March 2023 Blues Vol 39 No. 3

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OUR CONTRIBUTORS 


light bulb 

D.S. SMITH 

warstory 

D.S. SMITH 

aftermath 

DR. JC CHAIX 

DOUG MACCASH 

SPENCER KENT 

ASHLEY SILVER 

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MORGAN LEE 

URIEL J. GARCIA 

JERRY REYNOLDS 

JACOB FACTOR 

SARAH CALAMS 

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4 The BLUES The BLUES 5

FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK 

yrs. 

What happens when they do arrive? 

Am I the only one who finds this 

whole ‘shoot them down’ incident 

more than sketchy? I’m not talking 

about the weather balloon from 

China, but the ‘unidentified’ objects 

that were shot down later that same 

week. 

First off, why would you shoot 

down something that you have no 

idea what it is. The explanation that 

they were moving too slow, and the 

aircraft were too fast, is just stupid. 

The advanced avionics in today’s 

fighter aircraft could identify an object 

from 5-miles out. So that’s just 

BS. And if the speed of the object was 

nearly zero and you believed it wasn’t 

armed, then why not deploy a turbine 

helicopter to see what it was you’re 

about to blow out of the sky? And 

yes, some helicopters can fly up to 

25,000 feet. They can’t hover at that 

altitude, but they could certainly fly 

around the object and identity it. 

Long story short, we were played. 

The government thinks we’re stupid 

and will believe anything they say, 

regardless of how ridiculous it is. 

UFOs and now what they call UAPs, 

have been sighted in our skies for decades. 

Most, hell maybe all of them, 

most likely are aircraft or drones 

being flown by either our military, 

China or Russia. Or perhaps they 

ARE extraterrestrial Drones sent to 

explore our planet. Let’s just let’s say 

for a minute, they were from another 

universe. Sent here with a message 

of peace and ‘we mean no harm’ 

attached to it. Our response is to just 

blow it out of the sky. As far-fetched 

as it may seem, at some point in the 

future if there is life out there, they 

will visit earth if they haven’t already. 

And when that day does come, we’d 

assume our government has some 

plan to deal with it. But I can almost 

guarantee that Joe Biden has NO 

PLAN. Hell, he can’t even finish an 

entire sentence and we’re supposed 

to believe he can communicate with 

an alien race. 

Now you may think this is all nonsense 

and I’ve been watching Independence 

Day too many times. But 

trust me, sooner or later, it’s going to 

happen. And when it does, someone 

better have a plan besides blowing 

them out of the sky. 

For shits and grins, I asked the new 

ChatGPT what we should do if Aliens 

land on earth. Here’s what the AI said 

we should do: 

If an alien species were to land on 

Earth, it would be an unprecedented 

event with many potential implications. 

Here are some general steps 

that could be taken: 

1. Establish Communication: The first 

step would be to establish communication 

with the aliens, either through 

language translation or some other 

means. This could be difficult since we 

don’t know what kind of communication 

methods the aliens might use. 

2. Observe and Learn: After establishing 

communication, we would need 

to observe and learn as much as possible 

about the aliens and their intentions. 

We would need to be cautious 

and avoid any actions that might be 

interpreted as hostile or threatening. 

3. Share Information: We would 

need to share information about the 

aliens and their presence on Earth 

with the international community, 

including governments, scientists, 

and the general public. This would 

be important for transparency and to 

prevent panic. 

4. Plan for Various Scenarios: It 

would be important to plan for 

various scenarios, including peaceful 

coexistence, conflict, or even a 

possible invasion. This would involve 

coordinating with various government 

SGT. MICHAEL BARRON RET 

agencies, military, and scientific communities. 

5. Respect Their Rights: If the aliens 

are intelligent and self-aware, we 

should respect their rights and treat 

them with dignity and respect, just as 

we would any other sentient beings. 

6. Protect Our Planet: Finally, we 

would need to take steps to protect 

our planet from any potential harm 

caused by the aliens. This would include 

assessing any potential environmental 

or biological risks posed by 

the aliens and taking steps to minimize 

those risks. 

Overall, any response to an alien 

landing would require careful thought, 

planning, and cooperation among 

various national and international 

organizations. 

Sure, it’s far fetched. Just like it 

might have been if this was March 

1, 1966, and I told you that someday 

there would be daily space flights, 

personal communication devices that 

you can hold in your hand that would 

be more powerful than a room full 

of computers and a TV so thin you 

could roll it up and place it in a tube. 

Or that in 2030 every car was electric. 

Or cops had a handheld device 

that would render suspects in-mobile 

while you handcuffed them. 

The day IS coming, the question is, 

WILL WE BE READY? 


FROM THE SENIOR EDITOR’S DESK 

yrs. 

Come on Down 

Life as a Law Enforcement 

Officer has never been one 

that well, makes you rich. It 

can make you famous in a bad 

way, really quickly. Some, lose 

their friends and even their 

family, when they make the 

decision to enter Law Enforcement 

as a profession. 

Going all the way back to 

the days of Rodney King (and 

there have been many others, 

unfortunately) our profession, 

has endured much criticism 

and disparaging content from 

mainstream and social media 

as well as, form just the general 

public. 

Now, couple such an adverse 

outlook for the personnel in 

our profession and combine 

that with mediocre pay, marginal 

benefits, poor (at times, 

by some, certainly not all) 

leadership and supervision, 

along with aging or misused 

equipment, it becomes much 

clearer that “Why would anyone 

want to ever become a 

Law Enforcement Officer?” 

I cannot attest as to the 

“Why” for some. I can only 

attest to my “Why”. No, it is 

not the four prior generations 

of my family who were all in 

Law Enforcement. I wanted 

to make Texas and whatever 

community I served in, a 

safer place for families to live, 

work, love and play. I wanted 

to make a place where children 

were safe from predators. 

I wanted to make a place 

where women who were victims 

of violence, could come 

to the Police and be protected 

from ever being hurt again. 

This world, it is full of the 

wicked and violent. There are 

those who would rather do 

harm to others, than not. And 

commit that violence for no 

other reason than, they can. 

Only those who, like me and 

like you who wear a badge, 

can stop them. Only the few 

who dare to wear the badge, 

stand freely upon a line which 

separates good from evil. We 

do this not for the pay or to 

seek some kind of reward or 

recognition. We do it because 

if not us, then who. And that is 

readily and quickly becomes, 

no one. 

Not every day has to bring 

about an arrest. Not every day 

do we have to “solve” some 

major crime. In fact, most 

days, we provide direction to 

the lost. Return kids who have 

run away from home. Find and 

return lost property and of 

course, write lots and lots of 

reports. Reports ranging from 

those who “DEMAND” a report 

for a barking dog to “someone 

just stole my brand-new 

CHIEF REX EVANS 

truck! And yes, I left it running 

at the gas pump while 

I ran inside for a drink and a 

snack.” (it’s like cool…here’s 

your case number and here’s 

your sign, too) 

I’ll wrap it up with this, 

Police Academy’s are running 

short of new Cadets. I get it. 

No one really wants to do this 

thankless job anymore. With 

that, those who do seek employment 

in their field, are to 

be taken seriously. For they 

are fewer in numbers than 

ever before. One caveat, they 

need to have the heart to do 

the job. 

You can be a “Robot” and 

just “do” this job or…. 

You can be a human being 

with a decent heart and potentially 

save a life or two 

along the way. The choice is 

yours and yours alone. I can 

only tell you; we’ve got openings. 

Come on down if you 

dare to care!!! 

Over 1 Million Views 

in February Alone! 



READERS SPEAK OUT 

COPS ARE QUITTING, 

Are The Unqualified Taking Their Place? 

The following article was written 

by Leonard Adam Sipes, Jr. It includes 

editorial content which is the opinion 

of the writer. Reprinted from Law 

Enforcement Today. 

QUOTES 

“I predict you will see a 70-80% 

flight or more of remaining cops 

who will find another job” (veteran 

prosecutor). 

“The point of journalism is to hold 

people in positions of power accountable.” 

Ana Kasparian. 

Are we seeing the very essence 

of the veteran police officer who is 

skilled in de-escalation and proper 

conduct and proactive policing 

disappearing? If so, what does that 

mean for the future of policing? 

What does it mean for our cities? 

OPINION 

I previously wrote, “Will National 

Crime Rise Because Of Memphis 

Police Reactions?” Thousands of 

police officers are leaving law enforcement 

because of endless negative 

publicity based on the actions 

of a few. I questioned whether the 

exodus of cops would lead to more 

violence and crime. The bulk of increasing 

violence is mostly affecting 

young urban African Americans. 

There is a ton of data from the US 

Department of Justice (third replication) 

indicating that force “or” 

the threat of force is two to three 

percent of the 54 million yearly encounters 

with one percent claiming 

that they were disrespected. The 

overwhelming number of those 

polled were satisfied with their law 

enforcement response. 

Multiple polling data state that 

policing is one of the most respected 

professions in America regardless 

of demographics. 

Yes, there are differences based 

on race, age, and political affiliation. 

Yes, there are a few cops that have 

done something wrong or criminal 

thus the negative news coverage 

was deserved. Yes, there are groups 

who have issues with respect 

during police encounters. 

Yet law enforcement remains one 

of the most trusted and admired 

professions in America, far outpacing 

many occupations including 

journalism and Congress. 

QUESTIONABLE JOURNALISM? 

Recent articles and media reports 

based on the latest tragedy in Memphis 

have returned to an emphasis 

on “all” cops in America. The entire 

profession is once again under 

immense fire. None of the reports 

cited above were used in any of the 

articles I encountered. If you ignore 

the best possible data, it’s simply 

bad or biased journalism. 

We seem to be very comfortable 

condemning well over a million officers 

and employees based on the 

actions of a few (the same as any 

“ism).” If you are capable of stereotyping 

over a million people based 

on the actions of a small number, 

you are intellectually capable of 

racism and sexism. There is no data 

suggesting that cops are any more 

culpable of misdeeds when compared 

to other professions. 

If the point of journalism is to 

hold people in positions of power 

accountable, then who’s answerable 

yrs. 

Leonard Adam Sipes 

LEONARD ADAM SIPES 

for not offering the best available 

data? Who’s responsible for not 

providing the proper context? If it’s 

more than possible that violence 

and crime will increase because 

of a mass exodus of cops, who’s 

responsible for what follows? 

What’s the future of urban policing 

if cops leave and are replaced 

by the less experienced or qualified? 

The Skeptic asked people how 

many unarmed African Americans 

were killed by law enforcement 

in one year. The estimates ranged 

from 100 to 10,000 when the actual 

number was between 10 to 27 

and even then, it doesn’t mean that 

suspects were not a deadly threat. 

According to the report, “Our overall 

findings indicate that people are 

uninformed regarding the available 

data on fatal police shootings in the 

US.” 

PROACTIVE POLICING 

The only modality with a proven 

track record of reducing crime is 

proactive policing based on hundreds 

of methodologically correct 

studies provided by the US Department 

of Justice. No other crime 

control strategy comes close to the 

number and quality of the studies. 

Proactive policing means that 

police officers leave their vehicles 

to investigate suspicious behavior. 

This includes traffic stops. Proactive 

policing stops are dangerous and 

lead to numerous incidents where 

the use of force was employed. 

VIOLENCE IS UP 

There’s no doubt that urban crime 

has increased considerably. Since 

2019, homicides are up by 50 percent. 

Aggravated assaults are up 36 

percent per the Major Cities Chiefs 

Association. The risk of violent 

street crimes rose by 40 percent. 

If We Have A Ton Of Cops Leaving-Who’s 

Replacing Them? 

Not a day goes by without media 

articles stating that cities do 

not have enough police officers 

and that response time to serious 

incidents is down considerably. We 

ask police officers to do more (i.e., 

foot patrols, community policing, 

red flag laws, school security) when 

they can’t perform basic functions. 

Thousands of police officers have 

left the profession per the Bureau of 

Labor Statistics. 

As one veteran prosecutor stated, 

“I predict you will see a 70-80% 

flight or more of remaining cops 

who will find another job.” 

THE CONVERSATION 

The International Association of 

Chiefs of Police surveyed its members 

in 2019 and found that 75% 

were experiencing greater recruitment 

challenges, with 25% reducing 

or eliminating some services as 

a result. 

Because staffing shortages involve 

agencies across the nation, 

and in many cases pit agencies 

against one another in competition 

for ever-decreasing pools of talent, 

it will likely require federal and 

state action to address effectively. 

President Biden has proposed $10.9 

billion to help hire an additional 

100,000 police officers over the next 

five years. Adding more officers will 

help, but so too will keeping officers 

in the profession, especially in 

the communities most impacted by 

historic increases in violent crime. 

ASSOCIATED PRESS 

Former Memphis police recruiters 

told The Associated Press of a 

growing desperation to fill hundreds 

of slots in recent years that drove 

the department to increase incentives 

and lower its standards. 

“They would allow just pretty 

much anybody to be a police officer 

because they just want these 

numbers,” said Alvin Davis, a former 

lieutenant in charge of recruiting 

before he retired last year out of 

frustration. “They’re not ready for 

it.” 

The department offered new 

recruits $15,000 signing bonuses 

and $10,000 relocation allowances 

while phasing out requirements to 

have either college credits, military 

service or previous police work. All 

that’s now required is two years’ 

work experience — any work experience. 

The department also sought 

state waivers to hire applicants 

with criminal records (emphasis 

added). And the police academy 

even dropped timing requirements 

on physical fitness drills and removed 

running entirely because too 

many people were failing. 

Many young officers, before ever 

walking a beat with more experienced 

colleagues, found themselves 

thrust into specialized units like the 

now-disbanded SCORPION highcrime 

strike force involved in Nichols’ 

arrest. Their lack of experience 

was shocking to veterans, who said 

some young officers who transfer 

back to patrol don’t even know how 

to write a traffic ticket or respond 

to a domestic call. 

“They don’t know a felony from 

a misdemeanor,” Davis said. “They 

don’t even know right from wrong 

yet.” 

POLICE LINE 

Do You Really Believe This Isn’t 

Happening In Cities Throughout the 

Country? 

Respondents to my articles and 

national media appearances tell 

me that what’s happening in Memphis 

regarding unqualified officers 

is occurring in cities throughout the 

country prompting veteran officers 

to leave just to protect their careers 

or retirements. 

I’m told that the issue isn’t solely 

having enough cops to provide 

basic services, it’s also a concern 

as to the new officers being unqualified 

for the job. Cities are having 

immense problems recruiting new 

officers. 

The Police Executive Research Forum 

states that recruitment is down 

by 63 percent. 

There are allegations that two of 

the Memphis officers who allegedly 

killed Nichols were found to have 

had previous brushes with the law. 

Are we seeing the very essence 

of the urban veteran police officer 

who is skilled in de-escalation and 

proper conduct and proactive policing 

disappearing? If so, what does 

that mean for the future of urban 

policing or crime control? 

CONCLUSIONS 

We have multiple issues: 

Veteran cops leaving law enforcement 

per the Bureau of Labor 

Statistics. 

In some (most?) cities, those leaving 

are being replaced by unqualified 

or under-qualified officers. 

Crime and violence are increasing 

in urban areas per the US Department 

of Justice and multiple additional 

sources. 

Some cities do not have enough 

police officers to offer basic services. 

Criminal arrests are plummeting 

at an alarming rate. 

Big city mayors are begging cops 

to return to proactivity and more 

arrests yet veteran officers who are 

willing are leaving. 

Like Memphis, does that mean 

that the complexities that come 

with proactive or special unit po- 


licing will fall to the unqualified or 

inexperienced? 

And finally, when the best available 

data states that cops do their 

jobs well without excessive force 

and polls hold law enforcement in 

high regard, why do we have incessantly 

negative media and advocates 

painting “all” cops as brutal? 

Why do we allow such stereotyping 

to exist? 

Do incessantly negative media 

reports focusing on American policing 

(thus all cops) create a false 

narrative that results in officers 

leaving by the thousands, inadequate 

and unready recruits taking 

their place, and growing violence 

that will literally destroy cities? 

If “the point of journalism is to 

hold people in positions of power 

accountable,” are media organizations 

looking in the mirror for 

creating a false narrative? 

I have no data to “prove” that 

what happened in Memphis is occurring 

in other high-crime urban 

areas, yet the number of media 

accounts focusing on the loss of 

police officers tells me that the unqualified 

or under-qualified may be 

necessary to fill empty positions. 

No one is excusing the actions 

of bad or disrespectful cops. We 

must be held accountable. We must 

serve all regardless of who they 

are. We must understand historic 

mistreatment. 

But if the data suggests that most 

cops are doing well while responding 

to high-stress and dangerous 

calls, why the attack on everyone in 

the profession? 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Leonard Adam Sipes, Jr. is a retired 

federal senior spokesperson. 

Thirty-five years of directing 

award-winning public relations for 

national and state criminal justice 

agencies. Interviewed multiple times 

by every national news outlet. Former 

Senior Specialist for Crime Prevention 

for the Department of Justice’s 

clearinghouse. Former Director 

of Information Services, National 

Crime Prevention Council. Former 

Adjunct Associate Professor of criminology 

and public affairs-University 

of Maryland, University College. Former 

advisor to presidential and gubernatorial 

campaigns. Former advisor 

to the “McGruff-Take a Bite Out 

of Crime” national media campaign. 

Certificate of Advanced Study-Johns 

Hopkins University. Former police 

officer. Aspiring drummer. Author of 

”Success With The Media: Everything 

You Need To Survive Reporters and 

Your Organization” available at Amazon 

and additional booksellers. 

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AROUND THE COUNTRY 

yrs. 

DEPUTY BILL HARDIN 

Bill Hardin, a Texas deputy and the oldest and longest 

serving peace officer in the world, dies at the age of 99. 

CLEBURNE, TX. - The Johnson 

County Sheriff’s Office and law 

enforcement agencies across 

Texas are mourning the death of 

lawman Bill Hardin, who died 

on Feb. 17 surrounded by friends, 

colleagues and loved ones. 

Hardin, 99, was the oldest and 

longest serving peace officer in 

the world, the Johnson County 

Sheriff’s Office wrote in a Facebook 

post. 

“It is with great sadness we 

announce the loss of a great 

friend, brother, and lawman,” the 

sheriff’s office wrote. 

Hardin reportedly started his 

career in law enforcement on 

Feb. 1, 1947, with the Fort Worth 

Police Department. 

He would go on to serve the 

public with the Tarrant County 

Sheriffs Office, and later at 

Johnson County Sheriffs Office, 

where he worked for the past 28 

years. 

“Bill was a true living legend. 

The oldest and longest running 

Peace Officer in the world. 

But more than that he was our 

brother and our friend,” the 

sheriff’s office said. 

“Bill never failed to share his 

knowledge with our new deputies, 

and was always ready with 

a handshake and a smile. His 

presence within the walls of this 

agency will be truly missed. 

More than 100 people from 

around North Texas came to Cleburne 

Saturday for a memorial 

for Hardin, who was the oldest 

law enforcement officer in the 

world. 

On a gloomy, overcast Saturday, 

there wasn’t grieving but 

celebrating for Hardin. 

His calling began February of 

1947 in Fort Worth at 22 years 

old. 

“Bill joined the Fort Worth 

Police Department where he 

helped establish the Texas 

Narcotics Officers Association,” 

Hardin’s grandson Matt Bohon 

shared. 

Hardin didn’t miss a single day 

of work when, years later, he 

moved on to the Tarrant County 

Sheriff’s Office. 

“Papa actually took a vacation 

day in order to attend his retirement 

party from the Fort Worth 

Police Department,” Bohon said. 

WFAA spoke to Hardin 6 years 

ago about his refusal to retire 

and having already claimed the 

Guinness World Record title for 

oldest law enforcement officer. 

“I’m afraid to stop. I’m afraid 

I couldn’t get started again,” 

he said at the time. “I don’t fish. 

I don’t hunt. Don’t drink. Don’t 

smoke.” 

Hardin reportedly did everything 

from traffic enforcement to 

homicide and narcotics investigations 

to guarding the grave of 

Lee Harvey Oswald. As a reserve 

deputy in Johnson County, he 

also hadn’t gotten a paycheck in 

28 years. He simply couldn’t stop 

working. 

Saturday, state and county 

leaders shared accolades. Grandchildren 

shared stories. 

“Your love for family was 

unmatched,” Bohon said. “You 

never missed a family reunion, 

no matter the location.” 

There was no grieving for Bill 

Hardin Saturday, only remembering 

and honoring. 

“I think there’s always a moment 

of sorrow when we lose a 

loved one,” Hampton said. “But 

the sorrow of the Christian is 

always mixed with joy.” 

In a Facebook post after his 

passing, the Johnson County 

Sheriff’s office wrote, 

“Rest easy Bill. We will take 

the watch from here.” 

BILL HARDIN, END OF WATCH 

FEBRUARY 17, 2023 

1924 - 2023 

END OF WATCH: FEBRUARY 17, 2023 



yrs. 

CAIRO, GA. 

A South Georgia community is mourning a police officer 

who died while “serving the community he so loved.” 

Master Patrol Officer Clarence 

“CJ” Williams died Saturday, 

Jan. 28, while on duty, the Cairo 

Police Department confirmed. 

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation 

is looking into the 

circumstances surrounding his 

death. Authorities said Williams 

was assisting sheriff’s deputies 

in a traffic stop-turned-foot 

chase when he suffered a medical 

emergency, WALB reported, 

citing police. He died at the 

scene. 

