Chasing Out the Police

By: Joel E. Gordon

"Let cops be cops" - Kash Patel

SOURCE: https://pixabay.com/photos/police-officers-security-authority-4331483/

In 2021, in response to the death of George Floyd, the Maryland Legislature repealed its Police Bill of Rights. The sweeping police reform bill stipulates force can be used only to prevent “an imminent threat of physical injury” to a person or to “effectuate a legitimate law enforcement objective.” It also upgraded the standard for using force from “reasonable” to “necessary and proportional.”

For every thoughtful state, in conformance to established case precedent and law, the standard for police use of force is reasonableness. What would a reasonable police officer do under like circumstances where threats of harm are perceived based upon professional first-hand analysis?

Washington, D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) cited recent changes in Maryland’s use-of-force policy as to why multiple law enforcement agencies were reported as being unable to assist with security for the 2025 presidential inauguration ceremonies.

Just days before the inauguration, seven Maryland-based police departments declared that they would not be working with MPD, despite having assisted with security in the nation’s capital in previous years. At least one department, the Montgomery County Police Department, revealed it was due to issues with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the departments. Some of these departments, including those in Anne Arundel County and Prince George’s County, as well as Maryland State Police, said they would be assisting the United States Capitol Police instead.

In a statement from D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department it was said that “Due to differences in the interpretation of Maryland’s recent legislation on Use of Force compared to the District of Columbia’s Use of Force policies, some Maryland agencies are unable to assist MPD directly for the inauguration.”

“Necessary and proportional” allows Monday Morning Quarterback types to review officer’s actions in the most narrow and punitive light including legislators, politicians and even some police executives who are overtly biased when it comes to issues of officer safety versus the intent of offenders to cause harm.

And if that wasn’t enough to prevent Maryland cops from doing their jobs, Maryland law states that officers who violate the use-of-force standard and cause serious injury or death can face up to ten-years in prison. Former Republican Governor Larry Hogan vetoed the legislation but was overridden by the Maryland General Assembly on April 10, 2021.

So Maryland police who are found to have violated that use-of-force standard as determined by police-hating bureaucrats and prosecutors can face spending a decade in prison. Understanding that lawfully doing their jobs could result in this; officers have shifted to avoidance of this personal liability.

These leftover policies resulting from the past anti-police defund the police, and overly restrictive consent decree craze of the recently waning era remain as inhibitors of the full return to law and order.

We must work to overcome past lunacy and allow “cops to be cops” in an environment of respect, protection, and appreciation for professionalism.

Joel E. Gordon, BLUE Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief, is a former Field Training Officer with the Baltimore City Police Department and is a past Chief of Police for the city of Kingwood, West Virginia. He has also served as vice-chair of a multi-jurisdictional regional narcotics task force. An award winning journalist, he is author of the book Still Seeking Justice: One Officer's Story and founded the Facebook group Police Authors Seeking Justice. Look him up at stillseekingjustice.com

Yes We Can!

Pardon me for hijacking a phrase made popular by the cop hater in chief, former president Barack Obama as he campaigned for office in 2008. It is very appropriate however in what I am about to write about.

When Obama became president, he appointed a cop hating Attorney General, Eric Holder who spent 8 years on a jihad against local police agencies and their officers. Commencing pattern and practice investigations caused a ripple effect where cops pulled back their efforts to fight crime. This caused residents to lose faith in law enforcement’s ability to prevent and control crime and keep communities safe. More and more residents and businesses stopped reporting crime or coming forward as witnesses as response times grew longer and calls to 9-1-1 centers went unanswered.

Crime fighting is an activity. It is not a passive state. We need to have officers be on offense in an assertive fashion to keep criminals on the run. One of the tenets of broken windows policing is to displace crime from your beat, your sector or precinct and into the next. If the police in a neighboring area are policing assertively, criminals will not find it as a safe haven either to conduct their illegal operations. The goal is make them feel squeezed to where they have fewer opportunities to commit crime. Opportunity is one of the elements necessary for a crime to occur. Arrests and prosecutions ensure that the perpetrators are kept off the streets. Falling crime rates usually follow. This order maintenance strategy stopped at the state and local level. Effective tactics like stop, question and frisk were demonized as intentionally racially based. Never mind that black males were disproportionally committing the violent crime and even the non violent crime that neighborhoods were experiencing. No bail policies were enacted. It was an era of pro criminal policies. That era is coming to an end with President Trump.

The election of the most pro police president in the last half century began in 2016. It stopped under President Biden. It has been renewed with the re-election of Donal J Trump. We can confidently say that there is a new sheriff in town once again.

Renowned researcher and author Heather Mac Donald, a Thomas W. Smith Fellow at the think tank Manhattan Institute, is the preeminent authority on policing in America in my view. Her many columns focus on urban crime, its causes and remedies to control and prevent it. In a recent post she pointed out that most of the urban crime we see is the result of failed progressive policies by state and local elected officials. She indicates that Trump and his new attorney general Pam Bondi are limited as to the effect they can have on local policing. She points out that, Trump cannot order district attorneys in New York or elsewhere to prosecute low-level crimes or seek long sentences for repeat offenders or pay attention to public disorder. This may be true, however I will offer a strategy that will yield tremendous results in reducing incidents of crime, violence and disorder at the local level.

Let me take a page from Border Czar Tom Homan’s strategy on tackling the enormous undertaking of removing the estimated twenty million people illegally in the country. He is starting with removing the criminal element first. I suggest a reverse of the Broken Windows philosophy. This theory is premised on working on the lower level incidents of disorder like misdemeanors, vandalism and other nuisance crimes with the belief that it will ultimately trickle up and reduce violent crime. The reverse of Broken Windows has police focus on going after the most serious violent offenders first. Why?

As Ms. Mac Donald pointed out, the feds cannot do much to prosecute low level offenses but they can use their vast resources to prosecute violent offenders. This was done with initiatives like Project Safe Neighborhood and Project Triggerlock in the nineties where task forces were set up with local, state and federal officers focusing on going after violent offenders, gang and drug dealers.  A prosecution task force of local prosecutors and  US Attorneys obtained federal indictments subjecting perps to be prosecuted in federal court. Using tools like the Armed Career Criminal Act that deters recidivism and Felon In Possession Of A Firearm and the Racketeering statute make prosecution more certain. If found guilty in federal court or in a plea agreement, they faced mandatory minimum sentencing under the federal code. This meant they faced more certain sentencing with longer prison in a federal institution far away from where they lived. It also meant more consistent sentencing. Mandatory minimum sentencing takes away watered down sentences and placement on probation. Crime during the nineties dropped precipitously during this period.

This new attitude of no tolerance for gun crime and gang and drug crime will send an effective deterrence message to lower level offenders. Keep in mind that most people starting out on a career criminal path do so by committing lower level offense eventually progressing on to committing more serious crime. Now they will know what lies ahead on this criminal career trajectory instead of the soft on crime approach in low level crimes that sends a message that no one will punish you for your unwanted behavior.

Another option that AG Bondi has at her disposal is to notify all state and local law enforcement that all federal dollars must be spent on crime fighting activities. Every dollar has to prevent and reduce crime. State and local agencies receive millions in federal subsidies to fill out budget shortfalls. She should suspend all dollars being spent on useless community policing activities and direct them toward crime fighting activities. It is time to end this nonsense that community policing activities help anything. The best way to improve relationships with communities, especially in crime ridden minority neighborhoods is to reduce crime, violence and disorder. Making people feel safe in their homes, schools and on their streets is how you regain the trust of the community.

Yes we can do this. The question is not how. It is whether local agencies and elected officials have the will.

Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr. is former Sheriff of Milwaukee Co, Wisconsin, President of America’s Sheriff LLC, President of Rise Up Wisconsin INC, Board member of the Crime Research Center, author of the book Cop Under Fire: Beyond Hashtags of Race Crime and Politics for a Better America. To learn more visit www.americassheriff.com

Scrutinizing Preemptive Pardons

By: Joel E. Gordon

The founding fathers of the United States of America set up a republic comprised of three equal branches of government to provide checks and balances over authoritarian rule. The concern was that when executive authority is absolute then a king is born. Preemptive pardons facilitate exactly what our forefathers designed a system to prevent.

Can a US president pardon US citizens who have not yet been convicted of a crime? Is a "preemptive" pardon in conflict with the Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process Clause which guarantees procedural due process as to determination of guilt or innocence thereby violating this rightful opportunity?

A pardon, which is the use of executive power to help its recipient to avoid punishment, is granted under Article II of the U.S. Constitution. Under the Constitution, the president’s clemency power extends to all federal criminal offenses – except impeachment. The president’s clemency power does not extend to a civil, state, or local offense. This begs the question of whether a Presidential pardon means that the recipient is acknowledging that he or she is guilty of their original charge(s).

In the 1833 case of United States v. Wilson, the Supreme Court ruled that a pardon could be rejected by the convict. According to the landmark Supreme Court case Burdick v. United States -  236 U.S. 79 (1915), accepting a pardon "carries an imputation of guilt and acceptance of a confession of it. Due to the findings in the 1915 case, Burdick v. United States, it seems as though accepting a pardon is, in fact, admitting guilt. In Burdick the appellant was offered a pardon but declined it, also refusing to testify in criminal court. The opinion of the case given by the justices seemed to uncover that 1) a pardon can be given before a conviction and sentence; 2) a pardon can be refused, and 3) acceptance of a pardon implies acceptance of guilt. This precedent clarifies that a pardon is not a magical exoneration but a legal acknowledgment of culpability.

The more recent preemptive pardon of Richard Nixon is largely considered as his admission to guilt for crimes he committed due to his acceptance. In fact, President Gerald R. Ford for many years after leaving office in 1977, carried in his wallet a scrap of a 1915 Supreme Court ruling. A pardon, the excerpt said, “carries an imputation of guilt,” and acceptance of a pardon is “a confession of it.

