<br />
happen. And when it does, someone<br />
better have a plan besides blowing<br />
them out of the sky.<br />
For shits and grins, I asked the new<br />
ChatGPT what we should do if Aliens<br />
land on earth. Here’s what the AI said<br />
we should do:<br />
If an alien species were to land on<br />
Earth, it would be an unprecedented<br />
event with many potential implications.<br />
Here are some general steps<br />
that could be taken:<br />
1. Establish Communication: The first<br />
step would be to establish communication<br />
with the aliens, either through<br />
language translation or some other<br />
means. This could be difficult since we<br />
don’t know what kind of communication<br />
methods the aliens might use.<br />
2. Observe and Learn: After establishing<br />
communication, we would need<br />
to observe and learn as much as possible<br />
about the aliens and their intentions.<br />
We would need to be cautious<br />
and avoid any actions that might be<br />
interpreted as hostile or threatening.<br />
3. Share Information: We would<br />
need to share information about the<br />
aliens and their presence on Earth<br />
with the international community,<br />
including governments, scientists,<br />
and the general public. This would<br />
be important for transparency and to<br />
prevent panic.<br />
4. Plan for Various Scenarios: It<br />
would be important to plan for<br />
various scenarios, including peaceful<br />
coexistence, conflict, or even a<br />
possible invasion. This would involve<br />
coordinating with various government<br />
SGT. MICHAEL BARRON RET<br />
agencies, military, and scientific communities.<br />
5. Respect Their Rights: If the aliens<br />
are intelligent and self-aware, we<br />
should respect their rights and treat<br />
them with dignity and respect, just as<br />
we would any other sentient beings.<br />
6. Protect Our Planet: Finally, we<br />
would need to take steps to protect<br />
our planet from any potential harm<br />
caused by the aliens. This would include<br />
assessing any potential environmental<br />
or biological risks posed by<br />
the aliens and taking steps to minimize<br />
those risks.<br />
Overall, any response to an alien<br />
landing would require careful thought,<br />
planning, and cooperation among<br />
various national and international<br />
organizations.<br />
Sure, it’s far fetched. Just like it<br />
might have been if this was <strong>March</strong><br />
1, 1966, and I told you that someday<br />
there would be daily space flights,<br />
personal communication devices that<br />
you can hold in your hand that would<br />
be more powerful than a room full<br />
of computers and a TV so thin you<br />
could roll it up and place it in a tube.<br />
Or that in 2030 every car was electric.<br />
Or cops had a handheld device<br />
that would render suspects in-mobile<br />
while you handcuffed them.<br />
The day IS coming, the question is,<br />
WILL WE BE READY?<br />
6 The BLUES The BLUES 7
FROM THE SENIOR EDITOR’S DESK<br />
yrs.<br />
Come on Down<br />
Life as a Law Enforcement<br />
Officer has never been one<br />
that well, makes you rich. It<br />
can make you famous in a bad<br />
way, really quickly. Some, lose<br />
their friends and even their<br />
family, when they make the<br />
decision to enter Law Enforcement<br />
as a profession.<br />
Going all the way back to<br />
the days of Rodney King (and<br />
there have been many others,<br />
unfortunately) our profession,<br />
has endured much criticism<br />
and disparaging content from<br />
mainstream and social media<br />
as well as, form just the general<br />
public.<br />
<strong>No</strong>w, couple such an adverse<br />
outlook for the personnel in<br />
our profession and combine<br />
that with mediocre pay, marginal<br />
benefits, poor (at times,<br />
by some, certainly not all)<br />
leadership and supervision,<br />
along with aging or misused<br />
equipment, it becomes much<br />
clearer that “Why would anyone<br />
want to ever become a<br />
Law Enforcement Officer?”<br />
I cannot attest as to the<br />
“Why” for some. I can only<br />
attest to my “Why”. <strong>No</strong>, it is<br />
not the four prior generations<br />
of my family who were all in<br />
Law Enforcement. I wanted<br />
to make Texas and whatever<br />
community I served in, a<br />
safer place for families to live,<br />
work, love and play. I wanted<br />
to make a place where children<br />
were safe from predators.<br />
I wanted to make a place<br />
where women who were victims<br />
of violence, could come<br />
to the Police and be protected<br />
from ever being hurt again.<br />
This world, it is full of the<br />
wicked and violent. There are<br />
those who would rather do<br />
harm to others, than not. And<br />
commit that violence for no<br />
other reason than, they can.<br />
Only those who, like me and<br />
like you who wear a badge,<br />
can stop them. Only the few<br />
who dare to wear the badge,<br />
stand freely upon a line which<br />
separates good from evil. We<br />
do this not for the pay or to<br />
seek some kind of reward or<br />
recognition. We do it because<br />
if not us, then who. And that is<br />
readily and quickly becomes,<br />
no one.<br />
<strong>No</strong>t every day has to bring<br />
about an arrest. <strong>No</strong>t every day<br />
do we have to “solve” some<br />
major crime. In fact, most<br />
days, we provide direction to<br />
the lost. Return kids who have<br />
run away from home. Find and<br />
return lost property and of<br />
course, write lots and lots of<br />
reports. Reports ranging from<br />
those who “DEMAND” a report<br />
for a barking dog to “someone<br />
just stole my brand-new<br />
CHIEF REX EVANS<br />
truck! And yes, I left it running<br />
at the gas pump while<br />
I ran inside for a drink and a<br />
snack.” (it’s like cool…here’s<br />
your case number and here’s<br />
your sign, too)<br />
I’ll wrap it up with this,<br />
Police Academy’s are running<br />
short of new Cadets. I get it.<br />
<strong>No</strong> one really wants to do this<br />
thankless job anymore. With<br />
that, those who do seek employment<br />
in their field, are to<br />
be taken seriously. For they<br />
are fewer in numbers than<br />
ever before. One caveat, they<br />
need to have the heart to do<br />
the job.<br />
You can be a “Robot” and<br />
just “do” this job or….<br />
You can be a human being<br />
with a decent heart and potentially<br />
save a life or two<br />
along the way. The choice is<br />
yours and yours alone. I can<br />
only tell you; we’ve got openings.<br />
Come on down if you<br />
dare to care!!!<br />
Over 1 Million Views<br />
in February Alone!<br />
8 The BLUES The BLUES 9
10 The BLUES The BLUES 11
READERS SPEAK OUT<br />
COPS ARE QUITTING,<br />
Are The Unqualified Taking Their Place?<br />
The following article was written<br />
by Leonard Adam Sipes, Jr. It includes<br />
editorial content which is the opinion<br />
of the writer. Reprinted from Law<br />
Enforcement Today.<br />
QUOTES<br />
“I predict you will see a 70-80%<br />
flight or more of remaining cops<br />
who will find another job” (veteran<br />
prosecutor).<br />
“The point of journalism is to hold<br />
people in positions of power accountable.”<br />
Ana Kasparian.<br />
Are we seeing the very essence<br />
of the veteran police officer who is<br />
skilled in de-escalation and proper<br />
conduct and proactive policing<br />
disappearing? If so, what does that<br />
mean for the future of policing?<br />
What does it mean for our cities?<br />
OPINION<br />
I previously wrote, “Will National<br />
Crime Rise Because Of Memphis<br />
Police Reactions?” Thousands of<br />
police officers are leaving law enforcement<br />
because of endless negative<br />
publicity based on the actions<br />
of a few. I questioned whether the<br />
exodus of cops would lead to more<br />
violence and crime. The bulk of increasing<br />
violence is mostly affecting<br />
young urban African Americans.<br />
There is a ton of data from the US<br />
Department of Justice (third replication)<br />
indicating that force “or”<br />
the threat of force is two to three<br />
percent of the 54 million yearly encounters<br />
with one percent claiming<br />
that they were disrespected. The<br />
overwhelming number of those<br />
polled were satisfied with their law<br />
enforcement response.<br />
Multiple polling data state that<br />
policing is one of the most respected<br />
professions in America regardless<br />
of demographics.<br />
Yes, there are differences based<br />
on race, age, and political affiliation.<br />
Yes, there are a few cops that have<br />
done something wrong or criminal<br />
thus the negative news coverage<br />
was deserved. Yes, there are groups<br />
who have issues with respect<br />
during police encounters.<br />
Yet law enforcement remains one<br />
of the most trusted and admired<br />
professions in America, far outpacing<br />
many occupations including<br />
journalism and Congress.<br />
QUESTIONABLE JOURNALISM?<br />
Recent articles and media reports<br />
based on the latest tragedy in Memphis<br />
have returned to an emphasis<br />
on “all” cops in America. The entire<br />
profession is once again under<br />
immense fire. <strong>No</strong>ne of the reports<br />
cited above were used in any of the<br />
articles I encountered. If you ignore<br />
the best possible data, it’s simply<br />
bad or biased journalism.<br />
We seem to be very comfortable<br />
condemning well over a million officers<br />
and employees based on the<br />
actions of a few (the same as any<br />
“ism).” If you are capable of stereotyping<br />
over a million people based<br />
on the actions of a small number,<br />
you are intellectually capable of<br />
racism and sexism. There is no data<br />
suggesting that cops are any more<br />
culpable of misdeeds when compared<br />
to other professions.<br />
If the point of journalism is to<br />
hold people in positions of power<br />
accountable, then who’s answerable<br />
yrs.<br />
Leonard Adam Sipes<br />
LEONARD ADAM SIPES<br />
for not offering the best available<br />
data? Who’s responsible for not<br />
providing the proper context? If it’s<br />
more than possible that violence<br />
and crime will increase because<br />
of a mass exodus of cops, who’s<br />
responsible for what follows?<br />
What’s the future of urban policing<br />
if cops leave and are replaced<br />
by the less experienced or qualified?<br />
The Skeptic asked people how<br />
many unarmed African Americans<br />
were killed by law enforcement<br />
in one year. The estimates ranged<br />
from 100 to 10,000 when the actual<br />
number was between 10 to 27<br />
and even then, it doesn’t mean that<br />
suspects were not a deadly threat.<br />
According to the report, “Our overall<br />
findings indicate that people are<br />
uninformed regarding the available<br />
data on fatal police shootings in the<br />
US.”<br />
PROACTIVE POLICING<br />
The only modality with a proven<br />
track record of reducing crime is<br />
proactive policing based on hundreds<br />
of methodologically correct<br />
studies provided by the US Department<br />
of Justice. <strong>No</strong> other crime<br />
control strategy comes close to the<br />
number and quality of the studies.<br />
Proactive policing means that<br />
police officers leave their vehicles<br />
to investigate suspicious behavior.<br />
This includes traffic stops. Proactive<br />
policing stops are dangerous and<br />
lead to numerous incidents where<br />
the use of force was employed.<br />
VIOLENCE IS UP<br />
There’s no doubt that urban crime<br />
has increased considerably. Since<br />
2019, homicides are up by 50 percent.<br />
Aggravated assaults are up 36<br />
percent per the Major Cities Chiefs<br />
Association. The risk of violent<br />
street crimes rose by 40 percent.<br />
If We Have A Ton Of Cops Leaving-Who’s<br />
Replacing Them?<br />
<strong>No</strong>t a day goes by without media<br />
articles stating that cities do<br />
not have enough police officers<br />
and that response time to serious<br />
incidents is down considerably. We<br />
ask police officers to do more (i.e.,<br />
foot patrols, community policing,<br />
red flag laws, school security) when<br />
they can’t perform basic functions.<br />
Thousands of police officers have<br />
left the profession per the Bureau of<br />
Labor Statistics.<br />
As one veteran prosecutor stated,<br />
“I predict you will see a 70-80%<br />
flight or more of remaining cops<br />
who will find another job.”<br />
THE CONVERSATION<br />
The International Association of<br />
Chiefs of Police surveyed its members<br />
in 2019 and found that 75%<br />
were experiencing greater recruitment<br />
challenges, with 25% reducing<br />
or eliminating some services as<br />
a result.<br />
Because staffing shortages involve<br />
agencies across the nation,<br />
and in many cases pit agencies<br />
against one another in competition<br />
for ever-decreasing pools of talent,<br />
it will likely require federal and<br />
state action to address effectively.<br />
President Biden has proposed $10.9<br />
billion to help hire an additional<br />
100,000 police officers over the next<br />
five years. Adding more officers will<br />
help, but so too will keeping officers<br />
in the profession, especially in<br />
the communities most impacted by<br />
historic increases in violent crime.<br />
ASSOCIATED PRESS<br />
Former Memphis police recruiters<br />
told The Associated Press of a<br />
growing desperation to fill hundreds<br />
of slots in recent years that drove<br />
the department to increase incentives<br />
and lower its standards.<br />
“They would allow just pretty<br />
much anybody to be a police officer<br />
because they just want these<br />
numbers,” said Alvin Davis, a former<br />
lieutenant in charge of recruiting<br />
before he retired last year out of<br />
frustration. “They’re not ready for<br />
it.”<br />
The department offered new<br />
recruits $15,000 signing bonuses<br />
and $10,000 relocation allowances<br />
while phasing out requirements to<br />
have either college credits, military<br />
service or previous police work. All<br />
that’s now required is two years’<br />
work experience — any work experience.<br />
The department also sought<br />
state waivers to hire applicants<br />
with criminal records (emphasis<br />
added). And the police academy<br />
even dropped timing requirements<br />
on physical fitness drills and removed<br />
running entirely because too<br />
many people were failing.<br />
Many young officers, before ever<br />
walking a beat with more experienced<br />
colleagues, found themselves<br />
thrust into specialized units like the<br />
now-disbanded SCORPION highcrime<br />
strike force involved in Nichols’<br />
arrest. Their lack of experience<br />
was shocking to veterans, who said<br />
some young officers who transfer<br />
back to patrol don’t even know how<br />
to write a traffic ticket or respond<br />
to a domestic call.<br />
“They don’t know a felony from<br />
a misdemeanor,” Davis said. “They<br />
don’t even know right from wrong<br />
yet.”<br />
POLICE LINE<br />
Do You Really Believe This Isn’t<br />
Happening In Cities Throughout the<br />
Country?<br />
Respondents to my articles and<br />
national media appearances tell<br />
me that what’s happening in Memphis<br />
regarding unqualified officers<br />
is occurring in cities throughout the<br />
country prompting veteran officers<br />
to leave just to protect their careers<br />
or retirements.<br />
I’m told that the issue isn’t solely<br />
having enough cops to provide<br />
basic services, it’s also a concern<br />
as to the new officers being unqualified<br />
for the job. Cities are having<br />
immense problems recruiting new<br />
officers.<br />
The Police Executive Research Forum<br />
states that recruitment is down<br />
by 63 percent.<br />
There are allegations that two of<br />
the Memphis officers who allegedly<br />
killed Nichols were found to have<br />
had previous brushes with the law.<br />
Are we seeing the very essence<br />
of the urban veteran police officer<br />
who is skilled in de-escalation and<br />
proper conduct and proactive policing<br />
disappearing? If so, what does<br />
that mean for the future of urban<br />
policing or crime control?<br />
CONCLUSIONS<br />
We have multiple issues:<br />
Veteran cops leaving law enforcement<br />
per the Bureau of Labor<br />
Statistics.<br />
In some (most?) cities, those leaving<br />
are being replaced by unqualified<br />
or under-qualified officers.<br />
Crime and violence are increasing<br />
in urban areas per the US Department<br />
of Justice and multiple additional<br />
sources.<br />
Some cities do not have enough<br />
police officers to offer basic services.<br />
Criminal arrests are plummeting<br />
at an alarming rate.<br />
Big city mayors are begging cops<br />
to return to proactivity and more<br />
arrests yet veteran officers who are<br />
willing are leaving.<br />
Like Memphis, does that mean<br />
that the complexities that come<br />
with proactive or special unit po-<br />
12 The BLUES The BLUES 13
licing will fall to the unqualified or<br />
inexperienced?<br />
And finally, when the best available<br />
data states that cops do their<br />
jobs well without excessive force<br />
and polls hold law enforcement in<br />
high regard, why do we have incessantly<br />
negative media and advocates<br />
painting “all” cops as brutal?<br />
Why do we allow such stereotyping<br />
to exist?<br />
Do incessantly negative media<br />
reports focusing on American policing<br />
(thus all cops) create a false<br />
narrative that results in officers<br />
leaving by the thousands, inadequate<br />
and unready recruits taking<br />
their place, and growing violence<br />
that will literally destroy cities?<br />
If “the point of journalism is to<br />
hold people in positions of power<br />
accountable,” are media organizations<br />
looking in the mirror for<br />
creating a false narrative?<br />
I have no data to “prove” that<br />
what happened in Memphis is occurring<br />
in other high-crime urban<br />
areas, yet the number of media<br />
accounts focusing on the loss of<br />
police officers tells me that the unqualified<br />
or under-qualified may be<br />
necessary to fill empty positions.<br />
<strong>No</strong> one is excusing the actions<br />
of bad or disrespectful cops. We<br />
must be held accountable. We must<br />
serve all regardless of who they<br />
are. We must understand historic<br />
mistreatment.<br />
But if the data suggests that most<br />
cops are doing well while responding<br />
to high-stress and dangerous<br />
calls, why the attack on everyone in<br />
the profession?<br />
ABOUT THE AUTHOR<br />
Leonard Adam Sipes, Jr. is a retired<br />
federal senior spokesperson.<br />
Thirty-five years of directing<br />
award-winning public relations for<br />
national and state criminal justice<br />
agencies. Interviewed multiple times<br />
by every national news outlet. Former<br />
Senior Specialist for Crime Prevention<br />
for the Department of Justice’s<br />
clearinghouse. Former Director<br />
of Information Services, National<br />
Crime Prevention Council. Former<br />
Adjunct Associate Professor of criminology<br />
and public affairs-University<br />
of Maryland, University College. Former<br />
advisor to presidential and gubernatorial<br />
campaigns. Former advisor<br />
to the “McGruff-Take a Bite Out<br />
of Crime” national media campaign.<br />
Certificate of Advanced Study-Johns<br />
Hopkins University. Former police<br />
officer. Aspiring drummer. Author of<br />
”Success With The Media: Everything<br />
You Need To Survive Reporters and<br />
Your Organization” available at Amazon<br />
and additional booksellers.<br />
IMOD2<br />
Carson's versatile MLH6 dual color led light has arrived!<br />
It features 12 high intensity LEDs packed into a super thin<br />
housing. With 12 different flash patterns, steady burn, and cruise<br />
mode (programmable for each color), this light is up for<br />
anything!<br />
The MLH6 is designed to surface mount with the BM6<br />
bezel, or can snap in to the IMOD2 housing for an outstanding<br />
dual head option. Stay tuned for more modular mounting options<br />
coming soon from Carson!<br />
Scan for website:<br />
Check out our website for more information on our MLH6 as well<br />
as to check all of our other products.<br />
Contact us today at: sales@carson-mfg.com | 317-257-3191 | www.carsonsirens.com<br />
14 The BLUES The BLUES 15
AROUND THE COUNTRY<br />
yrs.<br />
DEPUTY BILL HARDIN<br />
Bill Hardin, a Texas deputy and the oldest and longest<br />
serving peace officer in the world, dies at the age of 99.<br />
CLEBURNE, TX. - The Johnson<br />
County Sheriff’s Office and law<br />
enforcement agencies across<br />
Texas are mourning the death of<br />
lawman Bill Hardin, who died<br />
on Feb. 17 surrounded by friends,<br />
colleagues and loved ones.<br />
Hardin, 99, was the oldest and<br />
longest serving peace officer in<br />
the world, the Johnson County<br />
Sheriff’s Office wrote in a Facebook<br />
post.<br />
“It is with great sadness we<br />
announce the loss of a great<br />
friend, brother, and lawman,” the<br />
sheriff’s office wrote.<br />
Hardin reportedly started his<br />
career in law enforcement on<br />
Feb. 1, 1947, with the Fort Worth<br />
Police Department.<br />
He would go on to serve the<br />
public with the Tarrant County<br />
Sheriffs Office, and later at<br />
Johnson County Sheriffs Office,<br />
where he worked for the past 28<br />
years.<br />
“Bill was a true living legend.<br />
The oldest and longest running<br />
Peace Officer in the world.<br />
But more than that he was our<br />
brother and our friend,” the<br />
sheriff’s office said.<br />
“Bill never failed to share his<br />
knowledge with our new deputies,<br />
and was always ready with<br />
a handshake and a smile. His<br />
presence within the walls of this<br />
agency will be truly missed.<br />
More than 100 people from<br />
around <strong>No</strong>rth Texas came to Cleburne<br />
Saturday for a memorial<br />
for Hardin, who was the oldest<br />
law enforcement officer in the<br />
world.<br />
On a gloomy, overcast Saturday,<br />
there wasn’t grieving but<br />
celebrating for Hardin.<br />
His calling began February of<br />
1947 in Fort Worth at 22 years<br />
old.<br />
“Bill joined the Fort Worth<br />
Police Department where he<br />
helped establish the Texas<br />
Narcotics Officers Association,”<br />
Hardin’s grandson Matt Bohon<br />
shared.<br />
Hardin didn’t miss a single day<br />
of work when, years later, he<br />
moved on to the Tarrant County<br />
Sheriff’s Office.<br />
“Papa actually took a vacation<br />
day in order to attend his retirement<br />
party from the Fort Worth<br />
Police Department,” Bohon said.<br />
WFAA spoke to Hardin 6 years<br />
ago about his refusal to retire<br />
and having already claimed the<br />
Guinness World Record title for<br />
oldest law enforcement officer.<br />
“I’m afraid to stop. I’m afraid<br />
I couldn’t get started again,”<br />
he said at the time. “I don’t fish.<br />
I don’t hunt. Don’t drink. Don’t<br />
smoke.”<br />
Hardin reportedly did everything<br />
from traffic enforcement to<br />
homicide and narcotics investigations<br />
to guarding the grave of<br />
Lee Harvey Oswald. As a reserve<br />
deputy in Johnson County, he<br />
also hadn’t gotten a paycheck in<br />
28 years. He simply couldn’t stop<br />
working.<br />
Saturday, state and county<br />
leaders shared accolades. Grandchildren<br />
shared stories.<br />
“Your love for family was<br />
unmatched,” Bohon said. “You<br />
never missed a family reunion,<br />
no matter the location.”<br />
There was no grieving for Bill<br />
Hardin Saturday, only remembering<br />
and honoring.<br />
“I think there’s always a moment<br />
of sorrow when we lose a<br />
loved one,” Hampton said. “But<br />
the sorrow of the Christian is<br />
always mixed with joy.”<br />
In a Facebook post after his<br />
passing, the Johnson County<br />
Sheriff’s office wrote,<br />
“Rest easy Bill. We will take<br />
the watch from here.”<br />
BILL HARDIN, END OF WATCH<br />
FEBRUARY 17, <strong>2023</strong><br />
1924 - <strong>2023</strong><br />
END OF WATCH: FEBRUARY 17, <strong>2023</strong><br />
16 The BLUES The BLUES 17
AROUND THE COUNTRY<br />
yrs.<br />
CAIRO, GA.<br />
A South Georgia community is mourning a police officer<br />
who died while “serving the community he so loved.”<br />
Master Patrol Officer Clarence<br />
“CJ” Williams died Saturday,<br />
Jan. 28, while on duty, the Cairo<br />
Police Department confirmed.<br />
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation<br />
is looking into the<br />
circumstances surrounding his<br />
death. Authorities said Williams<br />
was assisting sheriff’s deputies<br />
in a traffic stop-turned-foot<br />
chase when he suffered a medical<br />
emergency, WALB reported,<br />
citing police. He died at the<br />
scene.<br />
“He joined the department<br />
in 2020 and quickly gained the<br />
respect and love of all that<br />
met him,” the department said.<br />
“Please keep his family in your<br />
prayers as we do the same.”<br />
Tributes from friends and<br />
fellow officers flooded social<br />
media after news of Williams’<br />
death. Travoris Belcher described<br />
the fallen officer as “the true<br />
definition of a friend.”<br />
“If you Knew my brother CJ<br />
Williams you knew his passion<br />
for this job,” Belcher wrote on<br />
Facebook. “He never quit when<br />
things got rough, he made a way<br />
to get over that hump and never<br />
looked back.”<br />
One of Williams’ former<br />
teachers remembered him as<br />
a “sweetheart and so respectful.”<br />
“The last time I saw him he<br />
thanked me for keeping them in<br />
line and that’s going to stick with<br />
me,” she wrote.<br />
OFFICER CLARENCE WILLIAMS<br />
Cairo is about 30 miles north<br />
of Tallahassee, Florida.<br />
18 The BLUES The BLUES 19
AROUND THE COUNTRY<br />
SELMA, CA.<br />
A 24-year-old California officer with only two years on the<br />
department, was preparing to become a parent when he<br />
was shot and killed last month.<br />
Officer Gonzalo Carrasco Jr.<br />
with the Selma Police Department<br />
was patrolling in the small<br />
Central Valley city around noon<br />
Tuesday when a woman flagged<br />
down his squad car and said<br />
there was a suspicious person in<br />
her yard, officials said.<br />
As Carrasco left his car and<br />
approached the suspect, the<br />
man opened fire and shot the<br />
officer several times, according<br />
to a statement from the Fresno<br />
County Sheriff’s Office. Carrasco<br />
died at a hospital.<br />
The suspect was arrested a<br />
short time later, and a gun believed<br />
to have been used in the<br />
shooting was seized, the statement<br />
said.<br />
Nathaniel Dixon of Selma<br />
faces multiple charges including<br />
murder, being a felon in possession<br />
of a gun and ammunition,<br />
as well as probation violation. It<br />
wasn’t known Wednesday if he<br />
has an attorney who could speak<br />
on his behalf.<br />
Carrasco began his career with<br />
the Selma Police Department<br />
in May 2021. He is survived by<br />
his parents, brother, sisters and<br />
girlfriend, who is pregnant with<br />
their child, the sheriff’s department<br />
statement said.<br />
The killing is the first line-ofduty<br />
death for the police department,<br />
which was formed in 1893<br />
in the city that is home to about<br />
23,000 people.<br />
“I’m absolutely outraged. I<br />
am horrified right now,” Selma<br />
Police Chief Rudy Alcaraz said<br />
during a Tuesday night press<br />
conference.<br />
Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered<br />
flags at the State Capitol to<br />
flown at half-staff Wednesday in<br />
honor of Carrasco.<br />
inside the Selland Arena, over<br />
4,000 people were on hand last<br />
month to honor and pay their<br />
respects to Officer Carrasco.<br />
His family and friends were<br />
supported by law enforcement<br />
from across the country as they<br />
laid him to rest.<br />
Law enforcement agencies<br />
from as far as New York, Massachusetts,<br />
Texas, and Idaho, along<br />
with officers and deputies from<br />
up and down California were<br />
there to salute Carrasco.<br />
“It gives us comfort knowing<br />
yrs.<br />
OFFICER GONZALO CARRASCO, JR.<br />
that Gonzalo is with the only<br />
person who could love him more<br />
than his family-with God,” said<br />
Julio Martinez, Carrasco’s cousin.<br />
Martinez was emotional as he<br />
described Carrasco’s excitement<br />
to become a father to a son he<br />
will never meet, but who will<br />
carry on his name. Baby Gonzalo.<br />
“He kept a calendar in his room<br />
that tracked upcoming doctor’s<br />
appointments and had a stroller,<br />
baby shoes, and tiny outfits. He<br />
was ready to go,” Martinez said.<br />
FROM OUR PUBLISHER,<br />
MICHAEL BARRON<br />
Thugs. That is exactly what the<br />
five Memphis officer acted like<br />
when they beat and ultimately<br />
killed Tyre Nichols. If they weren’t<br />
wearing uniforms, you’d swear<br />
you were looking at a street gang<br />
beating up an innocent man just<br />
driving through their neighborhood.<br />
Memphis Police Director Cerelyn<br />
Davis described the officers’<br />
actions as “heinous, reckless and<br />
inhumane,” and said that her<br />
department has been unable to<br />
substantiate the reckless driving<br />
allegation that prompted the<br />
stop.<br />
Regardless of why they stopped<br />
Nichols, there was NO justification<br />
to pull him out of the vehicle<br />
and start beating him. <strong>No</strong>w<br />
some will say, he must have shot<br />
at them, or tried to run over one<br />
of them, or did something to<br />
threaten their lives. NOPE. According<br />
to the body cam videos<br />
and street surveillance video, they<br />