“He joined the department 

in 2020 and quickly gained the 

respect and love of all that 

met him,” the department said. 

“Please keep his family in your 

prayers as we do the same.” 

Tributes from friends and 

fellow officers flooded social 

media after news of Williams’ 

death. Travoris Belcher described 

the fallen officer as “the true 

definition of a friend.” 

“If you Knew my brother CJ 

Williams you knew his passion 

for this job,” Belcher wrote on 

Facebook. “He never quit when 

things got rough, he made a way 

to get over that hump and never 

looked back.” 

One of Williams’ former 

teachers remembered him as 

a “sweetheart and so respectful.” 

“The last time I saw him he 

thanked me for keeping them in 

line and that’s going to stick with 

me,” she wrote. 

OFFICER CLARENCE WILLIAMS 

Cairo is about 30 miles north 

of Tallahassee, Florida. 



SELMA, CA. 

A 24-year-old California officer with only two years on the 

department, was preparing to become a parent when he 

was shot and killed last month. 

Officer Gonzalo Carrasco Jr. 

with the Selma Police Department 

was patrolling in the small 

Central Valley city around noon 

Tuesday when a woman flagged 

down his squad car and said 

there was a suspicious person in 

her yard, officials said. 

As Carrasco left his car and 

approached the suspect, the 

man opened fire and shot the 

officer several times, according 

to a statement from the Fresno 

County Sheriff’s Office. Carrasco 

died at a hospital. 

The suspect was arrested a 

short time later, and a gun believed 

to have been used in the 

shooting was seized, the statement 

said. 

Nathaniel Dixon of Selma 

faces multiple charges including 

murder, being a felon in possession 

of a gun and ammunition, 

as well as probation violation. It 

wasn’t known Wednesday if he 

has an attorney who could speak 

on his behalf. 

Carrasco began his career with 

the Selma Police Department 

in May 2021. He is survived by 

his parents, brother, sisters and 

girlfriend, who is pregnant with 

their child, the sheriff’s department 

statement said. 

The killing is the first line-ofduty 

death for the police department, 

which was formed in 1893 

in the city that is home to about 

23,000 people. 

“I’m absolutely outraged. I 

am horrified right now,” Selma 

Police Chief Rudy Alcaraz said 

during a Tuesday night press 

conference. 

Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered 

flags at the State Capitol to 

flown at half-staff Wednesday in 

honor of Carrasco. 

inside the Selland Arena, over 

4,000 people were on hand last 

month to honor and pay their 

respects to Officer Carrasco. 

His family and friends were 

supported by law enforcement 

from across the country as they 

laid him to rest. 

Law enforcement agencies 

from as far as New York, Massachusetts, 

Texas, and Idaho, along 

with officers and deputies from 

up and down California were 

there to salute Carrasco. 

“It gives us comfort knowing 

yrs. 

OFFICER GONZALO CARRASCO, JR. 

that Gonzalo is with the only 

person who could love him more 

than his family-with God,” said 

Julio Martinez, Carrasco’s cousin. 

Martinez was emotional as he 

described Carrasco’s excitement 

to become a father to a son he 

will never meet, but who will 

carry on his name. Baby Gonzalo. 

“He kept a calendar in his room 

that tracked upcoming doctor’s 

appointments and had a stroller, 

baby shoes, and tiny outfits. He 

was ready to go,” Martinez said. 

FROM OUR PUBLISHER, 


Thugs. That is exactly what the 

five Memphis officer acted like 

when they beat and ultimately 

killed Tyre Nichols. If they weren’t 

wearing uniforms, you’d swear 

you were looking at a street gang 

beating up an innocent man just 

driving through their neighborhood. 

Memphis Police Director Cerelyn 

Davis described the officers’ 

actions as “heinous, reckless and 

inhumane,” and said that her 

department has been unable to 

substantiate the reckless driving 

allegation that prompted the 

stop. 

Regardless of why they stopped 

Nichols, there was NO justification 

to pull him out of the vehicle 

and start beating him. Now 

some will say, he must have shot 

at them, or tried to run over one 

of them, or did something to 

threaten their lives. NOPE. According 

to the body cam videos 

and street surveillance video, they 

just pulled him out and the beat 

down was on. 

After watching these horrendous 

videos, I know there are 

800,000 cops who’d like to have 

five minutes alone with each and 

every one of these asshole former 

cops. Beat their ass like they 

beat Nichols. What they did was 

wrong and there’s evidence to 

prove it. Of course, each deserves 

their day in court, and they are 

innocent until proven guilty. But 

personally, I hope they end up 

in GenPop and get their assess 

beaten every single day. 

On behalf of every good and 

decent cop in America, I apologize 

to the family of Tyre Nichols 

for what these five animals did 



yrs. 

McKEESPORT, PA. 

‘Genuinely a good officer’: Friends remember fallen 

McKeesport Police Officer Sean Sluganski. 

McKeesport, PA – McKeesport 

Police Department (MPD) Officer 

Sean Sluganski was murdered in 

the line of duty while responding 

to a domestic disturbance on 

Monday afternoon. 

The Allegheny County Police 

Department (ACPD) said the incident 

occurred in the 1400-block 

of Wilson Street at approximately 

12:11 p.m. on Feb. 6, WTAE reported. 

Officer Sluganski and fellow 

MPD Officer Charles Thomas 

responded to the area after the 

department was notified that a 

male was in the midst of a mental 

health crisis and that he was 

possibly armed. 

The call was placed by the 

suspect’s mother, who said her 

son suffered from post-traumatic 

stress disorder and was being aggressive, 

according to the Officer 

Down Memorial Page. 

The suspect has since been 

identified as 31-year-old military 

veteran Jonathan Jermia Morris, 

WTAE reported. 

Investigators said the officers 

tried to talk with Morris when 

they arrived at the scene, but he 

refused to communicate with 

them. 

“The officers attempted to 

speak with the subject, and he 

walked away without speaking 

with officers,” ACPD Superintendent 

Christopher Kearns said, 

according to WTAE. 

He then pulled out a gun and 

opened fire, hitting both officers. 

Officer Thomas returned fire, 

hitting Morris in the leg before 

the suspect took off running 

to a nearby convenience store, 

according to the Officer Down 

Memorial Page. 

Morris then exchanged gunfire 

with a third officer before he was 

ultimately taken into custody. 

Officer Thomas, 35, was shot in 

the neck, hand, and face during 

the attack, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 

reported. 

He was flown to a hospital in 

Pittsburgh in serious condition 

and has since been released to 

continue his recovery at home, 

according to WTAE. 

Officer Sluganski, 32, was taken 

to UPMC McKeesport, where he 

was pronounced dead. 

“This is a tragic loss for our 

department and our community,” 

Allegheny County Director 

of Communications Amie Downs 

told WTAE in the wake of Officer 

Sluganski’s murder. “We have lost 

a friend, a trusted colleague and 

OFFICER SEAN SLUGANSKI 

an officer whose passion was 

providing service to the public.” 

Officer Sluganski served with 

the Charleroi Regional Police Department 

prior to joining the MPD 

two years ago, according to the 

Officer Down Memorial Page. 

He leaves behind his fiancé and 

his infant daughter. 

A fundraising campaign established 

to help Officer Sluganski’s 

family in the wake of their loss 

has raised more than $71,000 so 

far. 



yrs. 

MILWAUKEE, WI. 

Milwaukee Police Officer Peter Jerving, 37, died after he was 

shot on the city’s south side. 

MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee Police 

Officer Peter Jerving, 37, died 

after he was shot near 14th and 

Cleveland on the city’s south side 

early Tuesday, Feb. 7. Police said 

he was shot during a struggle 

with a robbery suspect who had 

just been placed on probation 

Monday. 

The shooting happened around 

1:15 a.m. Tuesday when officers 

responded to 14th and Cleveland. 

Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey 

Norman said there was a report 

a man wanted for a robbery that 

happened near Teutonia and 

Good Hope Road late Monday 

was in the area. Norman identified 

him as Terrell Thompson, 19. 

Chief Norman said officers 

found Thompson, but he ran off. 

After officers caught up to him, 

during a struggle, Norman said 

Thompson shot Officer Jerving. 

Jerving then fired back, hitting 

Thompson. He died at the scene. 

Jerving, 37, had four years of 

service with the Milwaukee Police 

Department. He died at the 

hospital. 

“Milwaukee, our hearts are 

heavy. Milwaukee Police Department 

hearts are heavy. My heart 

is heavy,” Norman said. “One of 

our finest who put on that uniform, 

put on that badge, went 

into work last night and paid the 

ultimate sacrifice for protecting 

our community. Milwaukee, we 

need your prayers. We need your 

support.” 

Jerving was a lifelong Milwaukee 

resident and decorated 

officer, honored by the police 

department in fall 2022 for saving 

someone’s life in June. The 

Milwaukee Police Department 

said he received the award “for 

heroically providing lifesaving 

care to a shooting victim during 

extremely dangerous conditions.” 

Officer Jerving grabbed a fire 

extinguisher and helped save a 

man in a burning vehicle who 

had been shot. 

A procession guided Jerving’s 

body from the hospital to the 

medical examiner’s office Tuesday 

morning. Highways were 

shut down Tuesday evening for 

another procession, as the fallen 

officer’s body was transported 

from the Milwaukee medical 

examiner’s office to a Brookfield 

funeral home. 

“He was a loving friend, trusting 

colleague and outstanding 

officer whose passion it was to 

serve since the age of 13,” Norman 

said. 

The department’s chaplain, 

George Papachristou, read a 

OFFICER PETER JERVING 

statement from Jerving’s family 

at a Tuesday afternoon news 

conference. 

“It is with much sadness that 

we, the family of Officer Peter 

Jerving, announce his untimely 

death which took place in the 

line of duty,” the chaplain read. 

“Officer Peter Jerving loved and 

dedicated his life to serving the 

great people of our city. To his 

last breath, Peter fulfilled that 

goal. Milwaukee has lost one of 

its finest young officers.” 

“It’s just a heart-sinking feeling 

of remorse and respect for 

people and what they do every 

day to protect our safety,” said 

Michael Webber of Pewaukee. 



yrs. 

MILWAUKEE, WI. 

Pembroke Pines Police Officer Charles Herring dies after 

debris falls from tree, striking him. 

PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. — A 

Pembroke Pines police officer 

died Thursday after a piece of 

debris fell from a tree, striking 

the officer on his police motorcycle, 

authorities said. 

The Pembroke Pines Police 

Department posted on Facebook 

that Officer Charles Herring was 

on duty when the incident happened 

just before 11:30 a.m. at 

the intersection of Northwest 184 

Avenue and Sheridan Street. 

Police said Herring was riding 

his department-issued motorcycle 

when a piece of debris fell 

from a tree, striking Herring and 

causing him to fall off the motorcycle. 

“Officer Herring succumbed to 

his injuries despite all lifesaving 

efforts from fellow officers 

and emergency medical professionals,” 

the police department 

OFFICER CHARLES HERRING 

posted. 

Herring was an Army veteran 

and joined the Pembroke Pines 

Police Department in 2001. Before 

that, he was a police officer 

in Starke, Florida for three years. 

“Officer Charles Herring paid 

the ultimate sacrifice doing what 

he loved, serving and protecting 

others. He will be missed by all 

who knew and loved him,” the 

department wrote. 

A procession of dozens of law 

enforcement vehicles escorted 

the fallen officer’s body from the 

hospital to the medical examiner’s 

office, WPLG reported. 

PPPD Chief Kipp Shimpeno said 

Officer Herring is the first Pembroke 

Pines police officer to die 

in the line of duty. 

“A beloved father, he was a 

personal friend of mine,” Chief 

Shimpeno told reporters. “Charlie’s 

touched pretty much every 

person in this agency and so 

many people in the community. 

It’s definitely going to take some 

time and a lot of togetherness to 

get through this.” 

Officer Herring leaves behind 

his four children, WSVN reported. 



FOUNTAIN, CO. 

Colorado Officer Julian Becerra died after falling from 

an overpass onto a highway. 

yrs. 

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a bridge while he was chasing a Police pursued the suspects 

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KANSAS CITY, MO. 

KCPD mourns deaths of Officer James Muhlbauer & 

K-9 Officer Champ, both killed in an collision. 

yrs. 

IHIA 

29th ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM 

August 6 - 11, 2023 OKLAHOMA CITY 

Officer James Muhlbauer and 

his partner, K-9 Officer Champ, 

were killed in the line of duty the 

night of Feb. 15. 

Muhlbauer and Champ were in 

their patrol vehicle when a vehicle 

crashed into them near the 

intersection of Truman Rd. and 

Benton Blvd. shortly after 10:15 

p.m. 

Champ died at the scene. A 

pedestrian was also struck after 

the collision and that pedestrian, 

a man in his 50s, died at the 

scene too. 

Muhlbauer was transported 

to a hospital with life-threatening 

injuries, where doctors 

treated him, but were unable to 

save him. Muhlbauer died at the 

hospital. 

Muhlbauer, 42, was a 20-year 

veteran of KCPD, serving his 

entire career in patrol, including 

the last three years in the K-9 

Unit. Champ, a Dutch Shepard, 

was 3-years-old and joined 

KCPD a year ago. 

Champ also lived with Muhlbauer 

and his family. Muhlbauer 

was married and a father. 

KCPD is asking the public to 

please pray for the family of 

the pedestrian who died in the 

crash. 

OFFICER JAMES MUHLBAUER & K-9 CHAMP 

KCPD thanks everyone, fellow 

law enforcement agencies and 

elected officials included, for 

their condolences and assistance 

during this difficult time. 

The crash is under investigation, 

including the possibility of 

impaired driving by the driver of 

the striking vehicle. Once complete, 

the case will be submitted 

to the prosecutor’s office for 

review. 

KCPD is working on funeral arrangements 

and will share them 

when they are ready. The public 

is invited to lay flowers on a 

patrol vehicle parked in honor of 

Muhlbauer and Champ in front 

of Police Headquarters at 1125 

Locust St. 

Muhlbauer is the first KCPD 

officer to die in the line of duty 

since May of 2001. 

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yrs. 

KANSAS CITY, MO. 

Police Officer Christopher Fitzgerald, who was shot and killed at Temple 

University in Philadelphia, started his career in Sugar Land, Texas. 

PHILADELPHIA — A police officer 

who was shot and killed at 

Temple University in Philadelphia 

last weekend had ties to the 

Houston area. 

Christopher Fitzgerald was 

shot in the head when he responded 

to a carjacking report 

near the campus Saturday night. 

Fitzgerald, 31, started his law 

enforcement career in Sugar 

Land as a detention officer, SLPD 

said Monday. 

“Temple University may seem 

far away, but Officer Christopher 

Fitzgerald, who tragically lost his 

life in the line of duty 2/28/23, 

was close to our hearts here 

at Sugar Land PD,” they said on 

Facebook. “Our hearts are heavy 

with the loss of Officer Fitzgerald 

and we ask that you keep his 

family and department in your 

prayers.” 

Fitzgerald left behind a wife 

and four children and came from 

a law enforcement family. His 

father, Joel Fitzgerald, was the 

Missouri City police chief from 

2009 to 2013 and the Fort Worth 

police chief from 2015 to 2019. 

The Philadelphia district attorney’s 

office said 18-year-old 

Miles Pfeffer will face charges of 

murder, murder of a law enforcement 

officer, robbery, carjacking 

and weapons crimes. 

“Pfeffer is also alleged to have 

attempted to rob Officer Fitzgerald 

of his gun and to have gone 

through his pockets, while the 

officer was laying on the ground 

and fatally wounded,” District 

Attorney Larry Krasner said in 

a statement Sunday. “Pfeffer is 

further alleged to have committed 

a carjacking a short time 

after, close to the location of the 

officer’s murder.” 

The Bucks County District Attorney’s 

Office said Pfeffer was 

taken into custody shortly after 

7 a.m. Sunday at his Buckingham 

Township home by township and 

Philadelphia police as well as 

state police and federal marshals. 

“Police used the fallen officer’s 

handcuffs in placing the suspect 

under arrest,” county prosecutors 

said. 

Temple University officials said 

Fitzgerald had been on the university 

police force since October 

2021. 

“Officer Fitzgerald gave his life 

to selflessly serve and defend 

this community,” Jennifer Griffin, 

the university’s vice president 

for public safety, said in a statement. 

“This loss leaves an enormous 

hole in all of our hearts. 

He was a father, a husband, a 

son, a colleague and a friend.” 

OFFICER CHRISTOPHER FITZGERALD 

University president Jason 

Wingard said he was “heartbroken” 

and called the shooting “a 

gut-wrenching reminder of our 

police officers’ daily bravery and 

sacrifices to protect our students, 

faculty, staff and community” 

as the city and the nation 

deal with “an unprecedented 

epidemic of violence.” 

Ken Kaiser, the university’s 

senior vice president and chief 

operating officer, was quoted by 

the Philadelphia Inquirer as saying 

it was the first shooting death 

of a campus officer during his 

more than 30 years at Temple. 

“It just shakes everybody to the 

core,” he said. 



MEMPHIS, TN. 

Memphis Police Officer Geoffrey Redd died after being shot at the 

Poplar-White Station Library on February 18. 

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Memphis 

Police officer who was shot in 

the line of duty on February 2 

has died from his injuries. 

Officer Geoffrey Redd was listed 

in critical condition for days, 

but it was recently announced 

that he succumbed to his injuries 

on February 18, according to 

MPD. 

Life changed instantly for Redd, 

after responding to a trespassing 

call just after noon Thursday, 

February 2, at a business near 

the Poplar-White Station Library. 

He and another officer confronted 

the suspect, Torrence 

Jackson Jr., inside the nearby 

library. State investigators say 

Jackson pulled out a weapon 

and shot Redd. 

Redd’s partner then fired back, 

killing Jackson. Library patrons 

were sent scrambling. Moments 

later, paramedics rushed Redd to 

the hospital. The veteran officer 

died following a two-week stay 

in the hospital. 

Memphis Police said Redd 

became an officer in February 

2008, and he served the citizens 

in Memphis while working 

at multiple stations. Redd also 

served his country as a United 

States Marine. MPD said he was a 

husband, father, and the Director 

of Security at his church. 

“Rest easy, Officer Redd. You 

will be missed,” MPD said in 

their post. 

Weeks leading up to Redd’s 

death, WREG spoke with his 

pastor about how much he 

means to their congregation. 

“This is a great challenge for 

the family,” said Bishop Brandon 

B. Porter. “He was our chief of 

security. Just a kind spirit, person. 

(He) would do whatever 

his hands would find to do. He 

yrs. 

OFFICER GEOFFREY REDD 

actually was just kind of visiting 

around the church and keeping 

watch on the parking lot before 

he joined.” 

Redd leaves behind a wife and 

three children. With his death, 

Redd is the MPD’s first officer in 

eight years to be shot and killed 

in the line of duty. 

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LARIMER COUNTY,CO. 

A Colorado woman tried to take a Fort Collins officer hostage after she slipped 

her handcuffs, got the officer’s gun and when that failed, she barricaded herself 

inside a patrol unit. 

By Jacob Factor 

The Denver Post 

yrs. 

IMOD2 





anything! 





LARIMER COUNTY, Colo. — A 

Greeley woman was arrested 

Sunday after barricading herself 

in a police vehicle at the Larimer 

County jail while armed with an 

officer’s gun. 

The woman was initially being 

arrested in connection to a Fort 

Collins shoplifting incident that 

happened just after 4 p.m. While 

Fort Collins officers were in the 

process of taking her from the 

police vehicle into the booking 

area, the woman slipped out of 

her handcuffs, according to a 

news release from the Larimer 

County Sheriff’s Office. 

The officer had reportedly secured 

his duty weapon, the news 

release states, but the woman 

“manipulated the storage safety 

measures” and grabbed the gun. 

She tried to take the officer hostage 

at gunpoint, but the officer 


escaped to the secure area of the 

jail. 

The woman then barricaded in 

the police vehicle and refused to 

come out for over two hours. 

Fort Collins police officers, 

Larimer County Sheriff’s deputies, 

the LCSO All Hazards/Crisis 

Response team, Fort Collins’ 

SWAT team, LCSO crisis negotiators, 

Poudre Fire Authority, and 

UCHealth EMS all responded to 

assist. 

Law enforcement officials used 

“numerous less-lethal tools” to 

get the woman to surrender, and 

at 7:30 p.m., the woman exited 

the vehicle and deputies arrested 

her. 

She was booked into jail 

after a medical evaluation on 

charges of first-degree assault 

and aggravated robbery, attempted 

second-degree kidnapping, 

criminal mischief of 

$5,000 to $19,999, disarming 

a peace officer and resisting 

arrest for the incident, according 

to the news release. Fort 

Collins police will file separate 

charges for the shoplifting 

incident. 





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yrs. 

HIRING INCENTIVES 

NORTH LAS VEGAS,NV. 

North Las Vegas PD announces up to a $40K Hiring Bonus. 

By Sarah Calams 

Police1 

NORTH LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Police 

departments around the U.S. 

have been offering incentives for 

existing officers, lateral transfers 

and potential recruits to help 

close the gap of officer shortages. 

In Nevada, the North Las 

Vegas Police Department is hoping 

a big-dollar bonus is enough 

to incentivize and attract lateral 

recruits. 

The department’s latest incentives 

mean a lateral transfer 

could earn up to a $40,000 

bonus from the department, 

according to the city’s press release. 

