From Calm to Chaos

From Calm to Chaos
By Officer Deon Joseph

My day a while back?

If some of folks spent one hour doing my job, you probably would quit. It is the ultimate emotional rollercoaster.

So I was in Skid Row holding a prayer vigil for those who were murdered in a past month. It was a beautiful moment as service providers, community members and officers memorialized those many people ignore.

Prior to the event, I was talking to community members and a guy approached me with a beautiful red snake on his arm. We chopped it up for a bit, and as we talked, the snake unraveled itself a bit from his arm and got close to my hand. Its tongue was flickering the back of my hand for a bit, then it crawled on my arm. The man said “She must like you. She doesn’t do that with no one else but me.” That was so awesome.

We engaged in the vigil and we and during the event I brought up the subject of building community. When we were done, we shared a hug and I was about to go to the station when a tall man with a cello approached me stating “Officer. I was assaulted. They broke my cello.” He showed me the damage. He said they swung a pipe at his face and as he turned to avoid it, his cello was struck. I agreed to take a report for him. As I’m trying to deal with some tech issues so I could complete it, he said, “Can I pray for you?” I said “Sure”. He then said “I’ll do you one better. Can I play for you?” I obliged him. He pulled out his cello and played some Bach. It was beautiful and right on time. The melodic playing calmed me as I was becoming frustrated with our new system. I was finally able to take the report and was interrupted by the sweetest Asian woman… again.

BACKSTORY
So the day before, I was at headquarters checking on my wife and sons as they were cleaning up from a catering event there. This Asian woman approached me and spoke to me in Chinese. Couldn’t understand a word she said. But my 28 years of experience told me she was mentally ill. I didn’t want to ignore her. So I pulled out my translator and engaged her. Now it was clear she suffered from schizophrenia. She lovingly held me hostage for about 30 minutes and we continued to talk. When we were done, she said, “Thank you. You are the only person who listened to me today. Can I see you tomorrow?” I told her she could. (If she could find me)

Back to the present: So I’m wrapping up the report with the musician and lo and behold the Asian lady finds me. In Skid Row of all places. She walked up to me and gave me her phone. It read “I looked all over for you friend. I am glad I found you. Can we talk again?” I was going to explain to her that I couldn’t at the moment when my 70-year-old Spanish fiancé exploded toward me with her walker in a jealous rage. She was cursing at me in Spanish. She was probably accusing me of cheating. I tell her I can’t talk right now, and a woman comes up to me wanting me to file a missing persons report for her boyfriend. I tell her to go to the station and I would meet her there.

As I break away from everyone to get in my car to find the man who assaulted the cellist. I put my key in the ignition and the damn battery was dead. As I’m calling for tow, a frantic woman runs up to my window yelling “Officer! That man assaulted me!! I want him arrested!”

I get out of my car and see a tall muscular shirtless man getting squared up on by several males. The woman told me, “He slapped me and threw me down on the ground. I want to press charges!” As I approached him, he was clearly out of his mind. I grabbed him to detain him and like a child, he went limp and leaned into me. I felt he was about to do the Folsom roll, which is a tactic used in assaulting officers. But unfortunately for him, I was no frail woman. I held him up until units arrived to help me. The placed him in the back of a patrol car.

The incredible part of this story was this: Two witnesses came forward, in Skid Row of all places, and gave their account of what happened to the woman. They stood up for her without fear of being seen as a snitch.

I truly believe they were inspired by the vigil and the messaging of community and decided to step up. It gave me hope.

I was on a high after that. Then it all came crashing down when I got a call that a family member passed away. Still had to go to a department event and smile like I wasn’t hurting inside.

And how was your day?

Deon Joseph is a 28 year veteran of law enforcement in Southern California - 24 of those years working in the homeless community to create an environment conducive to change for those in recovery, as a Lead Officer. He’s been recognized for his work locally and nationally, and news stories and documentaries surrounding his work in crime fighting and community relations, featured him. www.deonjoseph.org

The Transformation from Citizen to Law Enforcement Officer

The Transformation from Citizen to Law Enforcement Officer
By Marty Katz

Recently, I wrote a commencement speech for the graduating class at a local police academy. Here, I would like to share excerpts of that speech. Just before I spoke to the class, I told the audience that I would be talking directly to the class, a private conversation, but if they wanted to, they could listen in. This piqued their interest.

Congratulations, you have completed the transformation from citizen to law enforcement officer. You have passed all the hiring segments, survived the physical and mental training of academy life, sacrificed a lot over the last 20-plus weeks, and successfully arrived at this moment in your life. You have worked hard through personal and family hardships and are now at the launching of a new career. Please don’t throw it all away by forgetting the rules and your sworn oath. From this point forward, until you retire, you will be in the public eye, subject to constant Monday morning quarterbacking; every action you take or don’t take will be subject to intense scrutiny. It is just a fact of life from now on.

Remember, this is a service profession. It is your responsibility to protect and serve. Never take action based on emotion. What you do will have lifelong consequences for the citizens you deal with. Never allow a victim to be victimized a second time due to poor police practices.

Do not get complacent. I have seen officers who had one year of experience 20 times over. This is an exciting career with many pitfalls and stumbling blocks: learn what to avoid. Seek out motivated co-workers as mentors; remember this: Even teachers have teachers. Law enforcement is a perishable skill that must be cultivated frequently. Stay sharp by doing crisis rehearsal in your downtime and on your own time.

You are the next generation of urban warriors. I have retired, and the torch has been passed to you. Like all retired officers, I must depend on you to respond appropriately when we call. Please don’t let us down.

You must always be inquisitive, suspicious, and thorough; otherwise, you are unfit for duty. The first line of defense for your community lies with you. It is a fine line you walk. It is not us against them. While the public might take it personally, we should not. Police officers follow the path of truth. We investigate and follow the trail of evidence to the truth. It is about helping those who need help and arresting those who prey on society. And always, always remember this: right is right, even if no one else is doing it. Wrong is wrong, even if everyone else is doing it.

Paul Whitesel, a leading authority in officer survival, often asks this question of new officers. Have you ever been to a circus? Why, you might ask? At a circus, the lion tamer is in the ring before the lions enter. The reason is to establish dominance; otherwise, you would see a different show. As law enforcement officers, we must enter the home, the safe haven of others. We are the only animal that must do that. Because of this, we must hone our survival skills and always be aware, or as we call it, situation awareness. From the moment you leave the safety of your homes until you arrive back after your shift, you are in uniform, you are on the streets, you must never let your guard down, and you must forever be totally focused.

Take time to remember your family. They were here before you attended the academy; they were by your side as you trained here, and they will be with you long after you hang up your guns. Law enforcement is a fantastic profession, but remember, while you are out there on the streets, your family is home worrying and concerned about you. Relax their worries and assure them of your professionalism by your proper actions. To do this, never let the job consume you and find time for them.

Also, leave your family concerns at home and for another time. A distracted officer is one who is needlessly put in harm’s way and, as a result, places others in harm’s way.

Every shift is new. Prepare for each shift by ensuring all your equipment is working correctly and you are thinking properly. Go home safe after each shift. That is rule number one.

I could talk about officer survival for several hours — and from this day forward, you will hear about this subject daily — but congratulations on an outstanding performance for now. Welcome to the greatest profession in the world. You have a unique opportunity because you can dramatically change someone’s life for the better by taking the time to care, truly protect, and serve. Welcome to the family of law enforcement. Stay safe. If you don’t mind, I would like to address the audience that has patiently waited for me to get back to them.

At this point, I turned and readdressed the audience.

I saw out of the corner of my eye that most of you were actively listening. I hope you bring some of my advice back to your individual departments. Law enforcement must return to the basics: ownership of one’s patrol area, partnerships with the citizen and business communities, equality for all under the law, and taking responsibility for one’s actions. Times have changed and continue to change. What has not changed is our role in society. Protect and serve. We are the 24/7 helpline and defense for our streets and neighborhoods.

With that in mind, let’s welcome our new officers to our family, congratulate them on a job well done, and assist them in becoming officers we would want as our backups and future leaders.

Thank you for the opportunity to speak here tonight. Let’s be careful out there.

Marty Katz is a retired sergeant with the Broward Sheriff’s Office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. During his 34-year career, his assignments included field training officer, SWAT team member, undercover narcotics detective, academy instructor, street crime suppression unit, and supervisor of Recruitment, Criminal investigations, and Patrol. Marty is a Florida Department of Law Enforcement certified instructor (Firearms, Defensive Tactics, Driving, First Responder, Ethics, and Human Diversity), Expert Witness for Use of Force issues, a member of ILEETA, and past Florida Chapter Director for the International Association of Ethics Trainers In addition, Marty has trained in Japan with the Tokyo Metropolitan Riot Police and is a martial arts instructor. Marty is the owner and chief instructor of Crimewave Solutions, a training company for officer survival and common sense self-defense. Past the Uniform, Hot Potato, and From Another Dimension are three books authored by Marty and available on Amazon.