just pulled him out and the beat<br />
down was on.<br />
After watching these horrendous<br />
videos, I know there are<br />
800,000 cops who’d like to have<br />
five minutes alone with each and<br />
every one of these asshole former<br />
cops. Beat their ass like they<br />
beat Nichols. What they did was<br />
wrong and there’s evidence to<br />
prove it. Of course, each deserves<br />
their day in court, and they are<br />
innocent until proven guilty. But<br />
personally, I hope they end up<br />
in GenPop and get their assess<br />
beaten every single day.<br />
On behalf of every good and<br />
decent cop in America, I apologize<br />
to the family of Tyre Nichols<br />
for what these five animals did<br />
20 The BLUES The BLUES 21
AROUND THE COUNTRY<br />
yrs.<br />
McKEESPORT, PA.<br />
‘Genuinely a good officer’: Friends remember fallen<br />
McKeesport Police Officer Sean Sluganski.<br />
McKeesport, PA – McKeesport<br />
Police Department (MPD) Officer<br />
Sean Sluganski was murdered in<br />
the line of duty while responding<br />
to a domestic disturbance on<br />
Monday afternoon.<br />
The Allegheny County Police<br />
Department (ACPD) said the incident<br />
occurred in the 1400-block<br />
of Wilson Street at approximately<br />
12:11 p.m. on Feb. 6, WTAE reported.<br />
Officer Sluganski and fellow<br />
MPD Officer Charles Thomas<br />
responded to the area after the<br />
department was notified that a<br />
male was in the midst of a mental<br />
health crisis and that he was<br />
possibly armed.<br />
The call was placed by the<br />
suspect’s mother, who said her<br />
son suffered from post-traumatic<br />
stress disorder and was being aggressive,<br />
according to the Officer<br />
Down Memorial Page.<br />
The suspect has since been<br />
identified as 31-year-old military<br />
veteran Jonathan Jermia Morris,<br />
WTAE reported.<br />
Investigators said the officers<br />
tried to talk with Morris when<br />
they arrived at the scene, but he<br />
refused to communicate with<br />
them.<br />
“The officers attempted to<br />
speak with the subject, and he<br />
walked away without speaking<br />
with officers,” ACPD Superintendent<br />
Christopher Kearns said,<br />
according to WTAE.<br />
He then pulled out a gun and<br />
opened fire, hitting both officers.<br />
Officer Thomas returned fire,<br />
hitting Morris in the leg before<br />
the suspect took off running<br />
to a nearby convenience store,<br />
according to the Officer Down<br />
Memorial Page.<br />
Morris then exchanged gunfire<br />
with a third officer before he was<br />
ultimately taken into custody.<br />
Officer Thomas, 35, was shot in<br />
the neck, hand, and face during<br />
the attack, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review<br />
reported.<br />
He was flown to a hospital in<br />
Pittsburgh in serious condition<br />
and has since been released to<br />
continue his recovery at home,<br />
according to WTAE.<br />
Officer Sluganski, 32, was taken<br />
to UPMC McKeesport, where he<br />
was pronounced dead.<br />
“This is a tragic loss for our<br />
department and our community,”<br />
Allegheny County Director<br />
of Communications Amie Downs<br />
told WTAE in the wake of Officer<br />
Sluganski’s murder. “We have lost<br />
a friend, a trusted colleague and<br />
OFFICER SEAN SLUGANSKI<br />
an officer whose passion was<br />
providing service to the public.”<br />
Officer Sluganski served with<br />
the Charleroi Regional Police Department<br />
prior to joining the MPD<br />
two years ago, according to the<br />
Officer Down Memorial Page.<br />
He leaves behind his fiancé and<br />
his infant daughter.<br />
A fundraising campaign established<br />
to help Officer Sluganski’s<br />
family in the wake of their loss<br />
has raised more than $71,000 so<br />
far.<br />
22 The BLUES The BLUES 23
AROUND THE COUNTRY<br />
yrs.<br />
MILWAUKEE, WI.<br />
Milwaukee Police Officer Peter Jerving, 37, died after he was<br />
shot on the city’s south side.<br />
MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee Police<br />
Officer Peter Jerving, 37, died<br />
after he was shot near 14th and<br />
Cleveland on the city’s south side<br />
early Tuesday, Feb. 7. Police said<br />
he was shot during a struggle<br />
with a robbery suspect who had<br />
just been placed on probation<br />
Monday.<br />
The shooting happened around<br />
1:15 a.m. Tuesday when officers<br />
responded to 14th and Cleveland.<br />
Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey<br />
<strong>No</strong>rman said there was a report<br />
a man wanted for a robbery that<br />
happened near Teutonia and<br />
Good Hope Road late Monday<br />
was in the area. <strong>No</strong>rman identified<br />
him as Terrell Thompson, 19.<br />
Chief <strong>No</strong>rman said officers<br />
found Thompson, but he ran off.<br />
After officers caught up to him,<br />
during a struggle, <strong>No</strong>rman said<br />
Thompson shot Officer Jerving.<br />
Jerving then fired back, hitting<br />
Thompson. He died at the scene.<br />
Jerving, 37, had four years of<br />
service with the Milwaukee Police<br />
Department. He died at the<br />
hospital.<br />
“Milwaukee, our hearts are<br />
heavy. Milwaukee Police Department<br />
hearts are heavy. My heart<br />
is heavy,” <strong>No</strong>rman said. “One of<br />
our finest who put on that uniform,<br />
put on that badge, went<br />
into work last night and paid the<br />
ultimate sacrifice for protecting<br />
our community. Milwaukee, we<br />
need your prayers. We need your<br />
support.”<br />
Jerving was a lifelong Milwaukee<br />
resident and decorated<br />
officer, honored by the police<br />
department in fall 2022 for saving<br />
someone’s life in June. The<br />
Milwaukee Police Department<br />
said he received the award “for<br />
heroically providing lifesaving<br />
care to a shooting victim during<br />
extremely dangerous conditions.”<br />
Officer Jerving grabbed a fire<br />
extinguisher and helped save a<br />
man in a burning vehicle who<br />
had been shot.<br />
A procession guided Jerving’s<br />
body from the hospital to the<br />
medical examiner’s office Tuesday<br />
morning. Highways were<br />
shut down Tuesday evening for<br />
another procession, as the fallen<br />
officer’s body was transported<br />
from the Milwaukee medical<br />
examiner’s office to a Brookfield<br />
funeral home.<br />
“He was a loving friend, trusting<br />
colleague and outstanding<br />
officer whose passion it was to<br />
serve since the age of 13,” <strong>No</strong>rman<br />
said.<br />
The department’s chaplain,<br />
George Papachristou, read a<br />
OFFICER PETER JERVING<br />
statement from Jerving’s family<br />
at a Tuesday afternoon news<br />
conference.<br />
“It is with much sadness that<br />
we, the family of Officer Peter<br />
Jerving, announce his untimely<br />
death which took place in the<br />
line of duty,” the chaplain read.<br />
“Officer Peter Jerving loved and<br />
dedicated his life to serving the<br />
great people of our city. To his<br />
last breath, Peter fulfilled that<br />
goal. Milwaukee has lost one of<br />
its finest young officers.”<br />
“It’s just a heart-sinking feeling<br />
of remorse and respect for<br />
people and what they do every<br />
day to protect our safety,” said<br />
Michael Webber of Pewaukee.<br />
24 The BLUES The BLUES 25
AROUND THE COUNTRY<br />
yrs.<br />
MILWAUKEE, WI.<br />
Pembroke Pines Police Officer Charles Herring dies after<br />
debris falls from tree, striking him.<br />
PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. — A<br />
Pembroke Pines police officer<br />
died Thursday after a piece of<br />
debris fell from a tree, striking<br />
the officer on his police motorcycle,<br />
authorities said.<br />
The Pembroke Pines Police<br />
Department posted on Facebook<br />
that Officer Charles Herring was<br />
on duty when the incident happened<br />
just before 11:30 a.m. at<br />
the intersection of <strong>No</strong>rthwest 184<br />
Avenue and Sheridan Street.<br />
Police said Herring was riding<br />
his department-issued motorcycle<br />
when a piece of debris fell<br />
from a tree, striking Herring and<br />
causing him to fall off the motorcycle.<br />
“Officer Herring succumbed to<br />
his injuries despite all lifesaving<br />
efforts from fellow officers<br />
and emergency medical professionals,”<br />
the police department<br />
OFFICER CHARLES HERRING<br />
posted.<br />
Herring was an Army veteran<br />
and joined the Pembroke Pines<br />
Police Department in 2001. Before<br />
that, he was a police officer<br />
in Starke, Florida for three years.<br />
“Officer Charles Herring paid<br />
the ultimate sacrifice doing what<br />
he loved, serving and protecting<br />
others. He will be missed by all<br />
who knew and loved him,” the<br />
department wrote.<br />
A procession of dozens of law<br />
enforcement vehicles escorted<br />
the fallen officer’s body from the<br />
hospital to the medical examiner’s<br />
office, WPLG reported.<br />
PPPD Chief Kipp Shimpeno said<br />
Officer Herring is the first Pembroke<br />
Pines police officer to die<br />
in the line of duty.<br />
“A beloved father, he was a<br />
personal friend of mine,” Chief<br />
Shimpeno told reporters. “Charlie’s<br />
touched pretty much every<br />
person in this agency and so<br />
many people in the community.<br />
It’s definitely going to take some<br />
time and a lot of togetherness to<br />
get through this.”<br />
Officer Herring leaves behind<br />
his four children, WSVN reported.<br />
26 The BLUES The BLUES 27
AROUND THE COUNTRY<br />
FOUNTAIN, CO.<br />
Colorado Officer Julian Becerra died after falling from<br />
an overpass onto a highway.<br />
yrs.<br />
Customized Security Solutions<br />
Government<br />
& Law Enforcement<br />
Keeping the peace and serving the public is a vital job for the health of a community.<br />
As your partner, we make technology your ally by providing you security solutions<br />
that are completely customized for your unique needs and budget.<br />
FOUNTAIN, Colo. — A Fountain<br />
three suspects in the vehicle at-<br />
Police officer has died, nine tempted to carjack someone at a<br />
days after falling 40 feet off of Love’s Travel Plaza in Fountain.<br />
a bridge while he was chasing a Police pursued the suspects<br />
carjacking suspect.<br />
north on Interstate 25. The suspect<br />
Julian Becerra had been with<br />
vehicle exited the interstate<br />
the Fountain Police Department at South Academy Boulevard, and<br />
for four and a half years. police used stop sticks to partially<br />
We offer TIPS State Contract and HGAC!<br />
Becerra had been listed in<br />
disable it, police said.<br />
critical condition since the fall Fountain officers then used<br />
on Feb. 2. Fountain Police said tactical vehicle maneuvers to<br />
All-in-one solutions Digi knows law<br />
“Digi knows what<br />
in a release that he was on life finally stop the vehicle. The driver<br />
jumped out and ran, police<br />
VIDEO SURVEILLANCE<br />
enforcement<br />
they are doing.<br />
support and was surrounded by<br />
... All of a sudden<br />
his family and friends. The police said. While officers were trying<br />
ACCESS CONTROL<br />
Reduce city crime & enhance public safety we noticed an<br />
department said in a release to take the suspect into custody,<br />
Becerra fell over the bridge,<br />
COVID-19 RESPONSE<br />
Search hours of footage in seconds<br />
BODY-WORN CAMERAS<br />
OFFICER JULIAN BECERRA<br />
immediate drop in<br />
that he had succumbed to his<br />
injuries. Two days after Becerra’s according to police. Becerra was their arrest. They should never<br />
INTRUSION ALARM & MONITORING<br />
altercations from<br />
Resolve incidents more quickly<br />
fall, his brother-in-law, David then airlifted to a hospital. have been out on the street in<br />
CLOUD-BASED SECURITY SYSTEMS<br />
300 to 30.<br />
Alderman, described him as a Officers eventually took three the first place,” Thompson said.<br />
JAIL CONTROL SYSTEMS<br />
Monitor large crowds with analytics<br />
wonderful father.<br />
suspects into custody. Charges Outside the Fountain Police<br />
LICENSE PLATE RECOGNITION<br />
“Having two daughters of my related to the pursuit incident Department, Becerra’s patrol car<br />
ANALYTICS & AI<br />
Gather real data for informed decisions<br />
90%<br />
own, I’ve actually gotten to learn are pending, police said. is now a memorial. Dozens of<br />
MASS NOTIFICATION SYSTEMS<br />
Integrate systems to better communicate of the violence<br />
a lot from him as far as being a “This is a tough time for our flower bouquets, notes and signs<br />
CONSULTING & DESIGN<br />
dad,” Alderman said.<br />
city, and I want all of our police<br />
hang on the car.<br />
LOCKSMITH & KEYS<br />
Limit the number of hostile environments<br />
was gone.”<br />
officers and first responders “It breaks my heart because I<br />
Captain David Baisden<br />
AND MORE<br />
verely injured while helping the to know we are standing with know he’s a young guy and he’s<br />
digiss.com<br />
Oklahoma County Sheriffs Office<br />
Police said Becerra was se-<br />
SYSTEM INTEGRATION<br />
Colorado Department of Corrections<br />
them,” Fountain Mayor Sharon got a young family. He left be-<br />
Parole Unit. The Parole Thompson said Sunday.<br />
hind a community,” said Shelly<br />
Unit was looking for a carjacking Thompson said the men who Raposa, who stopped to lay<br />
suspect from the Pueblo area led police to chase the stolen car flowers on the car. “I grew up in<br />
who had warrants. The suspect where Becerra ultimately died Fountain and I just kind of felt<br />
was believed to be in a stolen should already have been in jail. the need. I just wanted to pay my<br />
Experience the Digi Difference2<br />
vehicle, police said.<br />
“The suspects that Officer Becerra<br />
was pursuing the night he in Fountain.”<br />
respects. It’s not often it happens<br />
Police spotted the vehicle near<br />
SECURITY SYSTEMS<br />
Schedule your<br />
Call today! 1-888-970-3830<br />
FREE Assessment,<br />
After an on-and-off pursuit, the with multiple active warrants for Katie and a young daughter.<br />
email contact@digiss.com<br />
Demo & Quote<br />
Citadel Mall in Colorado Springs. was gravely injured were felons Becerra is survived by his wife<br />
28 The BLUES The BLUES 29<br />
digiss.com
AROUND THE COUNTRY<br />
KANSAS CITY, MO.<br />
KCPD mourns deaths of Officer James Muhlbauer &<br />
K-9 Officer Champ, both killed in an collision.<br />
yrs.<br />
IHIA<br />
29th ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM<br />
August 6 - 11, <strong>2023</strong> OKLAHOMA CITY<br />
Officer James Muhlbauer and<br />
his partner, K-9 Officer Champ,<br />
were killed in the line of duty the<br />
night of Feb. 15.<br />
Muhlbauer and Champ were in<br />
their patrol vehicle when a vehicle<br />
crashed into them near the<br />
intersection of Truman Rd. and<br />
Benton Blvd. shortly after 10:15<br />
p.m.<br />
Champ died at the scene. A<br />
pedestrian was also struck after<br />
the collision and that pedestrian,<br />
a man in his 50s, died at the<br />
scene too.<br />
Muhlbauer was transported<br />
to a hospital with life-threatening<br />
injuries, where doctors<br />
treated him, but were unable to<br />
save him. Muhlbauer died at the<br />
hospital.<br />
Muhlbauer, 42, was a 20-year<br />
veteran of KCPD, serving his<br />
entire career in patrol, including<br />
the last three years in the K-9<br />
Unit. Champ, a Dutch Shepard,<br />
was 3-years-old and joined<br />
KCPD a year ago.<br />
Champ also lived with Muhlbauer<br />
and his family. Muhlbauer<br />
was married and a father.<br />
KCPD is asking the public to<br />
please pray for the family of<br />
the pedestrian who died in the<br />
crash.<br />
OFFICER JAMES MUHLBAUER & K-9 CHAMP<br />
KCPD thanks everyone, fellow<br />
law enforcement agencies and<br />
elected officials included, for<br />
their condolences and assistance<br />
during this difficult time.<br />
The crash is under investigation,<br />
including the possibility of<br />
impaired driving by the driver of<br />
the striking vehicle. Once complete,<br />
the case will be submitted<br />
to the prosecutor’s office for<br />
review.<br />
KCPD is working on funeral arrangements<br />
and will share them<br />
when they are ready. The public<br />
is invited to lay flowers on a<br />
patrol vehicle parked in honor of<br />
Muhlbauer and Champ in front<br />
of Police Headquarters at 1125<br />
Locust St.<br />
Muhlbauer is the first KCPD<br />
officer to die in the line of duty<br />
since May of 2001.<br />
AUGUST<br />
7 - 11<br />
Case Presentations/<br />
Training For:<br />
• Detectives<br />
• Crime Analysts<br />
• Prosecutors<br />
• Investigators<br />
• Crime Scene<br />
Investigators<br />
• Coroners<br />
• Medical Examiners<br />
IHIA<br />
CLICK HERE<br />
OR SCAN<br />
THE CODE<br />
BELOW TO<br />
LEARN MORE<br />
Member<br />
Early Bird<br />
Before 4/30/<strong>2023</strong><br />
$515<br />
Member<br />
$545<br />
<strong>No</strong>n-Member<br />
$595<br />
INTERNATIONAL HOMICIDE INVESTIGATORS ASSOCIATION<br />
30 The BLUES The BLUES 31
AROUND THE COUNTRY<br />
yrs.<br />
KANSAS CITY, MO.<br />
Police Officer Christopher Fitzgerald, who was shot and killed at Temple<br />
University in Philadelphia, started his career in Sugar Land, Texas.<br />
PHILADELPHIA — A police officer<br />
who was shot and killed at<br />
Temple University in Philadelphia<br />
last weekend had ties to the<br />
Houston area.<br />
Christopher Fitzgerald was<br />
shot in the head when he responded<br />
to a carjacking report<br />
near the campus Saturday night.<br />
Fitzgerald, 31, started his law<br />
enforcement career in Sugar<br />
Land as a detention officer, SLPD<br />
said Monday.<br />
“Temple University may seem<br />
far away, but Officer Christopher<br />
Fitzgerald, who tragically lost his<br />
life in the line of duty 2/28/23,<br />
was close to our hearts here<br />
at Sugar Land PD,” they said on<br />
Facebook. “Our hearts are heavy<br />
with the loss of Officer Fitzgerald<br />
and we ask that you keep his<br />
family and department in your<br />
prayers.”<br />
Fitzgerald left behind a wife<br />
and four children and came from<br />
a law enforcement family. His<br />
father, Joel Fitzgerald, was the<br />
Missouri City police chief from<br />
2009 to 2013 and the Fort Worth<br />
police chief from 2015 to 2019.<br />
The Philadelphia district attorney’s<br />
office said 18-year-old<br />
Miles Pfeffer will face charges of<br />
murder, murder of a law enforcement<br />
officer, robbery, carjacking<br />
and weapons crimes.<br />
“Pfeffer is also alleged to have<br />
attempted to rob Officer Fitzgerald<br />
of his gun and to have gone<br />
through his pockets, while the<br />
officer was laying on the ground<br />
and fatally wounded,” District<br />
Attorney Larry Krasner said in<br />
a statement Sunday. “Pfeffer is<br />
further alleged to have committed<br />
a carjacking a short time<br />
after, close to the location of the<br />
officer’s murder.”<br />
The Bucks County District Attorney’s<br />
Office said Pfeffer was<br />
taken into custody shortly after<br />
7 a.m. Sunday at his Buckingham<br />
Township home by township and<br />
Philadelphia police as well as<br />
state police and federal marshals.<br />
“Police used the fallen officer’s<br />
handcuffs in placing the suspect<br />
under arrest,” county prosecutors<br />
said.<br />
Temple University officials said<br />
Fitzgerald had been on the university<br />
police force since October<br />
2021.<br />
“Officer Fitzgerald gave his life<br />
to selflessly serve and defend<br />
this community,” Jennifer Griffin,<br />
the university’s vice president<br />
for public safety, said in a statement.<br />
“This loss leaves an enormous<br />
hole in all of our hearts.<br />
He was a father, a husband, a<br />
son, a colleague and a friend.”<br />
OFFICER CHRISTOPHER FITZGERALD<br />
University president Jason<br />
Wingard said he was “heartbroken”<br />
and called the shooting “a<br />
gut-wrenching reminder of our<br />
police officers’ daily bravery and<br />
sacrifices to protect our students,<br />
faculty, staff and community”<br />
as the city and the nation<br />
deal with “an unprecedented<br />
epidemic of violence.”<br />
Ken Kaiser, the university’s<br />
senior vice president and chief<br />
operating officer, was quoted by<br />
the Philadelphia Inquirer as saying<br />
it was the first shooting death<br />
of a campus officer during his<br />
more than 30 years at Temple.<br />
“It just shakes everybody to the<br />
core,” he said.<br />
32 The BLUES The BLUES 33
AROUND THE COUNTRY<br />
MEMPHIS, TN.<br />
Memphis Police Officer Geoffrey Redd died after being shot at the<br />
Poplar-White Station Library on February 18.<br />
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Memphis<br />
Police officer who was shot in<br />
the line of duty on February 2<br />
has died from his injuries.<br />
Officer Geoffrey Redd was listed<br />
in critical condition for days,<br />
but it was recently announced<br />
that he succumbed to his injuries<br />
on February 18, according to<br />
MPD.<br />
Life changed instantly for Redd,<br />
after responding to a trespassing<br />
call just after noon Thursday,<br />
February 2, at a business near<br />
the Poplar-White Station Library.<br />
He and another officer confronted<br />
the suspect, Torrence<br />
Jackson Jr., inside the nearby<br />
library. State investigators say<br />
Jackson pulled out a weapon<br />
and shot Redd.<br />
Redd’s partner then fired back,<br />
killing Jackson. Library patrons<br />
were sent scrambling. Moments<br />
later, paramedics rushed Redd to<br />
the hospital. The veteran officer<br />
died following a two-week stay<br />
in the hospital.<br />
Memphis Police said Redd<br />
became an officer in February<br />
2008, and he served the citizens<br />
in Memphis while working<br />
at multiple stations. Redd also<br />
served his country as a United<br />
States Marine. MPD said he was a<br />
husband, father, and the Director<br />
of Security at his church.<br />
“Rest easy, Officer Redd. You<br />
will be missed,” MPD said in<br />
their post.<br />
Weeks leading up to Redd’s<br />
death, WREG spoke with his<br />
pastor about how much he<br />
means to their congregation.<br />
“This is a great challenge for<br />
the family,” said Bishop Brandon<br />
B. Porter. “He was our chief of<br />
security. Just a kind spirit, person.<br />
(He) would do whatever<br />
his hands would find to do. He<br />
yrs.<br />
OFFICER GEOFFREY REDD<br />
actually was just kind of visiting<br />
around the church and keeping<br />
watch on the parking lot before<br />
he joined.”<br />
Redd leaves behind a wife and<br />
three children. With his death,<br />
Redd is the MPD’s first officer in<br />
eight years to be shot and killed<br />
in the line of duty.<br />
LE AGENCIES<br />
CALL FOR<br />
PRICING<br />
Supplying Law Enforcement<br />
Equipment for the State of TEXAS!<br />
PRODIGY<br />
1911<br />
PROMOTION ENDS 3/31/23<br />
OPTIC READY<br />
DR920<br />
FOUNDATION<br />
SERIES<br />
ML-2306<br />
9MM<br />
CALIBER: 9MM<br />
CAPACITY: 17+1<br />
SIGHTS: FIXED<br />
BARREL LENGTH: 4.5”<br />
CALL OR EMAIL US FOR PRICING OR ASK US ABOUT DEMOS OR TRADE-INS<br />
Tel: 800-367-5855<br />
www.proforceonline.com<br />
OPTIC READY OPTIC READY<br />
W365XCA-9-BXR3-RXZE<br />
10-1101-000002<br />
NEW!<br />
Comes with<br />
ROMEOZero Elite<br />
9MM 9MM 9MM<br />
PH9117AOS<br />
FN 15<br />
SRP G2<br />
CARBINE<br />
CALIBER: 9MM<br />
CAPACITY: 17+1|20+1<br />
BARREL LENGTH: 4.25”<br />
SIGHTS: FIBER OPTIC<br />
SBR<br />
36-100579 AGENCY ONLY<br />
CALIBER: 5.56 NATO<br />
CAPACITY: 30+1<br />
SIGHTS: FLIP UP<br />
BARREL LENGTH: 11.5”<br />
STOCK: ADJUSTABLE<br />
C2 DPO<br />
TACTICAL<br />
NEW!<br />
CALIBER: 9MM<br />
CAPACITY: 16+1<br />
BARREL LENGTH: 3.9”<br />
SIGHTS: FIBER OPTIC<br />
OPTIC READY<br />
NEW!<br />
P365<br />
XMACRO<br />
5.56<br />
02-128-02081-047<br />
DDM4 V7<br />
AR15<br />
CALIBER: 9MM<br />
CAPACITY: 17+1<br />
BARREL LENGTH: 3.7”<br />
SIGHTS: NIGHT SIGHTS<br />
CALIBER: 5.56 NATO<br />
CAPACITY: 32+1<br />
BARREL LENGTH: 16”<br />
STOCK: ADJUSTABLE<br />
Support Center: 2625 Stearman Road, Prescott AZ, 86301 Tel: (800) 367-5855<br />
e-mail: sales@proforceonline.com | www.proforceonline.com<br />
Gear & accessories for law<br />
enforcement AGENCIES<br />
CHECK OUT THESE GREAT<br />
MANUFACTURERS<br />
AIMPOINT • BERETTA • COLT<br />
BIANCHI • TASER • BENELLI<br />
SMITH & WESSON • CZ USA<br />
H&K • DANIEL DEFENSE<br />
SIG SAUER • SHADOW SYSTEMS<br />
DEFENSE TECHNOLOGY • AGUILA<br />
EOTECH • BURRIS • UTM<br />
MOSSBERG • PROTECH • RUGER<br />
STREAMLIGHT • MAGPUL<br />
SAFARILAND • SPRINGFIELD<br />
BLACKHAWK • OSS • HOLOSUN<br />
TRIJICON • SUREFIRE • BOLA WRAP<br />
US PEACEKEEPER • OTIS<br />
NIGHTSTICK • FNH USA<br />
NOTE: TERRITORY RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY<br />
Visit our website today for up to date<br />
information, pricing and products!<br />
We are ready for <strong>2023</strong>! Experience the only first responder owned and<br />
operated THEME studio in the Country! 10 years strong! We are Family!<br />
We look forward to seeing you soon!<br />
34 The BLUES The BLUES 35
AROUND THE COUNTRY<br />
LARIMER COUNTY,CO.<br />
A Colorado woman tried to take a Fort Collins officer hostage after she slipped<br />
her handcuffs, got the officer’s gun and when that failed, she barricaded herself<br />
inside a patrol unit.<br />
By Jacob Factor<br />
The Denver Post<br />
yrs.<br />
IMOD2<br />
Carson's versatile MLH6 dual color led light has arrived!<br />
It features 12 high intensity LEDs packed into a super thin<br />
housing. With 12 different flash patterns, steady burn, and cruise<br />
mode (programmable for each color), this light is up for<br />
anything!<br />
The MLH6 is designed to surface mount with the BM6<br />
bezel, or can snap in to the IMOD2 housing for an outstanding<br />
dual head option. Stay tuned for more modular mounting options<br />
coming soon from Carson!<br />
LARIMER COUNTY, Colo. — A<br />
Greeley woman was arrested<br />
Sunday after barricading herself<br />
in a police vehicle at the Larimer<br />
County jail while armed with an<br />
officer’s gun.<br />
The woman was initially being<br />
arrested in connection to a Fort<br />
Collins shoplifting incident that<br />
happened just after 4 p.m. While<br />
Fort Collins officers were in the<br />
process of taking her from the<br />
police vehicle into the booking<br />
area, the woman slipped out of<br />
her handcuffs, according to a<br />
news release from the Larimer<br />
County Sheriff’s Office.<br />
The officer had reportedly secured<br />
his duty weapon, the news<br />
release states, but the woman<br />
“manipulated the storage safety<br />
measures” and grabbed the gun.<br />
She tried to take the officer hostage<br />
at gunpoint, but the officer<br />
Contact us today at: sales@carson-mfg.com | 317-257-3191 | www.carsonsirens.com<br />
escaped to the secure area of the<br />
jail.<br />
The woman then barricaded in<br />
the police vehicle and refused to<br />
come out for over two hours.<br />
Fort Collins police officers,<br />
Larimer County Sheriff’s deputies,<br />
the LCSO All Hazards/Crisis<br />
Response team, Fort Collins’<br />
SWAT team, LCSO crisis negotiators,<br />
Poudre Fire Authority, and<br />
UCHealth EMS all responded to<br />
assist.<br />
Law enforcement officials used<br />
“numerous less-lethal tools” to<br />
get the woman to surrender, and<br />
at 7:30 p.m., the woman exited<br />
the vehicle and deputies arrested<br />
her.<br />
She was booked into jail<br />
after a medical evaluation on<br />
charges of first-degree assault<br />
and aggravated robbery, attempted<br />
second-degree kidnapping,<br />
criminal mischief of<br />
$5,000 to $19,999, disarming<br />
a peace officer and resisting<br />
arrest for the incident, according<br />
to the news release. Fort<br />
Collins police will file separate<br />
charges for the shoplifting<br />
incident.<br />
Scan for website:<br />
Check out our website for more information on our MLH6 as well<br />
as to check all of our other products.<br />
Contact us today at: sales@carson-mfg.com | 317-257-3191 | www.carsonsirens.com<br />
We are ready for <strong>2023</strong>!<br />
Experience the only First<br />
Responder owned and operated<br />
THEME studio in the Country!<br />
36 The BLUES The BLUES 37
AROUND THE COUNTRY<br />
yrs.<br />
HIRING INCENTIVES<br />
NORTH LAS VEGAS,NV.<br />
<strong>No</strong>rth Las Vegas PD announces up to a $40K Hiring Bonus.<br />
By Sarah Calams<br />
Police1<br />
NORTH LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Police<br />
departments around the U.S.<br />
have been offering incentives for<br />
existing officers, lateral transfers<br />
and potential recruits to help<br />
close the gap of officer shortages.<br />
In Nevada, the <strong>No</strong>rth Las<br />
Vegas Police Department is hoping<br />
a big-dollar bonus is enough<br />
to incentivize and attract lateral<br />
recruits.<br />
The department’s latest incentives<br />
mean a lateral transfer<br />
could earn up to a $40,000<br />
bonus from the department,<br />
according to the city’s press release.<br />
The latest offer includes:<br />
$30,000 bonus for lateral officers<br />
$5,000 one-time relocation<br />
allowance for new hires from<br />
outside of the Las Vegas Valley<br />
$5,000 hiring incentive for<br />
honorably discharged military<br />
members or active members of<br />
the National Guard and Reserves<br />
The department also listed<br />
other employment benefits,<br />
including: a salary range of<br />
$61,000 to $98,000 depending on<br />
experience, four-day work week,<br />
multilingual pay, modified field<br />
training, 14 annual holidays, shift<br />
differential pay, PERS retirement<br />
pension, medical benefits, education<br />
incentives, 457 option and<br />
an annual uniform allowance.<br />
ATLANTA, GA.<br />