When someone receives a presidential pardon, it restores a variety of the rights that were lost due to the pardoned offense. However, if someone refuses a pardon it simply will not take effect. It’s important to understand that there are major differences between legislative immunity and a pardon such as... The acceptance of a pardon imputes guilt, while legislative immunity does no such thing. 

In Lorrance v. Commandant, USDB, the 10th circuit found that accepting a pardon does not confess to anything and does not preclude the recipient from petitioning for habeas corpus relief from his or her court-martial conviction and sentence thereby ruling that a presidential pardon does not denote innocence or change an existing conviction. Rather, it represents forgiveness so when one accepts a presidential pardon, he or she is not admitting guilt or waiving habeas rights. It remains unseen as to whether or not our Department of Justice will petition the Supreme Court to get a final answer. But make no mistake; a pardon was originally intended to absolve someone from the consequences of an actual offense or crime. 

If preemptive pardons are deemed to be lawful then what's to prevent another President from preemptively pardoning their cabinet members insulating them from any breach to the rule of law and giving full and complete status to being effectively "above the law" and free from any consequence?

I believe that preemptive pardons if not ultimately halted by the Supreme Court will set a very dangerous precedent; especially if the sole purpose is to circumvent the law to begin with. On the verge of our country's 250-year anniversary, I will place my trust that the great American experiment will be on track to endure as our brilliant founding father’s intended it to be.

Joel E. Gordon, BLUE Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief, is a former Field Training Officer with the Baltimore City Police Department and is a past Chief of Police for the city of Kingwood, West Virginia. He has also served as vice-chair of a multi-jurisdictional regional narcotics task force. An award winning journalist, he is author of the book Still Seeking Justice: One Officer's Story and founded the Facebook group Police Authors Seeking Justice. Look him up at stillseekingjustice.com

All Hands on Deck

The inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States ushers in a period of law and order in cities across America. Trump was first elected in 2016 on a platform that included support for local police at a time when the war on police was raging in Democrat controlled cities. His support was not just a typical campaign promise that most people running for president proclaim and once elected, don’t fulfill the promise. Donald Trump actually followed through. It was at the time not the most popular thing for a politician to do.  Even Republican  legislators who in the past had supported police, hid under their desks hoping not to be identified as a cop supporter at election time. Trump never backed off, in fact he got louder about supporting police.

Another aspect of Trump’s support for police  was demonstrated in calling on urban cities to fight crime more assertively and promised federal help with added resources to do so. Woke prosecutors were elected with George Soros funded money after Trump got elected. They made it clear that they were more interested in going after cops than they were going after criminals. No-bail policies were enacted. Catch and release became the norm and criminal prosecutions plummeted.  Officers in record numbers began leaving departments. Cops were taking early retirement and even outright resigning. Recruitment could not keep up with the loss of officers. The criminal element ruled the streets.

Then Joe Biden was elected the 46th President of the U.S. He jump started the Department of Justice practice of going after police departments with pattern and practice investigations. It was federal control of urban police departments that began under then President Barack Obama. Onerous reporting and useless data collection for the USDOJ bogged officers with paperwork that took them away from doing actual police work. It took officers away from patrols and police presence in high crime areas. Crime began an uptick. Then a new facet of crime was introduced into American cities. Migrant crime.

The Biden Administration embarked on a policy of open borders. What followed was inevitable. Criminals from Latin American countries began coming across the border. We were assured by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas that everybody coming in was being properly vetted. Whistle blowers in border patrol reported that this was not the case. These illegal border crossers who were caught were processed and released into American cities. Agents were told to just get them through. Then the inevitable happened.

Reports of violent crime by migrants including rape, robbery, assaults and murder began popping up. A news report indicated that over 13,000 immigrants convicted of homicide either inside of the U.S. or abroad were roaming the streets in the United States. A notorious Venezuelan criminal prison gang, Tren de Aragua armed themselves and began taking over neighborhoods. They involved themselves in the illegal street drug trade to support themselves. When this became public, a few Democrat politicians tried to downplay what was going on even when some of the incidents were videotaped and shown on TV. This tolerance for migrant crime is one of the issues that led to Donal Trump being re-elected last November. Once again Trump made securing the border and deporting illegals a main plank in his platform.

So President Trump is back and like the first time he served as President, he is following through on his promises. He appointed a Border Czar, Tom Homan a former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Homan  indicated that they would target the criminals and deport them first along with finding the over 300,000 missing children brought into the country under the Biden, Harris and Myorkas administration.

Locating the criminals for deportation is going to be an arduous task. Ideally ICE would need the help of local law enforcement. Homan has made it clear however that ICE will get this done with or without help from local officials There are over 150,00 local law enforcement officers in the country. They are familial with the landscape locally. They could be an invaluable tool in locating the criminal illegals.

Local, state and federal law enforcement have always worked together to accomplish an objective. The issue of illegal immigration however has introduced politics into the equation. So law enforcement is at a crossroads. Numerous big city police executives are digging their heels in and pronouncing that’s they will not work with ICE to help round up criminal illegals for deportation. Border Czar Homan has threatened anyone directly getting in the way of their work with arrest and that federal funding will be withheld to any city or state that continues with declaring themselves as a sanctuary haven for illegals.

I find the position of these police executives and some sheriffs highly contradictory to their oaths of office not to mention that I find it unconscionable. They are insinuating that they will risk and endanger the safety and security of their law citizens by allowing criminal illegal aliens to remain in their jurisdiction to potentially continue to prey upon and victimize lawful citizens to achieve a political agenda.

I am reminded of the Policing Code of Ethics put out by the International Association of Chiefs of Police. It begins by saying, as a sworn officer, my fundamental duty is to serve the community by safeguarding lives and property against threats that could take advantage of or harm members of my community or otherwise impact law and order. It also states that… I will seek to identify and apprehend offenders professionally and appropriately holding them to account. And furthermore it says, I will cooperate with all legally authorized agencies and their representatives in the pursuit of justice.

Either these law enforcement executives believe in ethical conduct or there is an ethics gap. How do they square that with the front lone officers who they demand excellence from? I want to remind these executives that they need to lead by example. Stop politicizing policing or soon your officers will follow your lead.

Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr. is former Sheriff of Milwaukee Co, Wisconsin, President of America’s Sheriff LLC, President of Rise Up Wisconsin INC, Board member of the Crime Research Center, author of the book Cop Under Fire: Beyond Hashtags of Race Crime and Politics for a Better America. To learn more visit www.americassheriff.com

Fentanyl and Law Enforcement: Tackling the Threat

By: Joel E. Gordon

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid. It’s 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. This might sound like medical jargon, but let’s put it simply: a tiny amount of fentanyl can lead to a big overdose. It’s often mixed with other drugs, making it even deadlier. Imagine being sold a soda that looks just like your favorite drink but has an explosive surprise inside; that’s what’s happening on the streets.

Fentanyl is often pressed into pills resembling common prescription opioids, such as Percocet and oxycodone. It is often extremely difficult to distinguish the counterfeit pills from the authentic pills.

In recent years, fentanyl has become a leading cause of overdose deaths across the U.S. The numbers are staggering. Every day, families are torn apart as they lose loved ones to this invisible killer. It’s not just the users at risk; it’s their friends, families, and communities that feel the impact. When a person overdoses, the ripples spread wide, affecting everyone around them.

Law enforcement agencies are on the front lines of this crisis facing a tough battle against drug trafficking. Imagine trying to catch a thief who’s always one step ahead; that’s what police deal with when it comes to fentanyl. They work to intercept shipments, make arrests, and dismantle drug networks. But the challenge is enormous. Fentanyl is often produced in underground labs, making it hard to track its origins. However, NBC News reported that Chinese criminal groups were laundering drug money for the Mexican cartels on an unprecedented scale. The same Chinese brokers who were laundering fentanyl proceeds were now heavily involved in marijuana trafficking across the U.S. as well.

Cops are getting educated on fentanyl’s dangers. This means learning how to recognize signs of overdose and understanding the risks associated with exposure. They often carry Narcan, a drug that can reverse opioid overdoses in just minutes. Without Narcan, many lives would be lost simply because the officers weren’t prepared.

Another strategy is teamwork. Local police, federal agents, and health officials are joining forces. It’s like assembling a squad to tackle a villain; together, they can tackle the fentanyl crisis more effectively. This collaborative approach helps pool resources, share intelligence, and create comprehensive strategies to attack the problem from multiple angles.

Communities also should play a major role in fighting fentanyl. It’s not just a job for law enforcement; every person can make a difference. Awareness campaigns can educate the public about the dangers of fentanyl. Think of it as spreading the word about a fire in your neighborhood—if everyone knows, they can take steps to protect themselves.

Fentanyl isn’t just a law enforcement issue; it’s a community crisis that requires collective action. As this drug continues to pose a serious threat, it’s critical for everyone to stay informed and engaged. By working together, law enforcement and the community can push back against the fentanyl tide, saving lives and restoring hope.

Joel E. Gordon, Managing Editor of BLUE Magazine, is a former Field Training Officer with the Baltimore City Police Department and is a past Chief of Police for the city of Kingwood, West Virginia. He has also served as vice-chair of a multi-jurisdictional regional narcotics task force. An award winning journalist, he is author of the book Still Seeking Justice: One Officer's Story and founded the Facebook group Police Authors Seeking Justice. Look him up at stillseekingjustice.com

INDISPENSABLE: Police Command Presence

By: Joel E. Gordon

Picture Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/police-officers-security-authority-4331475/

“Command presence” is often discussed in the police academy and stays with the officer for the rest of his or her career. Command presence refers to when an officer enters a situation and projects authority in a professional way which is particularly important in law enforcement to achieve situational dominance. Police Command Presence can also refer to the entire professional gamut of law enforcement operations as well.