BOOK REVIEW - CROSSFIRE SOUTHWEST

BOOK REVIEW - CROSSFIRE SOUTHWEST
By: Michael DeMarco

This fictional work presents some of the daily occurrences of a career policeman, from rookie cop to the position of chief. His personal story illuminates aspects of law enforcement that will resonate in readers who value peace at home and on the streets. Warning: Many of the stories are humorous.

It all begins in late summer back in 1968. Braden Vicentin, a long-haired seventeen-year-old from the East Coast, heads to Arizona to start college and quickly realizes he has touched down in a foreign land. The history, food, language and customs all play a part in causing the culture shock he experiences. He endeavors, adapting to the new social environment and to the expectations placed on him in academia.

Over time, Braden falls in love with Tessie, a local girl whose Hispanic upbringing only adds to her charm. Their bonds grow stronger. Upon graduation, Braden is faced with many questions; most important is whether to remain in Arizona or to pursue work elsewhere. His heart decides. He remains in Arizona to be close to Tessie and finds work in the city’s police department.

Just how Braden gets hired is a story in itself. Then comes years on night shift, walking the beat, patrolling in a squad car and answering the “siren song”— the alluring call for help that is also potentially harmful or dangerous for any law enforcement officer. Yes, there are accounts of cops, robbers, drunks, and bikers. There are also accounts of compassion for the public, comradery among fellow officers, and love of family.

Michael DeMarco received a Master’s Degree from Seton Hall University. He founded Via Media Publishing in 1992, publishing a quarterly journal and over seventy-five books. In recent years, he has been focusing on his own writing, including Wuxia America: The Emergence of a Chinese American Hero. Mike has also consulted and appeared in television documentaries that were aired on the Discovery Channel, The History Channel, Arts and Entertainment, and The Learning Channel. He lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Winston Vs Eichmann: Our Individual and Institutional Question

Winston Vs Eichmann: Our Individual and Institutional Question
By Peter Marina, Ph.D.

"My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves."

While the above quote derives from the biblical Jesus expressing displeasure at the corruption and commercialization of religious practices within a sacred institution, the same can be applied to all our societal institutions. Perhaps we can say, “Our institutions shall be called a place of righteousness, but you have made it a den of thieves.”

Paul Tillich, prominent existential theologian and philosopher, wrote that all institutions are inherently demonic. This symbolic term “demonic”describes how our institutions embody the destructive tendencies and distortions of human life and meaning.

As Chris Hedges reminds us, American theologian and public intellectual Reinhold Niebuhr argued that institutions, composed of fallible humans, are incapable of achieving the same level of morality as individuals who retain the potential to struggle for integrity and righteousness.

While we know those who sit in the highest ranks of our institutions make up a den of thieves, what about the rest of us who occupy roles within these institutions?

I’ve observed two ideal types of individual behaviors within institutions.

The first is Adolf Eichmann, a Nazi bureaucrat and key architect of the Holocaust. The second is George Orwell’s main protagonist in 1984, Winston Smith. He was a compliant cog in Big Brother’s propaganda machine. The existential question is “Am I more like Eichmann or Winston?” First, a quick review of each prototype.

Major characteristics of Eichmann’s personality based on his portrayal by Hannah Arendt:

            1.Bureaucratic mindset, conformity and obedience: Eichmann embodied a bureaucratic mindset, focused on carrying out orders and adhering to established procedures rather than reflecting on the moral implications of his actions. His obedience to Nazi ideology and hierarchy led him to commit horrific acts without moral hesitation.

            2. Lack of introspection: Eichmann displayed an inability to engage in introspection. He did not critically examine his own role in genocide and instead viewed himself as merely a cog in the bureaucratic machine.

            3. Banality of evil: This phrase, coined by Arendt, describes Eichmann's actions and mindset — the mindset that his participation in genocide was not driven by malice or sadism but rather by mundane conformity to social norms and everyday routines. Despite the monstrous nature of his crimes, he was outwardly normal and ordinary in both appearance and behavior.

            4. Superficiality and lack of empathy: Eichmann lacked deep empathy or understanding for the suffering of his victims. He viewed Jews and other targeted groups as mere abstractions, detached from the human reality of their suffering.

            5. Rationalization and self-delusion: Eichmann rationalized his actions and portrayed himself as a mere functionary following orders, rather than taking personal responsibility for his role in the institution’s evil.

Major characteristics of the personality of our second character, Winston Smith:

            1. Outer conformity: Despite his rebellious thoughts and desires, Winston outwardly conformed to the expectations of the Party by performing his job in the Records Department of the Ministry of Truth, where he altered historical records to fit the Party's narrative.

            2. Survival instinct: Winston's compliance to his job can be seen as a survival instinct, as he understood the consequences of non-conformity and the dangers of defying the Party.

            3. Ambivalence and inner conflict: While Winston carried out his job duties, he felt a sense of ambivalence and inner conflict. He despised the Party's propaganda and manipulation of truth but recognized the necessity of complying with it to avoid detection. As he engaged in activities that went against his beliefs, hewas forced to make moral compromises.

            4. Compartmentalization: Winston compartmentalized his actions, separating his outward conformity from his inner rebellion. He rationalized his compliance as a necessary evil while maintaining rebellious thoughts and desires in secret.

            5. Fear of the system's power: His outward compliance serves as a symbol of the Party's power and control over its citizens, illustrating how even those who harbor rebellious thoughts are coerced into submission through fear and manipulation.

Who are you? Better yet, who do you want to become? Since we possess human agency to go against our unruly biological, instinctual tendencies — as well as the norms of our institutions — we can strive to become better than both these characters and our institutions.

This is essential, perhaps more so than in any other institution, for those who work in law enforcement and the criminal justice system.

Can you think independently, above the bureaucratic mindset?

Can you develop introspection and think about the moral consequences of your job? Can you look beyond the logic of what is acceptable in your institutional roles and behaviors?

Can you become a genuine person and develop empathy to see the actor’s point of view? Can you fully become aware of their subjectivity?

Can you rise above the mundane and become a hero who serves others? Can you move beyond conformity to social norms and bureaucratic routines?

Can you refuse to engage in rationalization and self-delusion (“I’m just doing what I’m told”) and instead take responsibility for your actions?

Can you think past the survival instinct and stand up to power and authority, and refuse moral compromises, despite the personal consequences?

Can you overcome fear of the system's power, refuse moral compromise, and stand up to the den of thieves within your institutions?

Jesus cleansed the Temple in Jerusalem, overturning the tables of money changers and driving out those who were buying and selling, expressing his sense of disquiet at the commercialization of religious practices within the sacred space. Our society is composed of institutions which, theoretically, embody our subjectivity (human soul and essence) objectified into an external reality that is supposed to serve the interests of all our brothers and sisters. Perhaps we need to remain strong, independent and courageous so that we, too, can drive out the thieves from the den of our corrupted institutions.

Dr. Peter Marina is a sociologist and criminologist at the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse. Along with his father, (retired) Lieutenant Pedro Marina, he teaches human rights policing to law enforcement professionals throughout the United States. He is author of the Human Rights Policing: Reimagining Law Enforcement in the 21st Century with Routledge Press (2022).

Pursuit… Score One For The Good Guys!

Pursuit… Score One For The Good Guys!
By Dale Gabriel

A pursuit can be defined as the effort to secure or attain. Every cop loves pursuits AND hates them. You get an adrenaline rush that is unmatched in any way in life. Let's face it, who among us wouldn't love to go fast and do whatever we want without any consequences? Not only CAN police officers do it, but we MUST. The bottom line, however, is that you DO have consequences. Your actions, though just in response to someone else's, put hundreds of lives in danger every minute. While you have a sense of control, you're REALLY not in control at all. You are at the mercy of that person you are trying to secure. You must do everything he or she does and do it better and faster and safer. If he goes 100, you must go 101. If he runs a light, you must do it better. People are watching YOU. If he passes illegally, you must follow while making sure not to risk any more lives than necessary. Remember, you are not only responsible for your actions and what may happen, but also HIS.

And what about the end; how is it going to end? Will you be forced to call it off, because too many lives are being put at risk? Is he going to crash, possibly hurting himself of others? Are you going to crash? And what about the VERY end, is he going to have a gun and engage you in gunfire or a physical altercation? These are all things going through your mind while you are driving with tunnel vision to "catch the bad guy."

Today's PSP Memory takes us back to one of my pursuits. September of 1999. Midnight shift on a warm late-summer night. Routes 22 and 981 in New Alexandria Boro, Westmoreland County.

I am working midnight shift with one of my regular partners at the time. There were three of us who rotated every night, two on the road and the third on desk. I enjoyed working with both of them, but it was only for a couple of years, then one transferred closer to his home while the other got off steady midnights. Funny thing about this is that their names were Titley and Askins. One day my then ten-year-old comes to me and says "Hey Dad. Your buddies call you Gabe, right?" I told her yes. "Did you know you ride with Tits and Ass?" I kid you NOT. You cannot make this stuff up!