The latest offer includes: 

$30,000 bonus for lateral officers 

$5,000 one-time relocation 

allowance for new hires from 

outside of the Las Vegas Valley 

$5,000 hiring incentive for 

honorably discharged military 

members or active members of 

the National Guard and Reserves 

The department also listed 

other employment benefits, 

including: a salary range of 

$61,000 to $98,000 depending on 

experience, four-day work week, 

multilingual pay, modified field 

training, 14 annual holidays, shift 

differential pay, PERS retirement 

pension, medical benefits, education 

incentives, 457 option and 

an annual uniform allowance. 

ATLANTA, GA. 

Atlanta approves $500K for housing incentives for police and firefighters. 

By Riley Bunch 

Atlanta Journal-Constitution 

ATLANTA — Atlanta City Council 

members approved a plan 

to donate $500,000 of federal 

American Rescue Plan Act funds 

to the Atlanta Police Foundation 

to pay for housing incentives for 

the city’s public safety officials. 

The plan was proposed by 

Mayor Andre Dickens last month 

and passed unanimously by the 

council on Monday. 

The Atlanta Police Foundation, 

with help from the Atlanta 

Apartment Association, will 

oversee the money, which will 

be distributed as a housing 

subsidy to first responders as an 

incentive to live near the area 

they serve. 

Atlanta City Councilman Amir 

Farokhi, who sponsored the legislative 

effort, told the AJC that 

the incentive program is one way 

COVID-19 relief dollars can be 

used to try to address crime that 

spiked during the pandemic. 

“I think this is appropriate 

because it makes for stronger 

neighborhoods and a more safe 

city,” he said. “If we can have our 

firefighters and police officers 

living in the city it helps them 

better understand the fabric of 

the neighborhoods they work 

in and builds relationships that I 

think benefit us all. 

During his first year, Dickens 

pledged to bolster the city’s 

public safety resources to address 

high rates of violent crime. 

The housing incentives join an 

array of other plans to support 

first responders, like retention 

bonuses for police officers that 

also utilize American Rescue Plan 

funds. 

Farokhi said that while the 

money is for one-time use, if the 

program is successful, the council 

and the mayor’s office could 

talk about using general fund 

dollars to extend it. 

“We hear from officers and firefighters 

all the time, particularly 

younger ones, that they want 

to live in the city but they feel 

priced out,” he said. “And that’s 

even when we’ve been increasing 

salaries of fire and police to be 

market leaders in the area.” 

38 The BLUES The BLUES 39


ACROSS THE US 

yrs. 

TWO DETROIT POLICE OFFICERS 

FOUND DEAD INSIDE HOME 

Officer Maria Martin and Officer 

Matthew Ethington II died in what 

is being described as a murder-suicide. 

LIVONIA, Mich. — Police in 

Michigan are investigating the 

death of two officers with the 

Detroit Police Department who 

were found dead from gunshot 

wounds Sunday at the Belle 

Creek Square townhomes in the 

16000 block of Farmington Road 

in Livonia. According to law enforcement 

authorities, the scene 

appears to be a murder-suicide. 

The bodies of a 22-year-old 

woman and a 26-year-old man 

were found at the residence, 

the Livonia Police Department 

confirmed. On Monday, the police 

agency identified the woman 

as Detroit Police Officer Maria 

Martin and the man as Detroit 

Police Officer Matthew Ethington 

II, WXYZ reported. 

Martin was shot multiple times, 

while Ethington sustained a 

single gunshot wound that appears 

to have been self-inflicted, 

authorities said. An infant was 

also located in the home. The 

child was not harmed and is now 

in the custody of another family 

member. 

Livonia police were called to 

conduct a wellness check at the 

residence about 12:30 p.m. on 

Sunday. Responding officers discovered 

the bodies. Officials said 

the apparent murder-suicide is 

believed to be related to a domestic 

dispute. 

Chief James White of the 

Detroit Police Department confirmed 

the couple worked with 

their agency and each one had 

been on the job less than 5 years, 

according to WXYZ reported. 

“Senseless tragedy. We’re 

going to find out exactly what 

happened as the investigation 

unfolds. Learn from it. Use what 

we learn to help some of our 

officers heal from this as well as 

prevent a tragedy like this going 

forward. We just don’t know 

what lead to this,” Chief White 

said. 

The infant’s relationship to the 

couple was unclear, according to 

the news outlet, and investigators 

are trying to determine how 

long the pair had been deceased 

prior to discovery. 

TWO HOUSTON POLICE OFFICERS 

STABBED IN FACE 

HOUSTON, Texas – Two Houston 

police officers suffered stab 

wounds to the face before they 

fatally shot their attacker in the 

southwest area of the city Saturday 

morning, officials said. 

Investigators with the Houston 

Police Department said the fatal 

encounter took place about 9:10 

a.m. in the 13300 block of Agarita 

Lane near Milfoil Lane during 

a welfare check. A daughter, 

who was not at the residence, 

called HPD and asked for officers 

to check on the welfare of her 

parents since they were afraid 

to summon help regarding their 

26-year-old son, ABC13 reported. 

Shortly after arrival at the home, officers 

called for additional units while 

trying to talk to the man and de-escalate 

the situation. Despite their efforts, 

the suspect pulled out a knife and 

stabbed two officers. One of the officers 

then opened fire on the suspect. 

The attacker was pronounced dead at 

the scene, according to police. 

One officer suffered a stab wound 

to the jaw, while the other sustained 

a stab wound to the chin. They were 

3- and 15-year veterans, according to 

Chief Troy Finner of the Houston Police 

Department. 

Both officers were transported to 

the Texas Medical Center at Memorial 

Hermann and expected to survive their 

injuries. One has subsequently been 

released, according to ABC13. A medical 

update on the other officer was 

unclear. 

Police said they were familiar with 

the address due to similar calls prior 

to Saturday’s encounter. Finner also 

noted the suspect had a history of 

mental illness. 

Per department policy, both police 

officers will be placed on administrative 

leave. 

INDIANA LAWMAKER PROPOSES 

LEGISLATION THAT WOULD GIVE PO- 

LICE OFFICERS 25 FEET TO WORK 

WITHOUT BEING INHIBITED BY AN- 

TAGONISTS 

INDIANAPOLIS — A lawmaker in 

Indiana wants police officers to have 

25 feet of room to work without 

being inhibited by antagonists. Evansville-area 

State Representative Wendy 

McNamara proposed legislation that 

appears to have overwhelming support 

toward the goal. 

McNamara is the primary sponsor of 

House Bill 1186 that easily passed the 

Indiana House last week on a 57-20 

vote. The measure is simple enough, 

she said, according to FOX 59 Indianapolis. 

“Having that 25-foot perimeter 

around law enforcement 

so they can focus on what’s 

in front of them at hand is 

very vital to making sure that 

situations don’t escalate,” Mc- 

Namara said. 

The proposed legislation is 

outlined below: 

“A person who knowingly or 

intentionally approaches within 

twenty-five (25) feet of a 

law enforcement officer lawfully 

engaged in the execution 

of the law enforcement officer’s 

duties after the law enforcement 

officer has ordered 

the person to stop approaching 

commits unlawful encroachment 

on an investigation, a 

Class C misdemeanor.“ 

Although laws currently exist 

that provide protection from 

interference by members of 

the public, many say it is not 

enough, and HB 1186 provides a 

clearly defined violation. 

The Indiana State Police 

Fraternal Order of Police, the 

Evansville Fraternal Order of 

Police and the Indiana Sheriff’s 

Association all support the bill, 

FOX 59 reported. 

“The public almost has to 

touch you before you can tell 

them to move away from you. 

So, you can imagine trying to 

take someone into custody 

or investigate a crime and 

someone is getting in your 

face or getting right on top 

of you while you’re trying 

to do your job,” explained 

Vanderburgh County Sheriff 

Noah Robinson. 

Naturally, the ACLU of Indiana 

is among the groups that 

oppose the bill. 

BARSTOW POLICE SEIZE 

OVER 200 POUNDS OF CO- 

CAINE IN TRAFFIC STOP 

The Barstow Police Department 

recently confiscated 

over 200 pounds of cocaine 

worth well over a million 

dollars during a traffic stop 

on February 6. 

According to police, officers 

conducted a traffic stop 

of a semi-truck and trailer at 

around 9:38 p.m. near Interstate 

15 and Lenwood Road. 

Barstow officers deployed 

narcotics sniffer K-9 Bailey, 

who quickly alerted them to 

the trailer of the vehicle. 

Upon searching the trailer, 

officers discovered 121 kilos 

– or around 266 pounds – of 

cocaine in individually packaged 

bricks. 

According to data from the 



yrs. 

United Nations, the U.S. retail 

price for that amount of cocaine 

amounts to nearly $20 million. 

The driver of the truck, 

28-year-old Bakersfield resident 

Jaspreet Singh, was arrested 

on suspicion of possessing and 

transporting cocaine with the 

intent to sell. 

This drug bust wasn’t K-9 Bailey’s 

first on the job. 

On August 29, 2022, Bailey was 

involved in a very similar bust 

following a traffic stop of another 

semi-truck on the interstate. 

In that case, Bailey alerted officers 

to 40 kilos (approximately 

88 pounds) of cocaine. 

The driver and the passenger 

in that incident – 25-year-old 

Pargat Singh and 24-year-old 

Kulvider Singh – both shared the 

same surname as the suspect 

arrested on February 6. It’s not 

clear at the moment if they are 

related. 

Both Pargat and Kulvider were 

residents of Canada. 

Jaspreet Singh was jailed 

at the San Bernardino County 

Sheriff Department’s High Desert 

Detention Center in Adelanto. His 

bail was set at $3 million. 

Barstow is located in the Mojave 

Desert in San Bernadino 

County, California. 

CHIEF: OFF-DUTY POLICE OF- 

FICER TOOK DOWN SUSPECT IN 

EL PASO MALL SHOOTING 

EL PASO, Texas — A suspect 

fatally shot one person and 

wounded three others at a shopping 

mall in El Paso, Texas, on 

Wednesday. Now, new details 

from El Paso Police Chief Peter 

Cartels are using UAVs to spy on federal agents working the U.S.-Mexico 

border in order to facilitate human smuggling and drug traffickin.g 

Pacillas have shed light on how 

the shooting was halted by an 

off-duty police officer. 

During a press conference, 

Pacillas said the off-duty officer, 

who was not named, was 

already at the Cielo Vista Mall 

when the incident occurred, FOX 

News reported. The shooting was 

reported at 5:05 p.m. and within 

three minutes the officer was 

able to take the suspect down 

without firing a shot. 

Officers from a handful of 

departments responded to the 

scene and “quickly brought it 

under control,” the chief said. 

There are currently two suspects 

in custody and the three wounded 

victims remain hospitalized, 

according to police. The off-duty 

officer was not injured. 

The shooting, including details 

of what led to the incident, 

remains under investigation. The 

FBI is assisting El Paso police 

in the investigation and set up 

a website where the public can 

share photos from the shooting. 

TEXAS SHERIFF TELLS CON- 

GRESS NEARLY 2,000 MEXICAN 

DRUG CARTEL DRONES HAVE 

BREACHED US AIRSPACE 

BROOKS COUNTY, Texas — 

Sheriff Urbino “Benny” Martinez 

of Brooks County in Texas 

will reportedly sound the alarm 

before Congress regarding the 

mass incursion of drones illegally 

entering U.S. airspace from 

Mexico. The sheriff says they are 

piloted by cartels and used to 

spy on federal agents working 

near the U.S.-Mexico border. 

Sheriff Martinez is scheduled 

to tell Democrats and Republicans 

during the House GOP’s first 

hearing on the Texas border on 

Wednesday evening that local 

and state law enforcement authorities 

have witnessed nearly 

2,000 drones flying overhead in 

three Texas counties during the 

past month, reported the Washington 

Examiner. 

According to the sheriff, members 

of criminal organizations 

in Mexico that smuggle people 



and drugs into the U.S. are the 

individuals who are piloting the 

drones. They use the UAVs to see 

where law enforcement authorities 

are positioned and what 

areas are open. 

“In the past 31 days of 2023, 

there have been 1,937 Mexican 

Cartel drone’s incursions in three 

South Texas border counties,” 

according to a preview of Martinez’s 

remarks as a witness in the 

House Committee on Energy and 

Commerce’s joint subcommittee 

hearing. 

The sheriff’s testimony comes 

as the federal government seeks 

to figure out why and how a 

large Chinese balloon had been 

maneuvered through U.S. airspace 

earlier this month. 

NEW ORLEANS PD TAKES 

DOWN RECRUITMENT AD AN 

HOUR AFTER IT GOES LIVE 

By Sarah Calams 

Police1 

NEW ORLEANS — On Wednesday, 

the New Orleans Police 

Department posted a 30-second 

recruitment ad to its social 

media accounts. An hour later, it 

was taken down due to “negative 

commentary.” 

The recruitment ad, called 

“Everywhere Else is Cleveland,” 

riffing on a Tennessee Williams 

quote, cost the department over 

$27,000. The 30-second ad was 

created by a local filmmaker to 

feature “something progressive 

and awesome to get officers 

who would embrace our culture,” 

director Crista Rock told 

NOLA.com. 

The ad features Mardi Gras 

dancers and characters moving 

around a New Orleans officer. 

“The video was removed because 

we didn’t want anyone to be offended 

by the negative commentary,” 

PIO Reese Harper said. 

NOPD officials told NOLA.com 

they’re unsure what their plan is 

moving forward with the ad. 

“At the end of the day, I want 

nothing more than for all of us 

to feel safe and secure knowing 

we have officers on our streets 

that love us,” Rock said. 

LOUISIANA POLICE OFFICER 

CHARGED WITH NEGLIGENT 

HOMICIDE AFTER SHOOTING 

MAN FLEEING FROM OFFICERS. 

SHREVEPORT, La. – A police 

officer in Louisiana has been 

arrested and charged with fatally 

shooting a man who was fleeing 

from officers during a domestic 

dispute. 

The Louisiana State Police 

conducted the officer-involved 

shooting investigation, which 

occurred earlier in the month in 

Shreveport. At the conclusion, 

yrs. 

they took Alexander Tyler, 23, 

of the Shreveport Police Department 

into custody for the 

shooting death of 43-year-old 

Alonzo Bagley. The officer faces 

a charge of negligent homicide, 

the New York Post reported. 

The shooting occurred Feb. 3 

after officers were called about 

10:50 p.m. to the Villa Norte 

Apartments in Shreveport. Tyler 

and a second unidentified officer 

arrived at the disturbance. A 

person who identified herself as 

Bagley’s wife said her husband 

was “loaded on something” and 

threatening her and her daughter 

after coming home “raged and 

acting the fool.” 

While the officers were at the 

apartment, Bagley opened a 

door holding a glass bottle containing 

brown liquid. 

Bagley said he had to put away 

his dog. However, he walked to 

the back of the apartment onto 

a balcony, jumped to the ground 

outside and fled. As a result, the 

officers engaged Bagley in a foot 

pursuit, which ultimately led to 

the deadly shooting. 

Louisiana State Police Superintendent 

Col. Lamar Davis previously 

said that as Tyler rounded 

the corner of the building, he 

spotted Bagley and fired a single 

shot, which struck the man in 

the chest. 

In recently released footage, 

Bagley can be heard groaning, 

“Oh God, you shot me,” as he 

slumps to the ground bleeding 

profusely. 

The officers immediately begin 

offering emergency medical aid. 

During the process, an audibly 

distressed Tyler repeats the 

words: “No, no, no, no, man, no.” 

As the video continues, Tyler 

appears to be in emotional duress 

due to circumstances. 

“No, man! Come on, dude! Stay 

with me, stay with me, man!” Tyler 

exclaims while putting pressure 

on Bagley’s wound to try to 

stop the bleeding. 

The other officer instructs 

Tyler to run to the front of the 

building and wave down the 

responding paramedics with his 

flashlight while he maintains 

direct pressure on the gunshot 

wound. 

“Hey, look at me! Look at me! 

Look at me!” the officer exhorts 

Bagley as his situation deteriorates. 

“Wake up! Wake up! Look 

at me! … Hey, respond! Come on!” 

Bagley did not survive. In the 

aftermath of the encounter, 

Tyler made “multiple statements 

claiming the suspect came toward 

him and he could not see 

his hands,” according to court 

documents by state police. 

Investigators did not find any 

weapons in Bagley’s possession. 

Tyler’s attorney, J. Dhu Thompson, 

spoke to KSLA 12 News 

outside the Caddo Parish Courthouse 

before Tyler was formally 

charged. 

“These are split-second decisions 

that officers have to make,” 

Thompson said. “You and I have 

the benefit of hindsight; we can 

sit down in a comfortable room 

with a cup of coffee and review 

this video. 

“That’s not the position that 

Officer Tyler was in, or any other 

officer that puts his life on the 

line on a day-to-day basis and 

encounters these types of situations.” 

Tyler was subsequently released 

from custody on $25,000 

bond. He is currently on paid 

administrative leave. His arraignment 

is scheduled for April 3, 

reported The Post. 

The Shreveport Police Department 

hired Tyler in May 2021. If 

convicted of negligent homicide, 

he could face up to five years in 

prison. 

Bagley’s family members 

have filed a $10 million lawsuit 

against Tyler, accusing him of violating 

the victim’s constitutional 

rights. 

FOUR TEXAS LAW ENFORCE- 

MENT AGENCIES TEAMED UP 

TO FIGHT CANCER BY RAISING 

THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FOR 

CANCER RESEARCH THROUGH 

THEIR BEARD IT UP AND COL- 

OR FOR CURE FUNDRAISERS. 

The fundraiser, launched in 

November by the Texas A&M 

University Police Department, 

Bryan Police Department, Brazos 

County Sheriff’s Office and 

College Station Police Department, 

raised $10,481 over just 

two months. 

Under the program, participating 

officers could donate $50 

to grow a beard or $30 to paint 

their nails with the color of a 

cancer that has affected them or 

someone they know. 

Having facial hair or colorful 

nails is normally banned by 

police departments. However, 

the agencies made an exception 

throughout the duration of the 

fundraising campaign, which 

recently came to an end. 

The goal of the campaign was 

not only to raise money but to 

raise awareness for an aggressive 

brain cancer called diffuse 



yrs. 

intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). 

The money raised went entirely 

to the Central Texas chapter 

of the nonprofit The Cure Starts 

Now (tinyurl.com/3zws2a4k). 

According to the organization, 

over 110 law enforcement agencies 

in 21 states have raised over 

$670,000 for the nonprofit since 

2018. 

The four Texas agencies jointly 

presented a check to the Texas 

chapter of the nonprofit on January 

4. 

Chapter Director Vicky Bridier 

was there to accept the check. 

She established the Central 

Texas chapter in September 

2016 in honor of her daughter, 

Jade, who died of an aggressive 

DIPG brain tumor when she was 

this research that we have funded. 

Hopefully, one day, it’s going 

to be longer, four years or five 

years. Hopefully, it’s going to be 

that cure we are looking for.” 

NEW POLICE CHIEF HIRED AT 

N.C. PD AFTER ENTIRE POLICE 

FORCE RESIGNED 

By Sarah Calams, Police1 

KENLY, N.C. — Last summer, 

the entire police force at the 

made up of Ayers and one reserve 

officer. Four full-time 

officers had resigned, as well 

as the former police chief. The 

Johnston County Sheriff’s Office 

is currently patrolling and 

responding to incidents, WRAL. 

com reported. 

“I’m going to get on the recruiting 

trail. Go to community colleges 

to talk to young cadets,” 

4-years-old. 

Birdier said there wasn’t much 

research available when her 

Kenly (N.C.) Police Department 

resigned after citing a toxic 

work environment as well as a 

Ayers said, noting he aims to 

have a full police force by late 

this summer. 

LET’S GET TRAVELING! 

has come a long way since then, 

daughter died, but the research 

Months later, the town manager 

conflict with the town manager. 

MUNITY PHOTO EVIDENCE OF 

NC SHERIFF PROVIDES COMand 

more treatment options are 

couldn’t participate in research 

studies because she didn’t live 

long enough, and/or we couldn’t 

was fired after just three months 

vacancies left behind. 

Kenly Police Chief James Ayers, 

who started his law enforcement 

DEPUTY SHORTAGE 

the deputy shortage affecting his 

agency. 

The agency is down nearly 30 

available. 

“When my daughter died, there 

was really nothing out there. She 

into her two-year contract. Now, 

the town has hired a new police 

chief who’s ready to fill the 

Sampson County (NC) Sheriff 

Jimmy Thornton has provided his 

county with photo evidence of 

Your Dream Vacation Begins... 

from the moment you start planning! 

And what better way to begin than with a professional who has 

career in 1993, resigned deputies, according to CBS17. 

most likely been there, done that, and knows how to get you the 

tested. We lost her within five from his chief position in Enfield, Sheriff Thornton posted a photo 

days, but the average lifespan of North Carolina, last September, on Facebook of at least 17 unused 

best experience for your budget. 

remove her tumor to get her 

a child diagnosed with DIPG is 

nine months after they’re diagnosed,” 

Birdier explained. “Now, 

with all our research that we 

have put into funding, we are 

citing an “oppressive and hostile 

work environment” by town 

leaders, WRAL.com reported. His 

resignation came after controversy 

surrounding the destruction 

patrol cars. 