Police presence can make a real difference in community safety. A study found that when police are visible, crime rates can drop by as much as 20%. This statistic highlights the importance of police command presence in maintaining order and ensuring public safety. In this context, police command presence refers to the visible and proactive measures taken by law enforcement to prevent crime and build community trust.

The theory behind visible policing is simple: when officers are present, crime is less likely to happen. Areas with an increased police presence often see a significant decrease in crime rates. For example, in cities that implemented high-visibility patrols, violent crime fell by 15% over just a year. This shows how crucial a strong command presence can be in deterring criminal activity.

Community-oriented policing builds strong ties between police and the communities they serve. This partnership fosters trust and can lead to lower crime rates. A successful illustration is the “Coffee with Cops” program in various cities, where officers meet residents in informal settings. These interactions create positive relationships and encourage community members to report suspicious activity.

Data analysis is key in optimizing police deployment. By examining crime data, departments can determine the areas that need more officers. A report from the Police Executive Research Forum revealed that cities using data-driven policing see up to a 30% reduction in crime in targeted areas. This evidence illustrates how strategic command presence can make a significant impact on crime rates.

Strategically deploying officers is essential for maximizing their impact. Departments can use various models, such as hot-spot policing, where officers are stationed in areas with high crime rates. These models allow law enforcement to be present where they are needed most, improving community safety.

Technology enhances command presence. Tools like body cameras and crime mapping software provide officers with vital information and help keep accountability high. For instance, the Los Angeles Police Department uses crime mapping to allocate resources more effectively. This approach not only increases their presence but also reassures community members of their safety.

Collaboration is vital for a comprehensive command presence. Police departments can work with schools, community organizations, and local businesses to create a safer environment. An example is the partnership between police and schools in the Safe Schools program, which has effectively reduced juvenile crime by engaging students in positive activities.

To assess the impact of command presence, departments must analyze crime statistics. Metrics like the number of reported crimes, response times, and clearance rates can provide valuable insights. Tracking these numbers over time helps identify trends and areas for improvement.

Public perception is equally important. Surveys and community forums can gauge the level of trust residents have in law enforcement. Research indicates that communities with higher police visibility experience increased trust and cooperation. Understanding community sentiments is crucial for adjusting strategies and maintaining positive relationships.

While command presence is essential, officer safety and well-being cannot be overlooked. Programs that focus on mental health support and wellness initiatives help officers perform their duties effectively. Departments like the New York Police Department have implemented such programs, leading to healthier and more effective officers.

Effective command presence requires financial resources. Proper budgeting is essential to ensure that departments can provide adequate staffing and technology. For instance, a small town in Michigan allocated funds specifically for increased patrols, which resulted in a 25% reduction in overall crime rates.

Building trust in communities with strained relationships is a challenge. Departments can host community events and engage residents in discussions to improve relations. Strategies such as using community liaisons can also bridge gaps and foster understanding.

Proactive policing focuses on preventing crime before it happens, while reactive policing responds to incidents after they occur. Emphasizing proactive strategies can enhance command presence by addressing issues before they escalate.

Emerging technologies like predictive policing and artificial intelligence have the potential to reshape command presence. These tools can help departments allocate resources more efficiently; ensuring officers are present where they are most needed.

Strong community partnerships are essential for a safe environment. Collaborations between police, residents, and local organizations create a unified front against crime and foster a sense of security.

Understanding police command presence is crucial for crime prevention and community safety. By implementing effective strategies and measuring success through crime statistics and public perception, departments can enhance their command presence. Building strong community relationships and addressing ethical concerns further improves trust. Engaging in discussions about public safety and police presence helps create safer communities for all.

Joel E. Gordon, Managing Editor of BLUE Magazine, is a former Field Training Officer with the Baltimore City Police Department and is a past Chief of Police for the city of Kingwood, West Virginia. He has also served as vice-chair of a multi-jurisdictional regional narcotics task force. An award winning journalist, he is author of the book Still Seeking Justice: One Officer's Story and founded the Facebook group Police Authors Seeking Justice. Look him up at stillseekingjustice.com

Be Careful What You Ask For

Much has been made about traffic stop data by police haters who claim that this activity disparately affects black motorists. They even go as far as to say that black motorists are intentionally targeted. Of course, these agitators present no statistically valid or legal argument, instead they simply throw out inflammatory rhetoric to stir up racial animosity. Law enforcement agencies are easy to pick on because most executives do not have the courage to defend their front-line officers by aggressively refuting these smears and calling out the accusers for spewing their trash.

Traffic stops are an effective and lawful police activity that can be shown by research to control crime and supports vehicular safety. The United States Supreme Court has opined that a vehicle stop for even a minor traffic violation falls under the seizure element of the fourth amendment. The only thing necessary for police intervention regarding this seizure is whether the stop is reasonable under the circumstances. The fact that an articulable law violation occurred is enough to validate the stop. Minor violations are referred to as pretextual stops by officers to look for other law violations as they investigate. Criminal defense lawyers and race baiters do not like this and whine about it in court trying to get charges dismissed. Most courts do not buy it because the law on these stops is settled law.

In Whren v. United States, a case decided by the United States Supreme Court, the Justices in a unanimous decision decided that detention of a motorist is reasonable where probable cause exists to believe a traffic violation occurred because Government has a compelling interest in traffic safety. Rarely are cases before the U.S. Supreme Court decided unanimously. They felt that strongly about this. And they did not stop there. They said that the “subjective intent of the officer does not invalidate the probable cause element in Fourth Amendment analysis.” Was the stop reasonable is the only thing that matters.

I mention this because there has been a sea change in terms of municipality and law enforcement agency policies when engaging in traffic enforcement. City administrators are seeing it as an opportunity to flaunt their racial sensitivity. In several cities, the police chiefs are handcuffing officers on their own volition from pro-active policing. It is flat out a social engineering experiment to create equity. That is disgusting.

The Denver, Colorado police chief, to eliminate racial disparity in crime fighting, now prohibits his officers from making traffic stops for minor violations unless there is a second reason like a more serious crime connected with it or in response to a specific ongoing crime trend in a particular neighborhood. What? Let’s look at the results.

Traffic stops plunged 50% in Denver in the first four months after the policy went into effect. In the month after that, stops fell by 59%. Car crashes have increased while crash fatalities have decreased. Citation revenue has predictably decreased as well. I do not know if there is a correlation. Just because two things happen at one time does not mean that one caused the other. The chief says that the decrease is working on decreasing pre-textual stops. I wonder if the policy was working as the chief proclaimed or if officers figured why bother making traffic stops? Also, there is not enough of a sample size to know at this point. The head of the union representing front line officers criticizes the policy because it limits the ability of officers to pull over vehicles for traffic violations and leaves offenders in the community. I wholeheartedly concur.

Traffic stops yield a treasure trove of criminal activity. People wanted on serious felony warrants can be discovered. Illegal drugs can found as can people possessing prohibited firearms who are going to or leaving drive-by shootings and street robberies. They transport these firearms in vehicles.

I have always stood against police agencies being used by city officials to generate revenue. A law enforcement agency is not a revenue generating unit of government. Obviously while enforcing traffic violations revenue will be generated but that is not the goal. The goal is the safe movement of vehicular traffic. I had to remind the Milwaukee County board of that when they complained to me at one meeting that citation revenue was down. I said so what? So were crashes and fatalities and that is our goal.

Then there is the story about the New Jersey State Police. Seems that Troopers were writing fewer and fewer traffic citations. Then tickets for speeding, drunk driving and other offenses fell by 81%. This continued for eight months. This slowdown caught the eye of New Jersey attorney who began a criminal investigation. What? I just mentioned that in Denver, officers were being directed to stop writing traffic citations. Now in New Jersey, troopers are being criminally investigated for a slowdown in writing tickets.

According to one news story the slowdown began after a release of a report found glaring racial disparities in enforcement. The agency is under a federal consent decree for alleged patterns of racial bias. So, which is it? Not enough activity or too much?

When officers are told that they are not writing enough traffic enforcement tickets, that is a de facto quota. Quota enforcement has been prohibited. In the case of the New Jersey State Troopers, what is the benchmark number that officers are being held to and who sets that number? Should all officers achieve the same amount?

All this social engineering with law enforcement frustrates officers. There might in fact be a quiet resignation in citation writing. I do not blame them. That is not criminal. If you want to call it a work slow down, fine. That is still not criminal. I still support it. You cannot on one hand accuse them of racial bias for writing too many citations and then blast them when ticket totals fall off like in New Jersey. In Denver the chief hails the decrease in enforcement as a success and in New Jersey, troopers are criminally investigated for the decreased activity. Make up your mind please.

Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr. is former Sheriff of Milwaukee Co, Wisconsin, President of America’s Sheriff LLC, President of Rise Up Wisconsin INC, Board member of the Crime Research Center, author of the book Cop Under Fire: Beyond Hashtags of Race Crime and Politics for a Better America. To learn more visit www.americassheriff.com

IF RESULTS MATTER: Is it time for a Rural American Renaissance?

By; Joel E. Gordon

The headline reads “Baltimore City Police pledge not to work with ICE; as dangerous gang moves into city.”– (WBFF-TV)

Baltimore City Police Commissioner Richard Worley said his officers will not work with ICE agents. "The mayor’s made that pretty clear, we’re gonna continue as we are now. We’re not going to notify," Worley said. Worley was talking about notifying ICE of arrestees who have an active ICE detainer.

But according to Maryland's ICE Director, Matthew Elliston, the mayor is pointing politics over public safety. “That’s all it is, is politics. There’s no public safety spin that you can try to put on not helping us arrest gang members," Elliston said.

According to Elliston, one of the most dangerous gangs, Tren De Aragua, is making its way to Baltimore City.

In spite of the facts this philosophy of protecting illegal violent and drug trafficking gang members over the need for public safety is replicated across many of America’s metropolitan sanctuary cities by political direction of the very people appointed and elected to keep the public at-large safe and as free from harm as possible.