Anyway, back to the story. It's nearly 3 a.m. The bars had long been closed. The night had quieted down. It was time for a little break, so we rolled into Sheetz at the corner of RT 22 and 981 in New Alexandria for a snack. There were only a handful of customers inside. When I go into an establishment, like all police officers, I like to take a look at everybody. See what they are all up to. I smile and say hello. I try to see if anybody is armed or acting odd. It is very evident when people try to avoid you that they might be up to something.

There is one guy in particular who caught my attention. He would not look at us at all. As I walked over toward him to say hello, he walked away. As I attempted to make eye contact, he would not look at me. Watching him for a few minutes, it was pretty obvious that he was intoxicated.

Trying not to make a scene, I cornered him and engaged him in conversation. I soon discovered that he was HIGHLY intoxicated. He appeared to be alone, so at that point, I wondered if he drove there. You think about many things in a situation like this. To be honest, one of the thoughts I had was not saying a word to him, watch for him to leave, and then arrest him for DUI. After all, he DID drive there in that condition and deserved it. In my mind, however, it was more important to keep him off the road than to make an arrest.

I asked him if he drove here. At this point, there were only two or three people inside and only a couple of cars in the parking lot. He stated that he did not, that his buddy dropped him off and would be picking him up shortly, which seemed kind of far-fetched. I told him that I HOPED that was true, because he should not be anywhere NEAR the road. I told him that if it were NOT true, that he was getting a huge break that he needed to call someone to come get him. I considered arresting him for public drunkenness just for being a danger to himself. Then, I would personally call someone to come and get him, but decided against it, since he had not bothered anybody. Subsequently, my partner and I waited around for a few minutes to make sure he really did have a ride. The customers inside and the cars that were in the lot had gone and were replaced with new ones, so it appeared he really did not drive there.

When nobody came after a while, I talked to him again. Now, my concern was that he was on foot, and was going to try and walk home like this. Route 22 is called "death highway." That could be more dangerous than driving sometimes. He assured me that he indeed had a ride coming, but my “spidey sense” was tingling. I was getting a bad feeling.

Ultimately, we left. I made sure to drive out of sight, then circled back across Route 22. I parked in a parking lot up on the hill where we could watch the entire Sheetz parking lot. After a short while, he finally staggered out the door, barely. He walked away from the store, past all the vehicles toward the corner of the property. It looked like he was going to walk home, so we figured we would stop him before he hit the highway. Investigating a pedestrian accident was the last thing I wanted to do that night.

Right before we got back into the lot, he jumped onto a riding lawn mower, and started heading toward Route 981. Before he could leave the lot, I pulled up behind him and hit the lights on the patrol car. He continued going, pulling out and heading onto 981 South. Seriously? And the pursuit was on!! He turned left onto a side street and continued the first 5 MPH chase in my career. After a short distance, I pulled up alongside him. "Tits" jumped out of the patrol car and tackled him off the lawn mower. The pursuit was over.

We arrested him for DUI AND fleeing and eluding the police, among other things. I transported him back to station for an intoxilyzer test and called for his wife to come pick him up upon his release. When she did, we learned that he was home and wanted to go to the bar. She told him that he was already too drunk and took the keys to ALL their cars. When she went to bed, he apparently took the mower.

He was subsequently convicted of DUI and fleeing and eluding police. Score one for the good guys!

Dale Gabriel is a retired patrol and community services officer with the Pennsylvania State Police. After 25+ years of service, in retirement, he has been working on a book of his many PSP memories. He also coaches a baseball team in a Miracle League for those with special needs. He holds a communication degree with English minor from Saint Vincent College in Western Pennsylvania.

Just Say Thank You

Just Say Thank You
Written by a former Det. Sgt. from the Baltimore City Police Department

To the taxpaying citizen out there, let me tell you about the life of (most) police officers once we are done protecting and serving the community.

We had a life of running down trash-filled alleyways where we prayed we didn’t sprain an ankle or break any bones if we fell. Those times we fell through unsafe floors of vacant dwellings so we could watch and arrest the drug dealers in your neighborhoods. Of course this (sometimes) resulted in an ER visit for stitches, broken bones or a tetanus shot.

All of those times that the suspect that didn’t want to get arrested and fought us.

For those who have never fought for your life let me tell you, you can hardly close your hands for days because of the pain and swelling in your fingers and hands. Some of these actions resulted in dislocated or broken fingers or hands. Of course one of my fights resulted in me getting cut by the suspect with a knife. I have been hit in the head with a cast iron skillet during a domestic or the numerous times I have been kicked in the groin area resulting in a trip to the emergency room. But that is a day at the office for a police officer. We have gotten stitches for various reasons while doing our job and have been sent to the ER for a variety of things. Not to mention the times we have been stuck by uncapped needle from drug addicts. When this happened we get the (Immediate) HIV cocktail that makes us nauseous. For days we worry if we contracted the virus.

We miss many family events because of the job.

Once we leave the job, it’s not over. We have health issues like hypertension and diabetes. Not to mention the surgeries. For me, I have had surgery on my shoulder, knee and numerous epidurals in my back because of the street. I and doing these extremely painful epidurals so I hopefully can avoid getting my back cut open. My knee surgeon said I am about 2 years away from my right knee needing surgery and my left knee will eventually need to be replaced.

We have daily (pain) reminders from our life as a police officer. Some days are harder than others just trying to get out of bed. We also have a shorter life expectancy due to the job.

Worst of all are our brothers and sisters that gave all and didn’t come home at the end of their tour.

But with all that I have listed, I want all to know WE ALL gave 100% to the citizens and taxpayers in the jurisdiction we work. Never forget, we protected property we didn’t own and people we never knew. But we protected this property as if we did own it and protected the citizens of our jurisdiction as if they were our family. Most of all we did this because we chose this job and swore and took an oath to do this and we did!

So if you see a police officer in your travels, just say thank you. This goes a long way!

You’re welcome!

ARE YOU A COWARD?

ARE YOU A COWARD?
By Chris Amos

Are you a coward? Years ago, I was parked next to my sergeant getting paperwork checked when we were interrupted by what sounded like the invasion of Normandy. I’m talking multiple rounds being fired from several different caliber weapons. In fact, so close were the gunshots that we both initially thought we were being ambushed. Realizing the rounds were coming from right around the corner and not intended for us, my sergeant put out a call for backup, before we both activated our lights and sirens and headed toward the gunfire… or so I thought.

I pulled up on the scene to the sounds of screams, I noticed a couple of people on the ground while many others were running in different directions. I quickly scanned the area for anyone armed with a gun. But let me digress for a minute.

In the sixth Chapter of the Book of Judges in the Bible, Israel is being attacked by raiding parties sent by their neighbors, the Midianites, Amalekites and the “people from the East”. Israel cries out to God for help. He sends the most unlikely of heroes, a man by the name of Gideon. Gideon is not onboard with God’s plan as he protests, “O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed, MY CLAN is the WEAKEST in Manasseh, and I AM the LEAST in my father’s house.”Eventually, Gideon puts his own objections and fears to rest, and obeys The Lord, the rest as they say, is history.

God asks four things of Gideon that I believe are relevant to my Brothers and Sister in Blue.

First, CLIMB OUT: At the time Gideon is chosen by God, he is hiding in a winepress, a hole in the ground, threshing wheat, for fear that if he did so in the open, he would be attacked by the raiding party. Keep in mind this raiding party has north of 135,000 men. If Gideon was going to be used of God he would have to leave the relative safety, comfort and predictability of the hole he was in. Think WW I, the war was ultimately won by men who were willing climb out of their own holes in the ground, aka trenches.

Secondly, TEAR DOWN: Once out of his hole, God commanded Gideon to tear down the altar of Baal, a false God, his Father had built. Think of this as a kind of boot camp. Gideon wasn’t immediately thrown into the deep end of faith. No God instructed him to start small, by tearing down those things displeasing to God.

Thirdly, STAND UP: Having obeyed God by climbing out and tearing down, it was now time for Gideon to STAND UP. That is, it was time for Gideon to assemble an army to fight the 135,000-plus army of the enemy. It was time for Gideon to shed his anonymity and go public with his intent to confront an army that dwarfed the size of his own. You will want to read Judges 6, to see how exactly his army of volunteer Israelites “grew” from 32 soldiers to 300 soldiers.

Finally, Gideon was instructed to “RUN TO THE ROAR”: Gideon developed a plan to attack at night an army that outnumbered his own by a mere 450 to 1. In obedience, and with, by this point, an unwavering faith, Gideon did as instructed and would go on to experience one of the most improbable victories in history.

I can’t help but think someone reading this is facing a threat to his or her marriage and/or family. Maybe you are being pressured to compromise your own integrity. Financially, you are in a bad way and you are considering a solution to your situation that goes against departmental policy, or worse yet is illegal. Perhaps, because of a multitude of problems you are contemplating suicide. Friends, Gideon provides us with the roadmap out of the wilderness.