Atlanta approves $500K for housing incentives for police and firefighters.<br />
By Riley Bunch<br />
Atlanta Journal-Constitution<br />
ATLANTA — Atlanta City Council<br />
members approved a plan<br />
to donate $500,000 of federal<br />
American Rescue Plan Act funds<br />
to the Atlanta Police Foundation<br />
to pay for housing incentives for<br />
the city’s public safety officials.<br />
The plan was proposed by<br />
Mayor Andre Dickens last month<br />
and passed unanimously by the<br />
council on Monday.<br />
The Atlanta Police Foundation,<br />
with help from the Atlanta<br />
Apartment Association, will<br />
oversee the money, which will<br />
be distributed as a housing<br />
subsidy to first responders as an<br />
incentive to live near the area<br />
they serve.<br />
Atlanta City Councilman Amir<br />
Farokhi, who sponsored the legislative<br />
effort, told the AJC that<br />
the incentive program is one way<br />
COVID-19 relief dollars can be<br />
used to try to address crime that<br />
spiked during the pandemic.<br />
“I think this is appropriate<br />
because it makes for stronger<br />
neighborhoods and a more safe<br />
city,” he said. “If we can have our<br />
firefighters and police officers<br />
living in the city it helps them<br />
better understand the fabric of<br />
the neighborhoods they work<br />
in and builds relationships that I<br />
think benefit us all.<br />
During his first year, Dickens<br />
pledged to bolster the city’s<br />
public safety resources to address<br />
high rates of violent crime.<br />
The housing incentives join an<br />
array of other plans to support<br />
first responders, like retention<br />
bonuses for police officers that<br />
also utilize American Rescue Plan<br />
funds.<br />
Farokhi said that while the<br />
money is for one-time use, if the<br />
program is successful, the council<br />
and the mayor’s office could<br />
talk about using general fund<br />
dollars to extend it.<br />
“We hear from officers and firefighters<br />
all the time, particularly<br />
younger ones, that they want<br />
to live in the city but they feel<br />
priced out,” he said. “And that’s<br />
even when we’ve been increasing<br />
salaries of fire and police to be<br />
market leaders in the area.”<br />
38 The BLUES The BLUES <strong>39</strong>
AROUND THE COUNTRY<br />
ACROSS THE US<br />
yrs.<br />
TWO DETROIT POLICE OFFICERS<br />
FOUND DEAD INSIDE HOME<br />
Officer Maria Martin and Officer<br />
Matthew Ethington II died in what<br />
is being described as a murder-suicide.<br />
LIVONIA, Mich. — Police in<br />
Michigan are investigating the<br />
death of two officers with the<br />
Detroit Police Department who<br />
were found dead from gunshot<br />
wounds Sunday at the Belle<br />
Creek Square townhomes in the<br />
16000 block of Farmington Road<br />
in Livonia. According to law enforcement<br />
authorities, the scene<br />
appears to be a murder-suicide.<br />
The bodies of a 22-year-old<br />
woman and a 26-year-old man<br />
were found at the residence,<br />
the Livonia Police Department<br />
confirmed. On Monday, the police<br />
agency identified the woman<br />
as Detroit Police Officer Maria<br />
Martin and the man as Detroit<br />
Police Officer Matthew Ethington<br />
II, WXYZ reported.<br />
Martin was shot multiple times,<br />
while Ethington sustained a<br />
single gunshot wound that appears<br />
to have been self-inflicted,<br />
authorities said. An infant was<br />
also located in the home. The<br />
child was not harmed and is now<br />
in the custody of another family<br />
member.<br />
Livonia police were called to<br />
conduct a wellness check at the<br />
residence about 12:30 p.m. on<br />
Sunday. Responding officers discovered<br />
the bodies. Officials said<br />
the apparent murder-suicide is<br />
believed to be related to a domestic<br />
dispute.<br />
Chief James White of the<br />
Detroit Police Department confirmed<br />
the couple worked with<br />
their agency and each one had<br />
been on the job less than 5 years,<br />
according to WXYZ reported.<br />
“Senseless tragedy. We’re<br />
going to find out exactly what<br />
happened as the investigation<br />
unfolds. Learn from it. Use what<br />
we learn to help some of our<br />
officers heal from this as well as<br />
prevent a tragedy like this going<br />
forward. We just don’t know<br />
what lead to this,” Chief White<br />
said.<br />
The infant’s relationship to the<br />
couple was unclear, according to<br />
the news outlet, and investigators<br />
are trying to determine how<br />
long the pair had been deceased<br />
prior to discovery.<br />
TWO HOUSTON POLICE OFFICERS<br />
STABBED IN FACE<br />
HOUSTON, Texas – Two Houston<br />
police officers suffered stab<br />
wounds to the face before they<br />
fatally shot their attacker in the<br />
southwest area of the city Saturday<br />
morning, officials said.<br />
Investigators with the Houston<br />
Police Department said the fatal<br />
encounter took place about 9:10<br />
a.m. in the 13300 block of Agarita<br />
Lane near Milfoil Lane during<br />
a welfare check. A daughter,<br />
who was not at the residence,<br />
called HPD and asked for officers<br />
to check on the welfare of her<br />
parents since they were afraid<br />
to summon help regarding their<br />
26-year-old son, ABC13 reported.<br />
Shortly after arrival at the home, officers<br />
called for additional units while<br />
trying to talk to the man and de-escalate<br />
the situation. Despite their efforts,<br />
the suspect pulled out a knife and<br />
stabbed two officers. One of the officers<br />
then opened fire on the suspect.<br />
The attacker was pronounced dead at<br />
the scene, according to police.<br />
One officer suffered a stab wound<br />
to the jaw, while the other sustained<br />
a stab wound to the chin. They were<br />
3- and 15-year veterans, according to<br />
Chief Troy Finner of the Houston Police<br />
Department.<br />
Both officers were transported to<br />
the Texas Medical Center at Memorial<br />
Hermann and expected to survive their<br />
injuries. One has subsequently been<br />
released, according to ABC13. A medical<br />
update on the other officer was<br />
unclear.<br />
Police said they were familiar with<br />
the address due to similar calls prior<br />
to Saturday’s encounter. Finner also<br />
noted the suspect had a history of<br />
mental illness.<br />
Per department policy, both police<br />
officers will be placed on administrative<br />
leave.<br />
INDIANA LAWMAKER PROPOSES<br />
LEGISLATION THAT WOULD GIVE PO-<br />
LICE OFFICERS 25 FEET TO WORK<br />
WITHOUT BEING INHIBITED BY AN-<br />
TAGONISTS<br />
INDIANAPOLIS — A lawmaker in<br />
Indiana wants police officers to have<br />
25 feet of room to work without<br />
being inhibited by antagonists. Evansville-area<br />
State Representative Wendy<br />
McNamara proposed legislation that<br />
appears to have overwhelming support<br />
toward the goal.<br />
McNamara is the primary sponsor of<br />
House Bill 1186 that easily passed the<br />
Indiana House last week on a 57-20<br />
vote. The measure is simple enough,<br />
she said, according to FOX 59 Indianapolis.<br />
“Having that 25-foot perimeter<br />
around law enforcement<br />
so they can focus on what’s<br />
in front of them at hand is<br />
very vital to making sure that<br />
situations don’t escalate,” Mc-<br />
Namara said.<br />
The proposed legislation is<br />
outlined below:<br />
“A person who knowingly or<br />
intentionally approaches within<br />
twenty-five (25) feet of a<br />
law enforcement officer lawfully<br />
engaged in the execution<br />
of the law enforcement officer’s<br />
duties after the law enforcement<br />
officer has ordered<br />
the person to stop approaching<br />
commits unlawful encroachment<br />
on an investigation, a<br />
Class C misdemeanor.“<br />
Although laws currently exist<br />
that provide protection from<br />
interference by members of<br />
the public, many say it is not<br />
enough, and HB 1186 provides a<br />
clearly defined violation.<br />
The Indiana State Police<br />
Fraternal Order of Police, the<br />
Evansville Fraternal Order of<br />
Police and the Indiana Sheriff’s<br />
Association all support the bill,<br />
FOX 59 reported.<br />
“The public almost has to<br />
touch you before you can tell<br />
them to move away from you.<br />
So, you can imagine trying to<br />
take someone into custody<br />
or investigate a crime and<br />
someone is getting in your<br />
face or getting right on top<br />
of you while you’re trying<br />
to do your job,” explained<br />
Vanderburgh County Sheriff<br />
<strong>No</strong>ah Robinson.<br />
Naturally, the ACLU of Indiana<br />
is among the groups that<br />
oppose the bill.<br />
BARSTOW POLICE SEIZE<br />
OVER 200 POUNDS OF CO-<br />
CAINE IN TRAFFIC STOP<br />
The Barstow Police Department<br />
recently confiscated<br />
over 200 pounds of cocaine<br />
worth well over a million<br />
dollars during a traffic stop<br />
on February 6.<br />
According to police, officers<br />
conducted a traffic stop<br />
of a semi-truck and trailer at<br />
around 9:38 p.m. near Interstate<br />
15 and Lenwood Road.<br />
Barstow officers deployed<br />
narcotics sniffer K-9 Bailey,<br />
who quickly alerted them to<br />
the trailer of the vehicle.<br />
Upon searching the trailer,<br />
officers discovered 121 kilos<br />
– or around 266 pounds – of<br />
cocaine in individually packaged<br />
bricks.<br />
According to data from the<br />
40 The BLUES The BLUES 41
AROUND THE COUNTRY<br />
yrs.<br />
United Nations, the U.S. retail<br />
price for that amount of cocaine<br />
amounts to nearly $20 million.<br />
The driver of the truck,<br />
28-year-old Bakersfield resident<br />
Jaspreet Singh, was arrested<br />
on suspicion of possessing and<br />
transporting cocaine with the<br />
intent to sell.<br />
This drug bust wasn’t K-9 Bailey’s<br />
first on the job.<br />
On August 29, 2022, Bailey was<br />
involved in a very similar bust<br />
following a traffic stop of another<br />
semi-truck on the interstate.<br />
In that case, Bailey alerted officers<br />
to 40 kilos (approximately<br />
88 pounds) of cocaine.<br />
The driver and the passenger<br />
in that incident – 25-year-old<br />
Pargat Singh and 24-year-old<br />
Kulvider Singh – both shared the<br />
same surname as the suspect<br />
arrested on February 6. It’s not<br />
clear at the moment if they are<br />
related.<br />
Both Pargat and Kulvider were<br />
residents of Canada.<br />
Jaspreet Singh was jailed<br />
at the San Bernardino County<br />
Sheriff Department’s High Desert<br />
Detention Center in Adelanto. His<br />
bail was set at $3 million.<br />
Barstow is located in the Mojave<br />
Desert in San Bernadino<br />
County, California.<br />
CHIEF: OFF-DUTY POLICE OF-<br />
FICER TOOK DOWN SUSPECT IN<br />
EL PASO MALL SHOOTING<br />
EL PASO, Texas — A suspect<br />
fatally shot one person and<br />
wounded three others at a shopping<br />
mall in El Paso, Texas, on<br />
Wednesday. <strong>No</strong>w, new details<br />
from El Paso Police Chief Peter<br />
Cartels are using UAVs to spy on federal agents working the U.S.-Mexico<br />
border in order to facilitate human smuggling and drug traffickin.g<br />
Pacillas have shed light on how<br />
the shooting was halted by an<br />
off-duty police officer.<br />
During a press conference,<br />
Pacillas said the off-duty officer,<br />
who was not named, was<br />
already at the Cielo Vista Mall<br />
when the incident occurred, FOX<br />
News reported. The shooting was<br />
reported at 5:05 p.m. and within<br />
three minutes the officer was<br />
able to take the suspect down<br />
without firing a shot.<br />
Officers from a handful of<br />
departments responded to the<br />
scene and “quickly brought it<br />
under control,” the chief said.<br />
There are currently two suspects<br />
in custody and the three wounded<br />
victims remain hospitalized,<br />
according to police. The off-duty<br />
officer was not injured.<br />
The shooting, including details<br />
of what led to the incident,<br />
remains under investigation. The<br />
FBI is assisting El Paso police<br />
in the investigation and set up<br />
a website where the public can<br />
share photos from the shooting.<br />
TEXAS SHERIFF TELLS CON-<br />
GRESS NEARLY 2,000 MEXICAN<br />
DRUG CARTEL DRONES HAVE<br />
BREACHED US AIRSPACE<br />
BROOKS COUNTY, Texas —<br />
Sheriff Urbino “Benny” Martinez<br />
of Brooks County in Texas<br />
will reportedly sound the alarm<br />
before Congress regarding the<br />
mass incursion of drones illegally<br />
entering U.S. airspace from<br />
Mexico. The sheriff says they are<br />
piloted by cartels and used to<br />
spy on federal agents working<br />
near the U.S.-Mexico border.<br />
Sheriff Martinez is scheduled<br />
to tell Democrats and Republicans<br />
during the House GOP’s first<br />
hearing on the Texas border on<br />
Wednesday evening that local<br />
and state law enforcement authorities<br />
have witnessed nearly<br />
2,000 drones flying overhead in<br />
three Texas counties during the<br />
past month, reported the Washington<br />
Examiner.<br />
According to the sheriff, members<br />
of criminal organizations<br />
in Mexico that smuggle people<br />
42 The BLUES The BLUES 43
AROUND THE COUNTRY<br />
and drugs into the U.S. are the<br />
individuals who are piloting the<br />
drones. They use the UAVs to see<br />
where law enforcement authorities<br />
are positioned and what<br />
areas are open.<br />
“In the past 31 days of <strong>2023</strong>,<br />
there have been 1,937 Mexican<br />
Cartel drone’s incursions in three<br />
South Texas border counties,”<br />
according to a preview of Martinez’s<br />
remarks as a witness in the<br />
House Committee on Energy and<br />
Commerce’s joint subcommittee<br />
hearing.<br />
The sheriff’s testimony comes<br />
as the federal government seeks<br />
to figure out why and how a<br />
large Chinese balloon had been<br />
maneuvered through U.S. airspace<br />
earlier this month.<br />
NEW ORLEANS PD TAKES<br />
DOWN RECRUITMENT AD AN<br />
HOUR AFTER IT GOES LIVE<br />
By Sarah Calams<br />
Police1<br />
NEW ORLEANS — On Wednesday,<br />
the New Orleans Police<br />
Department posted a 30-second<br />
recruitment ad to its social<br />
media accounts. An hour later, it<br />
was taken down due to “negative<br />
commentary.”<br />
The recruitment ad, called<br />
“Everywhere Else is Cleveland,”<br />
riffing on a Tennessee Williams<br />
quote, cost the department over<br />
$27,000. The 30-second ad was<br />
created by a local filmmaker to<br />
feature “something progressive<br />
and awesome to get officers<br />
who would embrace our culture,”<br />
director Crista Rock told<br />
NOLA.com.<br />
The ad features Mardi Gras<br />
dancers and characters moving<br />
around a New Orleans officer.<br />
“The video was removed because<br />
we didn’t want anyone to be offended<br />
by the negative commentary,”<br />
PIO Reese Harper said.<br />
NOPD officials told NOLA.com<br />
they’re unsure what their plan is<br />
moving forward with the ad.<br />
“At the end of the day, I want<br />
nothing more than for all of us<br />
to feel safe and secure knowing<br />
we have officers on our streets<br />
that love us,” Rock said.<br />
LOUISIANA POLICE OFFICER<br />
CHARGED WITH NEGLIGENT<br />
HOMICIDE AFTER SHOOTING<br />
MAN FLEEING FROM OFFICERS.<br />
SHREVEPORT, La. – A police<br />
officer in Louisiana has been<br />
arrested and charged with fatally<br />
shooting a man who was fleeing<br />
from officers during a domestic<br />
dispute.<br />
The Louisiana State Police<br />
conducted the officer-involved<br />
shooting investigation, which<br />
occurred earlier in the month in<br />
Shreveport. At the conclusion,<br />
yrs.<br />
they took Alexander Tyler, 23,<br />
of the Shreveport Police Department<br />
into custody for the<br />
shooting death of 43-year-old<br />
Alonzo Bagley. The officer faces<br />
a charge of negligent homicide,<br />
the New York Post reported.<br />
The shooting occurred Feb. 3<br />
after officers were called about<br />
10:50 p.m. to the Villa <strong>No</strong>rte<br />
Apartments in Shreveport. Tyler<br />
and a second unidentified officer<br />
arrived at the disturbance. A<br />
person who identified herself as<br />
Bagley’s wife said her husband<br />
was “loaded on something” and<br />
threatening her and her daughter<br />
after coming home “raged and<br />
acting the fool.”<br />
While the officers were at the<br />
apartment, Bagley opened a<br />
door holding a glass bottle containing<br />
brown liquid.<br />
Bagley said he had to put away<br />
his dog. However, he walked to<br />
the back of the apartment onto<br />
a balcony, jumped to the ground<br />
outside and fled. As a result, the<br />
officers engaged Bagley in a foot<br />
pursuit, which ultimately led to<br />
the deadly shooting.<br />
Louisiana State Police Superintendent<br />
Col. Lamar Davis previously<br />
said that as Tyler rounded<br />
the corner of the building, he<br />
spotted Bagley and fired a single<br />
shot, which struck the man in<br />
the chest.<br />
In recently released footage,<br />
Bagley can be heard groaning,<br />
“Oh God, you shot me,” as he<br />
slumps to the ground bleeding<br />
profusely.<br />
The officers immediately begin<br />
offering emergency medical aid.<br />
During the process, an audibly<br />
distressed Tyler repeats the<br />
words: “<strong>No</strong>, no, no, no, man, no.”<br />
As the video continues, Tyler<br />
appears to be in emotional duress<br />
due to circumstances.<br />
“<strong>No</strong>, man! Come on, dude! Stay<br />
with me, stay with me, man!” Tyler<br />
exclaims while putting pressure<br />
on Bagley’s wound to try to<br />
stop the bleeding.<br />
The other officer instructs<br />
Tyler to run to the front of the<br />
building and wave down the<br />
responding paramedics with his<br />
flashlight while he maintains<br />
direct pressure on the gunshot<br />
wound.<br />
“Hey, look at me! Look at me!<br />
Look at me!” the officer exhorts<br />
Bagley as his situation deteriorates.<br />
“Wake up! Wake up! Look<br />
at me! … Hey, respond! Come on!”<br />
Bagley did not survive. In the<br />
aftermath of the encounter,<br />
Tyler made “multiple statements<br />
claiming the suspect came toward<br />
him and he could not see<br />
his hands,” according to court<br />
documents by state police.<br />
Investigators did not find any<br />
weapons in Bagley’s possession.<br />
Tyler’s attorney, J. Dhu Thompson,<br />
spoke to KSLA 12 News<br />
outside the Caddo Parish Courthouse<br />
before Tyler was formally<br />
charged.<br />
“These are split-second decisions<br />
that officers have to make,”<br />
Thompson said. “You and I have<br />
the benefit of hindsight; we can<br />
sit down in a comfortable room<br />
with a cup of coffee and review<br />
this video.<br />
“That’s not the position that<br />
Officer Tyler was in, or any other<br />
officer that puts his life on the<br />
line on a day-to-day basis and<br />
encounters these types of situations.”<br />
Tyler was subsequently released<br />
from custody on $25,000<br />
bond. He is currently on paid<br />
administrative leave. His arraignment<br />
is scheduled for April 3,<br />
reported The Post.<br />
The Shreveport Police Department<br />
hired Tyler in May 2021. If<br />
convicted of negligent homicide,<br />
he could face up to five years in<br />
prison.<br />
Bagley’s family members<br />
have filed a $10 million lawsuit<br />
against Tyler, accusing him of violating<br />
the victim’s constitutional<br />
rights.<br />
FOUR TEXAS LAW ENFORCE-<br />
MENT AGENCIES TEAMED UP<br />
TO FIGHT CANCER BY RAISING<br />
THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FOR<br />
CANCER RESEARCH THROUGH<br />
THEIR BEARD IT UP AND COL-<br />
OR FOR CURE FUNDRAISERS.<br />
The fundraiser, launched in<br />
<strong>No</strong>vember by the Texas A&M<br />
University Police Department,<br />
Bryan Police Department, Brazos<br />
County Sheriff’s Office and<br />
College Station Police Department,<br />
raised $10,481 over just<br />
two months.<br />
Under the program, participating<br />
officers could donate $50<br />
to grow a beard or $30 to paint<br />
their nails with the color of a<br />
cancer that has affected them or<br />
someone they know.<br />
Having facial hair or colorful<br />
nails is normally banned by<br />
police departments. However,<br />
the agencies made an exception<br />
throughout the duration of the<br />
fundraising campaign, which<br />
recently came to an end.<br />
The goal of the campaign was<br />
not only to raise money but to<br />
raise awareness for an aggressive<br />
brain cancer called diffuse<br />
44 The BLUES The BLUES 45
AROUND THE COUNTRY<br />
yrs.<br />
intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG).<br />
The money raised went entirely<br />
to the Central Texas chapter<br />
of the nonprofit The Cure Starts<br />
<strong>No</strong>w (tinyurl.com/3zws2a4k).<br />
According to the organization,<br />
over 110 law enforcement agencies<br />
in 21 states have raised over<br />
$670,000 for the nonprofit since<br />
2018.<br />
The four Texas agencies jointly<br />
presented a check to the Texas<br />
chapter of the nonprofit on January<br />
4.<br />
Chapter Director Vicky Bridier<br />
was there to accept the check.<br />
She established the Central<br />
Texas chapter in September<br />
2016 in honor of her daughter,<br />
Jade, who died of an aggressive<br />
DIPG brain tumor when she was<br />
this research that we have funded.<br />
Hopefully, one day, it’s going<br />
to be longer, four years or five<br />
years. Hopefully, it’s going to be<br />
that cure we are looking for.”<br />
NEW POLICE CHIEF HIRED AT<br />
N.C. PD AFTER ENTIRE POLICE<br />
FORCE RESIGNED<br />
By Sarah Calams, Police1<br />
KENLY, N.C. — Last summer,<br />
the entire police force at the<br />
made up of Ayers and one reserve<br />
officer. Four full-time<br />
officers had resigned, as well<br />
as the former police chief. The<br />
Johnston County Sheriff’s Office<br />
is currently patrolling and<br />
responding to incidents, WRAL.<br />
com reported.<br />
“I’m going to get on the recruiting<br />
trail. Go to community colleges<br />
to talk to young cadets,”<br />
4-years-old.<br />
Birdier said there wasn’t much<br />
research available when her<br />
Kenly (N.C.) Police Department<br />
resigned after citing a toxic<br />
work environment as well as a<br />
Ayers said, noting he aims to<br />
have a full police force by late<br />
this summer.<br />
LET’S GET TRAVELING!<br />
has come a long way since then,<br />
daughter died, but the research<br />
Months later, the town manager<br />
conflict with the town manager.<br />
MUNITY PHOTO EVIDENCE OF<br />
NC SHERIFF PROVIDES COMand<br />
more treatment options are<br />
couldn’t participate in research<br />
studies because she didn’t live<br />
long enough, and/or we couldn’t<br />
was fired after just three months<br />
vacancies left behind.<br />
Kenly Police Chief James Ayers,<br />
who started his law enforcement<br />
DEPUTY SHORTAGE<br />
the deputy shortage affecting his<br />
agency.<br />
The agency is down nearly 30<br />
available.<br />
“When my daughter died, there<br />
was really nothing out there. She<br />
into her two-year contract. <strong>No</strong>w,<br />
the town has hired a new police<br />
chief who’s ready to fill the<br />
Sampson County (NC) Sheriff<br />
Jimmy Thornton has provided his<br />
county with photo evidence of<br />
Your Dream Vacation Begins...<br />
from the moment you start planning!<br />
And what better way to begin than with a professional who has<br />
career in 1993, resigned deputies, according to CBS17.<br />
most likely been there, done that, and knows how to get you the<br />
tested. We lost her within five from his chief position in Enfield, Sheriff Thornton posted a photo<br />
days, but the average lifespan of <strong>No</strong>rth Carolina, last September, on Facebook of at least 17 unused<br />
best experience for your budget.<br />
remove her tumor to get her<br />
a child diagnosed with DIPG is<br />
nine months after they’re diagnosed,”<br />
Birdier explained. “<strong>No</strong>w,<br />
with all our research that we<br />
have put into funding, we are<br />
citing an “oppressive and hostile<br />
work environment” by town<br />
leaders, WRAL.com reported. His<br />
resignation came after controversy<br />
surrounding the destruction<br />
patrol cars.<br />
He said there were “rows” of<br />
empty patrol cars because “we<br />
don’t have deputies and patrolmen<br />
to drive them.”<br />
of a Confederate monu-<br />
extending children’s lives to at<br />
least two years, three years, and ment in Enfield, according to the<br />
Thornton said he’s unable to<br />
hire more workers “because other<br />
Rudy Rodriguez<br />
counties pay deputies more.<br />
(903) 941-8024<br />
they’re able to participate in all Currently, the department is<br />
rurodriguez@cruiseone.com<br />
we’re seeing four years now that report.<br />
46 The BLUES Veteran Owned Business The BLUES 47
STREET CRIMES UNITS<br />
The Right Stuff for Sure.<br />
Fulton County Sheriff’s Office (Georgia)<br />
While the Memphis Police Department has<br />
demonstrated a serious and problematic failure of<br />
their role within their own community through the<br />
egregious actions of their now disbanded SCORPI-<br />
ON Unit, other agencies are successfully combating<br />
crime with a similar model. One of these includes<br />
the Fulton County (Georgia) Sheriff’s Office.<br />
FULTON COUNTY DEMOGRAPHICS AND CRIME<br />
Fulton County is located in the north-central<br />
portion of Georgia. As of the 2020 United<br />
States census, the population was approximately<br />
1,066,710, making it the state’s most-populous<br />
county and its only one with over one million inhabitants.<br />
Its county seat and largest city is Atlanta,<br />
the state capital. Approximately 90% of the City<br />
of Atlanta is within Fulton County; the other 10%<br />
lies within DeKalb County. Fulton County is part of<br />
the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, Georgia Metropolitan<br />
Statistical Area.<br />
According to recently released crime statistics<br />
by the National Incident Based Reporting System,<br />
violent crime in this area continues to rise, with<br />
the Atlanta area now considered one of the most<br />
dangerous cities in the state. Sheriff Patrick Labat<br />
and his command staff, with their extensive public<br />
safety experience, are committed to addressing<br />
these issues head on.<br />
LEADERSHIP AND VISION<br />
Sheriff Patrick “Pat” Labat is serving as the 28th<br />
Sheriff of Fulton County, Georgia. With 30 years of<br />
success in the public safety sector and a decade<br />
as Chief of the City of Atlanta Department of Corrections,<br />
Sheriff Labat has a proven track record<br />
as a decisive leader and change agent. He has<br />
reputation for motivating his workforce through<br />
active and engaged, hands-on leadership. As Chief<br />
of the City of Atlanta Department of Corrections,<br />
he served on the Mayor’s executive team as well<br />
as other executive policy-making bodies. He was<br />
responsible for providing the visionary leadership<br />
for a $30+ million budget while achieving high<br />
levels of success and promoting effectiveness and<br />
efficiency across all departments within the City<br />
of Atlanta.<br />
Labat maintained a nationally accredited detention<br />
facility, pioneered youth diversion programs,<br />
senior citizen meal service programs and the<br />
nationally acclaimed PAT3 reentry program. He<br />
was named Jail Administrator of the Year by the<br />
Georgia Jail Association in 2015 and 2019. The main<br />
pillars of his vision for the Fulton County Sheriff’s<br />
Office revolve around crime reduction and public<br />
safety, improved jail conditions (which will result<br />
in better, more efficient use of tax dollars),<br />
repeat offenders and reentry as well as Use-offorce<br />
Police Review & Accountability. Sheriff Labat<br />
served as the President of the Georgia Chapter of<br />
the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement<br />
Executives (NOBLE) in 2011, President of the<br />
Georgia Jail Association (GJA) in 2016. Additionally,<br />
he was invited to serve as a witness at the Social<br />
Problems Hearing for the President’s 2020 Commission<br />
for Law Enforcement and Justice.<br />
THE SCORPION UNIT<br />
The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office SCORPION<br />
unit, one of several SCORPION units in the state,<br />
By Dr. Tina Jaeckle<br />
48 The BLUES The BLUES 49<br />
48 The BLUES The BLUES 49
STREET CRIMES UNITS<br />
The Right Stuff for Sure.<br />
was created in July 2021 and currently consists of<br />
fourteen members who are required to wear body<br />
cameras. This Unit is a crime suppression team<br />
that focuses specifically on violent offenders. The<br />
FCSO SCORPION Unit is responsible for providing<br />
proactive interdiction in areas of the county experiencing<br />
a high number of violent gun related<br />
crimes, street level narcotics crimes and gang<br />
activity. Another primary intent is to work alongside<br />
police patrols throughout the 15 cities within<br />
Fulton County.<br />
Named for the stinger-tailed, venomous predator,<br />
the Scorpion Team utilizes deputies to bolster<br />
Atlanta Police Department and other local agency<br />
patrols amid a surge in violent crime. The Unit is<br />
called the Scorpion Team because, similar to the<br />
scorpion in the arthropod species that stings its<br />
predators when it is threatened, their crime suppression<br />
team is defending those who live, work,<br />
and play in Fulton County against violent criminals<br />
who threaten public safety. As for the name,<br />
FCSO focused on the scorpion’s defensive use of its<br />
stinger rather than its prey-poisoning utility.<br />
“The crime suppression team, which was named<br />
the Scorpion Team, will go out on a daily basis and<br />