How much money has been expended by our Federal government for Urban Revitalization and Urban Crime Reduction Funding? Federal funding was spent to provide resources needed to tackle crime effectively allowing cities and towns to implement new policing strategies, develop community programs focused on prevention, and to provide support services to at-risk populations.

FYI Picture Source: Free to use without attribution @ https://pixabay.com/photos/meadows-green-trees-mountains-hills-8313453/

Some of the  Federal Funding Streams for Crime Reduction which aim to support crime reduction initiatives in urban areas include:

The Department of Justice (DOJ) Funding Programs
Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation Program
This program funds innovative community-based projects designed to reduce crime. Eligible applicants can include:
• State and local governments.
• Nonprofits with a focus on crime prevention.

Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office Grants
These grants are designed to enhance local policing efforts, with a focus on community engagement. Applicants can look to secure funding for:
• Hiring new officers.
• Training current personnel.

Other Federal Agencies Involved in Crime Reduction Funding
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
HUD offers funding opportunities that often link housing improvements with crime reduction efforts. This includes support for:
• Neighborhood revitalization projects.
• Community development grants.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
SAMHSA provides funding for programs addressing substance abuse, which is often a root cause of urban crime. Communities can secure funds for:
• Treatment programs.
• Preventive services.

And yet these efforts and expenditures are apparently being squandered by these jurisdictions with sanctuary policies. Where is the accounting for results as funds are given?

Donald Trump's incoming Border Czar, Tom Homan, has vowed to slash federal funding to jurisdictions that do not cooperate with the administration's promises of mass deportations of undocumented migrants. "This is going to happen," Homan said of the threat to cut federal funding.

Why not shift a large amount of these funds to where they will be put to their highest and best use, that being for a revitalization for rural America? After all, it was largely rural American voters who elected Donald Trump and J.D. Vance to tackle these issues swiftly and effectively. The reality, many illegal alien entrants to America are currently residing in rural locations; many areas that remain ill-equipped and largely underfunded to deal with the issues at hand.

If ‘progressive” urban leaders refuse to spend federal funds for their intended benefit, it is long past time to allocate federal funding in support of long-standing largely forgotten rural America. I personally remain committed to pushing for this long deserved agenda in support of the rural lifestyle and American patriots.

Let the Rural Renaissance begin!

Joel E. Gordon, Managing Editor of BLUE Magazine, is a former Field Training Officer with the Baltimore City Police Department and is a past Chief of Police for the city of Kingwood, West Virginia. He has also served as vice-chair of a multi-jurisdictional regional narcotics task force. An award winning journalist, he is author of the book Still Seeking Justice: One Officer's Story and founded the Facebook group Police Authors Seeking Justice. Look him up at stillseekingjustice.com

Loud And Clear

The fallout from the November 2024 election continues to reverberate across the country as more analysis rolls in. The voters at the national and local level made their voices heard as it related to crime policies and on the candidates who supported going soft on crime. Ever since the George Floyd riots, law abiding citizens stood by in fear as Black Lives Matter rioters set fires, looted businesses. People had to listen to liberal media sympathizers call these thugs victims of a racist society and thus justified. George Soros went on a jihad against law and order by financing people running for state prosecutors who were willing to go to war with police while minimizing criminality and endorsing policies like catch and release without bail and other reform efforts that reduced some felonies to misdemeanors. There was too much of a focus on police reform that tied their hands and criminal rehabilitation. It led to less policing.

It now appears that the pendulum may be swinging back in the direction of normalcy. People were looking for practical and common-sense enforcement of societies rules and standards of behavior. Even though crime has been rising for the last few years, there is a lag time between the rise in crime and when it starts to affect more people. It is no longer limited in scope to ghetto areas. Here is what we are seeing.

Several local prosecutors saw the handwriting on the wall and chose not to run for re-election. Some were recalled, and others were defeated in a bid to be re-elected. They lost to opponents whose message was to be tougher on crime and push back against progressive ideologies as it related to crime policies.

The pushback was most notable in California which has been ground zero for these insane police reform policies. Oakland Mayor Shang Thao, Alameda j County District Attorney Pamela Price, San Francisco Mayor London Breed, Los Angeles County DA George Gascon were all sent packing or recalled by voters fed up with out-of-control crime and violence. Pamela Price has refused to concede so far blaming her defeat on “plutocracy” from wealthy donors supporting her recall saying that a media campaign was to blame according to a news story. She even linked her recall to national policies and the reelection of Donald Trump. Yes, that’s right. When you do not want to deal in reality, blame Trump. The margins by which the tough on crime prosecutors won were in the landslide range.

Even misdemeanor crime rates are rising along with other quality of life offenses. These incidents are damaging businesses whose customers are afraid to patronize brick and mortar stores out fear of being victimized. One report points out that thousands of shoppers have become victims of violence inside stores. This has also led to staffing shortages as people are afraid to work in stores where crime is rampant. A Texas based communication platform reported that 78% of respondents said they feared for their safety and security while shopping in person and expressed frustration that understaffing made them feel less safe from theft and violence.

Major retail stores are shutting their doors because of the thefts. Because of lax prosecution, retail theft has become an organized racket. Stores are keeping more items locked in cases behind counters as a deterrent to thefts. This is an inconvenience for shoppers and signals that thefts are a problem. Capital One has estimated that retail theft losses nationwide will rise from $121 billion last year to more that $150 billion by 2026. Retail outlets are already operating on the margins and cannot absorb those kinds of losses. Major stores are closing their doors because of these staggering losses. Think of the impact of this on the poor and elderly in crime infested areas who now will have to travel farther to get things like medications. The criminal sympathizers either have not taken this into consideration or they simply do not care.

The question now is how fast we can restore order. The things that this war-on-cops has cause are not easily reversed. The first step is to replace all the officers who left through retirements and resignations. Recruiting has been a challenge and hiring has not kept up. Police pay and benefits are going to have to significantly increase as an incentive. According to Glassdoor.com, by the end of their current contract, a full time UPS driver at the top end will make $173,000 in pay and benefits while the average pay for a police officer in large cities is $60,000. For an officer near retirement eligibility, it is more appealing to go drive a truck making deliveries than it is to be rolling around on the ground trying to get some perp in handcuffs or chasing some 17-year-old who runs like they wind fleeing a crime scene. Worse yet, UPS drivers are not being ambushed and killed in the line of duty or experiencing high suicide rates. More time off would increase an officer’s quality of life especially at home.

We have a lot of work to do to turn this around, but the time and conditions are right there. Cops will have growing political support now. The voters showed their support. Let’s show them that they made the right decision.

Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr. is former Sheriff of Milwaukee Co, Wisconsin, President of America’s Sheriff LLC, President of Rise Up Wisconsin INC, Board member of the Crime Research Center, author of the book Cop Under Fire: Beyond Hashtags of Race Crime and Politics for a Better America. To learn more visit www.americassheriff.com

EMBITTERMENT EXPOSED

By: Joel E. Gordon

While our culture appears to be turning away from a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) mindset and more toward rewarding Merit, Excellence, and Intelligence (MEI), unfortunately, those of us in government operations have frequently been exposed to a system which has often valued process considerations over merit in assignments and promotions.

Law enforcement is a calling to many that our heart and souls are beholden to. It includes a mission that we have made a spiritual commitment to for justice and in protection of our fellow man.  So it could reasonably be expected that when we as individuals are passed over for earned promotions or assignments in favor of those less worthy, or in some cases those more compliant with higher ranking officials who may be working against the commitment to our mission and the greater good, that feelings of embitterment ensue.

While Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is widely recognized Post Traumatic Embitterment Disorder is lesser known. While PTSD focuses on symptoms like flashbacks and anxiety, PTED deals with persistent bitterness. Individuals may feel trapped in their anger, often leading to strained relationships and isolation.

PTED is a psychological condition marked by feelings of bitterness, cynicism, and perceived injustice following an event. Unlike other disorders, it primarily revolves around the inability to forgive and move on. This disorder can lead to emotional suffering and challenges in everyday life.

Betrayal from trusted individuals can be a significant trigger for PTED. Examples include:
• Infidelity in relationships
• Workplace bullying
• Loss under unfair circumstances

These situations, if left unaddressed, can fuel deep-rooted bitterness. Research shows that a significant number of individuals may develop PTED. It can affect personal relationships, work performance, and overall well-being. Understanding its prevalence helps to raise awareness and foster supportive environments.

Core Symptoms: Bitterness, Cynicism, and Anger
Those dealing with PTED often wrestle with:
• Deep feelings of bitterness
• A cynical outlook on life
• Chronic anger directed towards the self or others

These feelings can lead to a vicious cycle, where one’s world becomes darker and more isolating. Social interactions may become challenging for some individuals with PTED. They may withdraw from friends and loved ones, fearing judgment or misunderstanding. This isolation can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and despair.

Emotions can be complex for those with PTED, leading to:
• A pervasive sense of hopelessness
• Distrust towards others
• Difficulty in seeing positive outcomes
These symptoms often hinder recovery and the ability to form supportive relationships.

Different traumas can trigger PTED, including:
• Loss of a loved one
• Experiences of betrayal
• Long-term abuse or neglect

Each individual processes trauma uniquely, but the aftermath can often lead to bitter and harmful emotions.

Perceived injustice plays a critical role in PTED. When individuals feel wronged and do not see accountability for those actions, bitterness can fester. This feeling of injustice ties closely to the trauma experienced, intensifying the emotional struggle.

PTED vs. PTSD Key Distinctions: 

 • PTSD often includes flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety, while PTED focuses primarily on bitterness and anger.
• PTSD may also involve hyper arousal, which is not a feature of PTED.

PTED shares symptoms with conditions like depression and anxiety:
• Hopelessness is common across all three disorders.
• However, PTED’s defining characteristic is persistent bitterness rather than generalized sadness.