STEP ONE – CLIMB OUT of your own hole. That place of relative comfort, safety and predictability. Your hole could come in the form of a bottle or pill. It could be a place of few expectations and even fewer responsibilities; a place in which the only thing that matters is yourself. Your dreams, your plans, your agenda, your pleasure, etc. With God’s help, and He is willing and able, you need to risk climbing out of your hole.

STEP TWO – TEAR DOWN those things in your life that you know are not pleasing to God. Those people, places, or possessions that have become idols in your own life and anything that has become #1 in your life above God. Maybe it’s your own ego, pride, a habit, addiction, or hobby, working out, running, a craving for recognition, praise, atta boys. Ask God, He will show you what needs to be torn down.

STEP THREE – STAND UP for your marriage, your family, your own reputation, for The Lord. We are surrounded by those things that seek to tear us down – Jesus has another plan in mind, STAND UP!

STEP FOUR – RUN TO THE ROAR, that is run to that very thing that Satan desires will lead to your demise. I’m not talking about taking needless, foolish risks at work. Of course not! But I am saying we need to confront and defeat those “Goliaths” or giants in our lives that have us cowering in fear as we hide in the holes in the ground in our own lives.

Speaking of cowering in fear, remember the shots fired call I mentioned earlier? As I arrived on scene, the stench of gunpowder hanging in the air, my eyes darted left then right scanning the scene for potential threats. It was then that I noticed my sergeant was nowhere to be found. He was, in fact, hiding hunkered down in his squad car blocks away from the danger. He would eventually arrive, I figured he was about the tenth unit to do so. That was honestly the only time, during almost 27 years as a cop that I can say I saw, or didn’t see would be more accurate, a coward in action.

Friends, I began this article with a question, “Are you a coward?” You may be the Alpha in your whole department, but friend if you are hiding in your own hole from responsibilities and expectations outside of policing, you are a coward. The great news is God can and does save cowards. The bad news is, God rarely if ever, can use a coward to make any meaningful or significant impact on those around him or her. Friends, I challenge you, as I do myself, to CLIMB OUT, TEAR DOWN, STAND UP, and RUN TO THE ROAR! God will be with you, every step of the way!

 See you at the finish line!

Chris Amos is a retired officer and former spokesperson for the Norfolk Virginia Police Department. He is currently the pastor at Chr1st Fellowship Church in Norfolk. He is married for over 30 years and is the proud father of three children, two of whom are police officers. He serves as the volunteer Chaplain for Norfolk Police Dept. and Norfolk Sheriff’s Office.

Remembrance - Police Officer Emilia Rennhack

Remembrance - Police Officer Emilia Rennhack
Article & Artwork by Jonny Castro

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On June 28, 2024, off-duty NYPD Police Officer Emilia Rennhack stopped at a nail salon in Deer Park, Long Island to get her nails done. She was supposed to attend the wedding of a fellow officer later that evening. While inside, an SUV being operated at a high rate of speed by a drunken driver, crashed into the store front and came to rest in the back of the building. The violent collision took the life of Officer Rennhack and three others, including the owner of the salon. Nine people ranging from ages 12 to 55 were also hospitalized with injuries. The driver was arrested and charged with DWI.

30-year old Officer Emilia Rennhack was a six-year veteran of the New York Police Department and was assigned to the 102nd Precinct in Queens. She leaves behind a loving husband who also serves as a detective with the NYPD’s 102 PCT. The pair had just gotten married last fall. She was remembered by her colleagues as a beacon of professionalism and warmth, and was always ready to lend a helping hand or a comforting word. During her distinguished career, the young officer had amassed a remarkable 68 felony arrests and 95 misdemeanor arrests. She will never be forgotten.

ANTI-SEMITISM: THE ESCALATING CONFLICT

Editor’s Note: Pastor Amos wrote this essay in November of 2023 concerning the rise in anti-Semitism. It is a prophetic message written six months before the tsunami of anti-Semitism we now see rocking academia. The BLUE Magazine and Pastor Amos thank the NYPD and officer’s nationwide for quelling unlawful assemblies promoting hate.

On October 7, 2023 Israel was invaded by up to 3,000 terrorists, both trained HAMAS members and civilians that joined in the brutal attacks against soldiers, men, women, children, infants, and the elderly. 1,400 were killed that day; an additional 245 were taken hostage. Overlooked by many, was the fact that among those killed were 58 police officers. Men and women, who with little to no warning, did what cops do, they advanced toward the threat confronting an enemy that was far greater in number and better armed. Men and women of law enforcement, unknown to the world, but being hailed as heroes throughout Israel.

Fifty-eight police officers killed in the line of duty in one day. Let me try to put that into perspective.According to the DOJ’s Bureau of Justice statistics [10/22/23], over 80% of the America’s law enforcement departments have 50 or fewer sworn officers. 67% have fewer than 25 officers. In other words, the 58 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty in Israel on 10/7/23 would be the equivalent of entire departments in many US towns and counties.

Since that horrific day, cases of anti-Semitism have exploded around the world. Demonstrations have surfaced in many of America’s major cities reminiscent of the 2020 “Summer of Love” riots that broke out targeting lawenforcement. As the days pass by it seems the protests, and many of the HAMAS sympathizers participating, seem to be getting more confrontational and violent. The riots occurring in Europe are more explosive than those here, at least for now.

The question many ask is why is there such a hatred for the Jews? The hatred isn’t focused on Prime Minister Netanyahu, the Israeli government, or even the Israeli Defense Force [IDF]. No, it is much broader. It includes the residents of Israel, Jew, Arab, and secular. It also encompasses Jews in general, wherever they may live. There are many theories as to why, my own theory is less obvious than most and yet I think it has been hiding in plain sight. I’m talking about a hatred that is spiritual in nature, while physical in its manifestation.

A quick history lesson might help. Abraham of the Old Testament had two sons, Ishmael and Isaac. Ishmael would go on to be the Father of what we know today to be the Arab nations on the world, most of which are not at war with Israel and have no desire to join the war against Israel. Abraham’s son Isaac would have twin boys, Esau and Jacob. Esau was born first, entitling him to all the responsibilities and perks of being the first-born son. That was a HUGE deal at the time. The younger Jacob, whose name would be changed by God to Israel, deceived his elderly, nearly blind, Father Isaac into granting him the blessing that rightfully was Esau’s. Upon discovering this, Esau was furious and sought to kill his younger brother. In time, Jacob would plead for his life and Esau would relent, sparing the lives of Jacob and his family, though the seeds of resentment and hatred had taken root.The damage had been done. Esau would have a grandson, named Amalek. Amalek watered and tended to the seeds of resentment and hatred until they became the driving force of his life and that of his descendants, who would grow to hate Jacob’s descendants with a burning demonic hatred. Speaking of Jacob’s descendants, Jacob would have 12 sons, who would become the patriarchs of the 12 tribes of Israel.Do you see what’s happening? A demonic hatred for Israel is taking shape.

Hang in there with me, I am going somewhere with this. Fast forward a few hundred years to the book of Esther in the Old Testament. The villain in that book is a man named Haman, a descendant of Amalek. He is the first person in the Bible that called for the genocide or eradication of the Jewish people; men, women, children, everyone. God, using Esther, would intervene, saving the Jewish people from complete destruction. Haman would be executed for his actions. Haman was from Persia or modern-day Iran. If he were alive today, he would be one of many Mullahs in Iran calling for the, you guessed it, eradication of the Jewish people from Israel and the world.

Which brings us to October 7th and the days and weeks that have followed. This hatred for the Jews or what I call the “Spirit of Amalek” is alive and well. In fact, we are witnessing it sweeping the entire world, as mostly young angry protesters find themselves experiencing a hatred for the Jews that is illogical, not to mention irrational in nature. Ironically, many of America’s left leaning progressive Jews are now finding themselves the targets of those who they thought were their friends and allies as they protested together, arm in arm, against law enforcement just three short years ago.

What they missed then, and the world is missing now, is that a new anti-Semitism is being born, demonic in nature, global in reach, deadly in expression. This is a manifestation of the “Spirit of Amalek” towards the Jewish people, in Israel and beyond. We have seen incidents of Jews being assaulted, murdered, their homes marked with the star of David, their businesses firebombed around the world.

How does this impact you? Realize you have company on the Thin Blue Line; the people of Israel and Jews around the world. It’s no coincidence the Israeli Flag is a blue Star of David on a white background, bracketed by a thin blue line both above and beneath the Star. Ironically, at least in America, some of law enforcement’s greatest critics three years ago are now finding themselves very much in need of those whom they were so critical of. Truly, The Lord moves in mysterious ways.

What must you do? Understand the spiritual nature behind the hatred, anger, and violence. Stand up for Israel and the Jewish Community in your jurisdiction. Realize the actions taken by those under the “Spirit of Amalek” will be irrational. I firmly believe America will experience, both lone wolf attacks and organized, well planned, attacks like Israel experienced on 10/7 and in America on 9/11. The question is not if but when, where, by how many, and what will be the extent of the destruction inflicted.