search for those who mean us no good,” Labat said<br />
in a brief mention of the idea at a Buckhead Council<br />
of Neighborhoods meeting. “… The best way for<br />
me to put it is, we’re going to stalk the stalkers.”<br />
As part of its mission, the FCSO SCORPION Unit is<br />
also tasked with identifying crime patterns, repeat<br />
offenders and deploying all legal resources<br />
available to arrest criminal perpetrators. Despite<br />
challenges, the staff members have risen to every<br />
occasion to self-evaluate, adapt external professional<br />
recommendations, and improve.<br />
IMPENDING NAME CHANGE AND RE-EVALUATION<br />
The release of bodycam footage showing Memphis<br />
Police officers beating Tyre Nichols has<br />
prompted the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office to consider<br />
a name change and a thorough review of the<br />
unit. Fulton County Commission Chairman Robb<br />
Pitts said he is not convinced a name change alone<br />
will make a difference. “I know there is an effort<br />
to change the name, but from my perspective a<br />
rose is a rose no matter what you call it so unless<br />
there’s a change in training and by training I mean<br />
not only the physical training but the psychological<br />
training as well and new policing tactics, whatever<br />
that means, all of the results will be the same,”<br />
Pitts said.<br />
Labat and the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office have<br />
been very public in the condemnation of the events<br />
in Memphis. The FCSO posted in a recent press<br />
release, “In light of the indisputable fact that the<br />
heinous actions of the officers in Memphis have<br />
cast dishonor and suspicion on the title SCORPION,<br />
Sheriff Patrick Labat believes it would be wise for<br />
all agencies with SCORPION units to take proactive<br />
steps to protect and build even stronger bonds<br />
of trust with the communities we serve. After the<br />
nefarious and depraved actions that led to Tyre<br />
Nichols’ death, the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office is<br />
one of many agencies considering a name change<br />
for our elite unit.” Labat has also stated that while<br />
a name change is important, more is needed, “The<br />
executive leadership team is reviewing operations<br />
and training protocols. Any additional changes<br />
warranted will be implemented with the goal of<br />
strengthening our commitment to our mission and<br />
serving the citizens of Fulton County with integrity,<br />
transparency, and honor.”<br />
On the other hand, retired Lt. Charles Rambo<br />
believes crime fighting units are vital to keeping<br />
communities safe. “We must get back to the fact<br />
of constitutionally based policing practices and<br />
the fourth amendment because everything that we<br />
do incident to a search, seizure or arrest must be<br />
backed up by reasonable expectations to privacy,”<br />
Rambo said. Rambo worked for the Fulton County<br />
Sheriff’s Office for 28 years and trained members<br />
of their Scorpion unit. He noted the importance<br />
of leadership and cultivating a proper culture.<br />
“Units have to be supervised by those supervisors<br />
and managers that are not afraid of culture.<br />
They must be able to stand up and step up and<br />
say that when something is not constitutionally<br />
in place this is not going to be tolerated because<br />
now, you are going to discredit the unit,” Rambo<br />
said.<br />
50 The BLUES The BLUES 51
STREET CRIMES UNITS<br />
<strong>No</strong>t Even Close.<br />
Memphis Police SCORPION UNIT<br />
If there ever was an abject failure<br />
of a specialized police unit,<br />
the SCORPION unit of the Memphis<br />
Police Department would<br />
be top of the list.<br />
In Memphis’ case, SCORPI-<br />
ON stood for “Street Crimes<br />
Operation to Restore Peace in<br />
Our Neighborhoods.” What<br />
happened on January 7th, did<br />
anything BUT restore peace in<br />
a neighborhood. Twenty-nineyear-old<br />
Tyre Nichols didn’t<br />
stand a chance against the rogue<br />
cops that disgraced the badge<br />
and put Memphis in the cross<br />
hairs of every good cop in America.<br />
The department shutdown<br />
the unit the day after they released<br />
body-cam video showing<br />
officers beating Nichols nearly<br />
to death. He did in fact die three<br />
days later in a hospital from<br />
injuries inflicted by the out-ofcontrol<br />
officers.<br />
As of <strong>March</strong> 1st, seven officers<br />
have been fired and five charged<br />
with Nichols’ murder. The Memphis<br />
Fire Department also terminated<br />
three of its employees,<br />
Robert Long, JaMicheal Sandriidge<br />
and Lt. Michelle Whitaker,<br />
for violating “numerous MFD<br />
Policies and Protocols.”<br />
The release from MPD said:<br />
“Their actions or inactions on the<br />
scene that night do not meet the<br />
expectations of the Memphis Fire<br />
Department and are not reflective<br />
of the outstanding service<br />
the men and women of the MFD<br />
provide daily to our community.”<br />
HISTORY OF SCORPION<br />
Memphis PD formed the SCOR-<br />
PION unit in October of 2021. It<br />
was one of the first initiatives<br />
of Memphis’ new police chief,<br />
Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis, who was<br />
its first black female chief. Davis<br />
had been fired from the Atlanta<br />
police department in 2008<br />
for her alleged involvement in<br />
a sex crimes investigation into<br />
the husband of an Atlanta police<br />
sergeant, according to the Atlanta<br />
Journal Constitution.<br />
At its inception, SCORPION had<br />
40-50 people assigned to the<br />
unit and had an annual budget<br />
of more than $28 million.<br />
According to one source<br />
within the department, most<br />
of the officers assigned to the<br />
original team veterans of the<br />
52 The BLUES The BLUES 53<br />
52 The BLUES The BLUES 53
.<br />
STREET CRIMES UNITS<br />
<strong>No</strong>t Even Close.<br />
department. But some of those<br />
officers complained about the<br />
quality of officers being hired by<br />
the department, especially some<br />
being assigned to the new unit.<br />
Boosting staffing was a major<br />
goal of Davis when she<br />
took over in June 2021, with her<br />
department announcing it was<br />
aiming to increase staff from<br />
2,100 to 2,500, close to the size<br />
of the force a decade ago. Instead,<br />
the police ranks have<br />
dropped to 1,9<strong>39</strong> officers and like<br />
the city, the majority of which<br />
were Black.<br />
A big part of the reason for the<br />
dwindling ranks was more than<br />
1,350 officers had either resigned<br />
or retired over the past decade<br />
— more than 300 in the last<br />
two years alone. In an interview<br />
with AP last month, Davis said a<br />
lack of supervisors was a particular<br />
concern, noting that 125<br />
new supervisor slots have been<br />
approved by the city but still had<br />
not filled.<br />
LITTLE TO NO TRAINING &<br />
NO SUPERVISION<br />
On the night Nichols was<br />
killed, not a single supervisor<br />
showed up until AFTER Nichols<br />
had been transported to the<br />
hospital. According to one officer,<br />
supervisors rarely if ever,<br />
checked in on the unit doing<br />
“street runs.”<br />
“You were on your own and<br />
they pretty much had your back.<br />
Officers in the unit knew that<br />
they could pretty much “kick ass<br />
and take names” all night and as<br />
long as the crime numbers went<br />
down, they didn’t have to answer<br />
to anyone.<br />
When asked what training this<br />
unit received, a former Memphis<br />
officer told CBS news, the SCOR-<br />
PION unit’s training consisted of<br />
three days of PowerPoint presentations,<br />
one day of suspect<br />
apprehension training and one<br />
day at the firing range. That was<br />
it.<br />
At least two, out of the five officers<br />
charged in Nichol’s death,<br />
had joined the department after<br />
they relaxed the hiring requirements.<br />
Tadarrius Bean and<br />
Demetrius Haley, both joined<br />
the department in August of<br />
2020, more than two years after<br />
Memphis dramatically loosened<br />
the education qualifications to<br />
become an officer. Recruits no<br />
longer needed an associate degree<br />
or 54 college credit hours<br />
to join the department and could<br />
get by with five years of work<br />
PRESTON HEMPHILL<br />
A sixth Memphis officer<br />
Preston Hemphill, was<br />
fired after an internal<br />
police investigation<br />
showed he violated<br />
multiple department<br />
policies.<br />
54 The BLUES The BLUES 55
STREET CRIMES UNITS<br />
<strong>No</strong>t Even Close.<br />
experience. <strong>No</strong>t police related<br />
‘work experience’ just work<br />
experience. Five years of flipping<br />
burgers at McDonalds, you’re in.<br />
Loosening the required qualifications<br />
also meant the department<br />
was ultimately getting<br />
“less desirable” job candidates,<br />
said Mike Alcazar, an adjunct<br />
professor at John Jay College<br />
of Criminal Justice and a retired<br />
NYPD detective.<br />
“They were desperate, and they<br />
needed police officers,” Alcazar<br />
said. “They’re going through<br />
it, they check off some boxes,<br />
saying, ‘Ok, they’re good enough,<br />
get them on.” Even after Memphis<br />
began offering signing bonus<br />
of $15,000 in 2021 and 2022,<br />
they still struggled finding new<br />
recruits.<br />
But despite the fact they were<br />
understaffed and by all accounts,<br />
not well trained, Memphis Mayor<br />
Jim Strickland, proclaimed<br />
a year ago, that SCORPION was<br />
a huge success. He said the city<br />
used crime data “to determine<br />
where the unit would focus its<br />
efforts within the city.” From<br />
October 2021 until January 2022,<br />
the unit made 566 arrests, seized<br />
over $100,000 in cash, 270 vehicles<br />
and 253 weapons. Strickland<br />
and Davis both sang their praises<br />
right up to the moment they<br />
killed Nichols.<br />
Even though just days before<br />
this incident, Cornell McKinney, a<br />
local black man, came forward<br />
and said he had a tense encounter<br />
with some of the SCORPION<br />
officers. He said they were traveling<br />
in packs of unmarked cars<br />
when they ran him off the road,<br />
pointed guns at his head and<br />
accused him of selling drugs.<br />
McKinney was found to have no<br />
drugs on him or in his vehicle,<br />
but the officers said they would<br />
‘kick his ass if they ever saw him<br />
on the street again.’ McKinney<br />
filed a complaint, but Memphis<br />
never called him back.<br />
RUMORS & ALLEGATIONS FLY<br />
An article that appeared in the<br />
Tennessee Star on February 4,<br />
<strong>2023</strong>, went a step farther on the<br />
background one of the fired officers,<br />
Demetris Haley.<br />
A long-time Memphis law enforcement<br />
source told The Tennessee<br />
Star that rumors about<br />
guards at the Shelby County<br />
Division of Corrections being involved<br />
in street gangs had been<br />
circulating for years, although he<br />
knows of no correction officer<br />
implicated in such a crime.<br />
“There have always been rumors<br />
about that, but they’ve never<br />
been substantiated that I know<br />
of,” the official with knowledge<br />
of the Shelby County criminal<br />
justice system told The Star. “The<br />
joke in Memphis criminal justice<br />
has long been the jailers are one<br />
step ahead of being in jail themselves.”<br />
Multiple unconfirmed reports<br />
suggest at least one of the five<br />
former Memphis Police officers<br />
charged in the death of Tyre<br />
Nichols was involved in the notorious<br />
Vice Lords street gang.<br />
Demetrius Haley, 30, who previously<br />
worked as a correction<br />
officer at the jail, was a defendant<br />
in a 2016 lawsuit alleging<br />
he and another guard beat up<br />
inmate Cordarlrius Sledge.<br />
As the New York Post reported,<br />
Sledge’s allegations were<br />
that Haley and another officer<br />
punched Sledge in the face<br />
during a search for a cellphone,<br />
according to court records.<br />
Sledge accused a third guard of<br />
slamming him face-first into a<br />
sink.<br />
“Haley was the most vicious,”<br />
the former inmate told the Post.<br />
Haley joined the Memphis police<br />
force in August 2020.<br />
56 The BLUES The BLUES 57<br />
56 The BLUES The BLUES 57<br />
56 The BLUES The BLUES 57
STREET CRIMES UNITS<br />
<strong>No</strong>t Even Close.<br />
“He got a promotion, from corrections<br />
officer to police officer,”<br />
Sledge said. “I didn’t believe my<br />
damn eyes.”<br />
The judge in the case dismissed<br />
the lawsuit after Sledge<br />
failed to file requested information<br />
with the court.<br />
Rumors about a possible relationship<br />
Nichols had with Haley’s<br />
ex-wife also have been circulating.<br />
Earlier this week, Memphis<br />
Police Department Public Information<br />
Officer Major Karen<br />
Rudolph told The Star in an<br />
emailed statement, “There is<br />
no evidence that either of these<br />
claims are true,” in response to<br />
whether Nichols was targeted in<br />
the brutal police beating because<br />
he was involved with the spouse<br />
of one of the officers or whether<br />
one or more of the five former<br />
Memphis Police officers were affiliated<br />
with the Vice Lords gang.<br />
But the Shelby County District<br />
Attorney’s Office later told<br />
Newsweek that investigators are<br />
looking into the rumors about<br />
Nichols’ connection with Haley’s<br />
ex-wife.<br />
“All of this is still under investigation.<br />
Those are the things,<br />
along with the participation of<br />
others, that [are] now the subject<br />
of our investigation,” a spokesperson<br />
for the Shelby County<br />
district attorney told Newsweek<br />
in response.<br />
Erica Williams, the director of<br />
communications at the Shelby<br />
County district attorney’s office,<br />
clarified to Newsweek that<br />
rumors about Nichols having a<br />
connection to the woman have<br />
not been “confirmed.”<br />
“We know that there have been<br />
questions about other officers<br />
and Fire Department personnel<br />
on the scene, persons remotely<br />
operating cameras, the potential<br />
of false reporting, among other<br />
things. We are now at the stage<br />
of our investigation where we<br />
are looking into all of these matters,”<br />
Williams told Newsweek.<br />
The law enforcement source<br />
who spoke to The Star said<br />
Judge James Jones, who has<br />
been assigned to the case, will<br />
be the last to know about what<br />
is in the investigation.<br />
“Judges are usually the last to<br />
know anything,” he said.<br />
58 The BLUES The BLUES 59<br />
58 The BLUES The BLUES 59<br />
58 The BLUES The BLUES 59
A look at<br />
Less-Lethal &<br />
<strong>No</strong>n-Lethal Weapons<br />
available to Law<br />
Enforcement in <strong>2023</strong><br />
SPONSORED BY<br />
60 The BLUES The BLUES 61<br />
60 The BLUES The BLUES 61<br />
60 The BLUES The BLUES 61
Less-Lethal vs <strong>No</strong>n-Lethal<br />
Less-lethal force encompasses the entire<br />
use of force spectrum up to, but excluding,<br />
deadly force. According to the National<br />
Institute of Justice, there are seven types of<br />
less lethal device technologies:<br />
• Conducted Energy Devices—encompasses<br />
TASERs, stun guns and stun belts<br />
• Directed Energy Devices—radiated energy<br />
to achieve same effect as blunt force,<br />
with lower likelihood of injury<br />
• Chemicals—pepper spray (OC), tear gas<br />
and stink bombs<br />
• Distraction—laser dazzlers, bright<br />
lights or noise<br />
• Vehicle-Stopping Technology—equipment<br />
that stops cars during high-speed<br />
chases<br />
• Barriers—nets, foams and other physical<br />
barriers<br />
• Blunt Force—projectiles in crowd-control<br />
to deter certain actions<br />
Each tool is designed to mitigate harm<br />
while allowing law enforcement to gain<br />
control over a situation. Depending on<br />
agency policy and the unique situation, officers<br />
may choose which less lethal tool to<br />
utilize.<br />
Commonly deployed less-lethal force options<br />
include:<br />
• The 12 gauge drag-stabilized round and<br />
the 37/40 mm foam round are the less-lethal<br />
munitions most commonly used by<br />
62 The BLUES The BLUES 63<br />
62 The BLUES The BLUES 63
U.S. law enforcement agencies for unruly<br />
crowds and riot control. These munitions<br />
on average travel approximately 300 feet<br />
per second and hit the human body at an<br />
average force of 100-120 foot-pounds.<br />
These less-lethal munitions, even when deployed<br />
according to manufacturers’ guidelines,<br />
have the ability to cause a significant<br />
injury or even death.<br />
• Electronic control devices (used widely<br />
in day-to-day policing across the U.S.) are<br />
used to jolt an individual with as much as<br />
50,000 volts of electricity to temporarily<br />
immobilize them. Over 1,000 deaths have<br />
occurred following the use of electronic<br />
control devices since the early 2000s. In<br />
9 of every 10 incidents, the deceased was<br />
unarmed. The patrol or SWAT officer must<br />
be within 20 feet of the suspect when deploying<br />
the device in order to be effective,<br />
putting the officer within reach of the assailant.<br />
• Pyrotechnic hand-thrown chemical<br />
agent munitions are used in crowd control<br />
and also used in day-to-day policing to<br />
flush out individuals or groups of suspects.<br />
They are available with a variety of specifications<br />
to produce an air burst or flash<br />
distraction, or dispersal of small round<br />
projectiles, an oleoresin capsicum (OC)<br />
irritant, or a CS or CN gas. Depending on<br />
the toxicity of the chemicals dispersed, the<br />
area may need to be evacuated for as long<br />
as 24 hours. Also, use of pyrotechnic devices<br />
increases the risk of an unintentional<br />
structure fire or ignition of an individual’s<br />
clothing.<br />
64 The BLUES The BLUES 65<br />
64 The BLUES The BLUES 65
RUBBER BULLETS AND OTHER KINETIC WEAPONS<br />
TEAR GAS<br />
“Tear gas” refers to crowd-control chemicals<br />
that irritate the mucus membranes and the eyes,<br />
causing tearing, coughing, difficulty breathing and<br />
skin irritation.<br />
One of the most commonly used chemicals is<br />
2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile, (nicknamed “CS” for<br />
the initials of the chemists who created it), which<br />
was used by the U.S. military in the Vietnam War.<br />
This “gas” is actually solid pellets that become<br />
aerosolized when they are deployed — fired in<br />
shells over crowds or thrown as grenades. Pepper<br />
spray is sometimes used this same way.<br />
WHAT THEY ARE<br />
KKinetic weapons include all the things police<br />
fire from guns and launchers that are meant to<br />
inflict pain without penetrating the skin.<br />
They are often less accurate than ordinary bullets,<br />
especially at long distances.<br />
Ideally, law enforcement officers aim kinetics at<br />
arms and legs to avoid major internal damage, unlike<br />
in lethal-weapon situations in which officers<br />
are taught to aim for the center of a person’s body.<br />
Kinetic weapons can be shot directly at people or<br />
“skip-fired,” which means aiming into the ground<br />
to disperse projectiles more widely and target<br />
only the lower body. Skip-firing is banned by some<br />
organizations because the bullets carom so unpredictably.<br />
SPONGE GRENADES are 40-millimeter rounds<br />
with foam noses that are slightly softer than their<br />
dense cores and deform when they hit a target.<br />
These are becoming the most common types of<br />
less-lethal projectiles, according to Cynthia Bir of<br />
the Wayne State University’s ballistic-research lab.<br />
These large rounds spread the force of impact out<br />
over a larger area, reducing the chance of injury.<br />
BATON ROUNDS, also called RUBBER BULLETS,<br />
can be made of foam, plastic, wood or rubber.<br />
They can be single rounds or multiple rounds<br />
packaged into one shell.<br />
BEANBAG ROUNDS are cloth bags containing lead<br />
pellets that fit into a cartridge. Beanbag rounds are<br />
intended to spread impact out over a larger area.<br />
Older square-shaped rounds have largely been<br />
replaced by sock-style bags, which are round and<br />
less likely to cause penetrating injuries.<br />
WHAT CAN GO WRONG<br />
Inhaled tear gas can cause inflammation, coughing,<br />
wheezing, vomiting and serious breathing<br />
difficulty, especially in people who have respiratory<br />
problems, according to Physicians for Human<br />
Rights.<br />
This effect is particularly dangerous during a<br />
pandemic in which the virus is spread by respiratory<br />
droplets.<br />
Other serious complications can arise. Heart rate<br />
and blood pressure can increase and cause cardiac<br />
problems, even heart attacks.<br />
Canisters are supposed to be fired over the heads<br />
of crowds, but that is not always the case. A direct<br />
hit can cause blunt-trauma injuries or even death.<br />
37-MILLIMETER<br />
TEAR GAS SHELL<br />
CS TEAR GAS<br />
GRENADE<br />
6 FEET - 165 FEET<br />
D.C. POLICE GUIDELINES SAY KINETIC WEAPONS<br />
SHOULD NOT BE USED IF SUBJECTS APPEAR CLOSER<br />
THAN SIX FEET OR FARTHER THAN 165 FEET.<br />
WHAT CAN GO WRONG<br />
Injuries from kinetic weapons are inevitable, experts<br />
say, and are part of the risk calculation.<br />
“To deploy these rounds and expect no injuries is<br />
just unrealistic,” Bir said, “even if just a bruise.”<br />
These projectiles can break bones, penetrate skin,<br />
fracture the skull, explode eyeballs and damage<br />
internal organs. Austin police critically injured a<br />
20-year-old college student and bystander at a<br />
May 31 protest when a beanbag round hit him in<br />
the head.<br />
Serious injuries are much more likely when projectiles<br />
are fired from close range. A direct hit to the<br />
chest could result in heart arrhythmia or broken<br />
ribs, which can puncture the lungs or heart. Blindness<br />
and abdominal injuries are among the more<br />
common permanent injuries.<br />
66 The BLUES The BLUES 67
STUN GRENADES, OR FLASH-BANGS<br />
PEPPER SPRAY<br />
• PEPPER-SPRAY CANISTER USED FOR CROWDS<br />
• PEPPER BALLS USED TO TARGET AN INDIVIDUAL<br />
• HANDHELD PEPPER SPRAY USED AT CLOSE RANGE<br />
WHAT IT IS<br />
A stun grenade is a small canister filled with magnesium-based<br />
pyrotechnic chemicals. It is thrown<br />
or fired like a hand grenade.<br />
After a short delay, it explodes with light bright<br />
enough to cause temporary blindness (the flash)<br />
and a noise loud enough to cause temporary deafness<br />
(the bang) in anyone within a few feet of it.<br />
Its purpose is to cause disorientation and panic.<br />
Loud bangs, smoke as protesters gather near<br />
White House<br />
WHAT CAN GO WRONG<br />
Anyone who is very close to a stun-grenade blast<br />
could suffer serious burns, internal injuries from<br />
the shock waves — especially eardrum injuries —<br />
or puncture wounds from flying shrapnel if the<br />
canister breaks apart. The noise, 150 to 180 decibels,<br />
according to Physicians for Human Rights, is<br />
well past the “painful and dangerous” threshold<br />
set by the American Academy of Audiology.<br />
A 2015 ProPublica investigation found cases of<br />
police losing hands and fingers and people being<br />
severely injured or killed by the devices, including<br />
a 19-month-old baby who was catastrophically<br />
wounded in 2014 when a stun grenade landed in<br />
his crib during a raid in Georgia<br />
HANDHELD SPRAYS — just like the kind mail<br />
carriers use to ward off angry dogs and citizens<br />
often use for personal protection — they are routinely<br />
carried by law enforcement officers to use<br />
when subduing a suspect during an arrest. The<br />
device shoots a quick, precise aerosol stream into<br />
a person’s face and works from up to about 12 feet<br />
away.<br />
CANISTERS AND GRENADES, on the other hand,<br />
are considered much more serious uses of force<br />
because they produce indiscriminate chemical<br />
clouds that can affect everyone in their path. Large<br />
canisters are sprayed like fire extinguishers; smaller<br />
ones are fired like grenades. Both are used to<br />
subdue and disperse crowds.<br />
WHAT CAN GO WRONG<br />
Pepper spray can cause the same respiratory and<br />
cardiovascular problems as tear gas, and skin<br />
contact can cause burning, inflammation, and<br />
allergic reactions.<br />
Grenades and cannisters . can also cause the<br />
same respiratory and cardiovascular problems as<br />
tear gas and have a broad range so non-involved<br />
bystanders could be collateral damage.<br />
TASER, STUN GUNS<br />
WHAT IT IS<br />
A Taser uses electrical shocks to stop a person<br />
by causing painful and involuntarily muscle<br />
contractions. Current is delivered in five-second<br />
bursts by two electrodes that are attached to the<br />
device by insulated wires that can reach up to 20<br />
feet away. (An officer can prolong the jolt to more<br />
than five seconds by holding the trigger down.)<br />
Stun guns are similar, but they are pressed directly<br />
against a person.<br />
Both types of weapons are used to control a<br />
single person rather than a crowd, and law enforcement<br />
officers do not appear to be using them<br />
often during recent protests.<br />
WHAT CAN GO WRONG<br />
The manufacturer’s warning lists many things,<br />
from burning, scarring and puncture wounds to<br />
seizures and respiratory and cardiac problems.<br />
Injuries can result from falls when people lose<br />
muscle control. Muscle injuries and bone fractures<br />
can be caused by violent muscle spasms, particularly<br />
in people who have preexisting conditions.<br />
68 The BLUES The BLUES 69
PepperBall, the only product on the<br />
market qualified to be called NON-LETHAL.<br />
PNEUMATIC AIR LAUNCHERS AND PAVA PRO-<br />
JECTILES — WHAT THEY ARE<br />
Pneumatic air launchers are similar to air powered<br />
paintball guns and pose minimal risk to either<br />
the user or the suspect. Pneumatic air launchers<br />
are not guns or firearms and typically deploy<br />
.68 caliber projectiles.<br />
The leading company is the space is Pepper-<br />
Ball®, the only product on the market with a<br />
near-zero fatality rate and qualified to be called<br />
NON-LETHAL.<br />
PepperBall is a non-lethal disabling-irritant<br />
delivery system that uses high-pressure air or CO2<br />
to deliver proprietary PAVA powder projectiles<br />
from a safe distance. The PepperBall projectiles<br />
are designed to break and release the temporarily<br />
incapacitating compound in a powder cloud.<br />
The kinetic impact of PepperBall is one-tenth that<br />
of 12 gauge drag- stabilized or 37/40 mm foam<br />
less-lethal munitions.<br />
PEPPERBALL ADDS A SAFE, NON-FIREARM<br />
OPTION TO AGENCIES’ ARSENAL.<br />
PepperBall combines proprietary PAVA-based<br />
irritant exposure with the capability to also deliver<br />
a moderate kinetic impact. In contrast to<br />
less-lethal 12 gauge and 37/40 mm munitions, the<br />
PepperBall round weighs only 3.0-3.4 grams and<br />
hits the body at 10-12 foot-pounds, similar to the<br />
kinetics of a recreational paintball marker. This<br />
greatly reduces the possibility of serious injury by<br />
a direct impact.<br />
PEPPERBALL IS DESIGNED TO BE USED SOON-<br />
ER AND SAFER THAN OTHER FORCE OPTIONS.<br />
When officers have only a fraction of a second<br />
to make a difficult decision, PepperBall makes the<br />
70 The BLUES The BLUES 71
decision easier. With exceptional range and accuracy,<br />
the PepperBall system can be used sooner<br />
and more effectively than any other tool. That<br />
means officers can stay safe and get the job done<br />
without immediately moving to lethal force and its<br />
tragic consequences.<br />
FLEXIBILITY IS ONE OF THE PEPPERBALL®<br />
SYSTEM’S GREATEST ASSETS.<br />
The non-lethal PepperBall® system delivers<br />
superior performance across numerous scenarios,<br />
settings, and conditions, allowing officers to<br />
manage critical incidents while maintaining a safe<br />
distance.<br />
In comparison, most less-lethal weapons are<br />
limited to one function (e.g., firing 12-gauge<br />
rounds), or used on one person (e.g., electronic<br />
control device), or in a specific manner (e.g., within<br />
15 feet of the assailant).<br />
PEPPERBALL HAS BUILT-IN FLEXIBILITY FOR A<br />
WIDE RANGE OF USES AND DISTANCES.<br />
PepperBall allows officers to use the same technology<br />
for area control and for near-in threats<br />
that officers cannot effectively approach (e.g., an<br />
assailant wielding a knife). Without this flexibility,<br />
a switch to a different technology would be<br />
required. Switching technologies midstream can<br />
result in substantial time delays, riskier tactics, or<br />
lethal force being deployed against suspects—all<br />
of which can be avoided with PepperBall.<br />
THE PEPPERBALL PAVA FORMULA IS EFFECTIVE<br />
ON MULTIPLE INDIVIDUALS OR WHEN A SUSPECT<br />
IS HIDDEN AND NOT IN VIEW.<br />
The irritant cloud created by the PepperBall projectile<br />
burst (generally a 12-foot diameter cloud) is<br />
sufficient to impact individuals hidden from view,<br />
groups who are hiding out of sight, and multiple<br />
individuals simultaneously in the case of crowd<br />
management.<br />
WHAT CAN GO WRONG<br />
Individuals who are in a toxicologically altered<br />
state may not respond to the PAVA concentration<br />
and a different approach may be necessary. While<br />
PAVA exposure is usually easily decontaminated<br />
with air and water, some subjects may require<br />
additional attention to fully remove the PAVA from<br />
their clothes and person.<br />
CONCLUSION<br />