If you suspect PTED, seeking a professional diagnosis is an available option. Many mental health professionals can distinguish between these overlapping conditions and recommend appropriate treatments.

Practicing mindfulness and self-compassion can also be beneficial. Simple techniques include:
• Meditation
• Journaling
• Deep breathing exercises
These practices promote awareness of thoughts and feelings, helping individuals respond more positively.

Sharing experiences with others facing similar challenges can reduce feelings of isolation and help foster connections.

Developing resilience is crucial in managing PTED. Strategies may include:
• Setting achievable goals
• Practicing gratitude
• Engaging in physical activity

These actions help enhance emotional regulation and lead to stronger coping mechanisms.

Forgiveness and Letting Go: A Path to Healing
Forgiveness doesn’t mean excusing the wrongdoing but freeing oneself from the burden of bitterness. Learning to let go can be a transformative step toward healing.

Understanding PTED is a step towards healing. Recognize the symptoms, seek help, and explore coping mechanisms. Recovery is possible through knowledge, support, and self-compassion. Hope exists after trauma and injustice. By understanding Post-Traumatic Embitterment Disorder and taking proactive steps, individuals can begin their journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life. The path may be challenging, but as we as individuals and our cultural environment evolve healing is attainable for better days and nights ahead.

Joel E. Gordon, Managing Editor of BLUE Magazine, is a former Field Training Officer with the Baltimore City Police Department and is a past Chief of Police for the city of Kingwood, West Virginia. He has also served as vice-chair of a multi-jurisdictional regional narcotics task force. An award winning journalist, he is author of the book Still Seeking Justice: One Officer's Story and founded the Facebook group Police Authors Seeking Justice. Look him up at stillseekingjustice.com

Unraveling the Threads: Understanding Hate Crime Investigations

By: Joel E. Gordon

Hate crimes are more than just ordinary offenses; they’re fueled by bias against a person’s race, religion, sexual orientation, or other identity factors. Imagine walking down the street and being targeted not for what you did, but for who you are. That’s the harsh reality for many. Hate crimes leave a deep scar, not just on the victim but on the entire community. Understanding the investigation process is vital to combating these acts.

Why is it crucial to probe hate crimes thoroughly? These offenses can create fear and division within communities. When a hate crime occurs, it sends ripples of anxiety and uncertainty. Investigating these incidents helps restore a sense of safety and ensures that justice is served. It shows that society stands against hate and is committed to protecting its members.

The Investigation Process

When a hate crime is reported, the police are on the front lines. Their immediate response is critical. Officers need to assess the situation, gather evidence, and support the victim. They often ask key questions: What happened? Who was involved? And most importantly, why did this happen? The answers can guide the entire investigation.

Think of evidence as pieces of a puzzle. The more pieces you have, the clearer the picture becomes. Investigators gather physical evidence, such as graffiti, weapons, or digital footprints, and collect witness statements. These accounts often provide insights into the incident, helping to establish motives and connections. Every detail matters, no matter how small.

Investigators don't just look at individual cases; they examine patterns too. Are there multiple incidents targeting the same group in a specific area? By analyzing data, law enforcement can identify trends and deploy resources effectively. This proactive approach can prevent future hate crimes and ensure that communities feel safe.

Overcoming Challenges in Hate Crime Investigations

Many hate crimes go unreported. Victims may fear retaliation, feel ashamed, or believe their experiences won’t be taken seriously. This underreporting complicates investigations and skews statistics. Law enforcement agencies are working to create environments where victims feel safe to come forward.

Navigating the legal landscape can be tricky. Hate crime laws vary by state, making it challenging to pursue justice in some cases. Investigators must be well-versed in the laws to effectively advocate for victims. It’s like trying to solve a mystery without having all the clues.

The Role of Community and Advocacy Groups

Community involvement plays a crucial role in supporting hate crime investigations. Advocacy groups work tirelessly to raise awareness, provide resources to victims, and ensure that investigations are thorough. When communities unite against hate, the message is clear: intolerance has no place here.

The fight against hate crimes is far from over. As society evolves, so too must our methods of investigation and support for victims. Encouraging open dialogues, fostering understanding, and creating inclusive environments can significantly reduce instances of hate. Together, we can turn the tide against hate and build a future where everyone feels safe and valued.

Hate crime investigations are essential for fostering safe communities. By understanding the complexities and challenges faced during these investigations, we can better support victims and work towards a society more free from hate. It’s a collective effort that requires commitment from everyone. Remember, hate affects us all, but love and understanding can conquer hate.

Joel E. Gordon, Managing Editor of BLUE Magazine, is a former Field Training Officer with the Baltimore City Police Department and is a past Chief of Police for the city of Kingwood, West Virginia. He has also served as vice-chair of a multi-jurisdictional regional narcotics task force. An award winning journalist, he is author of the book Still Seeking Justice: One Officer's Story and founded the Facebook group Police Authors Seeking Justice. Look him up at stillseekingjustice.com

The Power of Drug Task Forces: How They Work Toward Keeping Communities Safer

By: Joel E. Gordon

A drug task force is a specialized group made up of law enforcement officers from different agencies. They team up to tackle drug-related crimes in a specific area. This partnership is like a superhero squad—everyone brings different skills to the table, making them stronger together. By combining resources, they can fight against drug trafficking and abuse more effectively.

As the Kingwood West Virginia chief of police, from a law enforcement standpoint, I felt that it was essential that we work on the huge drug problem plaguing our rural community. The Preston County Sheriff’s Department was already participating in a federally funded five county rural drug and violent crime task force covering Taylor, Tucker, Randolph, Barbour and Preston Counties in West Virginia. I hired and assigned an officer joining this task force and become the task forces  Vice-Chairman as well.  Our task force was successfully, albeit slowly, making positive progress in our “war on drugs” and criminal activity and was quite good at developing revealing and useful “intelligence” type information.

Why is teamwork so crucial in these task forces? Simply put, drug issues don’t follow city or county lines. Criminals often distribute drugs across various locations, which means law enforcement agencies must work together to tackle the problem head-on. Sharing information and strategies helps catch bad guys and disrupt their operations. It’s kind of like how puzzle pieces fit together to reveal a complete picture. Each agency contributes vital pieces that create a clearer view of the drug landscape.

Drug task forces don’t just focus on users; they go straight to the source. By targeting manufacturers and distributors, they aim to reduce the supply of drugs in the community. This proactive approach is like cutting weeds at the root to prevent them from growing back. When “big players” get taken down, it makes it harder for smaller dealers to thrive. This helps lower drug availability and keeps the streets safer for everyone.

Communities are a big part of the success of drug task forces. Local residents often serve as the eyes and ears of the squad. When people feel empowered to report suspicious activity, it creates a safer neighborhood. Think about it: if everyone watches out for one another, it’s like having a big safety net. Task forces can do more with the help of community tips, leading to arrests and raids that decrease drug activity.

Beyond enforcement, drug task forces also engage in education. They run events and programs to teach people about the dangers of drug use. Knowledge is power, right? By informing communities about the risks, task forces help prevent drug abuse before it starts. It's similar to wearing a seatbelt; it’s much better to be safe than sorry. This approach combines strength and wisdom, making neighborhoods better places to live. Modern drug task force initiatives also involve themselves in participation for substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation efforts throughout their territory working in collaboration with EMS and available treatment and addiction support programs.

Of course, it's not all smooth sailing. Drug task forces face various challenges. For example, drug traffickers are often well-funded and clever, constantly finding new ways to evade law enforcement. This is much like a cat-and-mouse game, where one side tries to outsmart the other. Additionally, changes in drug trends, such as the rise of synthetic drugs, force task forces to adapt quickly. Staying informed and ready to protect the community is essential.

In summary, drug task forces play a vital role in enhancing public safety. Through collaboration, targeting supply sources, community engagement, and education, they tackle drug issues from multiple angles. Just like a well-oiled machine, each part works together to create a significant impact. The efforts of these task forces lead to safer streets, healthier communities, and ultimately, a brighter future for everyone involved.

Joel E. Gordon, Managing Editor of BLUE Magazine, is a former Field Training Officer with the Baltimore City Police Department and is a past Chief of Police for the city of Kingwood, West Virginia. He has also served as vice-chair of a multi-jurisdictional regional narcotics task force. An award winning journalist, he is author of the book Still Seeking Justice: One Officer's Story and founded the Facebook group Police Authors Seeking Justice. Look him up at stillseekingjustice.com

Dueling Crime Statistics

As we approach the presidential election of 2024 along with the races for Congress and other statewide races, crime looms large as an issue that many voters will take into account when they go to the polls. When voters are surveyed, they cite three issues that are at the top of the list, and it doesn’t matter who is doing the survey. Inflation and the economy is number one, the southern border and illegal immigration is number two and crime is number three.

Everybody running for office at election time claims to be an advocate for tough on crime policies including incumbents with a past anti police voting record and who have made inflammatory cop hating statements. No politician wants to be known to the voting public as soft on crime except for state prosecutors who were swept into office because of George Soros money. Even several of those were recalled and kicked out of office. Most candidates seek endorsements from police and sheriff deputy unions and fraternal organizations and proudly announce it if they get the endorsement. This is because it is generally what the voting public supports, and it transcends party affiliation. Everybody wants to be safe and feel safe in their homes, their neighborhoods, and their schools.

The post George Floyd riots have gotten the attention of the public. Cop haters and organizations like Black Lives Matter and Antifa declared and waged war on police. Local legislators in many left leaning cities defunded their law enforcement agencies. This movement caused many officers to leave the profession either outright or by taking early retirement. The hiring to fill the mass exodus has been unable to keep up. Many agencies are working with all-time high vacancies. Response times to calls for service have gone up. Some calls go unanswered, and some crime victims are told to report to police precincts to report even serious crimes with low solvability chances because there are no officers available to respond. In my last column I wrote about the Seattle Police Department no longer responding to burglar alarms without verification that an entry was actually occurring. I thought that was the job of the police. In a car jacking incident in Milwaukee, Wisconsin the 9-1-1 operator asked the caller if the suspect was still on the scene. When the caller responded no, the operator told her to drive to the nearest police district station to report it.