He said there were “rows” of 

empty patrol cars because “we 

don’t have deputies and patrolmen 

to drive them.” 

of a Confederate monu- 

extending children’s lives to at 

least two years, three years, and ment in Enfield, according to the 

Thornton said he’s unable to 

hire more workers “because other 

Rudy Rodriguez 

counties pay deputies more. 

(903) 941-8024 

they’re able to participate in all Currently, the department is 

rurodriguez@cruiseone.com 

we’re seeing four years now that report. 

46 The BLUES Veteran Owned Business The BLUES 47

STREET CRIMES UNITS 

The Right Stuff for Sure. 

Fulton County Sheriff’s Office (Georgia) 

While the Memphis Police Department has 

demonstrated a serious and problematic failure of 

their role within their own community through the 

egregious actions of their now disbanded SCORPI- 

ON Unit, other agencies are successfully combating 

crime with a similar model. One of these includes 

the Fulton County (Georgia) Sheriff’s Office. 

FULTON COUNTY DEMOGRAPHICS AND CRIME 

Fulton County is located in the north-central 

portion of Georgia. As of the 2020 United 

States census, the population was approximately 

1,066,710, making it the state’s most-populous 

county and its only one with over one million inhabitants. 

Its county seat and largest city is Atlanta, 

the state capital. Approximately 90% of the City 

of Atlanta is within Fulton County; the other 10% 

lies within DeKalb County. Fulton County is part of 

the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, Georgia Metropolitan 

Statistical Area. 

According to recently released crime statistics 

by the National Incident Based Reporting System, 

violent crime in this area continues to rise, with 

the Atlanta area now considered one of the most 

dangerous cities in the state. Sheriff Patrick Labat 

and his command staff, with their extensive public 

safety experience, are committed to addressing 

these issues head on. 

LEADERSHIP AND VISION 

Sheriff Patrick “Pat” Labat is serving as the 28th 

Sheriff of Fulton County, Georgia. With 30 years of 

success in the public safety sector and a decade 

as Chief of the City of Atlanta Department of Corrections, 

Sheriff Labat has a proven track record 

as a decisive leader and change agent. He has 

reputation for motivating his workforce through 

active and engaged, hands-on leadership. As Chief 

of the City of Atlanta Department of Corrections, 

he served on the Mayor’s executive team as well 

as other executive policy-making bodies. He was 

responsible for providing the visionary leadership 

for a $30+ million budget while achieving high 

levels of success and promoting effectiveness and 

efficiency across all departments within the City 

of Atlanta. 

Labat maintained a nationally accredited detention 

facility, pioneered youth diversion programs, 

senior citizen meal service programs and the 

nationally acclaimed PAT3 reentry program. He 

was named Jail Administrator of the Year by the 

Georgia Jail Association in 2015 and 2019. The main 

pillars of his vision for the Fulton County Sheriff’s 

Office revolve around crime reduction and public 

safety, improved jail conditions (which will result 

in better, more efficient use of tax dollars), 

repeat offenders and reentry as well as Use-offorce 

Police Review & Accountability. Sheriff Labat 

served as the President of the Georgia Chapter of 

the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement 

Executives (NOBLE) in 2011, President of the 

Georgia Jail Association (GJA) in 2016. Additionally, 

he was invited to serve as a witness at the Social 

Problems Hearing for the President’s 2020 Commission 

for Law Enforcement and Justice. 

THE SCORPION UNIT 

The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office SCORPION 

unit, one of several SCORPION units in the state, 

By Dr. Tina Jaeckle 




The Right Stuff for Sure. 

was created in July 2021 and currently consists of 

fourteen members who are required to wear body 

cameras. This Unit is a crime suppression team 

that focuses specifically on violent offenders. The 

FCSO SCORPION Unit is responsible for providing 

proactive interdiction in areas of the county experiencing 

a high number of violent gun related 

crimes, street level narcotics crimes and gang 

activity. Another primary intent is to work alongside 

police patrols throughout the 15 cities within 

Fulton County. 

Named for the stinger-tailed, venomous predator, 

the Scorpion Team utilizes deputies to bolster 

Atlanta Police Department and other local agency 

patrols amid a surge in violent crime. The Unit is 

called the Scorpion Team because, similar to the 

scorpion in the arthropod species that stings its 

predators when it is threatened, their crime suppression 

team is defending those who live, work, 

and play in Fulton County against violent criminals 

who threaten public safety. As for the name, 

FCSO focused on the scorpion’s defensive use of its 

stinger rather than its prey-poisoning utility. 

“The crime suppression team, which was named 

the Scorpion Team, will go out on a daily basis and 

search for those who mean us no good,” Labat said 

in a brief mention of the idea at a Buckhead Council 

of Neighborhoods meeting. “… The best way for 

me to put it is, we’re going to stalk the stalkers.” 

As part of its mission, the FCSO SCORPION Unit is 

also tasked with identifying crime patterns, repeat 

offenders and deploying all legal resources 

available to arrest criminal perpetrators. Despite 

challenges, the staff members have risen to every 

occasion to self-evaluate, adapt external professional 

recommendations, and improve. 

IMPENDING NAME CHANGE AND RE-EVALUATION 

The release of bodycam footage showing Memphis 

Police officers beating Tyre Nichols has 

prompted the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office to consider 

a name change and a thorough review of the 

unit. Fulton County Commission Chairman Robb 

Pitts said he is not convinced a name change alone 

will make a difference. “I know there is an effort 

to change the name, but from my perspective a 

rose is a rose no matter what you call it so unless 

there’s a change in training and by training I mean 

not only the physical training but the psychological 

training as well and new policing tactics, whatever 

that means, all of the results will be the same,” 

Pitts said. 

Labat and the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office have 

been very public in the condemnation of the events 

in Memphis. The FCSO posted in a recent press 

release, “In light of the indisputable fact that the 

heinous actions of the officers in Memphis have 

cast dishonor and suspicion on the title SCORPION, 

Sheriff Patrick Labat believes it would be wise for 

all agencies with SCORPION units to take proactive 

steps to protect and build even stronger bonds 

of trust with the communities we serve. After the 

nefarious and depraved actions that led to Tyre 

Nichols’ death, the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office is 

one of many agencies considering a name change 

for our elite unit.” Labat has also stated that while 

a name change is important, more is needed, “The 

executive leadership team is reviewing operations 

and training protocols. Any additional changes 

warranted will be implemented with the goal of 

strengthening our commitment to our mission and 

serving the citizens of Fulton County with integrity, 

transparency, and honor.” 

On the other hand, retired Lt. Charles Rambo 

believes crime fighting units are vital to keeping 

communities safe. “We must get back to the fact 

of constitutionally based policing practices and 

the fourth amendment because everything that we 

do incident to a search, seizure or arrest must be 

backed up by reasonable expectations to privacy,” 

Rambo said. Rambo worked for the Fulton County 

Sheriff’s Office for 28 years and trained members 

of their Scorpion unit. He noted the importance 

of leadership and cultivating a proper culture. 

“Units have to be supervised by those supervisors 

and managers that are not afraid of culture. 

They must be able to stand up and step up and 

say that when something is not constitutionally 

in place this is not going to be tolerated because 

now, you are going to discredit the unit,” Rambo 

said. 



Not Even Close. 

Memphis Police SCORPION UNIT 

If there ever was an abject failure 

of a specialized police unit, 

the SCORPION unit of the Memphis 

Police Department would 

be top of the list. 

In Memphis’ case, SCORPI- 

ON stood for “Street Crimes 

Operation to Restore Peace in 

Our Neighborhoods.” What 

happened on January 7th, did 

anything BUT restore peace in 

a neighborhood. Twenty-nineyear-old 

Tyre Nichols didn’t 

stand a chance against the rogue 

cops that disgraced the badge 

and put Memphis in the cross 

hairs of every good cop in America. 

The department shutdown 

the unit the day after they released 

body-cam video showing 

officers beating Nichols nearly 

to death. He did in fact die three 

days later in a hospital from 

injuries inflicted by the out-ofcontrol 

officers. 

As of March 1st, seven officers 

have been fired and five charged 

with Nichols’ murder. The Memphis 

Fire Department also terminated 

three of its employees, 

Robert Long, JaMicheal Sandriidge 

and Lt. Michelle Whitaker, 

for violating “numerous MFD 

Policies and Protocols.” 

The release from MPD said: 

“Their actions or inactions on the 

scene that night do not meet the 

expectations of the Memphis Fire 

Department and are not reflective 

of the outstanding service 

the men and women of the MFD 

provide daily to our community.” 

HISTORY OF SCORPION 

Memphis PD formed the SCOR- 

PION unit in October of 2021. It 

was one of the first initiatives 

of Memphis’ new police chief, 

Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis, who was 

its first black female chief. Davis 

had been fired from the Atlanta 

police department in 2008 

for her alleged involvement in 

a sex crimes investigation into 

the husband of an Atlanta police 

sergeant, according to the Atlanta 

Journal Constitution. 

At its inception, SCORPION had 

40-50 people assigned to the 

unit and had an annual budget 

of more than $28 million. 

According to one source 

within the department, most 

of the officers assigned to the 

original team veterans of the 



. 



department. But some of those 

officers complained about the 

quality of officers being hired by 

the department, especially some 

being assigned to the new unit. 

Boosting staffing was a major 

goal of Davis when she 

took over in June 2021, with her 

department announcing it was 

aiming to increase staff from 

2,100 to 2,500, close to the size 

of the force a decade ago. Instead, 

the police ranks have 

dropped to 1,939 officers and like 

the city, the majority of which 

were Black. 

A big part of the reason for the 

dwindling ranks was more than 

1,350 officers had either resigned 

or retired over the past decade 

— more than 300 in the last 

two years alone. In an interview 

with AP last month, Davis said a 

lack of supervisors was a particular 

concern, noting that 125 

new supervisor slots have been 

approved by the city but still had 

not filled. 

LITTLE TO NO TRAINING & 

NO SUPERVISION 

On the night Nichols was 

killed, not a single supervisor 

showed up until AFTER Nichols 

had been transported to the 

hospital. According to one officer, 

supervisors rarely if ever, 

checked in on the unit doing 

“street runs.” 

“You were on your own and 

they pretty much had your back. 

Officers in the unit knew that 

they could pretty much “kick ass 

and take names” all night and as 

long as the crime numbers went 

down, they didn’t have to answer 

to anyone. 

When asked what training this 

unit received, a former Memphis 

officer told CBS news, the SCOR- 

PION unit’s training consisted of 

three days of PowerPoint presentations, 

one day of suspect 

apprehension training and one 

day at the firing range. That was 

it. 

At least two, out of the five officers 

charged in Nichol’s death, 

had joined the department after 

they relaxed the hiring requirements. 

Tadarrius Bean and 

Demetrius Haley, both joined 

the department in August of 

2020, more than two years after 

Memphis dramatically loosened 

the education qualifications to 

become an officer. Recruits no 

longer needed an associate degree 

or 54 college credit hours 

to join the department and could 

get by with five years of work 

PRESTON HEMPHILL 

A sixth Memphis officer 

Preston Hemphill, was 

fired after an internal 

police investigation 

showed he violated 

multiple department 

policies. 




experience. Not police related 

‘work experience’ just work 

experience. Five years of flipping 

burgers at McDonalds, you’re in. 

Loosening the required qualifications 

also meant the department 

was ultimately getting 

“less desirable” job candidates, 

said Mike Alcazar, an adjunct 

professor at John Jay College 

of Criminal Justice and a retired 

NYPD detective. 

“They were desperate, and they 

needed police officers,” Alcazar 

said. “They’re going through 

it, they check off some boxes, 

saying, ‘Ok, they’re good enough, 

get them on.” Even after Memphis 

began offering signing bonus 

of $15,000 in 2021 and 2022, 

they still struggled finding new 

recruits. 

But despite the fact they were 

understaffed and by all accounts, 

not well trained, Memphis Mayor 

Jim Strickland, proclaimed 

a year ago, that SCORPION was 

a huge success. He said the city 

used crime data “to determine 

where the unit would focus its 

efforts within the city.” From 

October 2021 until January 2022, 

the unit made 566 arrests, seized 

over $100,000 in cash, 270 vehicles 

and 253 weapons. Strickland 

and Davis both sang their praises 

right up to the moment they 

killed Nichols. 

Even though just days before 

this incident, Cornell McKinney, a 

local black man, came forward 

and said he had a tense encounter 

with some of the SCORPION 

officers. He said they were traveling 

in packs of unmarked cars 

when they ran him off the road, 

pointed guns at his head and 

accused him of selling drugs. 

McKinney was found to have no 

drugs on him or in his vehicle, 

but the officers said they would 

‘kick his ass if they ever saw him 

on the street again.’ McKinney 

filed a complaint, but Memphis 

never called him back. 

RUMORS & ALLEGATIONS FLY 

An article that appeared in the 

Tennessee Star on February 4, 

2023, went a step farther on the 

background one of the fired officers, 

Demetris Haley. 

A long-time Memphis law enforcement 

source told The Tennessee 

Star that rumors about 

guards at the Shelby County 

Division of Corrections being involved 

in street gangs had been 

circulating for years, although he 

knows of no correction officer 

implicated in such a crime. 

“There have always been rumors 

about that, but they’ve never 

been substantiated that I know 

of,” the official with knowledge 

of the Shelby County criminal 

justice system told The Star. “The 

joke in Memphis criminal justice 

has long been the jailers are one 

step ahead of being in jail themselves.” 

Multiple unconfirmed reports 

suggest at least one of the five 

former Memphis Police officers 

charged in the death of Tyre 

Nichols was involved in the notorious 

Vice Lords street gang. 

Demetrius Haley, 30, who previously 

worked as a correction 

officer at the jail, was a defendant 

in a 2016 lawsuit alleging 

he and another guard beat up 

inmate Cordarlrius Sledge. 

As the New York Post reported, 

Sledge’s allegations were 

that Haley and another officer 

punched Sledge in the face 

during a search for a cellphone, 

according to court records. 

Sledge accused a third guard of 

slamming him face-first into a 

sink. 

“Haley was the most vicious,” 

the former inmate told the Post. 

Haley joined the Memphis police 

force in August 2020. 






“He got a promotion, from corrections 

officer to police officer,” 

Sledge said. “I didn’t believe my 

damn eyes.” 

The judge in the case dismissed 

the lawsuit after Sledge 

failed to file requested information 

with the court. 

Rumors about a possible relationship 

Nichols had with Haley’s 

ex-wife also have been circulating. 

Earlier this week, Memphis 

Police Department Public Information 

Officer Major Karen 

Rudolph told The Star in an 

emailed statement, “There is 

no evidence that either of these 

claims are true,” in response to 

whether Nichols was targeted in 

the brutal police beating because 

he was involved with the spouse 

of one of the officers or whether 

one or more of the five former 

Memphis Police officers were affiliated 

with the Vice Lords gang. 

But the Shelby County District 

Attorney’s Office later told 

Newsweek that investigators are 

looking into the rumors about 

Nichols’ connection with Haley’s 

ex-wife. 

“All of this is still under investigation. 

Those are the things, 

along with the participation of 

others, that [are] now the subject 

of our investigation,” a spokesperson 

for the Shelby County 

district attorney told Newsweek 

in response. 

Erica Williams, the director of 

communications at the Shelby 

County district attorney’s office, 

clarified to Newsweek that 

rumors about Nichols having a 

connection to the woman have 

not been “confirmed.” 

“We know that there have been 

questions about other officers 

and Fire Department personnel 

on the scene, persons remotely 

operating cameras, the potential 

of false reporting, among other 

things. We are now at the stage 

of our investigation where we 

are looking into all of these matters,” 

Williams told Newsweek. 

The law enforcement source 

who spoke to The Star said 

Judge James Jones, who has 

been assigned to the case, will 

be the last to know about what 

is in the investigation. 

“Judges are usually the last to 

know anything,” he said. 




A look at 

Less-Lethal & 

Non-Lethal Weapons 

available to Law 

Enforcement in 2023 

SPONSORED BY 




Less-Lethal vs Non-Lethal 

Less-lethal force encompasses the entire 

use of force spectrum up to, but excluding, 

deadly force. According to the National 

Institute of Justice, there are seven types of 

less lethal device technologies: 

• Conducted Energy Devices—encompasses 

TASERs, stun guns and stun belts 

• Directed Energy Devices—radiated energy 

to achieve same effect as blunt force, 

with lower likelihood of injury 

• Chemicals—pepper spray (OC), tear gas 

and stink bombs 

• Distraction—laser dazzlers, bright 

lights or noise 

• Vehicle-Stopping Technology—equipment 

that stops cars during high-speed 

chases 

• Barriers—nets, foams and other physical 

barriers 

• Blunt Force—projectiles in crowd-control 

to deter certain actions 

Each tool is designed to mitigate harm 

while allowing law enforcement to gain 

control over a situation. Depending on 

agency policy and the unique situation, officers 

may choose which less lethal tool to 

utilize. 

Commonly deployed less-lethal force options 

include: 

• The 12 gauge drag-stabilized round and 

the 37/40 mm foam round are the less-lethal 

munitions most commonly used by 



U.S. law enforcement agencies for unruly 

crowds and riot control. These munitions 

on average travel approximately 300 feet 

per second and hit the human body at an 

average force of 100-120 foot-pounds. 

These less-lethal munitions, even when deployed 

according to manufacturers’ guidelines, 

have the ability to cause a significant 

injury or even death. 

• Electronic control devices (used widely 

in day-to-day policing across the U.S.) are 

used to jolt an individual with as much as 

50,000 volts of electricity to temporarily 

immobilize them. Over 1,000 deaths have 

occurred following the use of electronic 

control devices since the early 2000s. In 

9 of every 10 incidents, the deceased was 

unarmed. The patrol or SWAT officer must 

be within 20 feet of the suspect when deploying 

the device in order to be effective, 

putting the officer within reach of the assailant. 

• Pyrotechnic hand-thrown chemical 

agent munitions are used in crowd control 

and also used in day-to-day policing to 

flush out individuals or groups of suspects. 

They are available with a variety of specifications 

to produce an air burst or flash 

distraction, or dispersal of small round 

projectiles, an oleoresin capsicum (OC) 

irritant, or a CS or CN gas. Depending on 

the toxicity of the chemicals dispersed, the 

area may need to be evacuated for as long 

as 24 hours. Also, use of pyrotechnic devices 

increases the risk of an unintentional 

structure fire or ignition of an individual’s 

clothing. 



RUBBER BULLETS AND OTHER KINETIC WEAPONS 

TEAR GAS 

“Tear gas” refers to crowd-control chemicals 

that irritate the mucus membranes and the eyes, 

causing tearing, coughing, difficulty breathing and 

skin irritation. 

One of the most commonly used chemicals is 

2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile, (nicknamed “CS” for 

the initials of the chemists who created it), which 

was used by the U.S. military in the Vietnam War. 

This “gas” is actually solid pellets that become 

aerosolized when they are deployed — fired in 

shells over crowds or thrown as grenades. Pepper 

spray is sometimes used this same way. 

WHAT THEY ARE 

KKinetic weapons include all the things police 

fire from guns and launchers that are meant to 

inflict pain without penetrating the skin. 

They are often less accurate than ordinary bullets, 

especially at long distances. 

Ideally, law enforcement officers aim kinetics at 

arms and legs to avoid major internal damage, unlike 

in lethal-weapon situations in which officers 

are taught to aim for the center of a person’s body. 

Kinetic weapons can be shot directly at people or 

“skip-fired,” which means aiming into the ground 

to disperse projectiles more widely and target 

only the lower body. Skip-firing is banned by some 

organizations because the bullets carom so unpredictably. 

SPONGE GRENADES are 40-millimeter rounds 

with foam noses that are slightly softer than their 

dense cores and deform when they hit a target. 

These are becoming the most common types of 

less-lethal projectiles, according to Cynthia Bir of 

the Wayne State University’s ballistic-research lab. 

These large rounds spread the force of impact out 

over a larger area, reducing the chance of injury. 

BATON ROUNDS, also called RUBBER BULLETS, 

can be made of foam, plastic, wood or rubber. 

They can be single rounds or multiple rounds 

packaged into one shell. 

BEANBAG ROUNDS are cloth bags containing lead 

pellets that fit into a cartridge. Beanbag rounds are 

intended to spread impact out over a larger area. 

Older square-shaped rounds have largely been 

replaced by sock-style bags, which are round and 

less likely to cause penetrating injuries. 

WHAT CAN GO WRONG 

Inhaled tear gas can cause inflammation, coughing, 

wheezing, vomiting and serious breathing 

difficulty, especially in people who have respiratory 

problems, according to Physicians for Human 

Rights. 

This effect is particularly dangerous during a 

pandemic in which the virus is spread by respiratory 

droplets. 

Other serious complications can arise. Heart rate 

and blood pressure can increase and cause cardiac 

problems, even heart attacks. 

Canisters are supposed to be fired over the heads 

of crowds, but that is not always the case. A direct 

hit can cause blunt-trauma injuries or even death. 

37-MILLIMETER 

TEAR GAS SHELL 

CS TEAR GAS 

GRENADE 

6 FEET - 165 FEET 

D.C. POLICE GUIDELINES SAY KINETIC WEAPONS 

SHOULD NOT BE USED IF SUBJECTS APPEAR CLOSER 

THAN SIX FEET OR FARTHER THAN 165 FEET. 


Injuries from kinetic weapons are inevitable, experts 

say, and are part of the risk calculation. 