In conclusion, the decision to use less lethal or<br />
non-lethal tools is a thoughtful one for any agency.<br />
Much like not bringing a knife to a gun fight, less<br />
lethal and non-lethal tools have their place and<br />
agency policy needs to be established regarding<br />
use. Ultimately, law enforcement officers are the<br />
ones deciding how they should respond to situations<br />
they are presented with, but in absence of less<br />
or non-lethal options, there are few other routes<br />
available for officers to protect their communities<br />
and themselves.<br />
72 The BLUES<br />
The BLUES 73
MARCH<br />
2-3 Stress Management in Law Enforcement *BY PATC Myrtle Beach, SC<br />
6-7 Recruiting, Hiring, Background Investigations *BY PATC Nampa, ID<br />
6-10 Detective and New Criminal Investigator *BY PATC <strong>No</strong>blesville, IN<br />
7-8 Basic Drug Investigation By LLRMI Stapleton, AL<br />
13-17 Hostage Negotiations Phase 1 By LLRMI Ft. Worth, TX<br />
14-16 3-Day New Detective and New Criminal Investigator By LLRMI Franklin, IN<br />
14-16 Sexual Deviant Offenders *BY PATC League City, TX<br />
20-23 Bravo-3 Law Enforcement Training Conf. Daytona Beach, FL<br />
20-25 ILEETA CONFERENCE & EXPO <strong>2023</strong> ST.LOUIS, MO<br />
21-22 Investigating Cases of Child Homicide By LLRMI Stapleton, AL<br />
21-23 Hands-On Vehicle Fire/Arson Investigation By LLRMI Longview, TX<br />
26-30 16TH ANNUAL GANG TRAINING &<br />
MID-ATLANTIC REGIONAL GANG INVESTIGATORS NETWORK HANOVER, MD<br />
27-30 INTERNATIONAL WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS EXPO LAS VEGAS, NV<br />
28-21 ISC-WEST INTERNATIONAL SECURITY CONFERENCE/EXPO LAS VEGAS, NV<br />
27-31 Detective and New Criminal Investigator *BY PATC Charlotte, NC<br />
APRIL<br />
2-6 TEXAS POLICE CHIEFS ASSOC. CONF. FT. WORTH, TX<br />
4-6 3-Day New Detective and New Criminal Investigator By LLRMI Ft. Worth, TX<br />
11-12 Managing the Property and Evidence Room *BY PATC Hoover, AL<br />
17-21 Field Training Officer Certification *BY PATC Texas City, TX<br />
18-19 Managing the Property and Evidence Room *BY PATC Texas City, TX<br />
24-25 Advanced Internal Investigations: Legal & Practical Issues *BY PATC Las Vegas, NV<br />
24-25 Arrest, Search and Seizure - Best Practices *BY PATC Las Vegas, NV<br />
24-28 5 Day Cellular Technology and Forensics (CTF) Certification-LLRMI Urbana, IL<br />
24-28 5 Day Homicide and Death Investigation By LLRMI Franklin, IN<br />
24-28 Detective and New Criminal Investigator *BY PATC Texas City, TX<br />
24-28 Use of Force Conference and Certification By LLRMI Clermont, FL<br />
25-27 Hands-On Vehicle Fire/Arson Investigation By LLRMI Upper Darby, PA<br />
25-27 Violent Crime Symposium <strong>2023</strong> Wilmington, DE<br />
25-29 NYTOA PATROL TACTICS TRAINING CONFERENCE /EXPO VERONA, NY<br />
26-28 Human Trafficking *BY PATC Las Vegas, NV<br />
MAY<br />
1-5 Detective and New Criminal Investigator *BY PATC Rio Rancho, NM<br />
1-5 <strong>2023</strong>-LEIU/IALEIA ANNUAL TRAINING EVENT LAS VEGAS, NV<br />
2-3 Managing the Property and Evidence Room *BY PATC Salina, KS<br />
2-4 Sexual Deviant Offenders *BY PATC Desloge, MO<br />
9-11 GREAT LAKES LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING CONFERENCE GRAND RAPIDS,MI<br />
9-11 <strong>2023</strong> <strong>No</strong>rth American Use of Force Symposium: Lessons Learned Scottsdale, AZ<br />
10-11 BORDER SECURITY EXPO SAN ANTONIO,TX<br />
10-11 Basic Drug Investigation By LLRMI Geo, TX<br />
16 Advanced Search & Seizure by Blue to Gold (Live Stream Available) Lufkin, TX<br />
17 Duty to Intervene by Blue to Gold (Live Stream Available) Lufkin, TX<br />
17 Real World De-Escalation by Blue to Gold (Live Stream Available) Lufkin, TX<br />
22-24 Cellular Technology, Records, and Analysis Southlake, TX<br />
22-24 Pat McCarthy’s Street Crimes - Real World Training Arlington, TX<br />
22-26 Advanced Homicide Investigation/Violent Crime course Anchorage, AL<br />
yrs.<br />
5-7 Leadership 101 - Professionalism Defined (TX New Sup.) McKinney, TX<br />
6-8 Reid Technique of Inv. & Advanced Interrogation Denton, TX<br />
12-16 OTOA ANNUAL CONFERENCE SANDUSKY, OH<br />
13-16 Reid Technique of Inv. & Advanced Interrogation Austin, TX<br />
18-22 IABTI IST CONFERENCE PONTE VEDRA, FL<br />
19-23 Detective and New Criminal Investigator *BY PATC Denton, TX<br />
26-29 NSA NATIONAL SHERIFF’S CONFERENCE GRAND RAPIDS,MI<br />
27-28 37TH ANNUAL POLICE SECURITY EXPO ATLANTIC CITY,NJ<br />
28-JULY3 NASRO ANNUAL CONFERENCE AURORA,CO<br />
O11-14 Cognitive Interviewing and Analytic Interviewing Humble, TX<br />
13-14 Child Abuse Investigations Denton , TX<br />
17-18 Proactive Leadership Humble, TX<br />
17-21 Basic Instructor 1014 Texas City, TX<br />
18-21 Reid Technique of Inv. & Advanced Interrogation Houston, TX<br />
24-27 53rd Annual Texas Narcotic Officers Association Training Conf. San Marcos, TX<br />
1-4 Reid Technique of Inv. & Advanced Interrogation Kileen, TX<br />
2 De-Escalation #1849 Texas City, TX<br />
7-11 Interview & Interrogation for New Detectives BY LLRMI Georgetown, TX<br />
7-11 Rolling Surveillance presented by LCI Services Texas City, TX<br />
8-11 Reid Technique of Inv. & Advanced Interrogation Dallas, TX<br />
14-16 Pat McCarthy’s Street Crimes - Galveston, TX<br />
14-18 Detective and New Criminal Investigator *BY PATC League City, TX<br />
15-18 Chop Shop Investigations presented by LCI Services Texas City, TX<br />
16-17 Leadership for Front-Line Supervisors Denton, TX<br />
18 Statement Analysis® Interviewing Techniques Dallas, TX<br />
22-23 Overdose Investigations Course Georgetown, TX<br />
28-31 National Internal Affairs Investigators Assoc (NIAIA)<br />
SEPTEMBER<br />
OCTOBER<br />
Annual Training Conf<br />
JUNE<br />
JULY<br />
AUGUST<br />
GSX <strong>2023</strong> CONFERENCE - DALLAS, TX<br />
IACP - SAN DIEGO, CA<br />
Fort Worth, TX<br />
Send your calendar listings to:<br />
bluespdmag@gmail.com<br />
<strong>2023</strong> CONFERENCE<br />
T E X A S P O L I C E C H I E F S A S S O C I A T I O N<br />
ONLY 1,500 Tickets are being sold<br />
2022 SKEETER FXR21LE VALUED AT $102,000<br />
www.texaspolicechiefs.org<br />
Register<br />
online!<br />
GRAND PRIZE INCLUDES: YAMAHA VF250 MOTOR, DUAL CONSOLES, TROLLING MOTOR,<br />
HYDRAULIC JACK PLATE, UPGRADED ELECTRONICS, AND A CUSTOM COVER<br />
Ticket Price: $100 each<br />
100% of proceeds fund the TPCA<br />
Foundation Officer Death Benefit<br />
Winners need not be present to win<br />
DRAWING TO BE HELD:<br />
APRIL 6, <strong>2023</strong><br />
Thank you<br />
for supporting the TPCAF<br />
Officer Death Benefits.<br />
Our fallen officer survivors benefit is $10k<br />
$190,000 in benevolence was paid out in 2022<br />
Click here to purchase raffle tickets!<br />
SCAN QR<br />
CODE TO<br />
PURCHASE<br />
TICKETS<br />
Texas Police Chiefs Association | P.O. Box 819 | Elgin, Texas 78621 | 512.281.5400<br />
70 The BLUES The BLUES 71
HONORING OUR FALLEN HEROES<br />
MASTER PATROL OFFICER CLARENCE L. “CJ” WILLIAMS<br />
POLICE OFFICER GONZALO CARRASCO, JR.<br />
CAIRO POLICE DEPARTMENT, GEORGIA<br />
END OF WATCH SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, <strong>2023</strong><br />
AGE: 23 TOUR: 2 YEARS BADGE: 124<br />
Master Patrol Officer CJ Williams passed away after suffering a medical emergency during a foot pursuit.<br />
Officer Williams was assisting a Grady County sheriff’s deputy during a traffic stop in the area of 10th Street<br />
and Robinson Avenue. The subject fled the vehicle, and the officers pursued him. During the chase, Officer<br />
Williams collapsed and was unable to be revived.<br />
Officer Williams had served with the Cairo Police Department for two years.<br />
SELMA POLICE DEPARTMENT, CALIFORNIA<br />
END OF WATCH TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, <strong>2023</strong><br />
AGE: 24 TOUR: 2 YEARS BADGE: N/A<br />
Police Officer Gonzalo Carrasco was shot and killed at 11:45 am at the 2600 Block of Pine Street in Selma. While<br />
on patrol, Officer Carrasco was stopped by a homeowner who stated that a man was on her property. When Officer<br />
Carrasco investigated, the subject fired several shots, striking Officer Carassco. Officer Carrasco was transported<br />
to the Community Regional Medical Center, where he succumbed to his wounds.<br />
Officer Carrasco had served with the Selma Police Department for two years and was part of the Explorer Program<br />
at the Reedley Police Department. He is survived by his parents, brother, sisters, and girlfriend, who is expecting his<br />
first child.<br />
72 The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE The BLUES POLICE The MAGAZINE BLUES 73
HONORING OUR FALLEN HEROES<br />
POLICE OFFICER SEAN L. SLUGANSKI<br />
POLICE OFFICER PETER E. C. JERVING<br />
MCKEESPORT POLICE DEPARTMENT, PENNSYLVANIA<br />
END OF WATCH MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6, <strong>2023</strong><br />
AGE: 32 TOUR: 8 YEARS BADGE: 300<br />
Police Officer Sean Sluganski was shot and killed while responding to a domestic situation at the 1300 block<br />
of Grandview Avenue in McKeesport. Officer Sluganski was taken to a local hospital where he succumbed to<br />
his wounds. The other officer was critically wounded and flown to a trauma center. The subject was charged<br />
with criminal homicide, aggravated assault, assaulting a law enforcement officer, and criminal attempted murder<br />
of a law enforcement officer.<br />
Officer Sluganski had served with the McKeesport Police Department for three years and previously served<br />
with the Charleroi Regional Police Department. He is survived by his fiancée and infant daughter.<br />
MILWAUKEE POLICE DEPARTMENT, WISCONSIN<br />
END OF WATCH TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, <strong>2023</strong><br />
AGE: 37 TOUR: 4 YEARS BADGE: 3422<br />
Police Officer Peter Jerving was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a robbery suspect at 1:16 am near<br />
the 2700 block of South 14th Street. Officers were looking for a suspect who had just committed a robbery<br />
at a nearby apartment building. The suspect fled on foot as officers approached him. One officer caught the<br />
subject and a struggle ensued. The subject fired his handgun and it struck Officer Jerving who was running to<br />
the scene to assist. Despite being wounded, Officer Jerving was able to return fire and killed the subject.<br />
Officer Jerving was transported to Froedtert Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds.<br />
Officer Jerving has served with the Milwaukee Police Department for four years and was assigned to Police<br />
District 4. He is survived by his parents, six siblings, and a long-time girlfriend.<br />
74 The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE The BLUES POLICE The MAGAZINE BLUES 75
HONORING OUR FALLEN HEROES<br />
POLICE OFFICER CHARLES HERRING<br />
POLICE OFFICER JULIAN BECERRA<br />
PEMBROKE PINES POLICE DEPARTMENT, FLORIDA<br />
END OF WATCH THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, <strong>2023</strong><br />
AGE: 54 TOUR: 24 YEARS BADGE: N/A<br />
Police Officer Charlie Herring was killed in a motorcycle crash near the intersection of 184th Avenue and<br />
Sheridan Street. He was on routine patrol when a falling piece of a tree fell and struck him. The impact caused<br />
him to fall from his motorcycle. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.<br />
Officer Herring was a U.S. Army veteran and had served with the Pembroke Pines Police Department for 21<br />
years. He had previously served with the Starke Police Department for three years. He is survived by his four<br />
children.<br />
FOUNTAIN POLICE DEPARTMENT, COLORADO<br />
END OF WATCH SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, <strong>2023</strong><br />
AGE: N/A TOUR: 4 YEARS BADGE: 976<br />
Police Officer Julian Becerra succumbed to injuries sustained nine days earlier when he fell from an overpass<br />
in Colorado Springs during a vehicle pursuit of carjacking suspects. Officer Becerra was chasing one of the<br />
suspects when he fell from an overpass to the pavement approximately 40 feet below. He was transported to<br />
a local hospital where he remained until succumbing to his injuries on February 11th, <strong>2023</strong>.<br />
Officer Becerra was a U.S. Air Force veteran. He had served with the Fountain Police Department for 4-1/2<br />
years and was assigned to the Canine Unit. He is survived by his wife and two children.<br />
76 The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE The BLUES POLICE The MAGAZINE BLUES 77
HONORING OUR FALLEN HEROES<br />
POLICE OFFICER JAMES MUHLBAUER<br />
POLICE OFFICER CHRISTOPHER FITZGERALD<br />
KANSAS CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT, MISSOURI<br />
END OF WATCH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, <strong>2023</strong><br />
AGE: N./A TOUR: 20 YEARS BADGE: N/A<br />
Police Officer Jim Muhlbauer and K9 Champ were killed in a vehicle crash at 10:15 pm at the intersection<br />
of East Truman Road and Benton Boulevard in Kansas City. A vehicle crashed into Officer Mulbauer and K9<br />
Champ while in their patrol vehicle. A pedestrian was also hit. K9 Champ and the pedestrian died at the scene.<br />
Officer Muhlbauer was taken to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The driver that hit the police<br />
car was also injured and is in police custody pending investigation.<br />
Officer Muhlbauer had served with the Kansas City Police Department for 20 years. He is survived by his wife<br />
and child.<br />
TEMPLE UNIVERSITY POLICE DEPARTMENT, PA<br />
END OF WATCH SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18, <strong>2023</strong><br />
AGE: 31 TOUR: 2 YEARS BADGE: 2362<br />
Police Officer Chris Fitzgerald was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a robbery suspect near 1700 W<br />
Montgomery Street in Philadelphia at about 7:30 pm. The subject shot Officer Fitzgerald in the head and then<br />
attempted to steal his duty weapon, belongings, and patrol car. Officer Fitzgerald was transported to Temple<br />
University Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds. The man who shot him was arrested at his home in<br />
Bucks County early the next morning. He was charged with the murder of a law enforcement officer, robbery,<br />
carjacking, and several other offenses.<br />
Officer Fitzgerald had served with the Temple University Police Department for two years.<br />
78 The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE The BLUES POLICE The MAGAZINE BLUES 79
HONORING OUR FALLEN HEROES<br />
POLICE OFFICER GEOFFREY REDD<br />
DETENTION OFFICER KENNETH FOWLER<br />
MEMPHIS POLICE DEPARTMENT, TENNESSEE<br />
END OF WATCH SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18, <strong>2023</strong><br />
AGE: 49 TOUR: 15 YEARS BADGE: 4800<br />
Police Officer Geoffrey Redd succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained two weeks earlier while responding to<br />
a suspicious person call at the Poplar-White Station Library at 5094 Poplar Avenue. Officers, including Officer<br />
Redd, had responded to a nearby business regarding a trespasser. Approximately 30 minutes later the subject<br />
became engaged in an altercation with a citizen inside of the Poplar-White Station Library. As Officer Redd<br />
and another officer attempted to contact the subject outside of the library the man produced a handgun and<br />
opened fire on them. Officer Redd was shot and critically wounded before the other officer returned fire and<br />
killed the subject. Officer Redd was transported to Regional One Hospital and remained in critical condition<br />
until succumbing to his wounds on February 18th, <strong>2023</strong>. Officer Redd had served with the Memphis Police<br />
Department for 15 years. He is survived by his wife, three daughters, and four grandchildren.<br />
PONTOTOC COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE, OKLAHOMA<br />
END OF WATCH SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, <strong>2023</strong><br />
AGE: 52 TOUR: 5 YEARS BADGE: N/A<br />
Detention Officer Kenneth Fowler succumbed to injuries sustained on January 31st, <strong>2023</strong>, when he slipped<br />
on ice in the parking lot of the Pontotoc County Justice Center. The area was experiencing an ice storm when<br />
he fell. He was transported to a hospital in Oklahoma City suffering from head injuries and hypothermia. He<br />
remained in a medically induced coma until succumbing to his injuries on February 19th, <strong>2023</strong>.<br />
Officer Fowler had served with the Pontotoc County Sheriff’s Office for five years. He is survived by his wife,<br />
daughter, mother, brother, sister, and two grandchildren.<br />
80 The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE The BLUES POLICE The MAGAZINE BLUES 81
WORDS BY DEPUTY D.S. SMITH, RETIRED<br />
Balloon Boy - The Great<br />
Balloon Hoax of 2009!<br />
As I was watching the China<br />
balloon drift across America,<br />
I couldn’t help but remember<br />
another time that a balloon captured<br />
America’s attention and, on<br />
that occasion, I had a front row<br />
seat.<br />
It was beautiful day in Colorado.<br />
The date was October<br />
15, 2009. I was a deputy for the<br />
Larimer County Sheriff’s Office<br />
assigned to the day shift in our<br />
Valley Patrol area which included<br />
Fort Collins. (Sounds like the<br />
beginning of a Dragnet Show,<br />
but that dates me so moving<br />
along) Another deputy and I had<br />
just finished grabbing a bite to<br />
eat when we got the strangest<br />
call, I had ever heard in all of my<br />
20 years of law enforcement.<br />
“Any unit clear to assist a<br />
homeowner in the 5400 block<br />
of Fossil Ridge locate a missing<br />
6-year white male child<br />
last seen playing inside a large<br />
balloon.”<br />
I advised I was enroute and<br />
then I’ll never forget the dispatchers<br />
update just before I<br />
arrived. “Units enroute to Fossil<br />
Ridge, be advised the missing juvenile<br />
is believed to be inside the<br />
balloon which is now airborne.”<br />
As I arrived several units from<br />
our department were already<br />
on the scene and so was a news<br />
van. My sergeant walked up to<br />
me and said we need to search<br />
every inch of this place for a<br />
6-year-old kid. His parents think<br />
he may have been in a big balloon<br />
they just launched. That<br />
must be one big fucking balloon<br />
sarge. They taped it. What? They<br />
taped it.<br />
I walked over to a tripod that<br />
was setup in the driveway and<br />
the kids’ father, Richard Heene<br />
was freaking the hell out jumping<br />
and down saying he launched<br />
a giant flying saucer balloon,<br />
and his kid was playing inside of<br />
it earlier and now he can’t find<br />
him and Oh my God what the<br />
fuck have I done.<br />
Show me the tape sir. He rewinds<br />
the camera and I look at<br />
the grainy video and see what<br />
looks like a homemade flying<br />
saucer take off into the wind.<br />
Below the round part of the<br />
balloon was a round box looking<br />
structure that Richard says was<br />
made of plywood and yes, his<br />
kid could fit in it.<br />
By this time, dozens of news<br />
crews had descended on the<br />
location and were everywhere.<br />
I went inside the house and<br />
caught up with several other<br />
deputies who were about to look<br />
in the attic.<br />
Guys, where did all these fucking<br />
news people come from?<br />
The FAA and is tracking the<br />
damn balloon live on TV. What?<br />
I walked back into the den and<br />
sure enough, there was this giant<br />
silver flying saucer balloon flying<br />
across our valley. Supposedly<br />
with our missing kid inside.<br />
About that time, my sergeant<br />
walks back in and says “search<br />
every fucking inch of this place<br />
and find that damn kid. Everybody<br />
in the country is watching<br />
82 The BLUES The BLUES 83<br />
82 The BLUES The BLUES 83
us and let’s pray to GOD he’s here<br />
somewhere and not in that fucking<br />
balloon.”<br />
I climbed the stairs and<br />
searched every nook and cranny<br />
in the attic. <strong>No</strong>thing. I went back<br />
downstairs and searched the<br />
bedrooms, under the beds, closets,<br />
hell I ever looked inside and<br />
behind the washer and dryer. <strong>No</strong><br />
Kid.<br />
By this time, the balloon<br />
had drifted some 5 miles and<br />
reached an altitude of almost<br />
7,000 feet. There were almost a<br />
hundred people gathered outside<br />
and now the Sheriff himself<br />
was here. This was a full-blown<br />
cluster fuck. One thing was certain,<br />
6-year-old Falcon Heene<br />
was nowhere to be found in<br />
the house. Deputies and officers<br />
from other departments started<br />
a door-to-door search, hoping<br />
he was anywhere but inside the<br />
balloon.<br />
After almost an hour of<br />
searching, I did what everyone<br />
else in America did. I watched<br />
it all unfold on Heene’s TV set.<br />
I kept glancing at the parents,<br />
and they truly looked frightened.<br />
Finally, the balloon lost altitude<br />
and when it got close to the<br />
ground, officers began beating<br />
the balloon with wooden sticks<br />
to puncture the outer skin. Once<br />
it was deflated, they looked side<br />
the box and no Falcon. Of course,<br />
that wasn’t the end. A Weld<br />
County deputy had reported that<br />
he saw something fall out of the<br />
balloon when it was over Platteville<br />
and now everyone thought<br />
Falcon had fallen out and surely<br />
was dead. I will say, that while<br />
this entire event was playing<br />
out on National TV, the parents<br />
played the part of truly scared<br />
parents.<br />
After the balloon was on the<br />
ground and Falcon wasn’t inside,<br />
the Sheriff cut most of us<br />
loose and sent us outside to<br />
manage the crowds. At 3:30pm<br />
someone called in and reported<br />
seeing a young boy playing<br />
alone in a nearby park. I jumped<br />
in my car and went to check it<br />
out. As I was searching for the<br />
playground, a unit at the Heene<br />
residence came on the radio and<br />
said “attention all units, the juvenile<br />
subject from Fossil Ridge<br />
has been located at the residence<br />
and is safe. All units can<br />
stand down.”<br />
What the hell. <strong>No</strong> Way that kid<br />
was in that house. When I got<br />
back, my sergeant said the kid<br />
just came walking in the house<br />
and said he was hiding in the<br />
garage attic in a box. The Sheriff<br />
said he thought that was BS<br />
because he knew damn well,<br />
we had searched the garage and<br />
the attic. But at that point, I was<br />
exhausted, and it was way past<br />
the end of my shift. I cleared the<br />
scene and headed for the station.<br />
Man did I have a story to tell my<br />
grandkids one day.<br />
Of course, when it was all said<br />
and done, we all know now that<br />
it was all staged and a hoax. But<br />
in that moment, in that house<br />
standing next to Richard and<br />
Mayumi, they truly acted like<br />
parents whose kid was trapped<br />
inside a tin foil flying saucer balloon<br />
flying across Colorado with<br />
the entire fucking nation watching<br />
it.<br />
For those of you who may be<br />
too young to remember, let me<br />
recap what really happened<br />
here.<br />
84 The BLUES The BLUES 85
WORDS BY DEPUTY D.S. SMITH, RETIRED<br />
Before there was a China Balloon,<br />
there was Balloon Boy.<br />
Richard Heene and Mayumi<br />
Iizuka met at an acting school in<br />
Hollywood, California, and married<br />
in 1997. Heene had tried acting<br />
and stand-up comedy without<br />
success, and, for a time, he<br />
and his wife ran a home business<br />
producing demo reels for actors.<br />
Heene is also a handyman.<br />
Associates described him as a<br />
shameless self-promoter who<br />
would do almost anything to advance<br />
his latest endeavor. Heene<br />
became a storm chaser in the<br />
1970s after a storm took the roof<br />
off a building he was working<br />
on. Heene’s storm chasing has<br />
included riding a motorcycle into<br />
a tornado and reportedly flying<br />
a plane around the perimeter<br />
of Hurricane Wilma in 2005. He<br />
regularly involved his children in<br />
his endeavors, taking them along<br />
on UFO-hunting expeditions and<br />
storm-chasing missions. The<br />
Heenes had three sons named<br />
Falcon, Bradford and Ryo.<br />
The family had been featured<br />
on the reality television show<br />
Wife Swap on two occasions,<br />
the second time as a fan-favorite<br />
choice for the show’s 100th<br />
episode. During his time on the<br />
show, Heene expressed his belief<br />
that humanity descended from<br />
aliens and spoke of launching<br />
home-made flying saucers into<br />
storms. Heene had unsuccessfully<br />
sought the media’s interest in<br />
a proposed reality show called<br />
The Science Detectives, which<br />
he envisioned as a documentary<br />
series “to investigate the mysteries<br />
of science”. Months before<br />
the balloon incident Heene had<br />
pitched a reality show idea to the<br />
television channel TLC, but the<br />
network passed on the offer.<br />
The Balloon<br />
Richard Heene said the saucer-shaped<br />
balloon was an early<br />
prototype of a vehicle which<br />
“people can pull out of their garage<br />
and hover above traffic”. He<br />
also stated that, once “the high<br />
voltage timer” was switched on,<br />
the balloon “would emit one<br />
million volts every five minutes<br />
for one minute” in order to<br />
“move left and right horizontal”.<br />
The balloon, 20 feet (6.1 m) in<br />
diameter and 5 feet (1.5 m) high,<br />
was constructed from plastic<br />
tarps taped together, covered<br />
with an aluminum foil and held<br />
together with string and duct<br />
tape. Its base, in which Falcon<br />
allegedly rode, was a box made<br />
from a very thin piece of plywood<br />
and cardboard on the side,<br />
also held together by string and<br />
duct tape.<br />
Fully inflated, a balloon of<br />
this size would contain just<br />
over 1,000 cubic feet (28 m3) of<br />
helium.[29] Helium’s lift capacity<br />
at sea level and 0 °C is 1.113 kg/<br />
m3 (0.07 lbs/ft3) and decreases<br />
at higher altitudes and at higher<br />
temperatures. The volume of<br />
helium in the balloon has been<br />
estimated as being able to lift<br />
a total load, including the balloon<br />
material and the structure<br />
beneath it, of 65 pounds (29 kg)<br />
at sea level and 48 pounds (22<br />
kg) at 8,000 feet (2,400 m). Fort<br />
Collins is at an elevation of about<br />
5,000 feet (1,500 m) and the<br />
balloon was estimated to have<br />
reached 7,000 feet (2,100 m).<br />
The Incident<br />
The family said they first suspected<br />
Falcon Heene was missing<br />
when, immediately after the<br />
balloon had taken off, Falcon’s<br />
brother told them that he had<br />
seen the six-year-old climb into<br />
the balloon’s basket beforehand.<br />
A home video released the following<br />
day shows the launch of<br />
the balloon. Richard inspects the<br />
basket, then his family counts<br />
down in unison “three, two, one”<br />
before releasing the cord. Apparently<br />
believing the balloon<br />
to be tethered a few feet from<br />
the ground, the family starts<br />
screaming in distress when it<br />
floats off into the sky. Richard<br />
Heene, who can be seen kicking<br />
the wood frame that supported<br />
the balloon, yelled amidst a<br />
myriad of obscene words, “You<br />
didn’t put the fucking tether<br />
down!” Falcon is nowhere to be<br />
seen and nobody mentions the<br />
possibility of Falcon being in the<br />
balloon.<br />
According to initial reports<br />
from the sheriff, the family first<br />
called the Federal Aviation Administration,<br />
although later the<br />
sheriff’s office stated that “they<br />
had no confirmation that Richard<br />
Heene actually made the call to<br />
the FAA.” They then called Denver<br />
NBC affiliate KUSA-TV; they<br />
reportedly requested that the<br />
station send a news helicopter to<br />
track the balloon’s progress, and<br />
then called emergency services.<br />
During the call to 911 at 11:29 AM<br />
local time (MDT) Richard Heene<br />
said, “I don’t know whether it’s<br />
possible you guys could detect<br />
the electricity that it emits ... it<br />
emits a million volts on the outer<br />
skin.”<br />
The balloon, tracked by helicopters,<br />
drifted for 60 miles<br />
(97 km), passing through Adams<br />
86 The BLUES The BLUES 87<br />
86 The BLUES The BLUES 87
County and Weld County. Planes<br />
were rerouted around the balloon’s<br />
flight path. Reports that<br />
Denver International Airport was<br />
briefly shut down were later<br />
determined to be incorrect. The<br />
balloon finally landed two hours<br />
later at around 1:35 PM local time<br />
near Keenesburg, 12 miles (19<br />
km) northeast of Denver International<br />
Airport.<br />
When the boy was not found<br />
inside the balloon, officials expressed<br />
concern that he might<br />
have fallen out during the flight.<br />
Although it was reported that it<br />
did not appear breached,[1] Margie<br />
Martinez of the Weld County<br />
Sheriff’s Office said that the door<br />
was unlocked in the balloon. A<br />
sheriff deputy reported seeing<br />
something fall from the balloon<br />
near Platteville, Colorado, and<br />
a photograph of the balloon in<br />
flight with a small black dot<br />
below was said to suggest the<br />
boy may have fallen out or that<br />
something had detached from<br />
the balloon. Search and rescue<br />
crews in Colorado searched for<br />
the boy for hours.<br />
At approximately 4:14 PM, CNN<br />
and other news reported that<br />
the boy was found hiding in a<br />
cardboard box in rafters above<br />
the garage, but county sheriff<br />
Jim Alderden later said, “For all<br />
we know he may have been two<br />
blocks down the road playing on<br />
the swing in the city park.”<br />
The New York Post estimated<br />
that the total cost of the rescue<br />