Having been called by God [Romans 13] you, as a Law Enforcement Officer, will play an important role in keeping “The Spirit of Amalek” in check in your corner of America. I pray that we will all be given eyes to see and ears to hear what both God and the enemy of our souls is up to. I pray for your safety and boldness, as you confront the “Spirit of Amalek”.

Friends, you are, whether it feels like it or not, on the front line of an escalating conflict. Know this, our power, our strength, our ability to win this battle comes from Jesus Christ. If you haven’t considered Jesus as The Savior and Lord of your life, I can’t urge you strongly enough to seriously consider doing so. As for me and my house, we have long ago chosen to bow the knee to Jesus and to stand with Israel! Brothers and Sisters in blue, all of Heaven is watching. What will you do?

Chris Amos is a retired officer and former spokesperson for the Norfolk Virginia Police Department. He is currently the pastor at Chr1st Fellowship Church in Norfolk. He is married for over 30 years and is the proud father of three children, two of whom are police officers. He serves as the volunteer Chaplain for Norfolk Police Dept. and Norfolk Sheriff’s Office.

Violence Prevention & Mental Illness: Unraveling the Complex Connection

Violence Prevention & Mental Illness: Unraveling the Complex Connection
By: Joel E. Gordon

Mass shootings and violent acts continue to shake communities worldwide, leaving devastation and questions in their wake. As society grapples with understanding these heinous acts, one common question arises: Is there a link between mass shooters, violent acts and mental illness? In this article, we delve into this complex topic, examining the intertwining factors and shedding light on the reality behind the headlines.

Contrary to popular belief, the vast majority of individuals with mental illnesses are not violent. In fact, studies consistently show that those battling mental health issues are more likely to be victims of violence rather than perpetrators. It is crucial to dispel the myth that mental illness directly leads to acts of mass shootings, as it perpetuates stigma and hampers our ability to address the true root causes.

While mental illness alone does not predict violent behavior, it is essential to recognize that certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of someone with mental health challenges engaging in violence. These risk factors may include:

1.      Untreated or undertreated mental illness: Lack of access to or compliance with appropriate mental health treatment can exacerbate symptoms and increase the risk of dangerous behavior.

2.      Substance abuse: When substance abuse co-occurs with mental illness, the risk of violence may escalate due to impaired judgment, altered perception and increased impulsivity.

3.      Previous violent behavior: History of violence, regardless of mental health status, is a significant predictor of future aggression.

4.      Social isolation and marginalization: Feeling excluded, lonely or marginalized can fuel anger and resentment, potentially leading to violent acts as a means of revenge or attention-seeking.

While it is critical to acknowledge the role of mental health in the broader context of mass shootings, it is equally important not to overlook the societal factors that contribute to such acts. These factors include:

1.      Access to firearms: Easy access to firearms can significantly escalate the risk of violence. Responsible gun ownership is vital.

2.      Media influence: Desperate for attention and infamy, some mass shooters seek to make headlines. Sensationalized media coverage can inadvertently contribute to copycat incidents.

3.      Social contagion: Mass shootings can trigger a contagious effect, inspiring others to commit similar acts. This contagion factor is amplified through the rapid spread of information via social media and online platforms.

To effectively address the issue of mass shootings, a comprehensive approach is crucial. This approach should encompass:

1.      Improved mental health services: Enhancing access to affordable and quality mental health services can ensure individuals receive appropriate treatment, reducing the risk of violence.

2.      Early identification and intervention: Recognizing warning signs and providing timely intervention can make a significant difference in diverting potentially violent individuals toward appropriate support systems.

3.      Promotion of social connectedness: Creating inclusive communities that foster social connections and support networks can alleviate social isolation and reduce the risk of violent behavior.

4.      Responsible control measures: Implementing control policies that lawfully balance individual rights with public safety are also in need of further exploration.

My own experience as a law enforcement official has been that when I encountered an individual who clearly seemed to be a danger to themselves or others and showed a propensity toward violence, mental health practitioners routinely requested criminalization through a request for legal charges of a criminal nature, or when forced to perform in-person evaluation, would often release the individual untreated.

While the connection between mass shooters, violent acts and mental illness is complex, it is essential to dispel misconceptions and approach the issue from a holistic perspective. By focusing on early intervention, better and more responsive mental health support, and addressing societal factors, we can work toward a safer future minimizing the risk of violence and protecting our communities. Remember, combating the stigma associated with mental illness while addressing the multifaceted nature of violence and mass shootings is crucial for progress in prevention.

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

MANAGING EDITOR'S POINT OF VIEW

So, what is a magazine? Coming from the Arabic word makhzan, meaning ‘storehouse,’ the term magazine was originally used to describe books as they were considered to be storehouses of knowledge. Eventually, the word came to refer to published periodicals like the storehouse of knowledge that is the BLUE Magazine!

The BLUE Magazine writers, new and existing alike, are some of the most talented in sharing wisdom and knowledge with our readers. Honing our writing skills, our contributors are masters of concise thought sharing while avoiding any double meanings or mistaken interpretations.

Please welcome some new writers… Marty Katz, Stan Popovich, and renowned attorney Lance LoRusso to our BLUE Magazine family. When your badge is wrongfully threatened, Lance is a go-to expert for his knowledge and expertise in your defense. His inaugural article for us appears in this edition of the magazine.

We are focusing attention in this issue on Violence Prevention and Mental Illness through our cover story as we seek to unravel the complex connection. Companion articles by Joe Pangaro, Understanding the Kill List brings attention to an important red flag for law enforcement and others. Leonard Sipes explores Can The Justice System Help Violent People With Mental Health Issues? Ken Dye writes Making the Case FOR Excited Delirium. All are must-read articles along with many other articles of interest and benefit.

Sadly, we have lost one of our own. BLUE Magazine mourns the loss of Baltimore City Police Major Wesley Wise (Ret.) who passed away earlier this year. In addition to being a prolific writer, after his service to Baltimore, he became a computer system trainer for the Kauai Hawaii Police Department. His reach and influence was far and wide. He is missed by his family, friends and all of us here at the BLUE Magazine. Be sure to read our tribute to him in this issue.
As always, reach out to us, share your thoughts, and continue to give us your wisdom. We are here for you as we collectively navigate the often tough world around us together.

Joel E. Gordon
Managing Editor

Making the Case FOR Excited Delirium

Making the Case FOR Excited Delirium
By: Ken Dye

Excited delirium, as a medical diagnosis has been banned in California.  Can other states and/or the American Medical Association and the Department of  Health and Human Services be far behind in striking EX as a reason for an in-custody death?

You get a call. A person is standing on top of a car screaming at passersby.  He has a machete and swings it violently.  You and several other cars are at the scene.  What to do?

The onlookers want the police officers on scene to “Do something.”

The weirded-out subject is in no mood to listen to calm and reasoned conversation.  De-escalation techniques fail … miserably.

As officers attempt to gain some kind of communication, the person jumps off the car, and in the process of doing so loses his machete.

He is now chasing after pedestrians…the police officers, having already called for an ambulance, must move.

And they do.  The officers “swarm” the suspect.

They are met with an aggressive and violently resisting subject.  The officers TASER the person and use chemical agents to gain control.  Nothing seems to work.

The subject has superhuman strength and is impervious to pain.

The officers finally get control of the person and he’s rushed to a trauma hospital.

Whilse at the hospital a paramedic tells the attending physician the patient has had Ketamine injected.  The medical professional is trained on when, how and the quantity of the drug to administer.  He also tells the attending physician the in-custody person’s temperature is 115 degrees and his blood pressure is 200/160.  The classic telltale signs of out-of-control drug abuse.

The subject admitted to use of cocaine, PCP and meth.  After the admission, the patient calms down for a short time where he calmly speaks about the quantity of drugs taken during the last 24 hours.

The patient then dies.  He dies from what?  It’s not “Excited Delirium”… then just what the hell is it?

Pathologists are reluctant to use EX as a cause of death.  OK, how about self-induced drug intoxication that overwhelmed the drug abuser?

Often, police officers are the faux bad guys.  Medical, political officials and chiefs can be the biggest critics when it comes to an in-custody death.

The fact is that people die in police custody.  Usually from excessive drug use that causes the body to shut down.  Police officers desire to be able and efficient.  If the EX diagnosis is no longer valid, those that dispute the diagnosis better come up with a plan to deal with these out-of-control subjects … and quit using law enforcement as the whipping boy for these deaths.

Ken Dye is the author of 5 books about crime, cops and bad guys in the St. Louis area.  He Blogs under “Cops Perspective” and has over 20,000 followers. Ken served with the St. Louis County Police Department for 13 years and finished his LE career with the Illinois Criminal Justice Authority as the administrator for the statewide MEG’s and Narcotics Task Forces.

Can The Justice System Help Violent People With Mental Health Issues?

Can The Justice System Help Violent People With Mental Health Issues?
By: Leonard Adam Sipes, Jr.

This article addresses programs designed to assist offenders with serious mental health problems, from laws designed to stem violence or mass shootings to the rehabilitation of criminal offenders.

No one is questioning the efficacy of mental health treatment for the general public. The challenge is criminals with a history of violence or people in the community threatening violence or a mass shooting. 