“To deploy these rounds and expect no injuries is 

just unrealistic,” Bir said, “even if just a bruise.” 

These projectiles can break bones, penetrate skin, 

fracture the skull, explode eyeballs and damage 

internal organs. Austin police critically injured a 

20-year-old college student and bystander at a 

May 31 protest when a beanbag round hit him in 

the head. 

Serious injuries are much more likely when projectiles 

are fired from close range. A direct hit to the 

chest could result in heart arrhythmia or broken 

ribs, which can puncture the lungs or heart. Blindness 

and abdominal injuries are among the more 

common permanent injuries. 


STUN GRENADES, OR FLASH-BANGS 

PEPPER SPRAY 

• PEPPER-SPRAY CANISTER USED FOR CROWDS 

• PEPPER BALLS USED TO TARGET AN INDIVIDUAL 

• HANDHELD PEPPER SPRAY USED AT CLOSE RANGE 

WHAT IT IS 

A stun grenade is a small canister filled with magnesium-based 

pyrotechnic chemicals. It is thrown 

or fired like a hand grenade. 

After a short delay, it explodes with light bright 

enough to cause temporary blindness (the flash) 

and a noise loud enough to cause temporary deafness 

(the bang) in anyone within a few feet of it. 

Its purpose is to cause disorientation and panic. 

Loud bangs, smoke as protesters gather near 

White House 


Anyone who is very close to a stun-grenade blast 

could suffer serious burns, internal injuries from 

the shock waves — especially eardrum injuries — 

or puncture wounds from flying shrapnel if the 

canister breaks apart. The noise, 150 to 180 decibels, 

according to Physicians for Human Rights, is 

well past the “painful and dangerous” threshold 

set by the American Academy of Audiology. 

A 2015 ProPublica investigation found cases of 

police losing hands and fingers and people being 

severely injured or killed by the devices, including 

a 19-month-old baby who was catastrophically 

wounded in 2014 when a stun grenade landed in 

his crib during a raid in Georgia 

HANDHELD SPRAYS — just like the kind mail 

carriers use to ward off angry dogs and citizens 

often use for personal protection — they are routinely 

carried by law enforcement officers to use 

when subduing a suspect during an arrest. The 

device shoots a quick, precise aerosol stream into 

a person’s face and works from up to about 12 feet 

away. 

CANISTERS AND GRENADES, on the other hand, 

are considered much more serious uses of force 

because they produce indiscriminate chemical 

clouds that can affect everyone in their path. Large 

canisters are sprayed like fire extinguishers; smaller 

ones are fired like grenades. Both are used to 

subdue and disperse crowds. 


Pepper spray can cause the same respiratory and 

cardiovascular problems as tear gas, and skin 

contact can cause burning, inflammation, and 

allergic reactions. 

Grenades and cannisters . can also cause the 

same respiratory and cardiovascular problems as 

tear gas and have a broad range so non-involved 

bystanders could be collateral damage. 

TASER, STUN GUNS 

WHAT IT IS 

A Taser uses electrical shocks to stop a person 

by causing painful and involuntarily muscle 

contractions. Current is delivered in five-second 

bursts by two electrodes that are attached to the 

device by insulated wires that can reach up to 20 

feet away. (An officer can prolong the jolt to more 

than five seconds by holding the trigger down.) 

Stun guns are similar, but they are pressed directly 

against a person. 

Both types of weapons are used to control a 

single person rather than a crowd, and law enforcement 

officers do not appear to be using them 

often during recent protests. 


The manufacturer’s warning lists many things, 

from burning, scarring and puncture wounds to 

seizures and respiratory and cardiac problems. 

Injuries can result from falls when people lose 

muscle control. Muscle injuries and bone fractures 

can be caused by violent muscle spasms, particularly 

in people who have preexisting conditions. 


PepperBall, the only product on the 

market qualified to be called NON-LETHAL. 

PNEUMATIC AIR LAUNCHERS AND PAVA PRO- 

JECTILES — WHAT THEY ARE 

Pneumatic air launchers are similar to air powered 

paintball guns and pose minimal risk to either 

the user or the suspect. Pneumatic air launchers 

are not guns or firearms and typically deploy 

.68 caliber projectiles. 

The leading company is the space is Pepper- 

Ball®, the only product on the market with a 

near-zero fatality rate and qualified to be called 

NON-LETHAL. 

PepperBall is a non-lethal disabling-irritant 

delivery system that uses high-pressure air or CO2 

to deliver proprietary PAVA powder projectiles 

from a safe distance. The PepperBall projectiles 

are designed to break and release the temporarily 

incapacitating compound in a powder cloud. 

The kinetic impact of PepperBall is one-tenth that 

of 12 gauge drag- stabilized or 37/40 mm foam 

less-lethal munitions. 

PEPPERBALL ADDS A SAFE, NON-FIREARM 

OPTION TO AGENCIES’ ARSENAL. 

PepperBall combines proprietary PAVA-based 

irritant exposure with the capability to also deliver 

a moderate kinetic impact. In contrast to 

less-lethal 12 gauge and 37/40 mm munitions, the 

PepperBall round weighs only 3.0-3.4 grams and 

hits the body at 10-12 foot-pounds, similar to the 

kinetics of a recreational paintball marker. This 

greatly reduces the possibility of serious injury by 

a direct impact. 

PEPPERBALL IS DESIGNED TO BE USED SOON- 

ER AND SAFER THAN OTHER FORCE OPTIONS. 

When officers have only a fraction of a second 

to make a difficult decision, PepperBall makes the 


decision easier. With exceptional range and accuracy, 

the PepperBall system can be used sooner 

and more effectively than any other tool. That 

means officers can stay safe and get the job done 

without immediately moving to lethal force and its 

tragic consequences. 

FLEXIBILITY IS ONE OF THE PEPPERBALL® 

SYSTEM’S GREATEST ASSETS. 

The non-lethal PepperBall® system delivers 

superior performance across numerous scenarios, 

settings, and conditions, allowing officers to 

manage critical incidents while maintaining a safe 

distance. 

In comparison, most less-lethal weapons are 

limited to one function (e.g., firing 12-gauge 

rounds), or used on one person (e.g., electronic 

control device), or in a specific manner (e.g., within 

15 feet of the assailant). 

PEPPERBALL HAS BUILT-IN FLEXIBILITY FOR A 

WIDE RANGE OF USES AND DISTANCES. 

PepperBall allows officers to use the same technology 

for area control and for near-in threats 

that officers cannot effectively approach (e.g., an 

assailant wielding a knife). Without this flexibility, 

a switch to a different technology would be 

required. Switching technologies midstream can 

result in substantial time delays, riskier tactics, or 

lethal force being deployed against suspects—all 

of which can be avoided with PepperBall. 

THE PEPPERBALL PAVA FORMULA IS EFFECTIVE 

ON MULTIPLE INDIVIDUALS OR WHEN A SUSPECT 

IS HIDDEN AND NOT IN VIEW. 

The irritant cloud created by the PepperBall projectile 

burst (generally a 12-foot diameter cloud) is 

sufficient to impact individuals hidden from view, 

groups who are hiding out of sight, and multiple 

individuals simultaneously in the case of crowd 

management. 


Individuals who are in a toxicologically altered 

state may not respond to the PAVA concentration 

and a different approach may be necessary. While 

PAVA exposure is usually easily decontaminated 

with air and water, some subjects may require 

additional attention to fully remove the PAVA from 

their clothes and person. 

CONCLUSION 

In conclusion, the decision to use less lethal or 

non-lethal tools is a thoughtful one for any agency. 

Much like not bringing a knife to a gun fight, less 

lethal and non-lethal tools have their place and 

agency policy needs to be established regarding 

use. Ultimately, law enforcement officers are the 

ones deciding how they should respond to situations 

they are presented with, but in absence of less 

or non-lethal options, there are few other routes 

available for officers to protect their communities 

and themselves. 

72 The BLUES 

The BLUES 73

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HONORING OUR FALLEN HEROES 

MASTER PATROL OFFICER CLARENCE L. “CJ” WILLIAMS 

POLICE OFFICER GONZALO CARRASCO, JR. 

CAIRO POLICE DEPARTMENT, GEORGIA 

END OF WATCH SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2023 

AGE: 23 TOUR: 2 YEARS BADGE: 124 

Master Patrol Officer CJ Williams passed away after suffering a medical emergency during a foot pursuit. 

Officer Williams was assisting a Grady County sheriff’s deputy during a traffic stop in the area of 10th Street 

and Robinson Avenue. The subject fled the vehicle, and the officers pursued him. During the chase, Officer 

Williams collapsed and was unable to be revived. 

Officer Williams had served with the Cairo Police Department for two years. 

SELMA POLICE DEPARTMENT, CALIFORNIA 

END OF WATCH TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2023 

AGE: 24 TOUR: 2 YEARS BADGE: N/A 

Police Officer Gonzalo Carrasco was shot and killed at 11:45 am at the 2600 Block of Pine Street in Selma. While 

on patrol, Officer Carrasco was stopped by a homeowner who stated that a man was on her property. When Officer 

Carrasco investigated, the subject fired several shots, striking Officer Carassco. Officer Carrasco was transported 

to the Community Regional Medical Center, where he succumbed to his wounds. 

Officer Carrasco had served with the Selma Police Department for two years and was part of the Explorer Program 

at the Reedley Police Department. He is survived by his parents, brother, sisters, and girlfriend, who is expecting his 

first child. 

72 The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE The BLUES POLICE The MAGAZINE BLUES 73


POLICE OFFICER SEAN L. SLUGANSKI 

POLICE OFFICER PETER E. C. JERVING 

MCKEESPORT POLICE DEPARTMENT, PENNSYLVANIA 

END OF WATCH MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2023 


Police Officer Sean Sluganski was shot and killed while responding to a domestic situation at the 1300 block 

of Grandview Avenue in McKeesport. Officer Sluganski was taken to a local hospital where he succumbed to 

his wounds. The other officer was critically wounded and flown to a trauma center. The subject was charged 

with criminal homicide, aggravated assault, assaulting a law enforcement officer, and criminal attempted murder 

of a law enforcement officer. 

Officer Sluganski had served with the McKeesport Police Department for three years and previously served 

with the Charleroi Regional Police Department. He is survived by his fiancée and infant daughter. 

MILWAUKEE POLICE DEPARTMENT, WISCONSIN 

END OF WATCH TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2023 


Police Officer Peter Jerving was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a robbery suspect at 1:16 am near 

the 2700 block of South 14th Street. Officers were looking for a suspect who had just committed a robbery 

at a nearby apartment building. The suspect fled on foot as officers approached him. One officer caught the 

subject and a struggle ensued. The subject fired his handgun and it struck Officer Jerving who was running to 

the scene to assist. Despite being wounded, Officer Jerving was able to return fire and killed the subject. 

Officer Jerving was transported to Froedtert Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds. 

Officer Jerving has served with the Milwaukee Police Department for four years and was assigned to Police 

District 4. He is survived by his parents, six siblings, and a long-time girlfriend. 



POLICE OFFICER CHARLES HERRING 

POLICE OFFICER JULIAN BECERRA 

PEMBROKE PINES POLICE DEPARTMENT, FLORIDA 

END OF WATCH THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2023 


Police Officer Charlie Herring was killed in a motorcycle crash near the intersection of 184th Avenue and 

Sheridan Street. He was on routine patrol when a falling piece of a tree fell and struck him. The impact caused 

him to fall from his motorcycle. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. 

Officer Herring was a U.S. Army veteran and had served with the Pembroke Pines Police Department for 21 

years. He had previously served with the Starke Police Department for three years. He is survived by his four 

children. 

FOUNTAIN POLICE DEPARTMENT, COLORADO 

END OF WATCH SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2023 

AGE: N/A TOUR: 4 YEARS BADGE: 976 

Police Officer Julian Becerra succumbed to injuries sustained nine days earlier when he fell from an overpass 

in Colorado Springs during a vehicle pursuit of carjacking suspects. Officer Becerra was chasing one of the 

suspects when he fell from an overpass to the pavement approximately 40 feet below. He was transported to 

a local hospital where he remained until succumbing to his injuries on February 11th, 2023. 

Officer Becerra was a U.S. Air Force veteran. He had served with the Fountain Police Department for 4-1/2 

years and was assigned to the Canine Unit. He is survived by his wife and two children. 



POLICE OFFICER JAMES MUHLBAUER 

POLICE OFFICER CHRISTOPHER FITZGERALD 

KANSAS CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT, MISSOURI 

END OF WATCH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2023 

AGE: N./A TOUR: 20 YEARS BADGE: N/A 

Police Officer Jim Muhlbauer and K9 Champ were killed in a vehicle crash at 10:15 pm at the intersection 

of East Truman Road and Benton Boulevard in Kansas City. A vehicle crashed into Officer Mulbauer and K9 

Champ while in their patrol vehicle. A pedestrian was also hit. K9 Champ and the pedestrian died at the scene. 

Officer Muhlbauer was taken to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The driver that hit the police 

car was also injured and is in police custody pending investigation. 

Officer Muhlbauer had served with the Kansas City Police Department for 20 years. He is survived by his wife 

and child. 

TEMPLE UNIVERSITY POLICE DEPARTMENT, PA 



Police Officer Chris Fitzgerald was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a robbery suspect near 1700 W 

Montgomery Street in Philadelphia at about 7:30 pm. The subject shot Officer Fitzgerald in the head and then 

attempted to steal his duty weapon, belongings, and patrol car. Officer Fitzgerald was transported to Temple 

University Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds. The man who shot him was arrested at his home in 

Bucks County early the next morning. He was charged with the murder of a law enforcement officer, robbery, 

carjacking, and several other offenses. 

Officer Fitzgerald had served with the Temple University Police Department for two years. 



POLICE OFFICER GEOFFREY REDD 

DETENTION OFFICER KENNETH FOWLER 

MEMPHIS POLICE DEPARTMENT, TENNESSEE 



Police Officer Geoffrey Redd succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained two weeks earlier while responding to 

a suspicious person call at the Poplar-White Station Library at 5094 Poplar Avenue. Officers, including Officer 

Redd, had responded to a nearby business regarding a trespasser. Approximately 30 minutes later the subject 

became engaged in an altercation with a citizen inside of the Poplar-White Station Library. As Officer Redd 

and another officer attempted to contact the subject outside of the library the man produced a handgun and 

opened fire on them. Officer Redd was shot and critically wounded before the other officer returned fire and 

killed the subject. Officer Redd was transported to Regional One Hospital and remained in critical condition 

until succumbing to his wounds on February 18th, 2023. Officer Redd had served with the Memphis Police 

Department for 15 years. He is survived by his wife, three daughters, and four grandchildren. 

PONTOTOC COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE, OKLAHOMA 

END OF WATCH SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2023 


Detention Officer Kenneth Fowler succumbed to injuries sustained on January 31st, 2023, when he slipped 

on ice in the parking lot of the Pontotoc County Justice Center. The area was experiencing an ice storm when 

he fell. He was transported to a hospital in Oklahoma City suffering from head injuries and hypothermia. He 

remained in a medically induced coma until succumbing to his injuries on February 19th, 2023. 

Officer Fowler had served with the Pontotoc County Sheriff’s Office for five years. He is survived by his wife, 

daughter, mother, brother, sister, and two grandchildren. 


WORDS BY DEPUTY D.S. SMITH, RETIRED 

Balloon Boy - The Great 

Balloon Hoax of 2009! 

As I was watching the China 

balloon drift across America, 

I couldn’t help but remember 

another time that a balloon captured 

America’s attention and, on 

that occasion, I had a front row 

seat. 

It was beautiful day in Colorado. 

The date was October 

15, 2009. I was a deputy for the 

Larimer County Sheriff’s Office 

assigned to the day shift in our 

Valley Patrol area which included 

Fort Collins. (Sounds like the 

beginning of a Dragnet Show, 

but that dates me so moving 

along) Another deputy and I had 

just finished grabbing a bite to 

eat when we got the strangest 

call, I had ever heard in all of my 

20 years of law enforcement. 

“Any unit clear to assist a 

homeowner in the 5400 block 

of Fossil Ridge locate a missing 

6-year white male child 

last seen playing inside a large 

balloon.” 

I advised I was enroute and 

then I’ll never forget the dispatchers 

update just before I 

arrived. “Units enroute to Fossil 

Ridge, be advised the missing juvenile 

is believed to be inside the 

balloon which is now airborne.” 

As I arrived several units from 

our department were already 

on the scene and so was a news 

van. My sergeant walked up to 

me and said we need to search 

every inch of this place for a 

6-year-old kid. His parents think 

he may have been in a big balloon 

they just launched. That 

must be one big fucking balloon 

sarge. They taped it. What? They 

taped it. 

I walked over to a tripod that 

was setup in the driveway and 

the kids’ father, Richard Heene 

was freaking the hell out jumping 

and down saying he launched 

a giant flying saucer balloon, 

and his kid was playing inside of 

it earlier and now he can’t find 

him and Oh my God what the 

fuck have I done. 

Show me the tape sir. He rewinds 

the camera and I look at 

the grainy video and see what 

looks like a homemade flying 

saucer take off into the wind. 

Below the round part of the 

balloon was a round box looking 

structure that Richard says was 

made of plywood and yes, his 

kid could fit in it. 

By this time, dozens of news 

crews had descended on the 

location and were everywhere. 

I went inside the house and 

caught up with several other 

deputies who were about to look 

in the attic. 

Guys, where did all these fucking 

news people come from? 

The FAA and is tracking the 

damn balloon live on TV. What? 

I walked back into the den and 

sure enough, there was this giant 

silver flying saucer balloon flying 

across our valley. Supposedly 

with our missing kid inside. 

About that time, my sergeant 

walks back in and says “search 

every fucking inch of this place 

and find that damn kid. Everybody 

in the country is watching 



us and let’s pray to GOD he’s here 

somewhere and not in that fucking 

balloon.” 

I climbed the stairs and 

searched every nook and cranny 

in the attic. Nothing. I went back 

downstairs and searched the 

bedrooms, under the beds, closets, 

hell I ever looked inside and 

behind the washer and dryer. No 

Kid. 

By this time, the balloon 

had drifted some 5 miles and 

reached an altitude of almost 

7,000 feet. There were almost a 

hundred people gathered outside 

and now the Sheriff himself 

was here. This was a full-blown 

cluster fuck. One thing was certain, 

6-year-old Falcon Heene 

was nowhere to be found in 

the house. Deputies and officers 

from other departments started 

a door-to-door search, hoping 

he was anywhere but inside the 

balloon. 

After almost an hour of 

searching, I did what everyone 

else in America did. I watched 

it all unfold on Heene’s TV set. 

I kept glancing at the parents, 

and they truly looked frightened. 

Finally, the balloon lost altitude 

and when it got close to the 

ground, officers began beating 

the balloon with wooden sticks 

to puncture the outer skin. Once 

it was deflated, they looked side 

the box and no Falcon. Of course, 

that wasn’t the end. A Weld 

County deputy had reported that 

he saw something fall out of the 

balloon when it was over Platteville 

and now everyone thought 

Falcon had fallen out and surely 

was dead. I will say, that while 

this entire event was playing 

out on National TV, the parents 

played the part of truly scared 

parents. 

After the balloon was on the 

ground and Falcon wasn’t inside, 

the Sheriff cut most of us 

loose and sent us outside to 

manage the crowds. At 3:30pm 

someone called in and reported 

seeing a young boy playing 

alone in a nearby park. I jumped 

in my car and went to check it 

out. As I was searching for the 

playground, a unit at the Heene 

residence came on the radio and 

said “attention all units, the juvenile 

subject from Fossil Ridge 

has been located at the residence 

and is safe. All units can 

stand down.” 

What the hell. No Way that kid 

was in that house. When I got 

back, my sergeant said the kid 

just came walking in the house 

and said he was hiding in the 

garage attic in a box. The Sheriff 

said he thought that was BS 

because he knew damn well, 

we had searched the garage and 

the attic. But at that point, I was 

exhausted, and it was way past 

the end of my shift. I cleared the 

scene and headed for the station. 

Man did I have a story to tell my 

grandkids one day. 

Of course, when it was all said 

and done, we all know now that 

it was all staged and a hoax. But 

in that moment, in that house 

standing next to Richard and 

Mayumi, they truly acted like 

parents whose kid was trapped 

inside a tin foil flying saucer balloon 

flying across Colorado with 

the entire fucking nation watching 

it. 

For those of you who may be 

too young to remember, let me 

recap what really happened 

here. 


WORDS BY DEPUTY D.S. SMITH, RETIRED 

Before there was a China Balloon, 

there was Balloon Boy. 

Richard Heene and Mayumi 

Iizuka met at an acting school in 

Hollywood, California, and married 

in 1997. Heene had tried acting 

and stand-up comedy without 

success, and, for a time, he 

and his wife ran a home business 

producing demo reels for actors. 

Heene is also a handyman. 

Associates described him as a 

shameless self-promoter who 

would do almost anything to advance 

his latest endeavor. Heene 

became a storm chaser in the 

1970s after a storm took the roof 

off a building he was working 

on. Heene’s storm chasing has 

included riding a motorcycle into 

a tornado and reportedly flying 

a plane around the perimeter 

of Hurricane Wilma in 2005. He 

regularly involved his children in 

his endeavors, taking them along 

on UFO-hunting expeditions and 

storm-chasing missions. The 

Heenes had three sons named 

Falcon, Bradford and Ryo. 