operation would be about $2<br />
million, although this has yet to<br />
be verified. The helicopter flights<br />
alone during the rescue operation<br />
cost about $14,500. The<br />
Colorado National Guard assisted<br />
the effort with UH-60 Black<br />
Hawk and OH-58 Kiowa helicopters.<br />
Investigation<br />
After the incident, several news<br />
agencies began questioning<br />
whether it was a hoax. Editor &<br />
Publisher pointed out that “few<br />
had raised the issue of whether<br />
such a balloon could even lift<br />
off with a 50-pound (23 kg) kid<br />
inside and then float the way it<br />
did” during the flight. The police<br />
initially said it did not appear<br />
to be a hoax, but when Falcon<br />
and his family were being interviewed<br />
later in the day by Wolf<br />
Blitzer on CNN’s Larry King Live<br />
he asked Falcon, “Why did you<br />
not come out of the garage?”<br />
After his parents repeated the<br />
question, he responded, “You<br />
guys said that, um, we did this<br />
for the show.” Blitzer questioned<br />
Heene and Falcon further after<br />
the statement was made. The<br />
next day, during interviews on<br />
ABC’s Good Morning America<br />
and NBC’s Today, the boy vomited<br />
when he was asked about his<br />
comment and again when his father<br />
was asked about it, fueling<br />
more suspicion.<br />
Falcon’s answers prompted the<br />
sheriff’s office to pursue further<br />
investigations as to whether the<br />
incident was part of a publicity<br />
stunt. On October 16, Alderden<br />
said that “the suggestion that<br />
the boy ... was coached to hide<br />
seems inconceivable.”<br />
Larimer County Sheriff’s officials<br />
had consulted a Colorado<br />
State University physics professor,<br />
Brian Jones, who initially determined,<br />
based on the dimensions<br />
provided by Richard Heene,<br />
that the balloon could plausibly<br />
lift off with a boy of Falcon’s<br />
reported size (37 pounds or<br />
17 kilograms). However, when<br />
authorities later measured the<br />
balloon, they concluded it was<br />
not large enough to lift the child.<br />
Upon inspecting the balloon,<br />
authorities learned it weighed<br />
18 pounds (8.2 kg) more than<br />
Heene had said. Alderden said<br />
the base of the balloon could<br />
have handled 37 pounds (17 kg)<br />
without breaking, but to get airborne<br />
with those 37 pounds (17<br />
kg) inside it would have to have<br />
been attached to a more powerful<br />
balloon.<br />
After viewing the home video<br />
of the balloon launch, Alderden<br />
said the balloon appeared to<br />
have been rising very quickly.<br />
During a press conference on<br />
October 18, Alderden called the<br />
incident a hoax, stating “we<br />
believe we have evidence at this<br />
point to indicate that this was a<br />
publicity stunt in hopes to better<br />
market themselves for a reality<br />
show.” He also said that charges<br />
in the case have not yet been<br />
filed but that the parents could<br />
face both misdemeanor and felony<br />
charges, including conspiracy<br />
to commit a crime, contributing<br />
to the delinquency of a minor,<br />
filing a false report with authorities,<br />
and attempting to influence<br />
a public servant. Alderden stated<br />
88 The BLUES The BLUES 89<br />
88 The BLUES The BLUES 89
that his comments on October<br />
16 were part of a “game plan” to<br />
keep the Heenes’ trust.<br />
Richard Heene’s lawyer, David<br />
Lane, announced on October 19<br />
that Richard and Mayumi Heene<br />
would surrender to police as<br />
soon as charges were filed, and<br />
plead not guilty.<br />
Throughout the Balloon Boy<br />
Hoax investigation, the couple<br />
had a list of potential fines and<br />
penalties before the sentencing<br />
began. The Federal Aviation<br />
Administration (FAA) proposed<br />
a fine of $11,000 USD for the<br />
“launching of an unauthorized<br />
aircraft.” An FAA spokesman,<br />
Mike Fergus, later revealed that<br />
they had completed their investigation,<br />
but no details were<br />
released after the investigation.<br />
The couple also had proposed<br />
fines for Richard Heene for committing<br />
a class 4 felony; he could<br />
have received two to six years in<br />
prison and fines between $2,000<br />
to $500,000. Mayumi Heene was<br />
also facing a potential penalty;<br />
by committing a class 3 misdemeanor,<br />
she could receive up to<br />
six months in prison and a fine<br />
ranging from $50 to $750.<br />
According to the supporting<br />
affidavit that law enforcement<br />
submitted with their application<br />
for a search warrant, Mayumi<br />
later admitted that she “knew all<br />
along that Falcon was hiding in<br />
the residence.” The affidavit alleges<br />
that the couple planned the<br />
hoax about two weeks before<br />
releasing the balloon on October<br />
15 and “instructed their three<br />
children to lie to authorities as<br />
well as the media regarding this<br />
hoax”, for the purpose of making<br />
the family “more marketable for<br />
future media interests.”<br />
Guilty plea<br />
Richard Heene’s attorney announced<br />
on <strong>No</strong>vember 12, 2009,<br />
that both parents intended to<br />
plead guilty to the charges filed<br />
against them, for which the<br />
prosecutor would recommend<br />
probation. The attorney’s statement<br />
said that the threat of<br />
deportation of his wife, Mayumi<br />
Heene, who is a Japanese citizen,<br />
was a major factor in the<br />
plea negotiations. On <strong>No</strong>vember<br />
13, Richard Heene pleaded guilty<br />
to a felony charge of attempting<br />
to influence a public servant.<br />
Mayumi Heene did not appear<br />
with him, but still faced a misdemeanor<br />
charge of false reporting<br />
to authorities.<br />
On December 23, 2009, a<br />
judge sentenced Richard Heene<br />
to 90 days in jail and 100 hours<br />
of community service. He was<br />
also ordered to write a formal<br />
apology to the agencies<br />
that searched for Falcon. Mayumi<br />
Heene was sentenced to<br />
20 days in jail, to be served<br />
through jail-supervised community<br />
service for two days a<br />
week. Mayumi was also allowed<br />
to begin her sentence after her<br />
husband’s ended in order to<br />
ensure her children would be<br />
cared for, and the Heenes were<br />
also banned from receiving any<br />
profits from the hoax for several<br />
years. Richard Heene was also<br />
ordered to pay $36,000 in restitution.<br />
Governor Polis issued<br />
pardons to the Heenes in 2020,<br />
saying they had already “paid the<br />
price in the eyes of the public”<br />
and that it was time for Colorado<br />
to move on from the case as<br />
it was a waste of precious time<br />
of the law enforcement, military<br />
enforcement, and the general<br />
public. Polis eventually removed<br />
Mayumi’s misdemeanor charge<br />
and Richard’s felony charge from<br />
their records, stating they deserved<br />
a second chance and still<br />
have the burden of guilt on them.<br />
Polis said, “It’s time to no longer<br />
let a permanent criminal record<br />
from the balloon boy saga follow<br />
and drag down the parents<br />
for the rest of their lives.”<br />
90 The BLUES The BLUES 91
A BADGE OF HONOR<br />
healing our heroes<br />
yrs.<br />
OUR TOOL BOX.<br />
If you are just beginning your Law there is no one tool that fits all the<br />
Enforcement career or have been in interactions they might encounter<br />
it for 20 plus years, you must make on a daily basis.<br />
sure your toolbox is filled with the It varies from responding to a basic<br />
tools you will need to survive.<br />
aided call or a suicide, an armed<br />
Many of us, when we first started robbery in progress with possible<br />
out, were given the basic tools to hostages, a mental health emergency,<br />
make it through a shift at work. But<br />
or a basic call for service. The<br />
we were not given the proper tools officer is constantly using different<br />
needed to perform our job to the tools to solve and fix each response.<br />
best of our Mental Health Ability. Therefore, it’s imperative department<br />
But that was back when we did<br />
leaders make sure they are<br />
not have the data or the information<br />
providing their officers with the best<br />
we have today. Why are we of the best. A chief’s job is to make<br />
still living in the dark ages when it sure he has enough money in his<br />
comes to mental health in the first or her budget to cover the costs of<br />
responder world?<br />
these tools for every officer under<br />
In any given profession, if given their command.<br />
the wrong tools, you will fail, get Smoke and Mirror programs or<br />
injured or die.<br />
just checking a box is unacceptable.<br />
Just imagine a mechanic using<br />
We’ve seen this repeatedly with the<br />
the wrong tools or equipment frustration, loss of love for the job,<br />
needed to remove a transmission. and early retirements.<br />
The results would be disastrous. Officers should not have to battle<br />
An electrician without a voltmeter,<br />
against their own department to<br />
an accountant without a cal-<br />
get things they need and rightfully<br />
culator or a chef with an electric deserve. They should not have to<br />
stove. Sure, they may be able to hide or withhold trauma in fear of<br />
perform the job, but with mistakes, department retribution or loss of<br />
inefficacies and risks and the outcome<br />
employment.<br />
will be completely different. Nationwide we are seeing officers<br />
Law Enforcement is no different. leaving, not because of the crime,<br />
<strong>No</strong>t having the proper tools in our or the trauma they see each day. It’s<br />
world can be catastrophic.<br />
because of the twisted politics, lack<br />
In many of the departments of support and wild woke agendas<br />
across the country, we are providing<br />
and policies that cripple the way<br />
substandard or outdated tools, law enforcement officers can do<br />
or no tools at all, to our Officers. their job.<br />
The toolbox of a Law Enforcement As a chief, if you see a mass exodos<br />
Officer is extensive. They should be<br />
in your department you need<br />
filled with top of the line, up to date to ask yourself why. Cops leave the<br />
tools.<br />
profession because of poor leadership<br />
When you think about what an<br />
and lack of support. The prob-<br />
officer may have to face on his or lem is not the Job, the problem is<br />
her shift, it boggles the mind. But the bowing down to politicians who<br />
SAMANTHA HORWITZ &<br />
JOHN SALERNO<br />
have no fight in the game. Those<br />
making the rules sit behind a desk<br />
in their high salary positions making<br />
life and death decisions about a job<br />
they have no clue about. Then you<br />
have leaders who will accept these<br />
political terms to bring forth to their<br />
departments.<br />
We need leaders who will stand<br />
up and fight for our officers. We<br />
need leaders who will demand that<br />
officers are given the tools they<br />
need and anything less will not be<br />
accepted. Leaders who are willing<br />
to risk their own career for the<br />
mental health and safety of the men<br />
and women who are suffering on<br />
the front-line.<br />
If we continue down this path, we<br />
will see more of our dedicated officer’s<br />
fall. We have attended way<br />
too many funerals. Have said way<br />
too many goodbyes and have heard<br />
the same bullshit from the politicians,<br />
that it is just not in this year’s<br />
budget… I CALL BULLSHIT.<br />
Leaders, Stand Up for your Officers.<br />
Officers do not fear asking for<br />
Help…. Politicians, provide the tools<br />
and money needed so our men and<br />
women can continue to serve our<br />
cities and states proudly.<br />
Written by<br />
Retired NYPD Detective<br />
John Salerno, A Badge of Honor<br />
ALL FIRST RESPONDERS & VETERANS<br />
10% OFF A NEW INTERIOR<br />
FOR YOUR CAR,TRUCK OR SUV<br />
12722 Hwy. 3 Webster, Texas • 281-486-97<strong>39</strong><br />
92 The BLUES The BLUES 93<br />
CLICK HERE FOR WEBSITE
DARYL LOTT<br />
There’s been a lot of talk lately<br />
about the Constitution. That’s a<br />
yrs.<br />
good thing. It is the document that<br />
governs us for good or for ill. Some<br />
say it’s a living document. I suppose<br />
that’s true seeing that there is<br />
Texas Politics and One’s Mental Health.<br />
a process we can follow to change<br />
The first regularly elected president<br />
Houston figured he had a two<br />
it in some way, but it’s not a living<br />
of the Republic of Texas out of three chance to defeat<br />
document as it sits. It says what it<br />
was, of course, Sam Houston. A Lamar.<br />
says. If you don’t like what it says -<br />
close study of that man’s life reveals<br />
an extremely strong willed steamer in Galveston Bay when<br />
James Collinsworth was on a<br />
change it.<br />
Sometimes when I research<br />
things, I run across sentences<br />
individual. He is the personification<br />
of not only Texas, but an jumping overboard to his death.<br />
centuries ago. Such sentences give<br />
he decided to end his life by<br />
in reports written years or even<br />
age. The personal setbacks in Peter Grayson was on his way<br />
me pause as I consider them. All<br />
his life led him to do things that back to Texas when he stopped<br />
reports have biases in them, so I try<br />
were really strange (run away to at a tavern in Tennessee. He left<br />
to account for that (knowing I have<br />
live with the Cherokees, assault a note apologizing to the inn<br />
my own biases and filters). Since<br />
people, go on long benders, keeper before he shot himself in<br />
governments came on the scene<br />
dress in outrageous wardrobes, the head.<br />
in world history, leaders have sent<br />
etc). He did what he had to do Lamar became president much<br />
DARYL LOTT<br />
agents to places with instructions<br />
to navigate personal turmoil. to the detriment of Texas, however,<br />
he is considered to be the relationship with Houston. It was<br />
to report back on their findings.<br />
An early example in world history<br />
He was a better man after each<br />
might be when the Israelites sent<br />
episode.<br />
father of free public education in he that convinced Houston to run<br />
people to the Promised Land with<br />
Houston was recovering from Texas. He also moved the capital<br />
from Houston to Austin and the other senator from the new<br />
saw. One such mission in American<br />
for President the first time. He was<br />
orders to report back what they<br />
a serious life-threatening wound<br />
he suffered at San Jacinto when designed our tricolor lone star state serving with the “Old Chief”<br />
history occurred when President<br />
people begged him to run for flag. Houston hated the enormous<br />
in that office. He went to DC to<br />
Jefferson sent Lewis and Clark out<br />
president. He did not want to<br />
debt Lamar ran up in a bid represent Texas and doctors dis-<br />
to report back on a real estate deal<br />
run, doctors in New Orleans removed<br />
over twenty bone frag-<br />
than a land preparing for state-<br />
neck not long after his arrival that<br />
Pretty standard stuff.<br />
to make Texas an empire rather covered a lump at the base of his<br />
Jefferson completed with Napoleon.<br />
ments from his shattered ankle. hood.<br />
they believed to be a tumor. Rusk<br />
In Texas history there was a<br />
His other war wounds from the Again, after Houston was<br />
report that actually revealed a lot<br />
took his life through a self inflicted<br />
gunshot wound.<br />
about the reportee and the subjects<br />
Creek Indian War plagued him elected as the third president,<br />
of the report. In 1827, the Mexican<br />
his entire life. While fighting for he could not succeed himself. I write this to share thoughts on<br />
government sent one of its generals<br />
to Tejas to observe Texians and<br />
his life, he consented to run for He asked a friend, Anson Jones, mental health. Be aware of your<br />
Texas president only eleven days to run and prepare the republic own and others’ mental state. We<br />
make a report of his observations.<br />
before the election. He won, but for imminent statehood. Jones have all lost friends to suicide<br />
The government was concerned<br />
Texas law did not allow consecutive<br />
consented and won the election. and it’s never easy to navigate the<br />
that the new immigrants weren’t<br />
terms.<br />
He was the last president of the aftermath of such a devastating<br />
assimilating. General Manuel Meir<br />
M.B. Lamar ran on the “<strong>No</strong> republic, but he did things that event. The old heroes of Texas<br />
y Teran dutifully complied with his<br />
Annexation” platform to be the were very unpopular with voters. were “tough men” living in tough<br />
orders. He confirmed that the newcomers<br />
were not fitting in as they<br />
second president. Over 95% of Therefore, he was not appointed<br />
as a senator in the new state.<br />
times. If they could succumb to<br />
Texans wanted to be annexed<br />
should. The newcomers expected<br />
personal demons, anyone could.<br />
too much service from the government<br />
in the way of courts and jus-<br />
to the U.S. so his platform was He blew his brains out in what Our nation created a National Suicide<br />
Prevention Hotline as an aid<br />
tice. The newcomers thought it was<br />
not popular. Houston asked two would later become the Rice<br />
political allies to run in his stead Hotel in Houston.<br />
to help those who are struggling<br />
beneath them to pay a little extra<br />
to stave off Lamar: James Collinsworth<br />
and Peter Grayson. friend with an on again off again ber for help is 988. Pass it along.<br />
tle bribe here and there was a good<br />
Thomas Rusk was a longtime with their mental state. The num-<br />
for the alcaldes to hear a case. A lit-<br />
thing. All of that was spot on in the<br />
94 The BLUES The BLUES 95<br />
daryl’s deliberations
NOT SO BRIGHT AWARD<br />
Light Buld Award<br />
yrs.<br />
ONLY IN CALIFORNIA<br />
LA Mayor Bass calls to root out ‘right-wing extremist’ police, signals<br />
lowering the bar for new recruits. Never underestimate the stupidity of<br />
a left-wing, WOKE Mayor and a WOKE Governor, to sink even lower.<br />
WOKE & STUPID<br />
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass<br />
has called to remove “obstacles”<br />
for new police recruits and<br />
pledged to root out officers with<br />
ties to “right-wing domestic extremist<br />
organizations.”<br />
Bass is looking to remove<br />
“obstacles” for police recruits<br />
who fail to initially qualify for<br />
training as a means of further<br />
diversifying the LAPD, according<br />
to a summary of her public safety<br />
goals obtained by Fox News<br />
Digital – but police union leaders<br />
are questioning the move.<br />
Bass’ summary of goals for<br />
police reform includes a list of<br />
provisions as well as dates by<br />
which the department must<br />
report back regarding progress.<br />
One provision says a deputy<br />
mayor will work in conjunction<br />
with a “third party” to “evaluate<br />
the personnel process and<br />
identify obstacles to entry for<br />
recruits who fail to qualify for<br />
training.”<br />
“We think that particular provision<br />
or that goal or that idea<br />
is dangerous,” Tom Saggau, Los<br />
Angeles Police Protective League<br />
(LAPPL) spokesperson, told Fox<br />
News Digital.<br />
“If you have police officers<br />
that can’t make minimum qualifications<br />
or attained minimum<br />
standards, for instance, there<br />
are recruits that have been in the<br />
academy that just can’t score<br />
the minimum requirements for a<br />
physical fitness test,” he added.<br />
“One hundred is the maximum<br />
score, 50 is acceptable. There are<br />
folks that are scoring under 10.<br />
That’s just dangerous.”<br />
The provision states that recommendations<br />
to remove any<br />
obstacles will be taken into consideration,<br />
especially with those<br />
in relation to “ethnic groups disproportionately<br />
left out of new<br />
officer training.”<br />
Saggau said the provision calls<br />
for the lowering of standards<br />
within the police department<br />
as new hires who did not initially<br />
qualify during training are<br />
shown not to “possess the mental<br />
fitness or the physical fitness<br />
ability to be a police officer.”<br />
“That’s just a recipe for disaster,”<br />
Saggau said. “So we think<br />
lowering standards is a dangerous<br />
precedent.”<br />
Another provision in the goals<br />
summary seeks to “identify, discipline,<br />
and/or terminate officers<br />
associated with right-wing domestic<br />
extremist organizations”<br />
using data from the Justice Department.<br />
LAPD must report back<br />
with progress on this provision<br />
in August. (In other words, she<br />
wants to fire all white officers<br />
who supported Trump)<br />
“We [LAPPL] think it ought to<br />
be right-wing, left-wing, foreign<br />
and domestic,” Saggau said.<br />
“We think that there are more<br />
organizations that members of<br />
law enforcement should not be<br />
associated with, other than the<br />
narrow group that was listed in<br />
that document.”<br />
Bass also called for updated<br />
training measures to comply<br />
with the “heightened standard<br />
on use of deadly force required,”<br />
the expansion of the Mental Evaluation<br />
Unit and the System-wide<br />
Mental Assessment Team, as<br />
well as the implementation of<br />
efforts to reduce the number of<br />
officer-involved shootings.<br />
Bass told the Los Angeles Times<br />
that she is prioritizing “crime reduction,<br />
personnel reform, alternative<br />
response and community<br />
policing” following her goals<br />
summary release. She is also<br />
seeking to hire additional homicide<br />
detectives to work on cases<br />
while also tackling the ongoing<br />
staffing shortage due to retirements<br />
and other departures.<br />
“Mayor Bass sees the dire need<br />
for more officers. The question<br />
is, how do you get there? And we<br />
are totally committed and completely<br />
supportive of civilianizing<br />
positions where police officers<br />
should be doing police work and<br />
civilians should be doing civilian<br />
work,” Saggau said.<br />
We can sum this up in four<br />
words. Mayor Bass is an IDIOT!<br />
Oh and if that isn’t STUPID for<br />
you, check this out.<br />
If California’s AB 742 becomes<br />
law, police K-9s in the state<br />
would no longer be used to<br />
make arrests. A bill that would<br />
ban the use of police K-9s for<br />
arrests and crowd control was<br />
introduced in the California state<br />
Assembly on Monday.<br />
Assembly Bill 742’s supporters,<br />
which include the NAACP and<br />
ACLU, say the use of police K-9s<br />
has been a mainstay in America’s<br />
history of racial bias and<br />
violence against people of color,<br />
KCRA reports.<br />
“This bill seeks to end a deeply<br />
racialized, traumatic and<br />
harmful practice by prohibiting<br />
of police K-9s for arrests, apprehension<br />
and crowd control,”<br />
Assemblymember Corey Jackson,<br />
D-Riverside, said in a press conference<br />
at the Capitol.<br />
Ron Cloward, a retired lieutenant<br />
with the Modesto Police<br />
Department and president of<br />
the Western States Police Canine<br />
Association, told KCRA 3 that he<br />
believes the bill makes no sense,<br />
and that police dogs are an invaluable<br />
non-lethal part of agencies<br />
across the country.<br />
“It’s a tool and it’s something<br />
that, if we take it away you’re just<br />
eliminating one more non-lethal<br />
weapon for law enforcement,”<br />
Cloward said.<br />
The bill would not prevent<br />
search and rescue, explosive detection<br />
and narcotic detection.<br />
96 The BLUES The BLUES 97
HONORING FALLEN HEREOS<br />
yrs.<br />
“Honoring our fallen heroes<br />
through running while providing<br />
financial support to the families<br />
of our fallen Heroes,<br />
First Responders injured in the<br />
Line of Duty and Safety<br />
Equipment to K9s in need.”<br />
AS OF 1/29/23<br />
Total Grants Awarded to Injured First Responders: 42<br />
Total Amount Awarded: $377,500<br />
Total Funds Awarded to Families of Fallen Heroes: 34<br />
Total Amount Awarded: $272,301<br />
Funds/Equipment Awarded to K9 Officers: $29,682.32<br />
Total Amount of Grants Given: $669,483.32<br />
- - - -<br />
<strong>2023</strong> Run Tracker:<br />
Total Miles Run in <strong>2023</strong>: (as of 2/28/23): 33<br />
- Zechariah - 13<br />
- Jayden - 2<br />
- Andrew - 4<br />
- Giuliana - 2<br />
- Anthony - 4<br />
- Morgan - 8<br />
- Theresa - 0<br />
Total Miles Run in 2022: 325<br />
Total Miles Run in 2021: 325<br />
Total Miles Run in 2020: 401<br />
Total Miles Run in 2019: 376<br />
Overall Miles Run: 1,460<br />
Overall Miles Run (K9’s): 62- - - - - - - - - -<br />
2022 Run Stats:<br />
Total Miles Run for 2022 Fallen LEO’s (<strong>No</strong>n COVID-19): 135<br />
Total Miles Run for 2022 Fallen Firefighters (<strong>No</strong>n COVID-19): 80<br />
Total Miles Run for <strong>No</strong>n-LODD/Suicide: 13<br />
Total Miles Run for 2022 Fallen Canada LEO’s: 3<br />
Total Miles Run in 2022 for Fallen COVID-19 Heroes: 18<br />
Total Miles Run for 2021 Fallen LEO’s: 21<br />
Total Miles Run for 2021 Fallen Firefighters: 2<br />
Total Tribute Runs by State/Country: 17<br />
Zechariah<br />
Cartledge:<br />
a True American Hero<br />
States/Cities Zechariah has run in:<br />
Florida - Winter Springs, Lake Mary, Clearwater, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Orlando, Temple Terrace, Blountstown,<br />
Cocoa, Lakeland, Daytona Beach, West Palm Beach, Starke, Melbourne<br />
New York - New York City, Weedsport • Georgia - Cumming, Augusta, Savannah<br />
South Carolina - <strong>No</strong>rth Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Sumter • Pennsylvania - Monaca<br />
Illinois - Springfield, Naperville, Glen Ellyn • Texas - Houston (2), Fort Worth, Midland, New Braunfels, Freeport, Madisonville,<br />
Irving, Sadler, San Antonio • Kentucky - Nicholasville • Arkansas - Bryant, Hot Springs, Springdale, Prairie Grove<br />
Nevada - Henderson • Kansas - Overland Park • California - Mt. Vernon, La Jolla • Arizona - Mesa<br />
<strong>No</strong>rth Carolina - Concord, Raleigh • Virginia - <strong>No</strong>rton, Richmond • Tennessee - Bristol, Bartlett<br />
Oklahoma - Stilwell (2) • Delaware - Milford • Maryland - Towson • Minnesota - Arden Hills • Indiana - Sullivan, Spencer<br />
Mississippi - Grenada, Olive Branch • Missouri - Springfield, Rolla, Joplin • Iowa - Independence, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids<br />
District/Countries/Territories:<br />
Washington D.C. • Puerto Rico - San Juan<br />
98 The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE<br />
The BLUES 99
DR. TINA JAECKLE<br />
blue mental health<br />
Cultural Competence for Law Enforcement<br />
Mental Health Service Providers<br />
There is no question that the<br />
lack of trust by law enforcement<br />
officers is a significant<br />
challenge for mental health<br />
professionals, however, I also<br />
contend that some of these<br />
barriers can be addressed<br />
early with the selection of<br />
a qualified clinicians and/<br />
or service provider group. I<br />
want to offer a few important<br />
questions for consideration<br />
to the decision makers in law<br />
enforcement agencies, to include<br />
human resource departments.<br />
How prepared are your<br />
employee assistance program<br />
mental health professionals in<br />
effectively providing services<br />
to your officers? Do you know<br />
and understand their training,<br />
licensure, education, views,<br />
and counseling approaches<br />
with law enforcement? Have<br />
you taken the time to meet in<br />
person with the provider(s)<br />
to discuss your officer and<br />
agency needs? Are you utilizing<br />
the same mental health<br />
professional to provide fit for<br />
duty evaluations, support, and<br />
counseling? Are you selecting<br />
providers because they simply<br />
provided the lowest and<br />
most cost-effective bid for the<br />
provision of services? Does<br />
the provider make consistent<br />
efforts to attend continuing<br />
educational opportunities<br />
on law enforcement or new<br />
treatment techniques? These<br />
questions should be essential<br />
steps in the selection process.<br />
I have been told on numerous<br />
occasions that there are<br />
very few mental health professionals<br />
who truly “understand”<br />
the law enforcement<br />
culture. I simply cannot argue<br />
against this fact. It is known<br />
in my social work profession<br />
as having “cultural competence”<br />
with those to which<br />
we provide psychological and<br />
counseling services. Cultural<br />
competence is defined as the<br />
ability to understand, communicate<br />
with, and effectively<br />
interact with people across<br />
varying cultures. It also requires<br />
mental health professionals<br />
to be aware of our<br />
own world view (any biases<br />
and values) and to develop<br />
and maintain positive attitudes<br />
towards cultural differences<br />
and an appreciation of diverse<br />
cultural practices. Sounds<br />
easy, right? <strong>No</strong>t by a long shot.<br />
In 2000, I stepped foot for<br />
the first time into a classroom<br />
to teach an in-service training<br />
on mental health to a small<br />
group of deputy sheriffs in a<br />
southern rural county sheriff’s<br />
office. My presentation<br />
yrs.<br />
DR. TINA JAECKLE<br />
was only slated for an hour,<br />
but I clearly remember every<br />
sarcastic eye roll, groan,<br />
sigh, and distancing example<br />
of body language. I was admittedly<br />
stunned at the lack<br />
of interest because I naively<br />
thought that if this was interesting<br />