So, with this as the backdrop, let us see what all of this has done to crime rates across America. It all depends on whose statistics you want to use or believe. Statistics are subject to manipulation no matter who is using them. As Mark Twain said, there are lies, damn lies, and then there are statistics and that they can be used to bolster weak arguments or cast doubt on an opposing convincing argument. Because crime and violence are high on the list of things voters care about, left leaning folks are pushing the narrative that crime rates are down under the Biden administration. On the other side, conservative office seekers are claiming that violent crime has risen since Donald Trump left office.

So, what do the people who collect crime statistics say? The FBI reports that violent crime has decreased under Biden by 15%. Some point out that the FBI is not a statistical agency and that their numbers are unpolished and incomplete. They have no standards for collecting data and that reporting is voluntary, resulting in many large urban agencies not reporting crime incidents to the FBI. The National Crime Victimization Survey put out by the US Department Bureau of Justice Statistics reports that violent crime is up 40% from 2019. The NCVS reports that 55% of people who reported being victimized by a crime did not report it to the police and therefore when you look at reports of crime by the FBI, you are missing a lot of data. Additionally, the FBI only reports year to year data and does not look at crime over a longer period.

This statistical view of crime leaves out an especially essential element. The human the economic element and the psychological damage done not only to victims of crime and violence but the fear it creates in those around it. It is a quality of life issue. It causes people to withdraw from public life and changes their behavior. It disrupts their lives. Crime causes insurance rates to rise not only for the victim, but for those living in high crime neighborhoods. How do you measure that?

The bottom line is that talking about crime strictly from a statistical viewpoint is irrelevant to the human pain it leaves in its wake. There is simply too much crime that occurs for an industrialized and now high-tech nation like the United States. And now there is the emergence of migrant crime due to our open southern border.

To whether crime rates have increased or decreased, I say this. It depends on whose ox is being gored. If it is not disrupting your life, the human nature tendency is to simply turn the page. If it is, you view things through a different lens other than looking at statistics.

Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr. is former Sheriff of Milwaukee Co, Wisconsin, President of America’s Sheriff LLC, President of Rise Up Wisconsin INC, Board member of the Crime Research Center, author of the book Cop Under Fire: Beyond Hashtags of Race Crime and Politics for a Better America. To learn more visit www.americassheriff.com

Building the Blueprint: Essential Skills in a Police Officer's Career

By: Joel E. Gordon

*Image Source: https://pixabay.com/illustrations/success-steep-above-plane-curve-1648574/

A career as a police officer isn’t just about wearing a badge and driving a patrol car. It’s all about the skills that get us through tough situations and help us serve the community. From communication to critical thinking, each skill plays a crucial role in keeping our neighborhoods safe and sound. 

When you think of a police officer, it’s easy to focus on physical strength. But here’s a surprise: the real muscle lies in communication. The ability to talk to people and be understood is vital. Whether it's giving directions, explaining the law, or calming a tense situation, effective communication can make or break a scenario. Have you ever tried to diffuse an argument? It takes patience and knack for saying the right thing. In the same way, police officers need to practice active listening and clear speaking. We often translate complex legal terms into everyday language, helping folks feel more secure and informed.

Every day brings new challenges for police officers. Like a puzzle with missing pieces, we have to figure out how to bring everything together. Being a great problem-solver means thinking on your feet and making quick decisions. Imagine driving to a scene where tensions are high. Officers must analyze the situation fast and determine the best course of action. We weigh the pros and cons in mere seconds. With strong problem-solving skills, we often create peace where there might otherwise be chaos.

Empathy isn’t just a buzzword; it's crucial for building trust between officers and the community. Police work isn't all about authority; it's also about connection. Understanding and relating to the feelings of others fosters better relationships. When officers show empathy, we become more than just enforcers of the law. We transform into community helpers. When people feel understood, they’re more likely to share information and cooperate. It’s like planting seeds of trust that can grow into strong community bonds.

Let’s face it: policing can be physically demanding. Whether chasing a suspect or managing a crowd, physical fitness is non-negotiable. Officers need to be in shape, ready to run, jump, and defend when necessary. Just like athletes train for their sport, police officers engage in regular fitness routines to stay sharp. Physical fitness also boosts mental energy. A healthy body can lead to a focused mind, crucial during high-pressure situations.

In today’s world, police work isn’t just about badges and cars. It also involves technology—computers, databases, and even social media platforms. Officers must know how to use these tools effectively. Think about it: gathering evidence often requires tech skills, whether it’s reviewing surveillance footage or processing crime scene data. Being tech-savvy helps officers solve cases more quickly and efficiently. It's like having an extra pair of eyes on the crime scene.

Police officers face unpredictable situations every day. Adaptability is key. Just when we think they know what’s coming, things can change in the blink of an eye. Having the ability to adjust and respond to new challenges is essential. Imagine planning a seemingly routine traffic stop (as if there is such a thing) only to find out it’s something more serious. Officers need to adapt quickly and respond appropriately. Flexibility in thinking allows us to navigate through surprise situations with confidence.

In the end, the world of policing is complex and always evolving. Officers combine strong communication, problem-solving skills, empathy, physical fitness, technological know-how, time management, and adaptability to serve as modern-day peacekeepers. Every day presents an opportunity to grow and learn. With each skill sharpened, we become better equipped to protect and serve the communities that we love. We can later on transfer those skills to countless opportunities in the private sector upon retirement from government service.

Police work is not just a job; it’s a calling that requires a highly developed and unique skill set of great value now and throughout our lifetimes.

Joel E. Gordon, Managing Editor of BLUE Magazine, is a former Field Training Officer with the Baltimore City Police Department and is a past Chief of Police for the city of Kingwood, West Virginia. He has also served as vice-chair of a multi-jurisdictional regional narcotics task force. An award winning journalist, he is author of the book Still Seeking Justice: One Officer's Story and founded the Facebook group Police Authors Seeking Justice. Look him up at stillseekingjustice.com

School Bells: Ringing the Alarm on School Safety

By: Joel E. Gordon

The deadly school shooting in Georgia is currently leading to sincere discussions in the City of Baltimore, with the incident bringing up a recurring argument over whether to arm police resource officers inside city schools.

The discussion brought to the forefront after two armed resource officers at Apalachee High School in Georgia are being praised for their quick action in helping to stop the shooter. Officials say that within 120 seconds of the first shot being fired, the officers were able to find and take the suspect into custody. Great work indeed.

Regarding the issue of arming school police in Baltimore, Sgt. Clyde Boatwright said the choice is clear. "It strikes me that we're one incident away from saying, we shoulda, coulda, woulda."

"These type of situations are happening across the county and we just don't want to be on the wrong side of history and have a situation where a police officer could've taken corrective action and did not have the tools available to do so," said Boatwright.

Under Maryland law, school resource officers must lock-up their guns at the start of their shifts retrieving them only when “needed.” But Baltimore city school resource officers are the only police officers in the state who cannot carry weapons inside of schools and Boatwright is ringing the alarm.

"I will say Baltimore City Schools has done an amazing job with the technology that city schools have invested in. But still, all that technology is great but you still need an armed police officer if you have a scenario where a person has evaded those preventive measures and begin to actively shoot."

As a point of reference, Baltimore school officers have recovered at least 15 guns at city schools each year for the last four years.

Further exasperating issues in Maryland are limits under current Maryland law which restrict investigations once a shooting incident occurs or with any crime involving a juvenile suspect. Just after a deadly school shooting occurred at a Harford County Maryland school, Harford County Sheriff Jeff Gahler expressed his frustration over the limits his investigation could take.

"We have a person charged as an adult for committing a heinous crime in a school and we're not allowed to talk to him. That is lunacy," said Sheriff Gahler.

Maryland's Child Interrogation Protection Act, passed by the legislature two years ago, bars police or prosecutors from interviewing juveniles without the consent of an attorney. Proponents insist the new law protects the constitutional rights of juveniles but law enforcement has rightly maintained it stands in the way of justice.

"Even if a parent says 'yes' you can talk to my son or daughter, a lawyer is saying 'you can't talk to my client'," said Baltimore City State's Attorney Ivan Bates.

"It's becoming more and more difficult to hold juveniles accountable," said Prince Georges County Maryland Executive Angela Alsobrooks.

In Harford County there are many questions following the school shooting with few answers. "With our criminal-friendly legislature in Maryland, this is a 16-year-old suspect and we are not allowed to talk to him," said Sheriff Gahler.

The safety of school campuses is not limited to any setting or geographical location. As I write this, my local high school in rural West Virginia is being evacuated with students being dismissed early due to detailed social media posts threatening an allegedly impending shooting. Federal, State and local law enforcement here are currently actively engaged in the investigation to make certain that anyone responsible for criminal activity is held accountable.

School administrators, local governments, law enforcement, and Emergency Medical Services must all work together in unison to keep abreast of and implement best practices for school security and incident response. After each incident those same entities must perform comprehensive after action reviews to work on any improvements needed in future incident prevention and response. Continual learning and improvements must be achieved.

It’s long past time to end this violence and do everything possible to keep our communities and schools as safe as possible. Remember, soft targets in gun-free zones prohibit “bad guys,” often with guns and evil intent, from being able to be neutralized by the “good guys” with guns. Time is of the essence; it’s past time to have the right policies and actionable plans in place and stop the insanity.