When I was the director of public information for the Maryland Department of Public Safety (a combined law enforcement and corrections agency), I was asked by the media why the state didn’t do more to “rehabilitate” prison inmates or those on parole and probation. As I was new in the position, I put that question to the four commissioners in charge of our correctional operations.

“Leonard, most offenders come from abusive family backgrounds with massive substance use and serious mental illness. Nothing short of a substantial intervention will get them to mental competency and sobriety.”

So I asked what was standing in the way of massive interventions. Wouldn’t it make sense to assist them? As one stated, “There isn’t enough money because there’s little proof that programs work, especially for those seriously afflicted who have violent backgrounds.”

Their replies come to mind when I read a recent article from the New York Times about Kendra’s Law and treating violent people in the community which has been cited as a national model for involuntary treatment programs. The investigation found that people under Kendra’s Law orders “have been accused of committing more than 380 subway shovings, beatings, stabbings and other violent acts in the past five years alone, more than a third of which took place in New York City. In addition, more than 90 people have killed themselves while subject to Kendra’s Law orders in the past decade. Eighty-five percent of the attempts to use Kendra’s Law to hospitalize people against their will in New York City did not result in hospital admissions.” Critics of Kendra’s Law acknowledge that there’s insufficient money for correctional treatment.

There’s not a prison warden in the country who’s against treatment programs while understanding that mental health is the core of rehabilitation efforts. It doesn’t matter whether it’s getting a GED or bricklaying or preparing for life on the outside, having a healthy relationship with yourself or others is vital. 

Programs for inmates create stable environments within correctional facilities. Inmates who are meaningfully engaged in programs behave better. Programs create safer and saner environments for correctional staff and when you realize that most inmates have current or past convictions for crimes of violence, keeping prisons safe becomes primary goals.

Per the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 78 percent of inmates had previous incarcerations. Forty-two percent had 5-10 or more incarcerations. 62 percent were violent. 66 percent of male inmates are serving time for violent crimes. If one looks at criminal histories, the percentage of those in prison for crimes of violence easily reaches 70-80 percent.

The simple answer for the lack of money for correctional treatment is, quite simply, that they have questionable track records of success.

There’s not a chief of police who disagrees with mental health interventions for people with potential violence issues, but they understand that there are endless complexities to getting a person into treatment, keeping them there and making sure that they get the right treatment.

Even when states do the right thing regarding mental health programs for potentially violent people in the community, counties may not comply because of a lack of funding.

I sat with one of our correctional commissioners in a facility housing hundreds of inmates charged with murder or serious violent crimes. We were gaining intelligence for a governor’s crime summit. It was just he and I. The inmates spoke openly.

We were told that violence was a necessary component in their lives. They said that being scary-violent and the willingness to use violence was in their best interest. It kept them and their family and possessions safe. “You don’t get it, Mr. Sipes, being violent is a good thing.”

When we asked questions about their backgrounds, a reputation for mental illness was a plus. If you’re known as unpredictable and willing to use violence, people keep their distance. They are careful about what they say or do regarding you. The inmates we spoke to believe that the crazier, the better.

They describe being raised by absent or uncaring parents who engaged in abuse or neglect, that their neighborhoods were dangerous, and that substance abuse and gangs were logical outcomes that offered protection.

In short, they made dysfunction something they willingly embraced. They didn’t expect to live beyond the age of 25. How do you successfully treat someone with that view of themselves?

So are most correctional or community programs doomed to failure? Whether it’s “assisting” mentally ill people in the community or the correctional system, the interventions need dramatically more funding. We impose Red Flag (firearm confiscation) laws that cops don’t have the person power to enforce (thousands of police officers have left the job). We pile on responsibilities (i.e., school security, mass shooting prevention, keeping communities safe) when cities are stating that they have lost hundreds of cops.

I’m guessing that most in the criminal rehabilitation field would insist that this finding applies to their programs as well, which is why the vast majority of offenders are rearrested or incarcerated upon release.

The collective literature states that programs for offenders either do not work or do not work well. Yet, daily, I read about programs that are providing wonderful results.

States have different interpretations of released inmate recidivism. Some states are merely changing the rules of bad or criminal behavior that ensure that their recidivism rates decrease.

Most offenders have mental health backgrounds.

In the final analysis, we might be able to save the government billions of dollars and cut violence considerably “if” the interventions were successful. With such a massive payoff, why are governments so reluctant to properly fund interventions?

It’s because violent criminal offenders can be extremely difficult to assist. Many in parole and probation describe them as at war with the world; they have chips on their shoulders the size of Montana. It’s because criminal offenders see crime to be a logical path. It’s because, regardless of what advocates suggest, the results of programs suck (an opinion most inmates embrace).

Society insists that people in the community threatening violence who have mental health issues be addressed by mental health providers and law enforcement and both lack the resources and staff to comply.

Advocates constantly tell us that the vast majority of people with serious mental health problems will never commit violence. Where is the data that allows us to distinguish between the truly dangerous and those not?

Interventions for the seriously mentally or emotionally ill with violent backgrounds (or those threatening violence) need exceptional research and funding. Unless that happens, little will change.

Leonard Adam Sipes, Jr.is a retired federal senior spokesperson. A former Adjunct Associate Professor of Criminology and Public Affairs - University of Maryland. Former advisor to the “McGruff-Take a Bite Out of Crime” national media campaign. Past police officer. Aspiring drummer. Operator of CrimeinAmerica.net. His book based on thirty-five years of criminal justice public relations,” Success with the Media: Everything You Need to Survive Reporters and Your Organization” is available at Amazon and additional booksellers. He can also be found @ leonardsipes.com

A Deepening Crisis: The Struggle to Recruit and Retain Police Officers

A Deepening Crisis: The Struggle to Recruit and Retain Police Officers
By: Lt. Joseph Bucco

In recent years, police departments across the country have faced an unprecedented challenge: the struggle to recruit and retain qualified police officers. This growing crisis has far-reaching consequences for public safety, community trust and the overall well-being of our society. As we examine the underlying factors contributing to this predicament, it becomes clear that urgent action is needed to address the root causes and restore the integrity of our law enforcement agencies.

One key factor contributing to the struggle to recruit and retain police officers is the rapid change of public perception of law enforcement. High-profile cases of police misconduct and excessive use of force have eroded public trust and created a negative image of the profession. These rare incidents are amplified by social media and 24/7 news coverage, and have led to increased scrutiny and criticism of police practices. As a result, many potential recruits are deterred by the fear of being associated with a profession perceived as corrupt or abusive.

Law enforcement officers face an unprecedented level of scrutiny in today's digital age. Every action, decision and encounter can be recorded and instantly shared, often without proper context. This constant surveillance, fueled by public demand for accountability, places an enormous burden on police officers. The fear of being unfairly judged or publicly shamed, even for minor mistakes, has contributed to a sense of demoralization among law enforcement personnel. This intense scrutiny is yet another thing that has dissuaded many potential candidates from pursuing a career in policing.

Another significant factor affecting recruitment and retention is the heightened risk and danger faced by police officers. The nature of police work is inherently dangerous, but in recent years, the job has become even more perilous. Officers routinely face the threat of violence, confront armed individuals and find themselves in life-or-death situations. The rising tide of gun violence and the prevalence of heavily armed criminals have exacerbated these risks. The fear for personal safety, coupled with the emotional toll of witnessing trauma and tragedy, has made the profession less appealing to potential recruits.

The issue of compensation and support for police officers cannot be overlooked. Many law enforcement agencies struggle to offer competitive salaries and benefits, making it difficult to attract qualified candidates. The demanding nature of police work, coupled with long hours and irregular schedules, further compounds the problem. Moreover, inadequate funding for training and equipment places additional strain on officers, hindering their ability to effectively perform their duties. The lack of support and resources creates an environment where burnout and dissatisfaction are prevalent, leading to increased attrition rates.

The consequences of the struggle to recruit and retain police officers are dire and far-reaching. Shortages in law enforcement personnel result in reduced police presence and slower response times, jeopardizing public safety. Overworked and stressed officers may be more prone to making errors or engaging in misconduct, further eroding public trust. Moreover, a lack of diversity within police departments hampers their ability to understand and effectively serve diverse communities. This crisis has a detrimental impact on crime prevention, community relations and the overall quality of life for citizens.

To address the struggle to recruit and retain police officers, comprehensive and systemic changes are required. First and foremost, rebuilding public trust must be a priority. Police departments must engage in transparent and accountable practices, emphasizing community-oriented policing and fostering positive relationships with the communities they serve. Implementing robust internal systems of accountability and oversight can help identify and address misconduct, restoring faith in the profession.

Additionally, competitive compensation packages must be offered to attract and retain qualified candidates. This includes competitive salaries, benefits and greater opportunities for professional development. Prioritizing mental health support for officers, including regular counseling services and trauma-informed care, is crucial to mitigating the emotional toll of the job.