and important to me,<br />
it should be to them as well. I<br />
learned a powerful lesson that<br />
day. If I was going to continue<br />
to teach and interact with<br />
law enforcement officers, I<br />
must seek to understand what<br />
drives them and yes, learn<br />
their “culture,”<br />
Despite the advancements in<br />
the law enforcement culture<br />
regarding the need to more<br />
openly embrace and practice<br />
mental health I continue to<br />
hear horror stories from officers.<br />
The most common occurs<br />
when an officer shares a<br />
difficult story with a therapist<br />
who is not trained in trauma-based<br />
approaches with<br />
first responders thus creating<br />
what is best described as<br />
a “deer in headlights” look<br />
for the professional. It can<br />
be shocking and a bit overwhelming<br />
for those without<br />
a solid foundation of understanding<br />
of police and what<br />
realistically falls into the<br />
realm of “normal” experiences<br />
for an officer.<br />
On a positive note, I do believe<br />
there are many mental<br />
health professionals who are<br />
interested in becoming more<br />
culturally competent in law<br />
enforcement norms, values,<br />
policies, and the challenges<br />
of the field. But it does take<br />
time and training and lots of<br />
patience. Both the agency and<br />
the professional must work<br />
collaboratively to build this<br />
beneficial relationship. I encourage<br />
thinking outside of<br />
the box ideas including regularly<br />
riding with an officer<br />
to observe the conditions of<br />
the job, eating a meal with a<br />
group of LEOs, volunteering<br />
to teach mental health topics<br />
in the academy, and simply<br />
taking the time to get to know<br />
our wonderful men and women<br />
in uniform. They are certainly<br />
worth it.<br />
100 The BLUES The BLUES 101
ADS BACK IN THE DAY<br />
102 The BLUES The BLUES 103<br />
102 The BLUES The BLUES 103
ADS BACK IN THE DAY<br />
104 The BLUES The BLUES 105
THERE ARE NO WORDS<br />
parting shots...<br />
yrs.<br />
... pardon our humor<br />
106 The BLUES The BLUES 107
yrs.<br />
Your Source for<br />
Law Enforcement<br />
Products &<br />
Services<br />
108 The BLUES The BLUES 109
yrs.<br />
Air Bear announces the arrival of<br />
the DA62-MPP in <strong>No</strong>rth America<br />
airbear<br />
Air Bear Tactical Aircraft proudly<br />
announces that the Diamond<br />
DA62-MPP is now delivering to<br />
Airborne Law Enforcement customers<br />
in <strong>No</strong>rth America. The<br />
shape of things to come, the<br />
DA62-MPP (Multi-Purpose Platform)<br />
is represented by Air Bear<br />
Tactical Aircraft in the USA and<br />
provides best in class capabilities,<br />
performance, and economical<br />
operation.<br />
Recently concluding its first<br />
ever <strong>No</strong>rth American visit with a<br />
nationwide demo tour, the DA62-<br />
MPP has received rave reviews<br />
wherever it has visited. The “MPP”<br />
provides a robust, multi-mission<br />
surveillance platform which is<br />
readily adaptable to many missions,<br />
including patrol support, counter<br />
narcotics, border patrol, littoral<br />
maritime patrol, fire mapping and<br />
control, aerial survey as well as<br />
many other missions.<br />
It’s low cost of acquisition, utility,<br />
and incredibly low operating costs<br />
(using only 7.6 gallons per hour of<br />
Jet-A, total!) provides an unbeatable<br />
method to stretch your ever<br />
tightening aviation budgets. Twin<br />
engine reliability and a complete tip<br />
to tail maintenance program rounds<br />
out this game changing platform.<br />
Learn more about the DA62-MPP<br />
at www.airbear.aero, call us at<br />
855-699-5489 or email us at bearsintheair@airbear.aero.<br />
Air Bear Tactical Aircraft provides<br />
complete, mission-ready surveillance<br />
& survey aircraft to Federal,<br />
State, Local and Commercial operators.<br />
Learn more on our website<br />
about our other products, including<br />
our custom gimbal retraction system<br />
for the DA62-MPP, C206H and<br />
Turbine Commander 690A/B (more<br />
to come!), and learn more about<br />
our other product offerings as well.<br />
The Shape of Things to Come has<br />
arrived in <strong>No</strong>rth America!<br />
The Shape of Things To Come Is Here!<br />
The next generation airborne law enforcement surveillance<br />
platform is now shipping to <strong>No</strong>rth American customers.<br />
The highly capable, multi-role aircraft provides exceptionally low<br />
DOC’s (about $260.00/hour with Piston Power’s complete aircraft<br />
tip to tail maintenance program) while providing best in class<br />
surveillance capabilities.<br />
Air Bear is the exclusive DA62-MPP distributor for the USA.<br />
Contact the Air Bear to learn how the MPP can increase your<br />
efficiency while dramatically lowering your acquisition and<br />
operating costs.<br />
Learn more at: www.airbear.aero<br />
Diamond DA62-MPP <strong>No</strong>w Delivering<br />
to <strong>No</strong>rth America!<br />
FULLY FAA CERTIFIED, THE MPP SETS<br />
NEW STANDARDS IN EFFICIENCY<br />
AND CAPABILITIES FOR AIRBORNE<br />
LAW ENFORCEMENT<br />
The MPP uses just 7.6 g/hr (total) of<br />
Jet-A at loiter speed, capable of<br />
sprinting at up to 192 kts.<br />
Multi-role, multi-mission capable<br />
Capable, Efficient & Cost Effective<br />
Air Bear Tactical Aircraft | 19711 Campus Drive #150 Santa Ana, CA 92707 | 855-699-5489<br />
www.airbear.aero | bearsintheair@airbear.aero<br />
110 The BLUES The BLUES 111<br />
110 The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE 111
yrs.<br />
CAP Fleet is an emergency<br />
vehicle upfitter and<br />
authorized Chevrolet SVM<br />
Bailment Pool provider<br />
for Law Enforcement<br />
Vehicles. We have a pool<br />
of vehicles available to be<br />
upfitted by CAP Fleet and<br />
sold through any GM dealer<br />
in the United States.<br />
We also offer law enforcement<br />
vehicles from<br />
Chevrolet, Dodge, and<br />
Ford through our dealership<br />
network.<br />
Since 2011, we have<br />
combined the highest<br />
quality products in the<br />
industry with superior<br />
craftsmanship, providing<br />
customer service and installations<br />
at a reasonable<br />
price.<br />
Our sales staff brings<br />
over 100+ years of law enforcement<br />
experience and<br />
our installation team has<br />
an equal number of years<br />
in the emergency vehicle<br />
upfitting industry. We<br />
understand your needs<br />
and strive to make your<br />
experience at CAP Fleet<br />
simple. All installations<br />
are completed by our inhouse<br />
technicians. Every<br />
vehicle goes through an<br />
extensive quality control<br />
program supervised by<br />
our shop managers. Our<br />
technicians are constantly<br />
focused on quality and<br />
efficiency.<br />
With locations in<br />
Belton, Tx and Houston,<br />
Tx, and a new state<br />
of the art facility under<br />
construction in Caldwell,<br />
Tx, as well as mobile<br />
technicians serving the<br />
Dallas/Fort Worth and<br />
Rio Grande Valley metro<br />
areas, we have you<br />
covered!<br />
Whatever your needs<br />
are, from turn-key police<br />
vehicle builds, product<br />
replacement and/or upgrades<br />
to existing vehicles,<br />
or building a complete<br />
new fleet, CAP Fleet will<br />
have your vehicles 10-8.<br />
<strong>2023</strong> CHEVROLET TAHOE PPVs<br />
ARE AVAILABLE THROUGH<br />
OUR BAILMENT POOL!<br />
CONTACT US FOR MORE<br />
DETAILS ON HOW YOU CAN<br />
GET YOUR FULLY UPFITTED<br />
<strong>2023</strong> TAHOE PPV THROUGH<br />
CAP FLEET.<br />
www.capfleet.com | sales@capfleet.com | 254-773-1959<br />
112 The BLUES The BLUES 113<br />
112 The BLUES The BLUES 113
yrs.<br />
Starting in 2003, Cop Stop Inc. Opened with a vision and goal to service first responders; “Our everyday<br />
heroes.” Catering mainly to Police, Fire, Military and EMS, but also open to the public, Cop Stop<br />
offers a variety of products, gear and apparel. Open and operated by Rick Fernandez, a former officer<br />
of 10 years, he prides himself on maintaining the highest standards of customer service. Cop Stop understands<br />
its our customers who drive our success, and we strive to offer the best service to everyone<br />
who walks through our doors. At Cop Stop we offer quality products at great low prices. With access to<br />
over hundreds of brands and products, and constantly adding more, we are confident we can fulfill your<br />
needs.<br />
“If you provide good service and a fair price, customers will talk about you and come back.<br />
It’s that simple!” Rick Fernandez<br />
114 The BLUES The BLUES 115<br />
114 The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE 115
yrs.<br />
DANA SAFETY SUPPLY<br />
Dana Safety Supply (DSS) is a major warehousing distributor,<br />
seller, service provider, and installer of law enforcement<br />
and public safety fleet vehicle equipment including emergency<br />
lighting, and related law enforcement products that are typically<br />
employed by public safety entities. In addition, DSS is a<br />
major distributor of law enforcement, tactical supplies, duty<br />
gear, firearms, ammunition, uniforms, and other public safety<br />
products. DSS operates 30 locations located in Greensboro, NC<br />
(2), Clinton, NC, Columbia, SC (2), Atlanta, GA, Marietta, GA,<br />
Preston, GA, DeLand, FL, Jacksonville, FL, Orlando, FL, Tampa, FL,<br />
Ft. Myers, FL, Ft. Walton Beach, FL, Miami, FL, Pompano Beach,<br />
FL, Tallahassee, FL, Livingston, MT, Memphis, TN, Nashville, TN,<br />
Little Rock, AR, Baton Rouge, LA, Alabaster, AL, Lorton, VA (also<br />
covering the Metro Washington D.C. area), Los Angeles, CA,<br />
Oklahoma City, OK, Houston, TX, La Feria, TX, Ft. Worth, TX and<br />
Austin, TX.<br />
DSS was founded in 2005 by a group of law enforcement and<br />
fleet professionals and has grown to become one of the largest<br />
companies of its type in the United States. DSS is a subsidiary<br />
of Duval Motor Company and the Scott McRae Group, (SMAG), a<br />
106 year old family company that has been in continuous operation,<br />
and under the same ownership since 1916. SMAG employs<br />
more than 700 people across multiple companies in the automotive,<br />
finance, and service industries. Each company operates<br />
independently, is its own legal entity, and is headed by its own<br />
President and management team, but has the financial resources<br />
and backing of SMAG at its disposal. DSS acquired Fleet<br />
Safety Equipment in 2018. Fleet Safety Equipment was founded<br />
in Memphis, TN in 1980 and is a wholly owned division of Dana<br />
Safety Supply.<br />
DSS regularly provides emergency vehicle equipment, installation<br />
services, and public safety products to numerous state,<br />
federal, and local public safety agencies, as well as to automotive<br />
dealers who utilize our up-fitting services and products.<br />
DSS holds and has successfully completed hundreds of large<br />
volume contracts with major public safety agencies throughout<br />
its territory to include Federal & State Agencies in CA, NC, SC,<br />
GA, FL, AL, TN, AR, OK, MS, LA, AR, TX, VA, and MT. DSS is also<br />
an approved contractor for the GSA and has a GSA contract for<br />
numerous public safety products and also for installation and<br />
upfitting services.<br />
Let us help your department with all your<br />
vehicle equipment and upfitting needs.<br />
Vehicle Equipment<br />
Vehicle Armoring<br />
National Reach.<br />
Local Support.<br />
America's largest source for upfitting,<br />
installation, tactical gear and apparel.<br />
Accessories & More!<br />
31<br />
LOCATIONS<br />
DANASAFETYSUPPLY.COM<br />
Keep your Officers safe!<br />
Armored glass options available!<br />
116 The The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE The BLUES 117
yrs.<br />
People are Your<br />
Purpose, and Ours<br />
In 2008, the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office<br />
was informed by the federal government that it<br />
was violating inmates’ civil rights because of its<br />
indirect supervision policy. Part of the requirement<br />
to remedy the violation was to hire 200 detention<br />
officers in addition to the 450 they already<br />
had.<br />
Instead, Captain David Baisden turned to Digi<br />
Security Systems for a technological solution. Together,<br />
we designed a system that would provide<br />
100 percent visibility in each of the 30 pods in the<br />
jail. Digi installed the system, and the impact was<br />
definitive.<br />
“All of a sudden, we noticed an immediate drop<br />
in altercations from 300 to 30,” said Captain Baisden.<br />
“Ninety percent of the violence was gone.”<br />
We have a saying around here that People Are<br />
Our Purpose. As a security systems integrator,<br />
the work we do is important: we design, install,<br />
and service commercial security systems for all<br />
kinds of organizations. Those very security systems<br />
are the technology that keeps our children<br />
safe in their classrooms, our police officers protected<br />
from wrongdoers, our business’ assets<br />
secure, and our communities free from the worry<br />
of violent threats. We design systems that maximize<br />
safety and limit the number of personnel<br />
and hours spent trying to identify and respond to<br />
incidents.<br />
It’s important work. It’s work that makes a real<br />
difference. And that work is just part of the Digi<br />
Difference that defines us. When an organization<br />
decides to partner with us, we become an<br />
extension of their team. Because we care deeply<br />
about the safety and security of the very people<br />
you care deeply about, we do whatever it takes to<br />
help you meet your goals while providing you the<br />
most exceptional experience possible.<br />
We serve and support law enforcement agencies<br />
across the region, including jails and city and<br />
county governments. We understand the unique<br />
needs you have in protecting your staff and the<br />
public. Learn more at digiss.com/government.<br />
Customized Security Solutions<br />
Government<br />
& Law Enforcement<br />
Keeping the peace and serving the public is a vital job for the health of a community.<br />
As your partner, we make technology your ally by providing you security solutions<br />
that are completely customized for your unique needs and budget.<br />
All-in-one solutions<br />
VIDEO SURVEILLANCE<br />
ACCESS CONTROL<br />
BODY-WORN CAMERAS<br />
COVID-19 RESPONSE<br />
INTRUSION ALARM & MONITORING<br />
CLOUD-BASED SECURITY SYSTEMS<br />
JAIL CONTROL SYSTEMS<br />
LICENSE PLATE RECOGNITION<br />
ANALYTICS & AI<br />
MASS NOTIFICATION SYSTEMS<br />
CONSULTING & DESIGN<br />
LOCKSMITH & KEYS<br />
SYSTEM INTEGRATION<br />
AND MORE<br />
SECURITY SYSTEMS<br />
Call today! 1-888-970-3830<br />
email contact@digiss.com<br />
We offer TIPS State Contract and HGAC!<br />
Digi knows law<br />
enforcement<br />
Reduce city crime & enhance public safety<br />
Search hours of footage in seconds<br />
Resolve incidents more quickly<br />
Monitor large crowds with analytics<br />
Gather real data for informed decisions<br />
Integrate systems to better communicate<br />
Limit the number of hostile environments<br />
digiss.com<br />
“Digi knows what<br />
they are doing.<br />
... All of a sudden<br />
we noticed an<br />
immediate drop in<br />
altercations from<br />
300 to 30.<br />
90%<br />
of the violence<br />
was gone.”<br />
Captain David Baisden<br />
Oklahoma County Sheriffs Office<br />
Experience the Digi Difference2<br />
Schedule your<br />
FREE Assessment,<br />
Demo & Quote<br />
digiss.com<br />
118 The BLUES The BLUES 119
yrs.<br />
Key Management &<br />
Key Control Products<br />
All of our KeyWarden Security<br />
products are reliable, easy to use<br />
and expandable to meet your<br />
growing needs.<br />
Through seamless design,<br />
manufacturing and support, we<br />
have earned the reputation as<br />
the world leaders in security<br />
management products. We also<br />
write our own software to ensure<br />
system compatibility and performance.<br />
Every Morse Watchman’s<br />
product and system is meticulously<br />
designed and inspected to<br />
offer the latest in security technology<br />
and reliability.<br />
KEYWATCHER TOUCH<br />
KeyWatcher Touch brings one touch key<br />
control to the KeyWatcher, one of our industry-leading<br />
electronic key cabinets. Our<br />
new big, bright 7″ touch screen key register<br />
systems give you an easier-to-use interface.<br />
KEYWATCHER FLEET<br />
The industry’s only key control system for<br />
fleet management applications, KeyWatcher<br />
Fleet puts you in command of vehicle<br />
distribution, comprehensive utilization,<br />
right-sizing of your fleet and much more.<br />
THE KEYBANK<br />
The KeyBank® key control system eliminates<br />
outdated key boxes and the paper<br />
chase created by outdated manual logs and<br />
provides extensive protection from liability<br />
issues.<br />
KeyWatcher Illuminated<br />
KeyWatcher Illuminated is a modular, scalable<br />
integrated key control and management<br />
solution that’s designed for interoperability<br />
with access control and other<br />
systems.<br />
KEYBANK TOUCH<br />
<strong>No</strong>w get touchscreen convenience with<br />
KeyBank key access control system, the<br />
safer, more secure way to manage keys. The<br />
bright 7 touchscreen key organizer system<br />
gives you an easier-to-use interface.<br />
KeyWarden is the Texas distributor of Morse Watchmans industry-leading key and asset management systems. We are actively involved<br />
in the Texas Law Enforcement community as a founding member of the East Texas 100 club, and corporate members of the <strong>No</strong>rth Texas<br />
Police Chiefs Association, the East Texas Police Chiefs Association, the High Plains Police Chiefs Association, and the Central Texas Police<br />
Chiefs Association. We are proud to participate in the TEXAS SCHOOL DISTRICT POLICE CHIEFS ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE.<br />
THE KEYWATCHER TOUCH SYSTEM is deployed in the law enforcement environment to:<br />
• Securely dispense track and audit the use of keys to: vehicles, facilities, lockers and<br />
other high-value assets.<br />
• Prevent unauthorized staff from driving specialist vehicles, or racking up miles on the<br />
newer fleet while older units sit idle.<br />
• Allow management to compel the use of vehicle pools rather than staff controlling the<br />
keys to particular units.<br />
• Quicker and more efficient shift changes.<br />
• Control the keys to facilities and mandate accountability.<br />
• Managing and controlling access to assets stored in lockers.<br />
As a Texas-based company, we provide on site evaluation, implementation, training and support of the<br />
KeyWatcher System. We are also a member of BuyBoard and offer discounted pricing and ease of purchase.<br />
19015 Gentle Knoll<br />
San Antonio, Texas 78258<br />
Office: 830-214-0867 Fax: 775-898-1807<br />
www.keywarden.com - click here to email us<br />
120 The BLUES The BLUES 121
yrs.<br />
PLANET FORD IN SPRING, 20403 I45 NORTH,<br />
SPRING TEXAS<br />
Planet Ford on I-45 in Spring, Texas has been<br />
the <strong>No</strong>. 1 Ford Dealer in the greater-Houston area<br />
for over 20 years.* Our Ford dealership earns<br />
this distinction year after year because our team<br />
makes our clients and their vehicle needs our top<br />
priority. Planet Ford is part of the award-winning<br />
World Class Automotive Group. The dealership<br />
has earned many top honors, including multiple<br />
Triple Crowns, which is bestowed upon only<br />
the best. In order to be recognized, a dealership<br />
must receive all of Ford’s top awards, including<br />
The President’s Award for customer service. Planet<br />
Ford has been redesigned from the ground up<br />
to provide a superior customer experience. Planet<br />
offers over 30 acres of new Ford inventory, Certified<br />
Pre-Owned Fords, pre-owned vehicles of all<br />
makes and models, as well as aftermarket and<br />
performance parts, service, commercial truck<br />
services, and collision repair. Beyond automotive<br />
services, the Randall Reed family and Planet team<br />
support and gives back to the community, from<br />
local charity events to sponsoring schools and<br />
veteran programs. Learn more at PlanetFord.com.<br />
122 The BLUES The BLUES 123<br />
122 The BLUES The BLUES 123
yrs.<br />
Supporting Law<br />
Enforcement in<br />
TEXAS<br />
Inset: Dan Rooney ProForce President<br />
Firearms and Tactical Equipment for Law Enforcement Professionals<br />
800-367-5855<br />
Supplying Law Enforcement<br />
Equipment for the State of TEXAS!<br />
SPOTLIGHT ON<br />
ProForce’s commitment to providing excellent customer<br />
service is a key element in the company’s success<br />
throughout the western United States. As a relative newcomer<br />
in the state of TEXAS ProForce has been welcomed with open<br />
arms by the law enforcement community.<br />
ProForce’s relationships with top industry manufacturers<br />
and vendors, as well as their sales volume, allows them<br />
to negotiate better pricing to meet the budgetary needs<br />
of law enforcement agencies. While some vendors may<br />
not always have product availability in a timely manner.<br />
ProForce’s industry relationships and direct contact through<br />
vendor representatives, the sales team is able to suggest<br />
and provide alternatives to meet specific requirements of<br />
agencies, ensuring that the agency’s needs are always met.<br />
“<br />
Working with PROFORCE through the<br />
bidding and purchasing of the M&P 2.0’s was<br />
very easy and simple. We added the ACRO red<br />
dot along with the holster and the light. This<br />
purchase was simple and easy.<br />
The troops love the improvement to the 2.0<br />
and the red dot.<br />
Lt. Socha. Austin PD.<br />
“<br />
#X300U-A #13353 #200691<br />
The company features an excellent selection of high demand<br />
law enforcement firearms, equipment and accessories from<br />
great manufacturers such as:<br />
Axon/Taser, Aimpoint, Beretta, Colt, H&K, Bola Wrap,<br />
Bianchi, Smith & Wesson, Eotech, Daniel Defense,<br />
NightStick, Sig Sauer, Kimber, Otis, Defense Technology,<br />
Shadow Systems, Magpul, L3 Harris, Burris, Mossberg,<br />
Ruger, Streamlight, Safariland, Springfield, Blackhawk,<br />
Holosun, Trijicon, Vortex, Surefire, Us Peacekeeper ,OSS,<br />
Nightstick, FNH USA and UTM.<br />
Proforce takes great pride in distributing high quality public<br />
safety products from top tier manufacturers and this<br />
transaction has set a trend for many other law enforcement<br />
agencies in the State of Texas.<br />
Agency demonstrations, test and evaluation<br />
of products is available upon request. Ask us<br />
about trade-ins! We will buy your agency duty or<br />
confiscated firearms, any model and condition!<br />
First class customer support and quality service<br />
makes PROFORCE the number one choice for first<br />
responder equipment and accessories!<br />
Call (800) 367-5855<br />
Email: sales@proforceonline.com or<br />
visit our website<br />
www.proforceonline.com<br />
SEND US AN EMAIL<br />
SCAN THE QR CODE<br />
The BolaWrap ® 150 remote restraint<br />
device is a patented, hand-held tool that<br />
deploys an eight-foot Kevlar ® tether<br />
to temporarily restrain subjects from a<br />
distance of 10-25 feet.<br />
Because the BolaWrap isn’t designed<br />
to cause pain, it may be used during<br />
the first stages of an encounter before<br />
escalation takes place.<br />
CALL US TODAY FOR PRICING!<br />
800-367-5855<br />
>> PRODUCTS & SERVICES
yrs.<br />
12722 HWY. 3 • WEBSTER, TEXAS • 281-488-5934<br />
AUTO FACELIFTS is located on the South Side of<br />
Houston across from Ellington Airport. Auto Facelifts<br />
is an industry leader in auto upholstery in the Houston,<br />
TX area. We work on cars, trucks, and even boats,<br />
so no matter what you’re riding in, we can give it a<br />
facelift! Whether you’re looking for a new leather interior,<br />
carpet replacement, or auto detailing, we’ve got<br />
a package that will fit your needs. But we don’t stop<br />
there! We’ve also got an incredible selection of car and<br />
truck accessories to really take your vehicle to the next<br />
level. And, if that’s not enough, we can also provide<br />
you with premium car audio and car stereo equipment<br />
that will make your vehicle the talk of the town. Stop<br />
into Auto Facelifts and upgrade your ride today!<br />
4807 KIRBY DRIVE • HOUSTON, TEXAS • 713-524-3801<br />
RIVER OAKS CHRYSLER, DODGE, JEEP & RAM<br />
Alan & Blake Helfman are the named and primary<br />
sponsor of The BLUES. For over 65 years the<br />
Helfman’s have supported local area law enforcement<br />
and supported The BLUES since our first issue.<br />
There is simply no better dealership in Houston<br />
to purchase your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep,<br />
Ram or Ford product. The sales team provide<br />
honest, no BS pricing and their service department<br />
ranks among the top in the nation.<br />
Call Alan or Blake Helfman at 713-524-3801 when<br />
you are ready to purchase your next vehicle. It will<br />
be the best car buying experience you’ve ever had.<br />
IMOD2<br />
Carson's versatile MLH6 dual color led light has arrived!<br />
It features 12 high intensity LEDs packed into a super thin<br />
housing. With 12 different flash patterns, steady burn, and cruise<br />
mode (programmable for each color), this light is up for<br />
anything!<br />
CENTRAL POLICE SUPPLY is your source<br />
for the best in police equipment. Based<br />
in Houston, we supply law enforcement<br />
with the equipment they need.”<br />
CENTRAL POLICE SUPPLY has been<br />
serving Houston law enforcement for<br />
nearly 50 years with the absolute best<br />
customer service and quality products.<br />
CENTRAL POLICE SUPPLY is<br />
located at 1410 Washington Ave, near<br />
downtown Houston, but you can<br />
purchase everything you need online<br />
at:https://www.centralpolice.com/<br />
Contact us today at: sales@carson-mfg.com | 317-257-3191 | www.carsonsirens.com<br />
Scan for website:<br />
The MLH6 is designed to surface mount with the BM6<br />
bezel, or can snap in to the IMOD2 housing for an outstanding<br />
dual head option. Stay tuned for more modular mounting options<br />
coming soon from Carson!<br />
Check out our website for more information on our MLH6 as well<br />
as to check all of our other products.<br />
Contact us today at: sales@carson-mfg.com | 317-257-3191 | www.carsonsirens.com<br />
126 The BLUES The BLUES 127
NOW HIRING<br />
LE job positions<br />
Tarrant Co. College District Police Dept. Get Info Patrol Officer 03/31/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Brady Police Dept. Get Info Patrol Officer 03/31/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
UNT Dallas Get Info Police Officer II 03/10/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Ingleside Police Dept. Get Info Patrol Officer 03/07/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Sunset Valley Police Dept. Get Info Police Officer 04/10/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Milam Co. Sheriff's Office Get Info Patrol Deputy 03/07/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Texarkana Police Dept. Get Info Peace Officer 03/05/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Mont Belvieu Police Department Get Info Police Officer 03/17/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Cass County Sheriff's Office Get Info Deputy Sheriff 03/17/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Oak Ridge <strong>No</strong>rth Police Department Get Info Police Officer 03/13/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Stratford Police Department Get Info Patrol/Interdiction Officer 03/17/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Goose Creel CISD Police Dept. Get Info Police Officer 03/18/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Dallas Police Dept. Get Info Police Officers & Laterals 03/19/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Beaumont Police Dept. Get Info Police Cadet 03/23/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Beaumont Police Dept. Get Info Police Officer 03/23/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Everman Police Dept. Get Info Police Officers 03/25/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Briscoe Co. Sheriff's Office Get Info Patrol Deputy 03/27/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Richardson Police Dept. Get Info Police Officer (Lateral & Recruit) 03/30/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Conroe ISD Police Dept. Get Info Police Officer 03/31/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Chandler Police Department Get Info Police Officer 03/02/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Conroe Police Dept. Get Info Police Officer 03/18/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Sandy Oaks Police Dept. Get Info Peace Officer 04/03/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Hearne Police Dept. Get Info Police Officers 04/10/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Clay Co. Sheriff's Office Get Info Patrol Deputy (I & II) 04/10/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Texas A&M University Police Department Get Info Police Cadet 03/04/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