Joel E. Gordon, Managing Editor of BLUE Magazine, is a former Field Training Officer with the Baltimore City Police Department and is a past Chief of Police for the city of Kingwood, West Virginia. He has also served as vice-chair of a multi-jurisdictional regional narcotics task force. An award winning journalist, he is author of the book Still Seeking Justice: One Officer's Story and founded the Facebook group Police Authors Seeking Justice. Look him up at stillseekingjustice.com

Fighting Shadows: How Police Can Prevent Terrorism

By: Joel E. Gordon

Terrorism is like a dark cloud looming over society, threatening the safety of everyday life. It’s an issue that keeps many people up at night. Thankfully, police forces play a crucial role in fighting this menace.

Terrorism isn’t just about big attacks; it includes smaller acts designed to spread fear. These can range from bombings to cyber attacks. Understanding the nature of these threats is vital for effective prevention. When police grasp the motivations behind terrorism, they can better anticipate potential trouble.

Intelligence gathering is the first line of defense. Think of intelligence gathering as a radar system for crime. Police use various methods to collect information about possible threats. We analyze social media, monitor suspicious activities, and collaborate with other agencies. This intelligence is like a treasure map, guiding law enforcement to the heart of potential danger.

Imagine a neighborhood where everyone looks out for each other. That’s the power of community engagement. When police build relationships with local residents, we create an environment where information flows freely. Community members can report suspicious activities, allowing police to act before a situation escalates. It’s teamwork at its finest.

Training is essential in the fight against terrorism. Police officers undergo rigorous drills to prepare for a variety of scenarios often learning how to handle bomb threats, hostage situations, and more. This training is like a sports team practicing for the championship. The more prepared we are, the better we can respond when the game is on the line.

In today’s tech-driven world, advanced technology is a game changer. Police use cutting-edge tools—like drones, surveillance cameras, and data analysis software—to monitor potential threats. This tech is akin to having a superhero’s toolkit. It provides officers with the resources needed to detect and prevent terrorist activities efficiently.

Terrorism knows no borders, and neither should the response. Police collaborate with federal agencies, international organizations, and even other countries. By sharing information and resources, we are able to create a united front against terrorism. It’s like a team of superheroes coming together to defeat a common enemy.

An informed public is a crucial weapon in the fight against terrorism. Police conduct training sessions and distribute materials to educate citizens about recognizing suspicious behavior. It’s like teaching people to be their own neighborhood watch. When citizens know what to look for, they can help the police protect their community.

The fight against terrorism is a shared mission. While police play a vital role, everyone has a part to play. By staying informed, building community ties, and working together, we can help create a safer environment. Together, we stand resilient against the shadows of terror, ensuring a brighter future for all. See something; say something.

Joel E. Gordon, Managing Editor of BLUE Magazine, is a former Field Training Officer with the Baltimore City Police Department and is a past Chief of Police for the city of Kingwood, West Virginia. He has also served as vice-chair of a multi-jurisdictional regional narcotics task force. An award winning journalist, he is author of the book Still Seeking Justice: One Officer's Story and founded the Facebook group Police Authors Seeking Justice. Look him up at stillseekingjustice.com

We Haven’t Learned the Lessons From 9-11

It has been 23 years since the terror attacks in America on September 11, 2001. That is nearly a quarter century ago even though it doesn’t seem like that much time has passed. If you recall what was determined by the 9-11 Commission convened by Congress to investigate what failed that allow the largest attack on American soil since the attacks on Pearl Harbor, they cited among other failures that the refusal of federal law enforcement agencies to share information up down and across the law enforcement spectrum was a critical factor. This included the refusal by federal agencies to share that information with local law enforcement. The Commission report referred to a “systemic resistance to sharing information” in their report.

Information sharing is vital to law enforcement efforts in keeping Americans safe. Front line local law enforcement officers are at street level interacting with people everyday. They collect huge amounts of raw information that should be collated, analyzed and turned into intelligence that can be shared with everyone responsible for public safety to prevent and disrupt crime. But is it?

Recently a report was published and given to the Congressional House Judiciary Committee prepared by whistleblowers, retired and active-duty agents and analysts. The report revealed several startling conclusions. Among the findings was that local law enforcement officers have a “disturbing loss of trust in the FBI” and as a result are hesitant to share information with them. Local cops complain that the information sharing is one-way. They share information with the FBI while the Bureau tends to hold their information close to the vest. The report goes on to point out that, “Police officers and sheriff’s deputies on patrol and detectives investigating illegal activity in their jurisdictions have unparalleled visibility into street crimes and when this information is not immediately shared with the FBI, the FBI is left to address complex, evolving threats facing the United States with the unacceptably vast and debilitating ‘blind spot’ because it does not have enough personnel and resources to see into every corner of the country.” Recall that the 9-11 hijackers were freely moving about the United States. They were on no-fly lists yet continued to board flights into and out of the U.S. as they planned their attack. In fact, 3 of the hijackers were pulled over for traffic violations by local law enforcement officers days before the attacks. The cops had no information that the terror suspects were on the infamous radar screen of federal agencies

This is highly disturbing in light of the role that a lack of information sharing law played in the 9-11attacks in 2001. This is not a recent phenomenon. In all my nearly 40 years in local law enforcement this problem has existed. I am a graduate of the FBI National Academy-a program designed to strengthen the relationship between FBI agents and local police. Apparently, it isn’t working. At the Academy in Quantico, Va you could feel that sense of superiority by new agents. There is still this adoration of the Bureau’s first Director J Edgar Hoover.  It is as if his ghost lives there. The previously mentioned report describes FBI personnel generally as, “almost always arrogant, aloof, condescending without any tactical skills to support themselves or the safety of their teams while out on the street.” A source says this is the result of the “new agent training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Va, which promotes a cult of narcissism by imbuing a false sense of superiority over all local, state and federal law enforcement.” Their title is “special agent”. What is it that makes them special someone needs to ask.

I can attest to this characterization of FBI agents. A news story on this report says that the picture that emerges of the FBI is of an incompetent, arrogant, bloated bureaucracy that includes a new generation of DEI hires described as ‘completely worthless’ and ‘the worst batch of people’. This inflated self worth should have a hole poked in it and replaced with a sense of humility and professionalism when dealing with local street cops and their agencies said a news story. The FBI used to seek out new hires who had military or law enforcement experience, but it sounds today like diversity, equity and inclusion social engineering experiments in hiring takes precedent.

These are not my descriptions of the agents of the FBI, but it is hard to disagree with the former agents, analysts and whistleblowers. Is it any wonder that at the local level, officers refer to the initials FBI standing for (F)amous (B)ut (I)ncompetent. It would be funny if it wasn’t so serious. This relationship must be repaired and fast. With terrorism re-emerging as a threat again, the next attack according to Director Wray is a question not of if, but when. The success of any relationship starts with a foundation of trust. In my view it is incumbent on the federal agencies to take that first step.

Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr. is former Sheriff of Milwaukee Co, Wisconsin, President of America’s Sheriff LLC, President of Rise Up Wisconsin INC, Board member of the Crime Research Center, author of the book Cop Under Fire: Beyond Hashtags of Race Crime and Politics for a Better America. To learn more visit www.americassheriff.com

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: A New Era of Policing?

By: Joel E. Gordon

Artificial intelligence (AI) is not just a buzzword; it’s reshaping how police work. Picture a world where crime-solving isn’t only about foot chases and detective work. Instead, it’s about algorithms and data. AI is becoming an essential tool for police departments everywhere. AI in policing refers to the use of computer systems to perform tasks that usually require human intelligence. This includes recognizing patterns, analyzing vast amounts of data, and even predicting criminal activity. Imagine having a supercharged assistant that can process information faster than any human could. That’s what AI brings to the table.

AI isn’t just about catching criminals; it’s also about building trust within communities. With transparency in AI use, police can show community members how data is being utilized. This can help demystify police work, making citizens feel more involved and less apprehensive about law enforcement practices. Community engagement can greatly improve when people understand how AI benefits them.

One of the most significant ways AI helps police is through predictive policing. This uses historical crime data to forecast where crimes are likely to occur. It's like having a crystal ball that gives officers a heads-up on where to focus their efforts. By analyzing trends, AI can help predict when and where crimes may happen, allowing officers to be in the right place at the right time.

Ever seen those high-tech movies where a face pops up on a screen, and instantly, the character’s whole life story is revealed? That technology is becoming a reality with AI-powered facial recognition. Police can quickly identify suspects, missing persons, or even witnesses. This can speed up investigations significantly. However, it does raise questions about privacy. Can we trust these technologies to be accurate and fair?

Collecting evidence can be a tedious process. Imagine sifting through piles of documents or hours of video footage. With AI, this process is streamlined. Algorithms can sort through vast amounts of data, identifying critical pieces of evidence more quickly than any human could. This means officers can spend less time digging and more time acting on crucial information. It's like having a powerful magnifying glass that helps you find the needle in the haystack.

While AI presents many opportunities, it’s not without its challenges. Relying solely on algorithms can lead to biases. If the data fed into AI systems is flawed, the results can be skewed. It’s essential to ensure that the systems are fair and just, preventing discrimination against certain groups. Policymakers and police departments need to work together to create guidelines that address these ethical concerns.

AI is not just a fad; it’s revolutionizing how police operate. From predicting crimes to identifying suspects, AI opens up new doors for law enforcement. However, with great power comes great responsibility. As technology advances, so should our understanding of its implications. The future of policing looks promising, but it’s crucial that we navigate these changes thoughtfully and ethically. Embracing AI could mean a safer society for everyone, but only if done right.

Joel E. Gordon, Managing Editor of BLUE Magazine, is a former Field Training Officer with the Baltimore City Police Department and is a past Chief of Police for the city of Kingwood, West Virginia. He has also served as vice-chair of a multi-jurisdictional regional narcotics task force. An award winning journalist, he is author of the book Still Seeking Justice: One Officer's Story and founded the Facebook group Police Authors Seeking Justice. Look him up at stillseekingjustice.com

Who’s On First?