The family had been featured 

on the reality television show 

Wife Swap on two occasions, 

the second time as a fan-favorite 

choice for the show’s 100th 

episode. During his time on the 

show, Heene expressed his belief 

that humanity descended from 

aliens and spoke of launching 

home-made flying saucers into 

storms. Heene had unsuccessfully 

sought the media’s interest in 

a proposed reality show called 

The Science Detectives, which 

he envisioned as a documentary 

series “to investigate the mysteries 

of science”. Months before 

the balloon incident Heene had 

pitched a reality show idea to the 

television channel TLC, but the 

network passed on the offer. 

The Balloon 

Richard Heene said the saucer-shaped 

balloon was an early 

prototype of a vehicle which 

“people can pull out of their garage 

and hover above traffic”. He 

also stated that, once “the high 

voltage timer” was switched on, 

the balloon “would emit one 

million volts every five minutes 

for one minute” in order to 

“move left and right horizontal”. 

The balloon, 20 feet (6.1 m) in 

diameter and 5 feet (1.5 m) high, 

was constructed from plastic 

tarps taped together, covered 

with an aluminum foil and held 

together with string and duct 

tape. Its base, in which Falcon 

allegedly rode, was a box made 

from a very thin piece of plywood 

and cardboard on the side, 

also held together by string and 

duct tape. 

Fully inflated, a balloon of 

this size would contain just 

over 1,000 cubic feet (28 m3) of 

helium.[29] Helium’s lift capacity 

at sea level and 0 °C is 1.113 kg/ 

m3 (0.07 lbs/ft3) and decreases 

at higher altitudes and at higher 

temperatures. The volume of 

helium in the balloon has been 

estimated as being able to lift 

a total load, including the balloon 

material and the structure 

beneath it, of 65 pounds (29 kg) 

at sea level and 48 pounds (22 

kg) at 8,000 feet (2,400 m). Fort 

Collins is at an elevation of about 

5,000 feet (1,500 m) and the 

balloon was estimated to have 

reached 7,000 feet (2,100 m). 

The Incident 

The family said they first suspected 

Falcon Heene was missing 

when, immediately after the 

balloon had taken off, Falcon’s 

brother told them that he had 

seen the six-year-old climb into 

the balloon’s basket beforehand. 

A home video released the following 

day shows the launch of 

the balloon. Richard inspects the 

basket, then his family counts 

down in unison “three, two, one” 

before releasing the cord. Apparently 

believing the balloon 

to be tethered a few feet from 

the ground, the family starts 

screaming in distress when it 

floats off into the sky. Richard 

Heene, who can be seen kicking 

the wood frame that supported 

the balloon, yelled amidst a 

myriad of obscene words, “You 

didn’t put the fucking tether 

down!” Falcon is nowhere to be 

seen and nobody mentions the 

possibility of Falcon being in the 

balloon. 

According to initial reports 

from the sheriff, the family first 

called the Federal Aviation Administration, 

although later the 

sheriff’s office stated that “they 

had no confirmation that Richard 

Heene actually made the call to 

the FAA.” They then called Denver 

NBC affiliate KUSA-TV; they 

reportedly requested that the 

station send a news helicopter to 

track the balloon’s progress, and 

then called emergency services. 

During the call to 911 at 11:29 AM 

local time (MDT) Richard Heene 

said, “I don’t know whether it’s 

possible you guys could detect 

the electricity that it emits ... it 

emits a million volts on the outer 

skin.” 

The balloon, tracked by helicopters, 

drifted for 60 miles 

(97 km), passing through Adams 



County and Weld County. Planes 

were rerouted around the balloon’s 

flight path. Reports that 

Denver International Airport was 

briefly shut down were later 

determined to be incorrect. The 

balloon finally landed two hours 

later at around 1:35 PM local time 

near Keenesburg, 12 miles (19 

km) northeast of Denver International 

Airport. 

When the boy was not found 

inside the balloon, officials expressed 

concern that he might 

have fallen out during the flight. 

Although it was reported that it 

did not appear breached,[1] Margie 

Martinez of the Weld County 

Sheriff’s Office said that the door 

was unlocked in the balloon. A 

sheriff deputy reported seeing 

something fall from the balloon 

near Platteville, Colorado, and 

a photograph of the balloon in 

flight with a small black dot 

below was said to suggest the 

boy may have fallen out or that 

something had detached from 

the balloon. Search and rescue 

crews in Colorado searched for 

the boy for hours. 

At approximately 4:14 PM, CNN 

and other news reported that 

the boy was found hiding in a 

cardboard box in rafters above 

the garage, but county sheriff 

Jim Alderden later said, “For all 

we know he may have been two 

blocks down the road playing on 

the swing in the city park.” 

The New York Post estimated 

that the total cost of the rescue 

operation would be about $2 

million, although this has yet to 

be verified. The helicopter flights 

alone during the rescue operation 

cost about $14,500. The 

Colorado National Guard assisted 

the effort with UH-60 Black 

Hawk and OH-58 Kiowa helicopters. 

Investigation 

After the incident, several news 

agencies began questioning 

whether it was a hoax. Editor & 

Publisher pointed out that “few 

had raised the issue of whether 

such a balloon could even lift 

off with a 50-pound (23 kg) kid 

inside and then float the way it 

did” during the flight. The police 

initially said it did not appear 

to be a hoax, but when Falcon 

and his family were being interviewed 

later in the day by Wolf 

Blitzer on CNN’s Larry King Live 

he asked Falcon, “Why did you 

not come out of the garage?” 

After his parents repeated the 

question, he responded, “You 

guys said that, um, we did this 

for the show.” Blitzer questioned 

Heene and Falcon further after 

the statement was made. The 

next day, during interviews on 

ABC’s Good Morning America 

and NBC’s Today, the boy vomited 

when he was asked about his 

comment and again when his father 

was asked about it, fueling 

more suspicion. 

Falcon’s answers prompted the 

sheriff’s office to pursue further 

investigations as to whether the 

incident was part of a publicity 

stunt. On October 16, Alderden 

said that “the suggestion that 

the boy ... was coached to hide 

seems inconceivable.” 

Larimer County Sheriff’s officials 

had consulted a Colorado 

State University physics professor, 

Brian Jones, who initially determined, 

based on the dimensions 

provided by Richard Heene, 

that the balloon could plausibly 

lift off with a boy of Falcon’s 

reported size (37 pounds or 

17 kilograms). However, when 

authorities later measured the 

balloon, they concluded it was 

not large enough to lift the child. 

Upon inspecting the balloon, 

authorities learned it weighed 

18 pounds (8.2 kg) more than 

Heene had said. Alderden said 

the base of the balloon could 

have handled 37 pounds (17 kg) 

without breaking, but to get airborne 

with those 37 pounds (17 

kg) inside it would have to have 

been attached to a more powerful 

balloon. 

After viewing the home video 

of the balloon launch, Alderden 

said the balloon appeared to 

have been rising very quickly. 

During a press conference on 

October 18, Alderden called the 

incident a hoax, stating “we 

believe we have evidence at this 

point to indicate that this was a 

publicity stunt in hopes to better 

market themselves for a reality 

show.” He also said that charges 

in the case have not yet been 

filed but that the parents could 

face both misdemeanor and felony 

charges, including conspiracy 

to commit a crime, contributing 

to the delinquency of a minor, 

filing a false report with authorities, 

and attempting to influence 

a public servant. Alderden stated 



that his comments on October 

16 were part of a “game plan” to 

keep the Heenes’ trust. 

Richard Heene’s lawyer, David 

Lane, announced on October 19 

that Richard and Mayumi Heene 

would surrender to police as 

soon as charges were filed, and 

plead not guilty. 

Throughout the Balloon Boy 

Hoax investigation, the couple 

had a list of potential fines and 

penalties before the sentencing 

began. The Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA) proposed 

a fine of $11,000 USD for the 

“launching of an unauthorized 

aircraft.” An FAA spokesman, 

Mike Fergus, later revealed that 

they had completed their investigation, 

but no details were 

released after the investigation. 

The couple also had proposed 

fines for Richard Heene for committing 

a class 4 felony; he could 

have received two to six years in 

prison and fines between $2,000 

to $500,000. Mayumi Heene was 

also facing a potential penalty; 

by committing a class 3 misdemeanor, 

she could receive up to 

six months in prison and a fine 

ranging from $50 to $750. 

According to the supporting 

affidavit that law enforcement 

submitted with their application 

for a search warrant, Mayumi 

later admitted that she “knew all 

along that Falcon was hiding in 

the residence.” The affidavit alleges 

that the couple planned the 

hoax about two weeks before 

releasing the balloon on October 

15 and “instructed their three 

children to lie to authorities as 

well as the media regarding this 

hoax”, for the purpose of making 

the family “more marketable for 

future media interests.” 

Guilty plea 

Richard Heene’s attorney announced 

on November 12, 2009, 

that both parents intended to 

plead guilty to the charges filed 

against them, for which the 

prosecutor would recommend 

probation. The attorney’s statement 

said that the threat of 

deportation of his wife, Mayumi 

Heene, who is a Japanese citizen, 

was a major factor in the 

plea negotiations. On November 

13, Richard Heene pleaded guilty 

to a felony charge of attempting 

to influence a public servant. 

Mayumi Heene did not appear 

with him, but still faced a misdemeanor 

charge of false reporting 

to authorities. 

On December 23, 2009, a 

judge sentenced Richard Heene 

to 90 days in jail and 100 hours 

of community service. He was 

also ordered to write a formal 

apology to the agencies 

that searched for Falcon. Mayumi 

Heene was sentenced to 

20 days in jail, to be served 

through jail-supervised community 

service for two days a 

week. Mayumi was also allowed 

to begin her sentence after her 

husband’s ended in order to 

ensure her children would be 

cared for, and the Heenes were 

also banned from receiving any 

profits from the hoax for several 

years. Richard Heene was also 

ordered to pay $36,000 in restitution. 

Governor Polis issued 

pardons to the Heenes in 2020, 

saying they had already “paid the 

price in the eyes of the public” 

and that it was time for Colorado 

to move on from the case as 

it was a waste of precious time 

of the law enforcement, military 

enforcement, and the general 

public. Polis eventually removed 

Mayumi’s misdemeanor charge 

and Richard’s felony charge from 

their records, stating they deserved 

a second chance and still 

have the burden of guilt on them. 

Polis said, “It’s time to no longer 

let a permanent criminal record 

from the balloon boy saga follow 

and drag down the parents 

for the rest of their lives.” 


A BADGE OF HONOR 

healing our heroes 

yrs. 

OUR TOOL BOX. 

If you are just beginning your Law there is no one tool that fits all the 

Enforcement career or have been in interactions they might encounter 

it for 20 plus years, you must make on a daily basis. 

sure your toolbox is filled with the It varies from responding to a basic 

tools you will need to survive. 

aided call or a suicide, an armed 

Many of us, when we first started robbery in progress with possible 

out, were given the basic tools to hostages, a mental health emergency, 

make it through a shift at work. But 

or a basic call for service. The 

we were not given the proper tools officer is constantly using different 

needed to perform our job to the tools to solve and fix each response. 

best of our Mental Health Ability. Therefore, it’s imperative department 

But that was back when we did 

leaders make sure they are 

not have the data or the information 

providing their officers with the best 

we have today. Why are we of the best. A chief’s job is to make 

still living in the dark ages when it sure he has enough money in his 

comes to mental health in the first or her budget to cover the costs of 

responder world? 

these tools for every officer under 

In any given profession, if given their command. 

the wrong tools, you will fail, get Smoke and Mirror programs or 

injured or die. 

just checking a box is unacceptable. 

Just imagine a mechanic using 

We’ve seen this repeatedly with the 

the wrong tools or equipment frustration, loss of love for the job, 

needed to remove a transmission. and early retirements. 

The results would be disastrous. Officers should not have to battle 

An electrician without a voltmeter, 

against their own department to 

an accountant without a cal- 

get things they need and rightfully 

culator or a chef with an electric deserve. They should not have to 

stove. Sure, they may be able to hide or withhold trauma in fear of 

perform the job, but with mistakes, department retribution or loss of 

inefficacies and risks and the outcome 

employment. 

will be completely different. Nationwide we are seeing officers 

Law Enforcement is no different. leaving, not because of the crime, 

Not having the proper tools in our or the trauma they see each day. It’s 

world can be catastrophic. 

because of the twisted politics, lack 

In many of the departments of support and wild woke agendas 

across the country, we are providing 

and policies that cripple the way 

substandard or outdated tools, law enforcement officers can do 

or no tools at all, to our Officers. their job. 

The toolbox of a Law Enforcement As a chief, if you see a mass exodos 

Officer is extensive. They should be 

in your department you need 

filled with top of the line, up to date to ask yourself why. Cops leave the 

tools. 

profession because of poor leadership 

When you think about what an 

and lack of support. The prob- 

officer may have to face on his or lem is not the Job, the problem is 

her shift, it boggles the mind. But the bowing down to politicians who 

SAMANTHA HORWITZ & 

JOHN SALERNO 

have no fight in the game. Those 

making the rules sit behind a desk 

in their high salary positions making 

life and death decisions about a job 

they have no clue about. Then you 

have leaders who will accept these 

political terms to bring forth to their 

departments. 

We need leaders who will stand 

up and fight for our officers. We 

need leaders who will demand that 

officers are given the tools they 

need and anything less will not be 

accepted. Leaders who are willing 

to risk their own career for the 

mental health and safety of the men 

and women who are suffering on 

the front-line. 

If we continue down this path, we 

will see more of our dedicated officer’s 

fall. We have attended way 

too many funerals. Have said way 

too many goodbyes and have heard 

the same bullshit from the politicians, 

that it is just not in this year’s 

budget… I CALL BULLSHIT. 

Leaders, Stand Up for your Officers. 

Officers do not fear asking for 

Help…. Politicians, provide the tools 

and money needed so our men and 

women can continue to serve our 

cities and states proudly. 

Written by 

Retired NYPD Detective 

John Salerno, A Badge of Honor 

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DARYL LOTT 

There’s been a lot of talk lately 

about the Constitution. That’s a 

yrs. 

good thing. It is the document that 

governs us for good or for ill. Some 

say it’s a living document. I suppose 

that’s true seeing that there is 

Texas Politics and One’s Mental Health. 

a process we can follow to change 

The first regularly elected president 

Houston figured he had a two 

it in some way, but it’s not a living 

of the Republic of Texas out of three chance to defeat 

document as it sits. It says what it 

was, of course, Sam Houston. A Lamar. 

says. If you don’t like what it says - 

close study of that man’s life reveals 

an extremely strong willed steamer in Galveston Bay when 

James Collinsworth was on a 

change it. 

Sometimes when I research 

things, I run across sentences 

individual. He is the personification 

of not only Texas, but an jumping overboard to his death. 

centuries ago. Such sentences give 

he decided to end his life by 

in reports written years or even 

age. The personal setbacks in Peter Grayson was on his way 

me pause as I consider them. All 

his life led him to do things that back to Texas when he stopped 

reports have biases in them, so I try 

were really strange (run away to at a tavern in Tennessee. He left 

to account for that (knowing I have 

live with the Cherokees, assault a note apologizing to the inn 

my own biases and filters). Since 

people, go on long benders, keeper before he shot himself in 

governments came on the scene 

dress in outrageous wardrobes, the head. 

in world history, leaders have sent 

etc). He did what he had to do Lamar became president much 

DARYL LOTT 

agents to places with instructions 

to navigate personal turmoil. to the detriment of Texas, however, 

he is considered to be the relationship with Houston. It was 

to report back on their findings. 

An early example in world history 

He was a better man after each 

might be when the Israelites sent 

episode. 

father of free public education in he that convinced Houston to run 

people to the Promised Land with 

Houston was recovering from Texas. He also moved the capital 

from Houston to Austin and the other senator from the new 

saw. One such mission in American 

for President the first time. He was 

orders to report back what they 

a serious life-threatening wound 

he suffered at San Jacinto when designed our tricolor lone star state serving with the “Old Chief” 

history occurred when President 

people begged him to run for flag. Houston hated the enormous 

in that office. He went to DC to 

Jefferson sent Lewis and Clark out 

president. He did not want to 

debt Lamar ran up in a bid represent Texas and doctors dis- 

to report back on a real estate deal 

run, doctors in New Orleans removed 

over twenty bone frag- 

than a land preparing for state- 

neck not long after his arrival that 

Pretty standard stuff. 

to make Texas an empire rather covered a lump at the base of his 

Jefferson completed with Napoleon. 

ments from his shattered ankle. hood. 

they believed to be a tumor. Rusk 

In Texas history there was a 

His other war wounds from the Again, after Houston was 

report that actually revealed a lot 

took his life through a self inflicted 

gunshot wound. 

about the reportee and the subjects 

Creek Indian War plagued him elected as the third president, 

of the report. In 1827, the Mexican 

his entire life. While fighting for he could not succeed himself. I write this to share thoughts on 

government sent one of its generals 

to Tejas to observe Texians and 

his life, he consented to run for He asked a friend, Anson Jones, mental health. Be aware of your 

Texas president only eleven days to run and prepare the republic own and others’ mental state. We 

make a report of his observations. 

before the election. He won, but for imminent statehood. Jones have all lost friends to suicide 

The government was concerned 

Texas law did not allow consecutive 

consented and won the election. and it’s never easy to navigate the 

that the new immigrants weren’t 

terms. 

He was the last president of the aftermath of such a devastating 

assimilating. General Manuel Meir 

M.B. Lamar ran on the “No republic, but he did things that event. The old heroes of Texas 

y Teran dutifully complied with his 

Annexation” platform to be the were very unpopular with voters. were “tough men” living in tough 

orders. He confirmed that the newcomers 

were not fitting in as they 

second president. Over 95% of Therefore, he was not appointed 

as a senator in the new state. 

times. If they could succumb to 

Texans wanted to be annexed 

should. The newcomers expected 

personal demons, anyone could. 

too much service from the government 

in the way of courts and jus- 

to the U.S. so his platform was He blew his brains out in what Our nation created a National Suicide 

Prevention Hotline as an aid 

tice. The newcomers thought it was 

not popular. Houston asked two would later become the Rice 

political allies to run in his stead Hotel in Houston. 

to help those who are struggling 

beneath them to pay a little extra 

to stave off Lamar: James Collinsworth 

and Peter Grayson. friend with an on again off again ber for help is 988. Pass it along. 

tle bribe here and there was a good 

Thomas Rusk was a longtime with their mental state. The num- 

for the alcaldes to hear a case. A lit- 

thing. All of that was spot on in the 


daryl’s deliberations

NOT SO BRIGHT AWARD 

Light Buld Award 

yrs. 

ONLY IN CALIFORNIA 

LA Mayor Bass calls to root out ‘right-wing extremist’ police, signals 

lowering the bar for new recruits. Never underestimate the stupidity of 

a left-wing, WOKE Mayor and a WOKE Governor, to sink even lower. 

WOKE & STUPID 

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass 

has called to remove “obstacles” 

for new police recruits and 

pledged to root out officers with 

ties to “right-wing domestic extremist 

organizations.” 

Bass is looking to remove 

“obstacles” for police recruits 

who fail to initially qualify for 

training as a means of further 

diversifying the LAPD, according 

to a summary of her public safety 

goals obtained by Fox News 

Digital – but police union leaders 

are questioning the move. 

Bass’ summary of goals for 

police reform includes a list of 

provisions as well as dates by 

which the department must 

report back regarding progress. 

One provision says a deputy 

mayor will work in conjunction 

with a “third party” to “evaluate 

the personnel process and 

identify obstacles to entry for 

recruits who fail to qualify for 

training.” 

“We think that particular provision 

or that goal or that idea 

is dangerous,” Tom Saggau, Los 

Angeles Police Protective League 

(LAPPL) spokesperson, told Fox 

News Digital. 

“If you have police officers 

that can’t make minimum qualifications 

or attained minimum 

standards, for instance, there 

are recruits that have been in the 

academy that just can’t score 

the minimum requirements for a 

physical fitness test,” he added. 

“One hundred is the maximum 

score, 50 is acceptable. There are 

folks that are scoring under 10. 

That’s just dangerous.” 

The provision states that recommendations 

to remove any 

obstacles will be taken into consideration, 

especially with those 

in relation to “ethnic groups disproportionately 

left out of new 

officer training.” 

Saggau said the provision calls 

for the lowering of standards 

within the police department 

as new hires who did not initially 

qualify during training are 

shown not to “possess the mental 

fitness or the physical fitness 

ability to be a police officer.” 

“That’s just a recipe for disaster,” 

Saggau said. “So we think 

lowering standards is a dangerous 

precedent.” 

Another provision in the goals 

summary seeks to “identify, discipline, 

and/or terminate officers 

associated with right-wing domestic 

extremist organizations” 

using data from the Justice Department. 

LAPD must report back 

with progress on this provision 

in August. (In other words, she 

wants to fire all white officers 

who supported Trump) 

“We [LAPPL] think it ought to 

be right-wing, left-wing, foreign 

and domestic,” Saggau said. 

“We think that there are more 

organizations that members of 

law enforcement should not be 

associated with, other than the 

narrow group that was listed in 

that document.” 

Bass also called for updated 

training measures to comply 

with the “heightened standard 

on use of deadly force required,” 

the expansion of the Mental Evaluation 

Unit and the System-wide 

Mental Assessment Team, as 

well as the implementation of 

efforts to reduce the number of 

officer-involved shootings. 