College Station Police Department Get Info Police Officer 03/05/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Malakoff ISD Police Dept. Get Info Police Officer 03/06/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Schulenberg Police Dept. Get Info Police Officer 03/05/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Farmers Branch Police Dept. Get Info Police Officer 03/10/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Farmers Branch Police Dept. Get Info Police Officer - Lateral 03/10/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Stanton Police Dept. Get Info Police Officer 03/07/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Somerville Police Dept. Get Info Police Officer 03/09/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Ore City Police Dept. Get Info Police Officer/ Sergeant 04/10/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Baytown Police Dept. Get Info Patrol Officer 03/31/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Southwestern Baptist Police Dept. Get Info Police Officer - P/T 04/10/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Eastland Police Dept. Get Info Police Officer 04/08/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Henderson Police Dept. Get Info Police Officer 04/10/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Grimes Co. Sheriff's Office Get Info Patrol Deputy 04/10/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Granite Shoals Polce Dept. Get Info Police Officer 03/30/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Lockhart Police Dept. Get Info Police Officer 02/23/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Hemphill Co. Sheriff's Office Get Info Deputy Sheriff 04/15/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Travis Co. Const. Pct. 2 Get Info Deputy Constable 04/13/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Brazos River Authority Get Info Lake Ranger 03/14/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Ector Co. ISD Police Dept. Get Info District Police Officer 03/14/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Poth Police Dept. Get Info Patrol Officer (F/T) 04/13/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Poth Police Dept. Get Info Reserve Officers 04/13/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
yrs.<br />
Weatherford College PD - Wise Co. campus Get Info Sergeant 04/10/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Lubbock Co. WCID #1 Police Dept. Get Info Police Officer 04/14/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Corsicana Police Dept. Get Info Entry Level Police Test 04/01/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Belton Police Dept. Get Info Police Officers 03/22/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Town of Fulton Police Dept. Get Info Police Officer 04/01/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Garland Police Dept. Get Info Recruit & Lateral Officers 03/24/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Jourdanton Police Dept. Get Info Patrol Officer 03/21/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Jack Co. Sheriff's Office Get Info Patrol Deputies 04/17/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Colorado City Police Dept. Get Info Patrol Officer 04/20/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Colorado City Police Dept. Get Info Patrol Supervisor 04/20/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
University Park Police Dept. Get Info Police Officer 03/17/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Giddings Police Dept. Get Info Police Officer 04/21/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Rollingwood Police Dept. Get Info Patrol Officer 04/21/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Leon ISD Police Dept. Get Info Police Chief/ School Resource Officer 04/22/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Gainesville ISD Police Dept. Get Info Police Officers 04/28/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Hutto Police Dept. Get Info Police Officer (cadet) 03/28/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Hutto Police Dept. Get Info Police Officer (lateral) 03/28/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Tarrant Co. Sheriff's Office Get Info Deputy Sheriff Cadet (Detention Officer) 04/28/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Log Cabin Police Dept. Get Info Peace Officer 03/25/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Keller Police Dept. Get Info Police Officer (lateral and entry level) 03/28/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Seguin Police Dept. Get Info Patrol Officers 03/28/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
University Park Police Dept. Get Info Asst. Chief of Police 05/24/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Stratford Police Dept. Get Info K9 Handler & Patrol Officers 03/28/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Manor Police Dept. Get Info Police Officer 03/28/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
The Leader In Law Enforcement Recruitment<br />
Delivering ZERO COST solutions to<br />
Texas Public Safety Agencies.<br />
128 The BLUES The BLUES 129
Lago Vista Police Dept. Get Info Police Officer 03/28/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Manvel Police Dept. Get Info Patrol Officer 04/28/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Collin Co. Sheriff's Office Get Info Deputy Sheriff 03/28/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Dallas Area Rapid Transit P.D. Get Info Police Officer 03/31/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Port Aransas Police Dept. Get Info Officer 04/30/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
TWU Police Department Get Info Police Officer 03/31/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Marlin Police Department Get Info Police Officer 03/31/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
McLennan Community College Police Department Get Info Police Officer<br />
04/30/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Hedwig Village Police Dept. Get Info Police Officer 05/01/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Grand Prairie Police Department Get Info Police Civil Service Test 04/29/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
STATEWIDE VACANCIES FOR JAILERS<br />
Denton Co. Sherriff's Office Get Info Detention Officer 03/04/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Denton Co. Sherriff's Office Get Info Detention Officer PT 03/04/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Milam Co. Sheriff's Office Get Info Jailer 03/07/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Lubbock County Detention Center Get Info Detention Officer 03/12/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Burleson County Sheriff's Office Get Info Jail Administrator 03/17/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Richardson Police Dept. Get Info Detention Officer 03/30/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Anderson Co. Sheriff's Office Get Info Jailer 03/02/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Smith Co. Sheriff's Office Get Info Detention Officers 04/10/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Rusk Co. Sheriff's Office Get Info Detention Officer 03/03/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Galveston Co. Sheriff's Dept. Get Info Corrections Deputy 04/14/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Jack Co. Sheriff's Office Get Info Jailers 04/17/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
STATEWIDE VACANCIES TELECOMMUNICATION OPERATOR<br />
Collin Co. Sheriff's Office Get Info Dispatcher 04/11/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Castle Hills Police Dept. Get Info Chief Dispatcher 03/05/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Ingleside Police Dept. Get Info Telecommunications Officer 03/07/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Ingleside Police Dept. Get Info Telcommunications Supervisor 03/07/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Milam Co. Sheriff's Office Get Info Dispatcher 03/07/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Guadalupe County Sherriff's Office Get Info Dispatcher 03/11/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Tarrant Regional Water District Get Info Public Safety Com. Specialist III 03/23/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Bexar Co. Sheriff's Office Get Info Dispatcher 03/17/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Sachse Police Dept. Get Info Public Safety Dispatcher 03/25/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Richardson Police Dept. Get Info 911 Dispatcher 03/30/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Kerr County Sheriff's Office Get Info Telecommunicator 03/31/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Erath Co. Sheriff's Office Get Info Telecommunicator 03/03/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Rusk Co. Sheriff's Office Get Info Telecommunicator 03/03/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
City of Plano Public Safety Communications Get Info 911 Call Taker/ Police-Fire-EMS Dispatcher 03/09/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Houston Police Dept. Get Info 911 Senior Police Telecommunicator 04/10/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Kingsville Police Dept. Get Info Telecommunications Operator 04/30/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Spring ISD Police Dept. Get Info Police Dispatcher 04/14/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Galveston Co. Sheriff's Office Get Info Telecommunicator 04/14/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Texas A&M Univ. Police Dept.<br />
Get Info Police Communications Officer in Training 03/24/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Lago Vista Police Dept. Get Info Dispatcher 03/28/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Williamson Co. Emergency Communications Get Info Telecommunications - 911 Dispatcher 04/29/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Austin Comm. College Police Dept. Get Info Dispatcher 03/13/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Port Aransas Police Dept. Get Info Dispatch 04/30/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
Dallas Area Rapid Transit Police Department Get Info Telecommunicator 03/31/<strong>2023</strong> - 5pm<br />
130 The BLUES The BLUES 131
132 The BLUES The BLUES 133
134 The BLUES The BLUES 135
austin officers<br />
austin dispatch<br />
136 The BLUES The BLUES 137
EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS<br />
• Paid Vacation<br />
• Sick Leave<br />
• Paid Holidays<br />
• Personal Days<br />
• Compensatory Days<br />
• Certification Pay<br />
ALDINE ISD POLICE DEPT.<br />
now accepting applications for:<br />
Dispatcher<br />
Salary starting at $40,000,<br />
no experience required.<br />
TO APPLY VISIT<br />
WWW.ALDINEISD.ORG<br />
OR<br />
Contact the Personnel<br />
Department at<br />
281-985-7571<br />
OR<br />
Contact Sergeant R. Hall at<br />
281-442-4923<br />
HIRING PROCESS<br />
• Oral Board Panel Interview<br />
• Complete Personal History Statement<br />
• Psychological Evaluation<br />
• Medical Examination<br />
• Interview with the Chief of Police<br />
138 The BLUES The BLUES 1<strong>39</strong>
140 The BLUES The BLUES 141
October 15<br />
142 The BLUES The BLUES 143
Cuero Police Department<br />
Montgomery County’s 3 rd Largest Law Enforcement Agency<br />
• $50,363 minimum starting salary<br />
• Certification pay:<br />
Int - $1,600, Adv - $2,400, Mstr - $3,700<br />
Opportunity<br />
multiple divisions including<br />
Investigations, Patrol, and<br />
K-9 services<br />
FULL-TIME POLICE OFFICER<br />
Growth<br />
100+ annual training hours,<br />
promotion opportunities,<br />
Field Training Officer<br />
• Competitive insurance & benefits<br />
• Teacher Retirement System (TRS)<br />
• 20 paid leave days & 12 paid holidays<br />
Balance<br />
overtime pay, comp time,<br />
most weekends off, prior LE<br />
experience pay<br />
<strong>No</strong>w Hiring for Patrol Officer Position<br />
Department Benefits<br />
13 Paid Holidays<br />
2 Weeks Paid Vacation<br />
Certification Pay<br />
100% Insurance Paid for Employees<br />
Retirement 2 to 1 match (20yr Retirement)<br />
FSA for Employees<br />
Longevity Pay<br />
Equipment & Uniforms Provided Including Duty Weapon w/ Red Dot Sight<br />
Take Home Vehicle Within City Limits<br />
10 Hour Work Shifts<br />
Membership Paid to Local Gym<br />
Department Provided Training<br />
Off-duty Security Opportunities<br />
Cell Phone Stipend<br />
Starting Pay Depends on Qualifications<br />
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT<br />
HTTPS://POLICE.CONROEISD.NET/DEPARTMENT/ADMINISTRATION/EMPLOYMENT/<br />
Requirements: Must be TCOLE Certified or currently enrolled in an accredited Police<br />
Academy and pass a background investigation.<br />
144 The BLUESpolice.conroeisd.net<br />
CISDPolice @CISDPolice<br />
The BLUES 145<br />
Email TCOLE Personal History Statement to sellis@cityofcuero.com
146 The BLUES The BLUES 147
DEER PARK POLICE<br />
DEPARTMENT<br />
Forney ISD<br />
Police Department<br />
NOW<br />
HIRING<br />
Deer Park, Texas<br />
WE ARE HIRING<br />
www.deerparktx.gov<br />
Police Officer<br />
Dispatcher<br />
Public Safety Attendant - Jailer<br />
Animal Control Officer<br />
Part time Crossing Guard<br />
Description<br />
School-based police officers work<br />
with school administrators, security<br />
staff, and faculty to ensure the safety<br />
and well-being of students at various<br />
campuses. This officer works as the<br />
main security arm of a school.<br />
Requirements<br />
U.S. Citizen<br />
Accredited High School Diploma<br />
or equivalent<br />
Valid Texas Peace Officer License<br />
Valid Texas Driver's License<br />
Two or more years of college or<br />
advanced training preferred<br />
Police Officers<br />
Experience<br />
SBLE Experience preferred<br />
Demonstrate the ability to<br />
teach & engage with youth<br />
Positions starting<br />
at $29.89/hr<br />
Retention Stipends<br />
Clothing Allowance<br />
Health/Childcare Incentive<br />
Paid Training<br />
Lateral Entry<br />
www.forneyisd.net<br />
148 The BLUES The BLUES 149<br />
Officer Sam Jammas 281-930-2121 or sjammas@deerparktx.org<br />
APPLY ONLINE TODAY!
GALVESTON<br />
COUNTY<br />
SHERIFF’S OFFICE<br />
Seeking Individuals Who Are Interested in a Rewarding Career in Corrections<br />
Begin Your Career Today!<br />
GALVESTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE ESTABLISHMENT OF ELIGIBILITY<br />
Position: Corrections Deputy I<br />
Bureau/Division: Corrections/Jail<br />
Title/Rank: Corrections Deputy/Deputy I<br />
Reports to: Sergeant - Corrections<br />
Starting Salary: $51,250.00<br />
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES<br />
Maintains the security of the facility by conducting security checks, settling disputes, and performing cell searches and<br />
inspections; conducts outside perimeter checks.<br />
Preparation and proper completion in the documentation of inmate records.<br />
Issues inmate meals, clothing, linens, and personal items.<br />
Supervise inmate programs (recreational, legal, health care, visitation and religious services)<br />
Prepares reports on jail and inmate activities, enforce inmate handbook rules.<br />
Supervises inmates performing such assignments as cleaning and maintaining the jail facility and continuously observe<br />
locations and activities of inmates.<br />
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS<br />
• High School / GED Certificate and must be at least 18 years of age.<br />
• Must be a U.S. Citizen and resident of the contiguous United States for a period of time sufficient to conduct a<br />
background investigation.<br />
• Must be able to work days, nights, weekends, holidays and mandatory shifts when needed.<br />
• Must be able to work during natural disasters and or under declarations.<br />
• Must possess a valid Texas driver's license and an acceptable driving record as determined by the Galveston County<br />
Sheriff's Office in effect at the time of application.<br />
• Must have favorable employment history. All information given regarding past employment will be thoroughly checked.<br />
• Must have a stable credit history.<br />
• Must possess good computer skills and demonstrate comprehensive reading and comprehension skills.<br />
• <strong>No</strong> conviction above a Class B Misdemeanor or a Class B misdemeanor within the last 10 years nor have been on or<br />
currently on court-ordered community supervision or probation for any criminal offense and no Family Violence<br />
convictions of any level.<br />
• Applicant must pass all phases of the required testing.<br />
• Must be eligible for licensing by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) for the position applied for, if not<br />
presently licensed.<br />
TO APPLY<br />
An applicant interested in any of GCSO position shall first download, complete and return<br />
the Application Packet, per the instructions on the downloadable form.<br />
The Application Packet can be found at SHERIFF.GALVESTONCOUNTYTX.GOV<br />
150 The BLUES The BLUES 151<br />
JOIN US<br />
VISIT SHERIFF.GALVESTONCOUNTYTX.GOV TO APPLY!<br />
The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer<br />
CONTACT US<br />
409.763.7585 : SO.EMPLOYMENT@GALVESTONCOUNTYTX.GOV
APPLY TODAY AND BECOME A GALVESTON POLICE OFFICER<br />
DATES FOR NEXT CIVIL SERVICE EXAM<br />
TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON<br />
152 The BLUES The BLUES 153
154 The BLUES The BLUES 155
Place your department’s recruiting ad<br />
in The BLUES for only $250 for an<br />
entire year, only $20 a month.<br />
156 The BLUES The BLUES 157
LATERAL DEPUTY<br />
158 The BLUES The BLUES 159
WE ARE<br />
HIRING!<br />
BENEFITS<br />
•Free basic Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance for<br />
employee<br />
•Free basic Life insurance<br />
•Long Term Disability (LTD)<br />
•Affordable Medical, Dental and Vision benefits for<br />
eligible family members<br />
•Flexible Spending Accounts<br />
•10 paid holidays per year<br />
•Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) including 10 vacation<br />
days and 13 sick days per year accrued biweekly<br />
•Paid Parental Leave<br />
RETIREMENT<br />
•Harris County matches your investment at 225%<br />
•7% of your salary is invested pre-tax in your<br />
retirement account<br />
•Retirement Vesting after 8 years<br />
•Eligible upon earning 75 points (age+years of service)<br />
SALARY SCALE<br />
INCENTIVE PAY<br />
CLASSIFICATION SERVICE HOURLY ANNUAL<br />
DEPUTY I 0-47 $26.23 $54,558<br />
DEPUTY II 48-83 $28.07 $58,386<br />
DEPUTY III 84-119 $29.73 $61,838<br />
DEPUTY IV 120-155 $31.23 $64,958<br />
DEPUTY V 156+ $32.78 $68,182<br />
TCOLE CERTIFICATION<br />
ANNUAL<br />
Intermediate $1,560<br />
Advanced $3,420<br />
Master $6,000<br />
EDUCATION<br />
ANNUAL<br />
Associate Degree $1,320<br />
Bachelor Degree $3,180<br />
Master/Doctorate $4,500<br />
LATERAL DEPUTY<br />
REQUIREMENTS<br />
•Must be a licensed Peace Officer by the Texas Commission on Law<br />
Enforcement (TCOLE) in good standing<br />
•Must be currently employed as a Peace Officer (any break in service<br />
will be considered on a case-by-case basis)<br />
•Must have a minimum of 12 consecutive months experience as a<br />
Peace Office at any one agency<br />
•Must successfully pass the HCSO Physical Abilities Test (PAT)<br />
•Meet HCSO firearms qualification standard<br />
•Must pass a thorough background investigation (criminal<br />
background check, fingerprinting, personal interview, etc.) as<br />
required by TCOLE<br />
•Must pass a physical and psychological evaluation as required by<br />
TCOLE<br />
•Valid driver’s license and liability insurance (Texas by start date)<br />
•Eyesight must be correctable to 20/20, normal color, and peripheral<br />
vision<br />
•Correctable normal audible range in both ears<br />
•A two (2) year minimum commitment to Patrol before being eligible<br />
to transfer to other Bureaus<br />
TO APPLY<br />
<strong>No</strong>w Hiring<br />
OFFICERS<br />
TCOLE Certified Peace Officers<br />
Hutto ranked one of the<br />
safest cities in Texas.<br />
Our fast-growing City shows a trending decrease in crimes based<br />
on four offenses from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting.<br />
Additional Pay<br />
+ Education Pay up to $175/month<br />
+ Specialty/Certication up to $260/month<br />
Highlights<br />
Top-of-the-line Equipment<br />
and Technology<br />
Beards and Tattoos Allowed<br />
<strong>No</strong> Written Test for Most Lateral Officers<br />
To learn more or apply, visit or scan<br />
https: //linktr. ee/huttopd<br />
Benets<br />
Retirement<br />
2-to-1 City match with TMRS<br />
Take-home Patrol Car<br />
For officers living within 25 miles<br />
Starting Salary<br />
$62K to $81K<br />
Annual Leave Accruals<br />
12 paid holidays, 80 hrs vacation, 96 hrs sick leave<br />
Multiple Positions Available<br />
A wide variety of units and assignments available<br />
Sign On Bonus!<br />
$5,000*<br />
Harris County<br />
Questions? Email: PDrecruiting@huttotx.gov<br />
160 The BLUES @HCSOTexas<br />
HCSOTexas HCSOTexas @HCSOTexas<br />
SCAN THIS CODE<br />
Sheriff’s Office<br />
The BLUES 161<br />
Tenure agreement required.<br />
Bilingual Pay $1,800<br />
Receive up to fourteen (14) years of credit for time served! (Restrictions apply)<br />
NEXT CLASS STARTS<br />
FEBRUARY <strong>2023</strong><br />
For additional information contact<br />
Harris County Sheriff’s Office Recruitment Unit<br />
(713) 877-5250
162 The BLUES The BLUES 163
L A P O R T E<br />
P O L I C E D E P A R T M E N T<br />
Lateral Police Officer<br />
Starting Pay $ 62,416. to $73,775.<br />
Effective October 1, 2022<br />
<strong>No</strong> prior experience required. High School diploma or GED required.<br />
Possession of Class C Texas Driver License.<br />
Must possess a TCOLE License or be enrolled in accredited Basic Peace Officer Academy.<br />
Certification Pay (bi-weekly):<br />
$46.15 - Intermediate Peace Officer<br />
$69.23 - Advanced Peace Officer<br />
$92.31 - Master Peace Officer<br />
Education Pay (bi-weekly):<br />
$46.15 - Associates Degree<br />
$69.23 - Bachelors Degree<br />
$92.31 - Masters Degree<br />
Employee Benefits:<br />
Medical / Dental / Vision Insurance<br />
Longevity Pay<br />
Tuition Reimbursement<br />
TMRS Retirement (2 to 1 match)<br />
ICMA Deferred Compensation/Roth IRA<br />
$1,000 Physical Fitness Program<br />
Weapon Purchase Program<br />
Take-home Vehicles<br />
Specialized Divisions:<br />
SWAT / Bomb Squad<br />
Bike Patrol<br />
Criminal Investigative Division<br />
Crime Scene Unit<br />
Drone Pilots<br />
School Resource Officers<br />
Traffic/DOT Officers<br />
Police Area Representatives<br />
Apply online at<br />
www.laportetx.gov/jobs<br />
Paid Leave Benefits<br />
15 days vacation (Civil Service)<br />
15 days sick leave<br />
Military Leave<br />
9 observed holidays per year<br />
2 employee holidays per year<br />
Bereavement Leave<br />
Comp Time<br />
164 The BLUES The BLUES 165
LONGVIEW POLICE DEPARTMENT<br />
JOIN OUR<br />
$65,709-$67,685<br />
Based on Population and Experience<br />
TEAM<br />
2-TIER HIRING<br />
INCENTIVE<br />
STARTING SALARY<br />
$60,085<br />
$3,000<br />
25 YEAR STEP PLAN<br />
$60,085 - $84,308<br />
STEP INTO YOUR FUTURE<br />
Insurance<br />
120 Hours Vacation<br />
11 Paid Holidays<br />
80 Hours Sick Leave<br />
20-Year Retirement Plan<br />
2/1 City Match TMRS<br />
Beards & Tattoos Allowed<br />
Academy Pay<br />
Equipment Provided<br />
Excellent Training Provided<br />
Speciality/Cerification Pay<br />
Community Support<br />
Plentiful Outdoor Activities<br />
NEW POLICE STATION<br />
COMING <strong>2023</strong><br />
166 The BLUES The BLUES 167
MEMORIAL VILLAGES POLICE DEPARTMENT<br />
Serving the Villages of Bunker Hill, Piney Point and Hunters Creek<br />
POLICE OFFICER<br />
The Memorial Villages Police Department is currently looking for experienced officers who are<br />
self-motivated, innovative, enthusiastic and love working for a community that supports them.<br />
5+ Years Patrol Experience Required<br />
Hiring Bonus $1,500<br />
Night Shift Differential $3,600<br />
E.C.A $1300<br />
Bi-lingual Pay<br />
Education Pay<br />
Intermediate, Advanced, Master<br />
Peace Officer Certification Pay<br />
Healthcare, Dental and Vision Insurance<br />
100% paid for employee, 75% for<br />
spouse/dependents.<br />
Paid long-term disability and Life Insurance<br />
for employee, additional life insurance<br />
available for spouse/dependents.<br />
Health Savings Account with Department<br />
contributions up to $4,200 annually.<br />
TMRS Retirement 7% w/ 2:1 match (20 yr).<br />
457 Deferred Compensation Plan with<br />
employer contribution of 2.5% of annual<br />
salary.<br />
Tuition Reimbursement<br />
Longevity Pay up to a max of $2,400<br />
annually at 10 years of service.<br />
12 Hour shifts with every other Friday,<br />
Starting at $83,459 up to $94,164<br />
Scan for more<br />
information<br />
W W W . M V P D T X . O R G<br />
168 The BLUES<br />
11981 Memorial Drive – Houston, Tx 77024<br />
713.365.3700<br />
The BLUES 169
170 The BLUES The BLUES 171
Welcome Aboard<br />
Lone Star College PD &<br />
Travis County Sheriff’s Office<br />
172 The BLUES The BLUES 173
174 The BLUES The BLUES 175
MAKE A<br />
DIFFERENCE<br />
IN YOUR<br />
COMMUNITY<br />
We are looking for outstanding individuals to<br />
join our team! As a Pearland Police Officer your<br />
mission will be to prevent crime and disorder, build<br />
partnerships within the community, and positively<br />
impact the quality of life for all our residents.<br />
CITY OF PEARLAND, TEXAS<br />
• Competitive Salary • Outstanding Training<br />
• Career Advancement • Exceptional Benefits<br />
The City of Pearland is one of the fastest growing<br />
communities within the region. Pearland is located<br />
approximately 20 minutes south of Downtown Houston<br />
and the current population is approximately 130,000<br />
residents.<br />
JOIN OUR TEAM<br />
HIRING POLICE OFFICERS AND CADETS<br />
$5,000 Hiring Incentive for T.C.O.L.E Certified Police<br />
Officers who qualify with at least 2 years of experience.<br />
TEST DATE:<br />
SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 8:30 A.M.<br />
Register by: April 12.<br />
WATCH FOR UPCOMING<br />
Pearland Recreation Center & Natatorium<br />
4141 Bailey TEST Road, DATES Pearland, TX IN 77584. 2022<br />
Doors Open: 7:15 a.m. <strong>No</strong> admittance after 7:45 a.m.<br />
Candidates must park in the north parking lot.<br />
SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES WILL APPLY<br />
• Attendance limited to first 150 arrivals<br />
• Mandatory temperature checks<br />
• Masks required, hand sanitizer available<br />
• Candidates seated 6 feet apart<br />
176 The BLUES For additional information and to register for an upcoming Civil Service Exam, The BLUES visit 177<br />
pearlandtx.gov/PDCareers
PORT HOUSTON<br />
POLICE DEPARTMENT<br />
WE ARE<br />
HIRING<br />
SIGN UP TODAY! www.porthouston.com/careers-2<br />
BENEFITS:<br />
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance<br />
eligible first day of employment<br />
• Wellness Program<br />
(can earn up to $600 credit per year if requirements met)<br />
• Enrollment with Calm App for Wellbeing<br />
• Defined contribution plan (401a)<br />
– Employer Sponsored<br />
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan)<br />
– Employee Contributions<br />
• Vacation<br />
• Sick Leave<br />
• Paid Holiday 12 days/year<br />
• Life and Accidental Death and<br />
Dismemberment Insurance<br />
• Short Term and Long-Term Disability Benefits<br />
• Flexible spending account (FSA)<br />
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)<br />
• Pet Insurance<br />
• Legal and Identity Theft Protection<br />
• Tuition Reimbursement<br />
Up to the IRS annual limit and a maximum lifetime<br />
reimbursement of $25,000<br />
• Onsite Credit Union – Port of Houston Credit Union<br />
Are you looking for a career with meaning?<br />
Do you want to make a difference in a highly<br />
supportive community?<br />
Join our team at Port Houston!<br />
STARTING PAY*<br />
$60,000 up to $71,000<br />
REQUIREMENTS<br />
• Must be 21 years old<br />
• Must have 2+ years of police officer<br />
experience<br />
• Must have valid Texas Driver’s License<br />
• Must be a U.S. Citizen<br />
• Must have an honorable discharge<br />
from the military (if applicable)<br />
• Must never have been convicted of a<br />
Class A Misdemeanor or above<br />
EMPLOYMENT<br />
TESTING<br />
Employment is contingent on passing<br />
any post-offer pre-employment<br />
screening as listed below:<br />
• Criminal background check<br />
• Motor Vehicle Record check<br />
• Drug screening<br />
• Physical exam<br />
• Psychological exam<br />
SCAN<br />
QR CODE<br />
TO APPLY<br />
• <strong>No</strong>t been convicted of a Class B<br />
• Additional as required<br />
* Salary depends on experience<br />
misdemeanor within the last 10 years<br />
• Must have a GED or high school diploma<br />
178 The BLUES The BLUES 179
SPRING BRANCH ISD POLICE DEPARTMENT<br />
WE’RE<br />
HIRING<br />
DEPARTMENT<br />
HIGHLIGHTS<br />
55 officer department<br />
44 square mile district<br />
47 schools<br />
35,000 population<br />
24/7 Patrol<br />
We want you to preserve, protect, and defend our future.<br />
Starting Pay $63,000 (TCOLE Basic Peace Officer certification with no experience)<br />
Patrol & Onsite Officers (HS/MS)<br />
Gang Officer<br />
Mental Health Officers<br />
Community Relations Officer<br />
Emergency Management<br />
Criminal Investigations<br />
K-9 programs<br />
Language pay<br />
Shift differential pay<br />
Intermediate, Advanced and<br />
Master Peace Officer<br />
certificate pay<br />
Paid time off<br />
Ample overtime opportunities<br />
*All equipment provided including duty weapon<br />
**Training opportunities available<br />
Apply online today. springbranchisd.com/join-our-team<br />
180 The BLUES The BLUES 181
182 The BLUES The BLUES 183
184 The BLUES The BLUES 185
186 The BLUES The BLUES 187
STARTING SALARY<br />
$56,160 $57,824 $60,008 $62,400 $64,792 $67,184 $69,680 $72,384 $74,880 $77,480 $80,080<br />
High School Diploma<br />
or G.E.D.<br />
Minimum age of 21<br />
Must hold a valid<br />
Texas Driver’s License<br />
Current valid TCOLE<br />
certification<br />
At Hire<br />
At<br />
6 mos.<br />
end<br />
year 1<br />
end<br />
year 2<br />
end<br />
year 3<br />
end<br />
year 4<br />
end<br />
year 5<br />
end<br />
year 6<br />
end<br />
year 7<br />
end<br />
year 8<br />
end<br />
year 9<br />
GET STARTED<br />
LOCATED 5 MILES WEST OF<br />
DOWNTOWN AUSTIN<br />
$3,000<br />
188 The BLUES The BLUES 189
190 The BLUES