Here we go again. Many of you may have seen the Comedians Abbott and Costello skit of mass confusion about a baseball game. If you have never seen it, you should. It is pretty clever. We just witnessed a version of this with the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. That wasn’t so funny. I want to explain why. This is not an attempt to second guess. This is an honest analysis of the information that we have now. Yes, we will learn more moving forward.

First of all, I want to qualify why I am competent to make this analysis on Presidential Protection Details. I was trained in dignitary protection by the United States Secret Service (USSS). I attended their 2-week dignitary protection program in Washington D.C. and received a certificate of completion signed by the then Director of the USSS. As the commanding officer of the Milwaukee Police Department’s Intelligence Division, we had responsibility for dignitary protection working side by side with the USSS on a directed patrol mission. I know how these details work and what should happen in a successful operation. I’m hearing many people who are being interviewed that do not know what they are talking about.

I want to start with the current leadership of the USSS and work down toward the event itself. Director Kimberly Cheatle is not qualified to lead the agents currently serving in that organization. She is an identity politics hire. She doesn’t realize that there is a culture problem within the agency. She has watered down their mission by inserting a social engineered experiment as something to be achieved. Cheatle has stated in an interview that she is committed to making sure that by 2030, she wants 30% of the agents to be female. That means more qualified males will have been passed over to achieve her goal. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs should not be part of their mission. They have one mission as it relates to their primary function-to protect high valued persons in the federal government from death or attack. They suffered a catastrophic fail in Butler, Pennsylvania. There is no way to sugar coat it. This security lapse almost cost the loss of a nominee from a major political party for President of the United States. Think about that.

What transpired after was typical of someone who doesn’t understand the moment. Cheatle started pointing the finger at the local police. She said that the USSS was not the lead agency. Like hell they aren’t. I have participated in numerous Presidential visits. The USSS is in fact the lead agency. They have to depend on a contingent of local police to accomplish the mission.  Here is how this works.  An advance team of Secret Service agents arrives in the city a few days before to do an inspection of the site. This includes mapping where the motorcade will take to the event. The advance team identifies every possible vulnerability on the route they will take plus the event location. They ask that the motorcade route be staffed with a law enforcement officer for route and site containment. The event location is swept the day before again on the day of the event. Local officers are to be in place early in the day and remain in place until the wheels up signal is given meaning the protectee or “package” as they are called now is on a plane in the air.

Now as it relates to the scene. Why the building that the shooter was able to access was not identified as a vulnerability is where a lot of finger pointing is still going on. Director Cheatle says that was not a part they were responsible for since it was outside the inner perimeter. Really? Then Cheatle said the roof was too sloped and dangerous to put a counter sniper on it. I thought the Secret Service job was to place themselves in harms way to protect in this case the former President?  The local sheriff said that they informed the Secret Service that they did not have enough personnel to post the building the shooter used. This is what pre-event meetings are supposed to resolve. I don’t care whose responsibility it is, the building needed to be posted as a vulnerability. Citizens attending the rally informed police in the areas of a guy with a rifle on the roof that the shooter eventually used. Nobody took and real action although it is reported that a local law enforcement officer went up on the roof and was confronted by the shooter who pointed his rifle at the officer who took cover and went back down the ladder. Why this wasn’t communicated to the USSS has yet to be determined.

Any of this series of interrelated events if acted upon effectively and decisively could have interrupted the assassination attempt. The shooter needed his series of events like scoping the area out several days before and even acting suspiciously at the entrance of the events with a range finder, making sure a ladder was available for him to get on the roof and counting on the directed patrol mission of protecting the former President to not take assertive action to stop him in order to succeed.

Everybody in law enforcement knows how critical seconds are to stopping a threat. The USSS and local law enforcement had not only seconds but minutes, hours and even days to prevent this. This is not second guessing. It’s stating the truth.

If the after action report follows its usual path, it will take a long time before one is released and even then, we may never find out the entire truth. In the meantime, members of Congress are already calling for hearings on what happened. You know where that is going. It is usually all theater with finger wagging and hollering at the witnesses called to testify. That circus serves no good. We need a thorough examination of what is wrong deep inside the USSS. We need structural changes and not technical fixes that over time disappear allowing the dysfunctional culture a chance to re-emerge.

With everything I have described, you can now make the comparison on what happened in Butler, Pennsylvania to the Abbott and Costello’s, Who’s on First, What’s on Second, I Don’t Know is on Third skit. It was total confusion. Add to that a lack of attention to detail and no sense of urgency and you can better understand how this happened. The only remaining question is how the USSS prevents this from happening again.

Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr. is former Sheriff of Milwaukee Co, Wisconsin, President of America’s Sheriff LLC, President of Rise Up Wisconsin INC, Board member of the Crime Research Center, author of the book Cop Under Fire: Beyond Hashtags of Race Crime and Politics for a Better America. To learn more visit www.americassheriff.com

Consent Decrees

USDOJ Should Butt Out of Local Policing

Ever since the Barack Obama administration went on a jihad against local policing and used the process of a consent decree to take away local control, cities have seen an increase in both violent and property crime. There is a plethora of data and evidence coming in that makes the case for the federal government to end this crusade.

Obama and his Attorney General Eric Holder held nothing but contempt and animosity toward local policing. Without cause they accused police officers of being inherently racist. Obama in a speech claimed that white police officers have a problem with people who do not look like them. Holder tells a story of being racially profiled as a college student while driving on the New Jersey Turnpike. He said he was stopped for speeding and was ordered out of the car and the car was searched. He told the audience he was speaking to that he was later racially profiled while walking in Washington D.C. when he was a federal prosecutor at the time. Holder said the experience humiliated him. Now let’s stop right there. There re numerous questions that beg to be asked of Holder.

First is that if this accusation is true, there should be a record of the traffic stop in New Jersey. Police are required to notify a dispatcher of the location of the stop and the color, make and registration plate number. This if for officer safety in case things go to crap. My point is that a historical search can be made to determine if Holder was ever stopped on the Turnpike. Next is that Holder said he was a federal prosecutor when stopped in the nation’s capital by law enforcement officers for no reason. If he felt he was racially profiled and felt so humiliated, he had an opportunity to file a complaint with the New Jersey State Police and demand that an investigation be conducted. But I guess he wasn’t that humiliated. People who feel humiliated are usually angry and want something done about it. Holder just went on his way. As a federal prosecutor, Holder knew that what he described was a potential federal civil rights violation that he was the victim of, and he didn’t file a complaint? Holder knows that in court there is a saying that if it isn’t documented, it didn’t happen. I’ll even go as far as to say that Holder’s claim is totally fabricated.

When Holder became the Attorney General of the U.S. Department of Justice, he weaponized the Justice Department to go after local police agencies for his spurious claim that police agencies generally engage in racial profiling. He first orders a pattern and practice investigation, the findings of which are the basis to for agencies and municipalities to acquiesce into a consent decree thereby taking local control away and imposing onerous rules of documentation and reporting that have to be followed in order to come into compliance. The USDOJ offers a little grant money to entice them into voluntarily surrender control to the federal government. Under Eric Holder, the USDOJ initiated 22 pattern and practice investigations against various police departments and found that 21 of the agencies engaged in a patter and practice of the nebulous accusation of racial profiling. That record of success doesn’t pass the smell test. It becomes an automatic conclusion. The Trump administration’s DOJ put the brakes on pattern and practice investigations leaving it up to the local municipality to address citizen concerns.

Another aspect of these consent decrees is that there is rarely an expiration date on them to end. They go on in perpetuity. The statistics rolling in now show that these things are having no affect on reform, may be causing crime to rise and are becoming expensive for cities. One reason is that officers end up spending valuable time off the streets filing required reports on traffic stops and field interview stops. Preventive patrols are lacking. Visibility is an effective crime deterrent. Criminals tend to operate where they see little police presence. Let’s look at some data. It’s hard to refute the correlation when the same thing is happening in so many cities under consent decree.

An Axios news site review found that of 12 agencies placed under consent decrees, 7 saw an increase in violent crime rates. According to FBI Uniform Crime Reports, Seattle after being put under a federal consent decree saw a surge in violent crime of 27%. Albuquerque saw a 36% increase in its violent crime rate after seeing a 30 year low before the consent decree. Los Angeles saw an increase of 61% in its violent crime rate. Seattle, Albuquerque and New Orleans also experienced increases in property crime rates. Smaller municipalities saw decreases in violent crime rates after being put under a consent decree. Some scholars indicate that they don’t know if the result of the increase can be traced back to the consent decree affect.

 A study done by the Law Enforcement Legal Defense Fund (LELDF) studied the nature and scope of consent decrees over time. Key findings from the study pointed out that the pattern and practice investigations by the USDOJ relied on questionable evidence. It also found that these agreements impose policy preferences on agencies that are outside the scope of DOJ authority. In other words, arm twisting goes on to force an agency into acceptance of being placed under the consent decree. Another finding from the study points out that the metrics, timetables and outcomes for agency compliance are ill-defined, unachievable and subject to the whims of federal monitors and judges.

 The most notable finding in the LDLDF is that communities and departments under decrees suffer from rising crime and lower crime clearance rates, ballooning costs to local taxpayers, plummeting officer morale and greater community dissatisfaction.

 In the end, the law of unintended consequences kicks in. The reason is that the USDOJ is working on the wrong thing. They do not know how local urban policing works or doesn’t work. They do not understand the nuances and intricacies of crime control and deterrence. If there is a specific problem with a police agency, then fix that specific thing but do not overhaul or overtake an entire agency. The USDOJ objective is one of politics not police reform. Politics and policing are a volatile mix that often results in leaving more crime victims in its wake.

 Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr. is former Sheriff of Milwaukee Co, Wisconsin, President of America’s Sheriff LLC, President of Rise Up Wisconsin INC, Board member of the Crime Research Center, author of the book Cop Under Fire: Beyond Hashtags of Race Crime and Politics for a Better America. To learn more visit www.americassheriff.com