Bass told the Los Angeles Times 

that she is prioritizing “crime reduction, 

personnel reform, alternative 

response and community 

policing” following her goals 

summary release. She is also 

seeking to hire additional homicide 

detectives to work on cases 

while also tackling the ongoing 

staffing shortage due to retirements 

and other departures. 

“Mayor Bass sees the dire need 

for more officers. The question 

is, how do you get there? And we 

are totally committed and completely 

supportive of civilianizing 

positions where police officers 

should be doing police work and 

civilians should be doing civilian 

work,” Saggau said. 

We can sum this up in four 

words. Mayor Bass is an IDIOT! 

Oh and if that isn’t STUPID for 

you, check this out. 

If California’s AB 742 becomes 

law, police K-9s in the state 

would no longer be used to 

make arrests. A bill that would 

ban the use of police K-9s for 

arrests and crowd control was 

introduced in the California state 

Assembly on Monday. 

Assembly Bill 742’s supporters, 

which include the NAACP and 

ACLU, say the use of police K-9s 

has been a mainstay in America’s 

history of racial bias and 

violence against people of color, 

KCRA reports. 

“This bill seeks to end a deeply 

racialized, traumatic and 

harmful practice by prohibiting 

of police K-9s for arrests, apprehension 

and crowd control,” 

Assemblymember Corey Jackson, 

D-Riverside, said in a press conference 

at the Capitol. 

Ron Cloward, a retired lieutenant 

with the Modesto Police 

Department and president of 

the Western States Police Canine 

Association, told KCRA 3 that he 

believes the bill makes no sense, 

and that police dogs are an invaluable 

non-lethal part of agencies 

across the country. 

“It’s a tool and it’s something 

that, if we take it away you’re just 

eliminating one more non-lethal 

weapon for law enforcement,” 

Cloward said. 

The bill would not prevent 

search and rescue, explosive detection 

and narcotic detection. 


HONORING FALLEN HEREOS 

yrs. 

“Honoring our fallen heroes 

through running while providing 

financial support to the families 

of our fallen Heroes, 

First Responders injured in the 

Line of Duty and Safety 

Equipment to K9s in need.” 

AS OF 1/29/23 

Total Grants Awarded to Injured First Responders: 42 

Total Amount Awarded: $377,500 

Total Funds Awarded to Families of Fallen Heroes: 34 

Total Amount Awarded: $272,301 

Funds/Equipment Awarded to K9 Officers: $29,682.32 

Total Amount of Grants Given: $669,483.32 

- - - - 

2023 Run Tracker: 

Total Miles Run in 2023: (as of 2/28/23): 33 

- Zechariah - 13 

- Jayden - 2 

- Andrew - 4 

- Giuliana - 2 

- Anthony - 4 

- Morgan - 8 

- Theresa - 0 

Total Miles Run in 2022: 325 




Overall Miles Run: 1,460 

Overall Miles Run (K9’s): 62- - - - - - - - - - 

2022 Run Stats: 

Total Miles Run for 2022 Fallen LEO’s (Non COVID-19): 135 

Total Miles Run for 2022 Fallen Firefighters (Non COVID-19): 80 

Total Miles Run for Non-LODD/Suicide: 13 

Total Miles Run for 2022 Fallen Canada LEO’s: 3 

Total Miles Run in 2022 for Fallen COVID-19 Heroes: 18 

Total Miles Run for 2021 Fallen LEO’s: 21 

Total Miles Run for 2021 Fallen Firefighters: 2 

Total Tribute Runs by State/Country: 17 

Zechariah 

Cartledge: 

a True American Hero 

States/Cities Zechariah has run in: 

Florida - Winter Springs, Lake Mary, Clearwater, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Orlando, Temple Terrace, Blountstown, 

Cocoa, Lakeland, Daytona Beach, West Palm Beach, Starke, Melbourne 

New York - New York City, Weedsport • Georgia - Cumming, Augusta, Savannah 

South Carolina - North Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Sumter • Pennsylvania - Monaca 

Illinois - Springfield, Naperville, Glen Ellyn • Texas - Houston (2), Fort Worth, Midland, New Braunfels, Freeport, Madisonville, 

Irving, Sadler, San Antonio • Kentucky - Nicholasville • Arkansas - Bryant, Hot Springs, Springdale, Prairie Grove 

Nevada - Henderson • Kansas - Overland Park • California - Mt. Vernon, La Jolla • Arizona - Mesa 

North Carolina - Concord, Raleigh • Virginia - Norton, Richmond • Tennessee - Bristol, Bartlett 

Oklahoma - Stilwell (2) • Delaware - Milford • Maryland - Towson • Minnesota - Arden Hills • Indiana - Sullivan, Spencer 

Mississippi - Grenada, Olive Branch • Missouri - Springfield, Rolla, Joplin • Iowa - Independence, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids 

District/Countries/Territories: 

Washington D.C. • Puerto Rico - San Juan 

98 The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE 

The BLUES 99


blue mental health 

Cultural Competence for Law Enforcement 

Mental Health Service Providers 

There is no question that the 

lack of trust by law enforcement 

officers is a significant 

challenge for mental health 

professionals, however, I also 

contend that some of these 

barriers can be addressed 

early with the selection of 

a qualified clinicians and/ 

or service provider group. I 

want to offer a few important 

questions for consideration 

to the decision makers in law 

enforcement agencies, to include 

human resource departments. 

How prepared are your 

employee assistance program 

mental health professionals in 

effectively providing services 

to your officers? Do you know 

and understand their training, 

licensure, education, views, 

and counseling approaches 

with law enforcement? Have 

you taken the time to meet in 

person with the provider(s) 

to discuss your officer and 

agency needs? Are you utilizing 

the same mental health 

professional to provide fit for 

duty evaluations, support, and 

counseling? Are you selecting 

providers because they simply 

provided the lowest and 

most cost-effective bid for the 

provision of services? Does 

the provider make consistent 

efforts to attend continuing 

educational opportunities 

on law enforcement or new 

treatment techniques? These 

questions should be essential 

steps in the selection process. 

I have been told on numerous 

occasions that there are 

very few mental health professionals 

who truly “understand” 

the law enforcement 

culture. I simply cannot argue 

against this fact. It is known 

in my social work profession 

as having “cultural competence” 

with those to which 

we provide psychological and 

counseling services. Cultural 

competence is defined as the 

ability to understand, communicate 

with, and effectively 

interact with people across 

varying cultures. It also requires 

mental health professionals 

to be aware of our 

own world view (any biases 

and values) and to develop 

and maintain positive attitudes 

towards cultural differences 

and an appreciation of diverse 

cultural practices. Sounds 

easy, right? Not by a long shot. 

In 2000, I stepped foot for 

the first time into a classroom 

to teach an in-service training 

on mental health to a small 

group of deputy sheriffs in a 

southern rural county sheriff’s 

office. My presentation 

yrs. 


was only slated for an hour, 

but I clearly remember every 

sarcastic eye roll, groan, 

sigh, and distancing example 

of body language. I was admittedly 

stunned at the lack 

of interest because I naively 

thought that if this was interesting 

and important to me, 

it should be to them as well. I 

learned a powerful lesson that 

day. If I was going to continue 

to teach and interact with 

law enforcement officers, I 

must seek to understand what 

drives them and yes, learn 

their “culture,” 

Despite the advancements in 

the law enforcement culture 

regarding the need to more 

openly embrace and practice 

mental health I continue to 

hear horror stories from officers. 

The most common occurs 

when an officer shares a 

difficult story with a therapist 

who is not trained in trauma-based 

approaches with 

first responders thus creating 

what is best described as 

a “deer in headlights” look 

for the professional. It can 

be shocking and a bit overwhelming 

for those without 

a solid foundation of understanding 

of police and what 

realistically falls into the 

realm of “normal” experiences 

for an officer. 

On a positive note, I do believe 

there are many mental 

health professionals who are 

interested in becoming more 

culturally competent in law 

enforcement norms, values, 

policies, and the challenges 

of the field. But it does take 

time and training and lots of 

patience. Both the agency and 

the professional must work 

collaboratively to build this 

beneficial relationship. I encourage 

thinking outside of 

the box ideas including regularly 

riding with an officer 

to observe the conditions of 

the job, eating a meal with a 

group of LEOs, volunteering 

to teach mental health topics 

in the academy, and simply 

taking the time to get to know 

our wonderful men and women 

in uniform. They are certainly 

worth it. 


ADS BACK IN THE DAY 



ADS BACK IN THE DAY 


THERE ARE NO WORDS 

parting shots... 

yrs. 

... pardon our humor 


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110 The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE 111

yrs. 

CAP Fleet is an emergency 

vehicle upfitter and 

authorized Chevrolet SVM 

Bailment Pool provider 

for Law Enforcement 

Vehicles. We have a pool 

of vehicles available to be 

upfitted by CAP Fleet and 

sold through any GM dealer 

in the United States. 

We also offer law enforcement 

vehicles from 

Chevrolet, Dodge, and 

Ford through our dealership 

network. 

Since 2011, we have 

combined the highest 

quality products in the 

industry with superior 

craftsmanship, providing 

customer service and installations 

at a reasonable 

price. 

Our sales staff brings 

over 100+ years of law enforcement 

experience and 

our installation team has 

an equal number of years 

in the emergency vehicle 

upfitting industry. We 

understand your needs 

and strive to make your 

experience at CAP Fleet 

simple. All installations 

are completed by our inhouse 

technicians. Every 

vehicle goes through an 

extensive quality control 

program supervised by 

our shop managers. Our 

technicians are constantly 

focused on quality and 

efficiency. 

With locations in 

Belton, Tx and Houston, 

Tx, and a new state 

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Starting in 2003, Cop Stop Inc. Opened with a vision and goal to service first responders; “Our everyday 

heroes.” Catering mainly to Police, Fire, Military and EMS, but also open to the public, Cop Stop 

offers a variety of products, gear and apparel. Open and operated by Rick Fernandez, a former officer 

of 10 years, he prides himself on maintaining the highest standards of customer service. Cop Stop understands 

its our customers who drive our success, and we strive to offer the best service to everyone 

who walks through our doors. At Cop Stop we offer quality products at great low prices. With access to 

over hundreds of brands and products, and constantly adding more, we are confident we can fulfill your 

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“If you provide good service and a fair price, customers will talk about you and come back. 

It’s that simple!” Rick Fernandez 


114 The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE 115

yrs. 

DANA SAFETY SUPPLY 

Dana Safety Supply (DSS) is a major warehousing distributor, 

seller, service provider, and installer of law enforcement 

and public safety fleet vehicle equipment including emergency 

lighting, and related law enforcement products that are typically 

employed by public safety entities. In addition, DSS is a 

major distributor of law enforcement, tactical supplies, duty 

gear, firearms, ammunition, uniforms, and other public safety 

products. DSS operates 30 locations located in Greensboro, NC 

(2), Clinton, NC, Columbia, SC (2), Atlanta, GA, Marietta, GA, 

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covering the Metro Washington D.C. area), Los Angeles, CA, 

Oklahoma City, OK, Houston, TX, La Feria, TX, Ft. Worth, TX and 

Austin, TX. 

DSS was founded in 2005 by a group of law enforcement and 

fleet professionals and has grown to become one of the largest 

companies of its type in the United States. DSS is a subsidiary 

of Duval Motor Company and the Scott McRae Group, (SMAG), a 

106 year old family company that has been in continuous operation, 

and under the same ownership since 1916. SMAG employs 

more than 700 people across multiple companies in the automotive, 

finance, and service industries. Each company operates 

independently, is its own legal entity, and is headed by its own 

President and management team, but has the financial resources 

and backing of SMAG at its disposal. DSS acquired Fleet 

Safety Equipment in 2018. Fleet Safety Equipment was founded 

in Memphis, TN in 1980 and is a wholly owned division of Dana 

Safety Supply. 

DSS regularly provides emergency vehicle equipment, installation 

services, and public safety products to numerous state, 

federal, and local public safety agencies, as well as to automotive 

dealers who utilize our up-fitting services and products. 

DSS holds and has successfully completed hundreds of large 

volume contracts with major public safety agencies throughout 

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GA, FL, AL, TN, AR, OK, MS, LA, AR, TX, VA, and MT. DSS is also 

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116 The The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE The BLUES 117

yrs. 

People are Your 

Purpose, and Ours 

In 2008, the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office 

was informed by the federal government that it 

was violating inmates’ civil rights because of its 

indirect supervision policy. Part of the requirement 

to remedy the violation was to hire 200 detention 

officers in addition to the 450 they already 

had. 

Instead, Captain David Baisden turned to Digi 

Security Systems for a technological solution. Together, 

we designed a system that would provide 

100 percent visibility in each of the 30 pods in the 

jail. Digi installed the system, and the impact was 

definitive. 

“All of a sudden, we noticed an immediate drop 

in altercations from 300 to 30,” said Captain Baisden. 

“Ninety percent of the violence was gone.” 

We have a saying around here that People Are 

Our Purpose. As a security systems integrator, 

the work we do is important: we design, install, 

and service commercial security systems for all 

kinds of organizations. Those very security systems 

are the technology that keeps our children 

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It’s important work. It’s work that makes a real 

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Key Management & 

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Every Morse Watchman’s 

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KeyWarden is the Texas distributor of Morse Watchmans industry-leading key and asset management systems. We are actively involved 

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Police Chiefs Association, the East Texas Police Chiefs Association, the High Plains Police Chiefs Association, and the Central Texas Police 

Chiefs Association. We are proud to participate in the TEXAS SCHOOL DISTRICT POLICE CHIEFS ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE. 

THE KEYWATCHER TOUCH SYSTEM is deployed in the law enforcement environment to: 

• Securely dispense track and audit the use of keys to: vehicles, facilities, lockers and 

other high-value assets. 

• Prevent unauthorized staff from driving specialist vehicles, or racking up miles on the 

newer fleet while older units sit idle. 

• Allow management to compel the use of vehicle pools rather than staff controlling the 

keys to particular units. 

• Quicker and more efficient shift changes. 

• Control the keys to facilities and mandate accountability. 

• Managing and controlling access to assets stored in lockers. 

As a Texas-based company, we provide on site evaluation, implementation, training and support of the 

KeyWatcher System. We are also a member of BuyBoard and offer discounted pricing and ease of purchase. 

19015 Gentle Knoll 

San Antonio, Texas 78258 

Office: 830-214-0867 Fax: 775-898-1807 

www.keywarden.com - click here to email us 


yrs. 

PLANET FORD IN SPRING, 20403 I45 NORTH, 

SPRING TEXAS 

Planet Ford on I-45 in Spring, Texas has been 

the No. 1 Ford Dealer in the greater-Houston area 

for over 20 years.* Our Ford dealership earns 

this distinction year after year because our team 

makes our clients and their vehicle needs our top 

priority. Planet Ford is part of the award-winning 

World Class Automotive Group. The dealership 

has earned many top honors, including multiple 

Triple Crowns, which is bestowed upon only 

the best. In order to be recognized, a dealership 

must receive all of Ford’s top awards, including 

The President’s Award for customer service. Planet 

Ford has been redesigned from the ground up 

to provide a superior customer experience. Planet 

offers over 30 acres of new Ford inventory, Certified 

Pre-Owned Fords, pre-owned vehicles of all 

makes and models, as well as aftermarket and 

performance parts, service, commercial truck 

services, and collision repair. Beyond automotive 

services, the Randall Reed family and Planet team 

support and gives back to the community, from 

local charity events to sponsoring schools and 

veteran programs. Learn more at PlanetFord.com. 



yrs. 

Supporting Law 

Enforcement in 

TEXAS 

Inset: Dan Rooney ProForce President 

Firearms and Tactical Equipment for Law Enforcement Professionals 

800-367-5855 



SPOTLIGHT ON 

ProForce’s commitment to providing excellent customer 

service is a key element in the company’s success 

throughout the western United States. As a relative newcomer 

in the state of TEXAS ProForce has been welcomed with open 

arms by the law enforcement community. 

ProForce’s relationships with top industry manufacturers 

and vendors, as well as their sales volume, allows them 

to negotiate better pricing to meet the budgetary needs 

of law enforcement agencies. While some vendors may 

not always have product availability in a timely manner. 

ProForce’s industry relationships and direct contact through 

vendor representatives, the sales team is able to suggest 

and provide alternatives to meet specific requirements of 

agencies, ensuring that the agency’s needs are always met. 

“ 

Working with PROFORCE through the 

bidding and purchasing of the M&P 2.0’s was 

very easy and simple. We added the ACRO red 

dot along with the holster and the light. This 

purchase was simple and easy. 

The troops love the improvement to the 2.0 

and the red dot. 

Lt. Socha. Austin PD. 

“ 

#X300U-A #13353 #200691 

The company features an excellent selection of high demand 

law enforcement firearms, equipment and accessories from 

great manufacturers such as: 

Axon/Taser, Aimpoint, Beretta, Colt, H&K, Bola Wrap, 

Bianchi, Smith & Wesson, Eotech, Daniel Defense, 

NightStick, Sig Sauer, Kimber, Otis, Defense Technology, 

Shadow Systems, Magpul, L3 Harris, Burris, Mossberg, 

Ruger, Streamlight, Safariland, Springfield, Blackhawk, 

Holosun, Trijicon, Vortex, Surefire, Us Peacekeeper ,OSS, 

Nightstick, FNH USA and UTM. 

Proforce takes great pride in distributing high quality public 

safety products from top tier manufacturers and this 

transaction has set a trend for many other law enforcement 

agencies in the State of Texas. 

Agency demonstrations, test and evaluation 

of products is available upon request. Ask us 

about trade-ins! We will buy your agency duty or 

confiscated firearms, any model and condition! 

First class customer support and quality service 

makes PROFORCE the number one choice for first 

responder equipment and accessories! 

Call (800) 367-5855 

Email: sales@proforceonline.com or 

visit our website 

www.proforceonline.com 

SEND US AN EMAIL 

SCAN THE QR CODE 

The BolaWrap ® 150 remote restraint 

device is a patented, hand-held tool that 

deploys an eight-foot Kevlar ® tether 

to temporarily restrain subjects from a 

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Because the BolaWrap isn’t designed 

to cause pain, it may be used during 

the first stages of an encounter before 

escalation takes place. 

CALL US TODAY FOR PRICING! 

800-367-5855 

>> PRODUCTS & SERVICES

yrs. 

12722 HWY. 3 • WEBSTER, TEXAS • 281-488-5934 

AUTO FACELIFTS is located on the South Side of 

Houston across from Ellington Airport. Auto Facelifts 

is an industry leader in auto upholstery in the Houston, 

TX area. We work on cars, trucks, and even boats, 

so no matter what you’re riding in, we can give it a 

facelift! Whether you’re looking for a new leather interior, 

carpet replacement, or auto detailing, we’ve got 

a package that will fit your needs. But we don’t stop 

there! We’ve also got an incredible selection of car and 

truck accessories to really take your vehicle to the next 

level. And, if that’s not enough, we can also provide 

you with premium car audio and car stereo equipment 

that will make your vehicle the talk of the town. Stop 

into Auto Facelifts and upgrade your ride today! 

4807 KIRBY DRIVE • HOUSTON, TEXAS • 713-524-3801 

RIVER OAKS CHRYSLER, DODGE, JEEP & RAM 

Alan & Blake Helfman are the named and primary 

sponsor of The BLUES. For over 65 years the 

Helfman’s have supported local area law enforcement 

and supported The BLUES since our first issue. 

There is simply no better dealership in Houston 

to purchase your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, 

Ram or Ford product. The sales team provide 

honest, no BS pricing and their service department 

ranks among the top in the nation. 

Call Alan or Blake Helfman at 713-524-3801 when 

you are ready to purchase your next vehicle. It will 

be the best car buying experience you’ve ever had. 

IMOD2 





anything! 

CENTRAL POLICE SUPPLY is your source 

for the best in police equipment. Based 

in Houston, we supply law enforcement 

with the equipment they need.” 

CENTRAL POLICE SUPPLY has been 

serving Houston law enforcement for 

nearly 50 years with the absolute best 

customer service and quality products. 

CENTRAL POLICE SUPPLY is 

located at 1410 Washington Ave, near 

downtown Houston, but you can 

purchase everything you need online 

at:https://www.centralpolice.com/ 











NOW HIRING 

LE job positions 

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Poth Police Dept. Get Info Patrol Officer (F/T) 04/13/2023 - 5pm 

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yrs. 