Investing in comprehensive training programs and modernizing police equipment is also essential. Emphasizing de-escalation techniques, cultural sensitivity and non-lethal alternatives can improve officer effectiveness and community relations. Collaborating with educational institutions to develop recruitment pipelines and incentivizing individuals from diverse backgrounds to join law enforcement can lead to more representative and empathetic police forces.

The struggle to recruit and retain police officers is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. Rebuilding public trust, addressing concerns of accountability and transparency and improving compensation and support systems are critical steps toward resolving this crisis. By investing in the well-being of law enforcement personnel and fostering community collaboration, we can restore the integrity of our police departments, ensuring public safety and promoting trust between officers and the communities they serve.

Joe Bucco is a Municipal Police Lieutenant in New Jersey.  He is currently in his 20th year of service and is assigned to the Detective Division as a supervisor. A certified police instructor since 2011, Joe has taught a variety of topics at police academies and academic institutions across New Jersey. Some of his past assignments include the department’s Patrol Division, Street Crimes Unit as well as an on-loan assignment with a multi-jurisdiction Fugitive Task Force. He received a Bachelor of Arts from Ramapo College of New Jersey and a Master of Arts from Seton Hall University’s Police Graduate Studies Program. In 2018, Joe accepted a position as a Business Development Manager with a national communications and media company that is solely focused on serving our nations law enforcement officers.   

Understanding the Kill List- For Schools and Law Enforcement

Understanding the Kill List- For Schools and Law Enforcement
By Lt. Joseph Pangaro, CSO, CPM

A Kill List definition:  A list of the names of people a person intends or desires to kill.

We often see “Kill Lists” discussed in relation to a school shooting. In the course of the investigation after an active shooter attack has taken place, the law enforcement agency will often find a kill list in the shooter’s belongings or at their house. Finding this after people have been injured and died is very unfortunate.

In some cases, the kill list is found before any violence takes place. This is a good thing and can save lives if the school and the police know how to respond to finding such a list.

A little personal experience here to help explain the concerns. About five years ago, I conducted a training program for school personnel on the topic of identifying dangerous people by reviewing their writings, journals, drawings, social media posts and other expressions that could indicate their mindset of violent intent.

One of the things we must understand is that when it comes to a young person considering violence such as an active shooter attack on a school, or an adult at a workplace, the people who do this very rarely wake up on a random Tuesday and decide they will kill their classmates or co-workers.

What we find from the investigations after an attack and the lessons learned in these cases is that the attacker often thinks about this activity for weeks if not months before they actually strike out. It is during this “Thinking it over time” that they can express themselves in ways that can give clue to their violent intent. If we can identify this intent, if we can see it, we can intervene to prevent a violent incident.

In this program I talked about the concept of “Leakage” as it relates to people who commit violence. Leakage is a term to describe the things a person planning violence often does, and that we can often see, as they prepare themselves for the attack.

Their intent or plans may be “leaked” out intentionally or unintentionally through their social media posted comments, pictures, drawings, journaling, or other forms of expression. We may see they have written a “Manifesto” or a written record of their frustrations, angers, hatred or descriptions of abuses they are facing, real or imagined. These manifestos often include their plans on how to strike out at the person or people they hold responsible for their suffering.   

Leakage develops as the person falls deeper and deeper into the thoughts and plans for violence. These thoughts become ever present and can overtake their lives. In an effort to vent these feelings, they can reveal their inner thoughts.

Looking for signs of leakage is a way to identify potential danger.  

Some of the leakage we look for or see can include making statements that sound scary or dangerous, offering veiled threats to a person or group of people, posting pictures of themselves in their battle dress or displaying guns or other weapons, writing stories of violence with them as the attacker. 

The change of clothing styles is a sign of potential violence. The person might begin to wear things associated with a violent incident such as battle gear. Think of a law enforcement SWAT team and how they dress. They wear BDU’s (Battle Dress Uniforms), gun belts, camouflage and military- or police-style boots. All of these items have a legitimate use in law enforcement and the military, but the average citizen does not wear such things for style or trends. These kinds of clothing items have a specific purpose that we all know from the news reports of military or police action and from every TV show we have ever watched. You wear those things when you are going to battle.

This is something that many of the active killers we are familiar with have done, both adults and juveniles. This of the Columbine Killers, they wore BDU’s, gun belts, boots, and gloves. The Parkland Killer wore the same things.  The adult killer of police officers and civilians in Dallas about 10 years ago wore the same things, and in recent times we saw the Covenant School shooter in Nashville wearing the same kinds of things -- dressing up for the action is often part of the killer’s activity and it is a red flag if we pay attention it.  

The lesson here is simple: If you have a student or co-worker who starts wearing this kind of clothing or posting social media pictures of themselves dressed like this, we must investigate. 

Their expressions through drawings often take the form of cartoon doodles or very detailed drawings depending on their skill level. These kinds of drawings often depict the person drawing in the first-person perspective. They draw themselves into the cartoons as the person committing the violence or punishing the people they consider as bad or evil.

Shortly after I gave this presentation, I had two teachers reach out to me with drawings they saw made by students. The first one depicted a very active scene with a central theme. The teacher took the picture from the student. Here is that picture:

This picture immediately got my attention and for good reason. The wording itself is disturbing -- “Kill List” was the original title of the drawing, but the word list was scratched out and replaced with “Plan.”  To properly interpret this drawing, we have to see the movement and evolution of the ideas and thoughts of the person drawing.

In its original incarnation, he makes a statement about what the drawing is, it is a  kill list, but over time, as his thoughts evolved, and he was drawn deeper into his suffering he updated the drawing and changed the statement to “Kill Plan.”

This change tells me, the investigator, that the person was dwelling on this concept, the kill list had power and he was trying to develop a way to express his feelings. When he changed it to “Kill Plan,” that told me he had advanced his ideas from a mere expression of anger, hatred, victimization to a plan of action to fight back against that which was hurting him.

Looking closer we can see that after changing his statement to a plan of action he asks “How”.  How would he do the things he was considering, assuaging his negative feelings or emotions?

We see his answer to how he would do this- “A Gun.” And finally, he made a declarative statement- “No More”, his actions were solidified, his plan created.

This tells me that these thoughts and ideas were percolating, developing and evolving in his mind over time and his burgeoning plan was now taking tangible shape.

I visited the school and asked the principal to find the student and bring him to the office, with the caveat that he should be separated from any backpack or bag he may have with him.

This was done and the student sat before us in the office, he was a freshman boy.

The interview.

Once the young man was seated, the principal explained why he was in the office and who I was. We produced the picture, and I asked him if he drew it. He said he did draw it.

I asked him to explain to me what the picture was trying to say. He looked down and shook his head, saying, “I’m not sure.”

I prodded him gently, saying I believed he knew what he was expressing and that it was OK to tell me, I told him it looked like he was sad and angry. He shook his head yes.

I had to build up to what I knew the picture was saying so I started with ancillary parts of the picture. I pointed to the “Cage” depicted in the top left corner of the drawing  and what looked like four people in the cage.  He had labeled them as :   

“Misery, Hate, Sue and Sick”

I asked him who these people were. He said they were kids in his class. He had been a part of a month’s long class project and the people in the cage were kids on his team for the project.

The young man was not a classic bullied kid, but he was not well-liked. He was considered “Different” by other students, a loner, he dressed differently, and he was more solitary than other students. He was excluded from many activities for these reasons.

I asked him why they were named Misery, Hate, Sue and Sick. He said “Misery” was a name he gave to one of the girls on the team who made him feel miserable about himself. The boy he labeled as “Hate” was another young man who treated him very badly and he hated him, He said “Sue” was not a girls real name, she was the least offensive team member who simply went along with the poor treatment, so he wanted her to be sued and go to jail. And finally, “Sick” was another young man he felt was sick in the head for the horrible things he said to him about his clothes, his family and other personal things.

I then turned my attention to the other characters depicted in the picture, the ones on the bottom of the page. These appeared to show young people being shot with a handgun, crossed out, and some were saying “No” as if terrified.

I asked him who they were, and he said they were the kids in schools he hated for how they made him feel, including his project team.

I then turned my attention to the central character in the drawing, a stick figure of a young male. This character was larger than the others and centrally placed.  Notably the eyes of this character were crossed out and closed.  I think it is clearly an expression of a dead person when we see their eyes ex’d out and closed.

I asked the young man who the person in the middle is. He began to tear up and said -- “That’s me” I said are you dead in this picture, and he said, “Yes, after I kill them, I’m going to kill myself, I can’t take it anymore.”

This picture was filled with information about the young man’s state of mind, his stresses, his thought process, his intentions and his plan of action. The investigator who can interpret this information can take action to prevent tragedy.

The teacher who saw this picture was moved to action because she was given the information before she saw the picture to understand it had important meaning and she took action.  In fact, she told me that if she had not had the training and understanding about what drawings can tell us, she might have just taken it and ripped it up, advising the boy not to draw such ugly things anymore.

What else was this drawing besides an expression of pain by the young man who drew it?  It was also a kill list, it said so in the title. It told us so because specific people were targeted (His project) even if not named by their real names. It showed us the progression of his thoughts and actions.