Weatherford College PD - Wise Co. campus Get Info Sergeant 04/10/2023 - 5pm 

Lubbock Co. WCID #1 Police Dept. Get Info Police Officer 04/14/2023 - 5pm 

Corsicana Police Dept. Get Info Entry Level Police Test 04/01/2023 - 5pm 

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Garland Police Dept. Get Info Recruit & Lateral Officers 03/24/2023 - 5pm 

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University Park Police Dept. Get Info Police Officer 03/17/2023 - 5pm 

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Leon ISD Police Dept. Get Info Police Chief/ School Resource Officer 04/22/2023 - 5pm 

Gainesville ISD Police Dept. Get Info Police Officers 04/28/2023 - 5pm 

Hutto Police Dept. Get Info Police Officer (cadet) 03/28/2023 - 5pm 

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Tarrant Co. Sheriff's Office Get Info Deputy Sheriff Cadet (Detention Officer) 04/28/2023 - 5pm 

Log Cabin Police Dept. Get Info Peace Officer 03/25/2023 - 5pm 

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Seguin Police Dept. Get Info Patrol Officers 03/28/2023 - 5pm 

University Park Police Dept. Get Info Asst. Chief of Police 05/24/2023 - 5pm 

Stratford Police Dept. Get Info K9 Handler & Patrol Officers 03/28/2023 - 5pm 

Manor Police Dept. Get Info Police Officer 03/28/2023 - 5pm 

The Leader In Law Enforcement Recruitment 

Delivering ZERO COST solutions to 

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04/30/2023 - 5pm 

Hedwig Village Police Dept. Get Info Police Officer 05/01/2023 - 5pm 

Grand Prairie Police Department Get Info Police Civil Service Test 04/29/2023 - 5pm 

STATEWIDE VACANCIES FOR JAILERS 

Denton Co. Sherriff's Office Get Info Detention Officer 03/04/2023 - 5pm 

Denton Co. Sherriff's Office Get Info Detention Officer PT 03/04/2023 - 5pm 

Milam Co. Sheriff's Office Get Info Jailer 03/07/2023 - 5pm 

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Galveston Co. Sheriff's Dept. Get Info Corrections Deputy 04/14/2023 - 5pm 

Jack Co. Sheriff's Office Get Info Jailers 04/17/2023 - 5pm 

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Ingleside Police Dept. Get Info Telecommunications Officer 03/07/2023 - 5pm 

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Bexar Co. Sheriff's Office Get Info Dispatcher 03/17/2023 - 5pm 

Sachse Police Dept. Get Info Public Safety Dispatcher 03/25/2023 - 5pm 

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Kerr County Sheriff's Office Get Info Telecommunicator 03/31/2023 - 5pm 

Erath Co. Sheriff's Office Get Info Telecommunicator 03/03/2023 - 5pm 

Rusk Co. Sheriff's Office Get Info Telecommunicator 03/03/2023 - 5pm 

City of Plano Public Safety Communications Get Info 911 Call Taker/ Police-Fire-EMS Dispatcher 03/09/2023 - 5pm 

Houston Police Dept. Get Info 911 Senior Police Telecommunicator 04/10/2023 - 5pm 

Kingsville Police Dept. Get Info Telecommunications Operator 04/30/2023 - 5pm 

Spring ISD Police Dept. Get Info Police Dispatcher 04/14/2023 - 5pm 

Galveston Co. Sheriff's Office Get Info Telecommunicator 04/14/2023 - 5pm 

Texas A&M Univ. Police Dept. 

Get Info Police Communications Officer in Training 03/24/2023 - 5pm 

Lago Vista Police Dept. Get Info Dispatcher 03/28/2023 - 5pm 

Williamson Co. Emergency Communications Get Info Telecommunications - 911 Dispatcher 04/29/2023 - 5pm 

Austin Comm. College Police Dept. Get Info Dispatcher 03/13/2023 - 5pm 

Port Aransas Police Dept. Get Info Dispatch 04/30/2023 - 5pm 

Dallas Area Rapid Transit Police Department Get Info Telecommunicator 03/31/2023 - 5pm 




austin officers 

austin dispatch 


EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS 

• Paid Vacation 

• Sick Leave 

• Paid Holidays 

• Personal Days 

• Compensatory Days 

• Certification Pay 

ALDINE ISD POLICE DEPT. 

now accepting applications for: 

Dispatcher 

Salary starting at $40,000, 

no experience required. 

TO APPLY VISIT 

WWW.ALDINEISD.ORG 

OR 

Contact the Personnel 

Department at 

281-985-7571 

OR 

Contact Sergeant R. Hall at 

281-442-4923 

HIRING PROCESS 

• Oral Board Panel Interview 

• Complete Personal History Statement 

• Psychological Evaluation 

• Medical Examination 

• Interview with the Chief of Police 

138 The BLUES The BLUES 139


October 15 


Cuero Police Department 

Montgomery County’s 3 rd Largest Law Enforcement Agency 

• $50,363 minimum starting salary 

• Certification pay: 

Int - $1,600, Adv - $2,400, Mstr - $3,700 

Opportunity 

multiple divisions including 

Investigations, Patrol, and 

K-9 services 

FULL-TIME POLICE OFFICER 

Growth 

100+ annual training hours, 

promotion opportunities, 

Field Training Officer 

• Competitive insurance & benefits 

• Teacher Retirement System (TRS) 

• 20 paid leave days & 12 paid holidays 

Balance 

overtime pay, comp time, 

most weekends off, prior LE 

experience pay 

Now Hiring for Patrol Officer Position 

Department Benefits 

13 Paid Holidays 

2 Weeks Paid Vacation 

Certification Pay 

100% Insurance Paid for Employees 

Retirement 2 to 1 match (20yr Retirement) 

FSA for Employees 

Longevity Pay 

Equipment & Uniforms Provided Including Duty Weapon w/ Red Dot Sight 

Take Home Vehicle Within City Limits 

10 Hour Work Shifts 

Membership Paid to Local Gym 

Department Provided Training 

Off-duty Security Opportunities 

Cell Phone Stipend 

Starting Pay Depends on Qualifications 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT 

HTTPS://POLICE.CONROEISD.NET/DEPARTMENT/ADMINISTRATION/EMPLOYMENT/ 

Requirements: Must be TCOLE Certified or currently enrolled in an accredited Police 

Academy and pass a background investigation. 

144 The BLUESpolice.conroeisd.net 

CISDPolice @CISDPolice 

The BLUES 145 

Email TCOLE Personal History Statement to sellis@cityofcuero.com


DEER PARK POLICE 

DEPARTMENT 

Forney ISD 

Police Department 

NOW 

HIRING 

Deer Park, Texas 

WE ARE HIRING 

www.deerparktx.gov 

Police Officer 

Dispatcher 

Public Safety Attendant - Jailer 

Animal Control Officer 

Part time Crossing Guard 

Description 

School-based police officers work 

with school administrators, security 

staff, and faculty to ensure the safety 

and well-being of students at various 

campuses. This officer works as the 

main security arm of a school. 

Requirements 

U.S. Citizen 

Accredited High School Diploma 

or equivalent 

Valid Texas Peace Officer License 

Valid Texas Driver's License 

Two or more years of college or 

advanced training preferred 

Police Officers 

Experience 

SBLE Experience preferred 

Demonstrate the ability to 

teach & engage with youth 

Positions starting 

at $29.89/hr 

Retention Stipends 

Clothing Allowance 

Health/Childcare Incentive 

Paid Training 

Lateral Entry 

www.forneyisd.net 


Officer Sam Jammas 281-930-2121 or sjammas@deerparktx.org 

APPLY ONLINE TODAY!

GALVESTON 

COUNTY 

SHERIFF’S OFFICE 

Seeking Individuals Who Are Interested in a Rewarding Career in Corrections 

Begin Your Career Today! 

GALVESTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE ESTABLISHMENT OF ELIGIBILITY 

Position: Corrections Deputy I 

Bureau/Division: Corrections/Jail 

Title/Rank: Corrections Deputy/Deputy I 

Reports to: Sergeant - Corrections 

Starting Salary: $51,250.00 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES 

Maintains the security of the facility by conducting security checks, settling disputes, and performing cell searches and 

inspections; conducts outside perimeter checks. 

Preparation and proper completion in the documentation of inmate records. 

Issues inmate meals, clothing, linens, and personal items. 

Supervise inmate programs (recreational, legal, health care, visitation and religious services) 

Prepares reports on jail and inmate activities, enforce inmate handbook rules. 

Supervises inmates performing such assignments as cleaning and maintaining the jail facility and continuously observe 

locations and activities of inmates. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• High School / GED Certificate and must be at least 18 years of age. 

• Must be a U.S. Citizen and resident of the contiguous United States for a period of time sufficient to conduct a 

background investigation. 

• Must be able to work days, nights, weekends, holidays and mandatory shifts when needed. 

• Must be able to work during natural disasters and or under declarations. 

• Must possess a valid Texas driver's license and an acceptable driving record as determined by the Galveston County 

Sheriff's Office in effect at the time of application. 

• Must have favorable employment history. All information given regarding past employment will be thoroughly checked. 

• Must have a stable credit history. 

• Must possess good computer skills and demonstrate comprehensive reading and comprehension skills. 

• No conviction above a Class B Misdemeanor or a Class B misdemeanor within the last 10 years nor have been on or 

currently on court-ordered community supervision or probation for any criminal offense and no Family Violence 

convictions of any level. 

• Applicant must pass all phases of the required testing. 

• Must be eligible for licensing by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) for the position applied for, if not 

presently licensed. 

TO APPLY 

An applicant interested in any of GCSO position shall first download, complete and return 

the Application Packet, per the instructions on the downloadable form. 

The Application Packet can be found at SHERIFF.GALVESTONCOUNTYTX.GOV 


JOIN US 

VISIT SHERIFF.GALVESTONCOUNTYTX.GOV TO APPLY! 

The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer 

CONTACT US 

409.763.7585 : SO.EMPLOYMENT@GALVESTONCOUNTYTX.GOV

APPLY TODAY AND BECOME A GALVESTON POLICE OFFICER 

DATES FOR NEXT CIVIL SERVICE EXAM 

TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON 



Place your department’s recruiting ad 

in The BLUES for only $250 for an 

entire year, only $20 a month. 


LATERAL DEPUTY 


WE ARE 

HIRING! 

BENEFITS 

•Free basic Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance for 

employee 

•Free basic Life insurance 

•Long Term Disability (LTD) 

•Affordable Medical, Dental and Vision benefits for 

eligible family members 

•Flexible Spending Accounts 

•10 paid holidays per year 

•Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) including 10 vacation 

days and 13 sick days per year accrued biweekly 

•Paid Parental Leave 

RETIREMENT 

•Harris County matches your investment at 225% 

•7% of your salary is invested pre-tax in your 

retirement account 

•Retirement Vesting after 8 years 

•Eligible upon earning 75 points (age+years of service) 

SALARY SCALE 

INCENTIVE PAY 

CLASSIFICATION SERVICE HOURLY ANNUAL 

DEPUTY I 0-47 $26.23 $54,558 

DEPUTY II 48-83 $28.07 $58,386 

DEPUTY III 84-119 $29.73 $61,838 

DEPUTY IV 120-155 $31.23 $64,958 

DEPUTY V 156+ $32.78 $68,182 

TCOLE CERTIFICATION 

ANNUAL 

Intermediate $1,560 

Advanced $3,420 

Master $6,000 

EDUCATION 

ANNUAL 

Associate Degree $1,320 

Bachelor Degree $3,180 

Master/Doctorate $4,500 

LATERAL DEPUTY 

REQUIREMENTS 

•Must be a licensed Peace Officer by the Texas Commission on Law 

Enforcement (TCOLE) in good standing 

•Must be currently employed as a Peace Officer (any break in service 

will be considered on a case-by-case basis) 

•Must have a minimum of 12 consecutive months experience as a 

Peace Office at any one agency 

•Must successfully pass the HCSO Physical Abilities Test (PAT) 

•Meet HCSO firearms qualification standard 

•Must pass a thorough background investigation (criminal 

background check, fingerprinting, personal interview, etc.) as 

required by TCOLE 

•Must pass a physical and psychological evaluation as required by 

TCOLE 

•Valid driver’s license and liability insurance (Texas by start date) 

•Eyesight must be correctable to 20/20, normal color, and peripheral 

vision 

•Correctable normal audible range in both ears 

•A two (2) year minimum commitment to Patrol before being eligible 

to transfer to other Bureaus 

TO APPLY 

Now Hiring 

OFFICERS 

TCOLE Certified Peace Officers 

Hutto ranked one of the 

safest cities in Texas. 

Our fast-growing City shows a trending decrease in crimes based 

on four offenses from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting. 

Additional Pay 

+ Education Pay up to $175/month 

+ Specialty/Certication up to $260/month 

Highlights 

Top-of-the-line Equipment 

and Technology 

Beards and Tattoos Allowed 

No Written Test for Most Lateral Officers 

To learn more or apply, visit or scan 

https: //linktr. ee/huttopd 

Benets 

Retirement 

2-to-1 City match with TMRS 

Take-home Patrol Car 

For officers living within 25 miles 

Starting Salary 

$62K to $81K 

Annual Leave Accruals 

12 paid holidays, 80 hrs vacation, 96 hrs sick leave 

Multiple Positions Available 

A wide variety of units and assignments available 

Sign On Bonus! 

$5,000* 

Harris County 

Questions? Email: PDrecruiting@huttotx.gov 

160 The BLUES @HCSOTexas 

HCSOTexas HCSOTexas @HCSOTexas 

SCAN THIS CODE 

Sheriff’s Office 

The BLUES 161 

Tenure agreement required. 

Bilingual Pay $1,800 

Receive up to fourteen (14) years of credit for time served! (Restrictions apply) 

NEXT CLASS STARTS 

FEBRUARY 2023 

For additional information contact 

Harris County Sheriff’s Office Recruitment Unit 

(713) 877-5250


L A P O R T E 

P O L I C E D E P A R T M E N T 

Lateral Police Officer 

Starting Pay $ 62,416. to $73,775. 

Effective October 1, 2022 

No prior experience required. High School diploma or GED required. 

Possession of Class C Texas Driver License. 

Must possess a TCOLE License or be enrolled in accredited Basic Peace Officer Academy. 

Certification Pay (bi-weekly): 

$46.15 - Intermediate Peace Officer 

$69.23 - Advanced Peace Officer 

$92.31 - Master Peace Officer 

Education Pay (bi-weekly): 

$46.15 - Associates Degree 

$69.23 - Bachelors Degree 

$92.31 - Masters Degree 

Employee Benefits: 

Medical / Dental / Vision Insurance 

Longevity Pay 

Tuition Reimbursement 

TMRS Retirement (2 to 1 match) 

ICMA Deferred Compensation/Roth IRA 

$1,000 Physical Fitness Program 

Weapon Purchase Program 

Take-home Vehicles 

Specialized Divisions: 

SWAT / Bomb Squad 

Bike Patrol 

Criminal Investigative Division 

Crime Scene Unit 

Drone Pilots 

School Resource Officers 

Traffic/DOT Officers 

Police Area Representatives 

Apply online at 

www.laportetx.gov/jobs 

Paid Leave Benefits 

15 days vacation (Civil Service) 

15 days sick leave 

Military Leave 

9 observed holidays per year 

2 employee holidays per year 

Bereavement Leave 

Comp Time 


LONGVIEW POLICE DEPARTMENT 

JOIN OUR 

$65,709-$67,685 

Based on Population and Experience 

TEAM 

2-TIER HIRING 

INCENTIVE 

STARTING SALARY 

$60,085 

$3,000 

25 YEAR STEP PLAN 

$60,085 - $84,308 

STEP INTO YOUR FUTURE 

Insurance 

120 Hours Vacation 

11 Paid Holidays 

80 Hours Sick Leave 

20-Year Retirement Plan 

2/1 City Match TMRS 

Beards & Tattoos Allowed 

Academy Pay 

Equipment Provided 

Excellent Training Provided 

Speciality/Cerification Pay 

Community Support 

Plentiful Outdoor Activities 

NEW POLICE STATION 

COMING 2023 


MEMORIAL VILLAGES POLICE DEPARTMENT 

Serving the Villages of Bunker Hill, Piney Point and Hunters Creek 

POLICE OFFICER 

The Memorial Villages Police Department is currently looking for experienced officers who are 

self-motivated, innovative, enthusiastic and love working for a community that supports them. 

5+ Years Patrol Experience Required 

Hiring Bonus $1,500 

Night Shift Differential $3,600 

E.C.A $1300 

Bi-lingual Pay 

Education Pay 

Intermediate, Advanced, Master 

Peace Officer Certification Pay 

Healthcare, Dental and Vision Insurance 

100% paid for employee, 75% for 

spouse/dependents. 

Paid long-term disability and Life Insurance 

for employee, additional life insurance 

available for spouse/dependents. 

Health Savings Account with Department 

contributions up to $4,200 annually. 

TMRS Retirement 7% w/ 2:1 match (20 yr). 

457 Deferred Compensation Plan with 

employer contribution of 2.5% of annual 

salary. 

Tuition Reimbursement 

Longevity Pay up to a max of $2,400 

annually at 10 years of service. 

12 Hour shifts with every other Friday, 

Starting at $83,459 up to $94,164 

Scan for more 

information 

W W W . M V P D T X . O R G 

168 The BLUES 

11981 Memorial Drive – Houston, Tx 77024 

713.365.3700 

The BLUES 169


Welcome Aboard 

Lone Star College PD & 

Travis County Sheriff’s Office 



MAKE A 

DIFFERENCE 

IN YOUR 

COMMUNITY 

We are looking for outstanding individuals to 

join our team! As a Pearland Police Officer your 

mission will be to prevent crime and disorder, build 

partnerships within the community, and positively 

impact the quality of life for all our residents. 

CITY OF PEARLAND, TEXAS 

• Competitive Salary • Outstanding Training 

• Career Advancement • Exceptional Benefits 

The City of Pearland is one of the fastest growing 

communities within the region. Pearland is located 

approximately 20 minutes south of Downtown Houston 

and the current population is approximately 130,000 

residents. 

JOIN OUR TEAM 

HIRING POLICE OFFICERS AND CADETS 

$5,000 Hiring Incentive for T.C.O.L.E Certified Police 

Officers who qualify with at least 2 years of experience. 

TEST DATE: 

SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 8:30 A.M. 

Register by: April 12. 

WATCH FOR UPCOMING 

Pearland Recreation Center & Natatorium 

4141 Bailey TEST Road, DATES Pearland, TX IN 77584. 2022 

Doors Open: 7:15 a.m. No admittance after 7:45 a.m. 

Candidates must park in the north parking lot. 

SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES WILL APPLY 

• Attendance limited to first 150 arrivals 

• Mandatory temperature checks 

• Masks required, hand sanitizer available 

• Candidates seated 6 feet apart 

176 The BLUES For additional information and to register for an upcoming Civil Service Exam, The BLUES visit 177 

pearlandtx.gov/PDCareers

PORT HOUSTON 

POLICE DEPARTMENT 

WE ARE 

HIRING 

SIGN UP TODAY! www.porthouston.com/careers-2 

BENEFITS: 

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance 

eligible first day of employment 

• Wellness Program 

(can earn up to $600 credit per year if requirements met) 

• Enrollment with Calm App for Wellbeing 

• Defined contribution plan (401a) 

– Employer Sponsored 

• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan) 

– Employee Contributions 

• Vacation 

• Sick Leave 

• Paid Holiday 12 days/year 

• Life and Accidental Death and 

Dismemberment Insurance 

• Short Term and Long-Term Disability Benefits 

• Flexible spending account (FSA) 

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 

• Pet Insurance 

• Legal and Identity Theft Protection 

• Tuition Reimbursement 

Up to the IRS annual limit and a maximum lifetime 

reimbursement of $25,000 

• Onsite Credit Union – Port of Houston Credit Union 

Are you looking for a career with meaning? 

Do you want to make a difference in a highly 

supportive community? 

Join our team at Port Houston! 

STARTING PAY* 

$60,000 up to $71,000 

REQUIREMENTS 

• Must be 21 years old 

• Must have 2+ years of police officer 

experience 

• Must have valid Texas Driver’s License 

• Must be a U.S. Citizen 

• Must have an honorable discharge 

from the military (if applicable) 

• Must never have been convicted of a 

Class A Misdemeanor or above 

EMPLOYMENT 

TESTING 

Employment is contingent on passing 

any post-offer pre-employment 

screening as listed below: 

• Criminal background check 

• Motor Vehicle Record check 

• Drug screening 

• Physical exam 

• Psychological exam 

SCAN 

QR CODE 

TO APPLY 

• Not been convicted of a Class B 

• Additional as required 

* Salary depends on experience 

misdemeanor within the last 10 years 

• Must have a GED or high school diploma 


SPRING BRANCH ISD POLICE DEPARTMENT 

WE’RE 

HIRING 

DEPARTMENT 

HIGHLIGHTS 

55 officer department 

44 square mile district 

47 schools 

35,000 population 

24/7 Patrol 

We want you to preserve, protect, and defend our future. 

Starting Pay $63,000 (TCOLE Basic Peace Officer certification with no experience) 

Patrol & Onsite Officers (HS/MS) 

Gang Officer 

Mental Health Officers 

Community Relations Officer 

Emergency Management 

Criminal Investigations 

K-9 programs 

Language pay 

Shift differential pay 

Intermediate, Advanced and 

Master Peace Officer 

certificate pay 

Paid time off 

Ample overtime opportunities 

*All equipment provided including duty weapon 

**Training opportunities available 

Apply online today. springbranchisd.com/join-our-team 





STARTING SALARY 

$56,160 $57,824 $60,008 $62,400 $64,792 $67,184 $69,680 $72,384 $74,880 $77,480 $80,080 

High School Diploma 

or G.E.D. 

Minimum age of 21 

Must hold a valid 

Texas Driver’s License 

Current valid TCOLE 

certification 

At Hire 

At 

6 mos. 

end 

year 1 

end 

year 2 

end 

year 3 

end 

year 4 

end 

year 5 

end 

year 6 

end 

year 7 

end 

year 8 

end 

year 9 

GET STARTED 

LOCATED 5 MILES WEST OF 

DOWNTOWN AUSTIN 

$3,000 


190 The BLUES

March 2023 Blues Vol 39 No. 3

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