For an epilogue, I can say that he did have access to guns, and he told me that he was going to act on it sooner rather than later. When pushed he said “maybe two weeks”

The young man was removed from the school that very day for psychological evaluation. His parents were not aware of his feelings or intentions or his suicidal ideations, they were shocked. He did not return to the school, but reports I’ve gotten indicate he is doing very well; he no longer has a desire to hurt anyone including himself. He got the psychiatric help he needed and in the 10 years since he drew this picture and harbored thoughts of homicide and self-destruction he has thrived. Education and observation saved his life and his classmates as well.

First-Person

While the young man in this first example drew in first-person and the drawing was about him and his plans, my second example is a bit different, but just as important for police investigators and school personnel.

A short time after I received the first picture, a different teacher in another district sent me another drawing of concern.  She also attended one of my training sessions on the topic of interpreting drawings.

This teacher said she saw a young man, high school sophomore, drawing in his notebook and the picture scared her.  She took the picture and sent me a photo of it. I responded to the school and met with the student and the principal. 

Here is the second drawing:

This drawing depicts a young man with an ax attacking the Kool Aid Guy. The Kool Aid guy is injured, he is bleeding out, and his face shows fear, distress and pain and he says, “Oh No!”. The young man depicted appears to be smiling.

You can see why the teacher was concerned. It is a violent picture.

When I interviewed this young man, he said he drew the picture. When asked what was happening to the Kool Aid guy he said, “That guy is annoying, he breaks through walls yelling ‘Oh Yeah!’ so somebody got sick of it and shut him up.”

I asked him if he was the person with the ax attacking the Kool Aid guy.

The young man smiled and said, “No, man, that’s not me. That’s just some dude who’s sick of his nonsense”

After some other conversation and review of the young man’s history, it was clear that this picture, which is disturbing, was not a threat to anyone veiled or otherwise, it was simply a cartoon.

This drawing was not in the first-person, the attacker was not even the drawer, and the injury was not to a person but to a real cartoon character. The attacker was smiling. A cartoon in poor taste, yes, but not a threat.

I spoke to the teacher and thanked her for sending it to me and for paying attention to signs of potential violence. The takeaway here is similar to the first teacher, with information and knowledge we can get people to report potential problems or threats so we can act.   

Journaling, Writing and Social Media Posts

Journaling and writing can also be expressions of our inner thoughts, concerns, angers and joys. Many people of all ages journal to keep a record of their lives or activities. What we look at with young people is the time and place of journaling and writing, the topics and the action that takes place in the writings.

As anyone who deals with children as they grow and mature, we know that they can experience the world in different ways at different ages. Little children can draw things that are scary to them. We know that some abused children will draw horrific pictures of the abuse or how it feels to them. These pictures are often the only way they can express these feelings, since writing might not be a mastered skill yet.

When an investigator or teacher sees these kinds of pictures, they will often set off alarm bells and initiate some kind of an investigation by school personnel, doctors, parents or guardians. This is appropriate because it is information that tells us something is not right.

In little children, drawing a picture of abuse or of sexual organs at ages under 8 or 9 is not the normal thing of childhood. Of course, there can be legitimate reasons that some kids might draw those things and not be victims, but we would investigate none the less because it is out of the ordinary expectations of what young children are experiencing in a normal healthy life experience and it would draw our suspicions.

We also know that around the age of middle school, 11-15 or so, a young person’s understanding of the world around them begins to change and expand. This change comes from heightened awareness of the world around them, increased intelligence, exposure to TV, social media and other outside stimuli of the adult world.

At this age, a young person can understand that family members and friends get sick or die for many reasons, including the modern phenomenon of teen suicide which is on the increase.

When a young person begins to see these kinds of things, they will often reflect that in their writing or journaling. They begin to see the dark side of life and they can internalize that by drawing dark themes or writing stories with dark themes as a way to deal with this new understanding that the whole world is not the safe place of mom and dad’s house. This is normal in most cases where young people journal and write darker themes. But it is here that we can also see signs of potential violence growing.

Stories about killing or hurting people, first-person or otherwise, can be an indicator of a developing problem or potential danger, attack or suicide.

When reviewing the writings, journals and social media posts of anyone, we must look to the essence of what they expressions are about. In some cases, it will be clear such as the journaling and writing of the Columbine Killers.

They left detailed journals describing their anger, hatred and self-doubts as well as their plans to attack and kill their classmates. Several years ago, on Long Island, a young man was journaling about attacking his school and left the journal behind at a fast-food restaurant. It was found and turned over to the police who intervened and thwarted his planned attack.

And recently in the Covenant School shooting in Nashville, we know the killer had a detailed manifesto describing why he was angry and what he wanted to do.  Had someone found this document, it could have prevented tragedy. 

As for social media posts, many people who harbor feelings of violence will post those feelings as a way of expressing them or threatening those they dislike. The shooter in the Virginia Tech attack created and posted a video manifesto, the Parkland School shooter also posted threats and plans on social media.

The lessons here are this: The need to express these negative feelings, threats and plans is fairly common. We must be aware of them and try not stay ahead of any potentially dangerous act as best we can by looking for leakage and investigating properly.

Using digital assets like “geo fencing” can help. Geo fencing is the use of software that can be focused on social media posts that have keys words about violence or attacks or killing, etc. The geo fencing can be targeted to a school property, a business or an entire town. When the specified key words appear in a post, notifications are sent to whoever set up the geo fencing. This is usually the school district or the local police. In many cases they split the cost. It is a good but underused technology that can help us keep our communities safe.  

Monitoring journaling and writing might be harder because they are more private. As law enforcement and school personnel, we should encourage the parents and guardians of our children to review their writings and drawings and provide them with training to recognize the signs to looks for.

As I conclude this piece, I want to cover the actual kill list and how it should be investigated by schools and law enforcement. This is an area of action this is often not handled correctly by either group.

First, some problems I see that can lead to improper investigation or reaction by schools and law enforcement.

Many people see a kill list as simply an inappropriate activity by a student. Something unpleasant, rude or, scary, but not life threatening. The reaction by this group can be to destroy the kill list and admonish the student not to do it again. There is no proper follow-up with parents or law enforcement. I have seen this happen in real life too many times, even today with our heightened awareness of the dangers of attacks on schools.

When law enforcement is notified, many officers don’t understand the significance and investigative value of getting the kill list before violence happens. I have seen officers take the list and throw it away, leave it with the teacher and not follow up any further. As professionals, we have to train our people to treat the kill list very seriously and do the follow up that is needed to save lives.

How do we do this?

First, create a school policy that requires training for staff to recognize potentially dangerous writings, drawings, journaling or social media posting. Then, include a requirement that any identified writing, drawing, journaling or social media post be preserved and kept by the school. Then include a provision to ensure local law enforcement is called and responds to the school to conduct a follow-up investigation.

Schools should add that any student who creates any potentially violent writings, drawings, journalings or social media postswill have their lockers and backpacks searched (Follow local and state law for guidance) for weapons or other evidence of potential violence.

Create a tip line where a student can report dangers anonymously and include how the tips will be followed up. Develop a training program for properly investigating threats.

These steps can help prevent violence. We have seen many incidents where students have come forward to report potentially violent students and this reporting has prevented attacks. 

For Law Enforcement:

Train your officers to take kill lists and other threats very seriously and investigate them properly. A kill list investigation should include parental notification, a police officer visit to the student’s home to inquire about weapons, a request for a consent to search the student’s room (or a search warrant if probable cause exists), and taking into custody any evidence at the home or from the school.

These may seem like simple things, but they can make a huge difference.

A kill list is an important red flag we must all recognize as such and respond properly.

Joseph Pangaro is a 27-year veteran of law enforcement. He retired in 2013 at the rank of Lieutenant and currently serves as the Director of School Safety and Security for a large school district in NJ. He is also the owner of Pangaro Training and Management, a company that provides training to the public and private sector on a host of topics. Email: JPangaro@Yahoo.com

You Mean Law Enforcement Is the Answer?

You Mean Law Enforcement Is the Answer?
By: Lance J. LoRusso, Esq.

I recently completed four interviews on national news sources in fourteen hours prompted, as usual, by the poking of a hornet’s nest. In this case, it was the deployment of National Guard members to New York City. I answered their questions, took an opportunity to educate, as always, and expressed the same thoughts I have had and voiced hundreds of times: Law enforcement is not the problem.

Societal problems are truly unique. Developing solutions is free, everyone has an opinion. A glaring lack of experience or knowledge does not impair your ability to grab headlines, and the more outlandish your theory, the more press it will get. Consider the “defund the police movement” which I have described as the fastest conceived, implemented and failed social policy in United States history. Perhaps it is wisdom disguised as old age, experience leading to patience, or an ability to float at the 10,000-foot view to gain a different perspective, but with all the nonsense I see on a regular basis, I remain optimistic about law enforcement in the United States.

Optimistic? Does he have a bottle of tequila next to his laptop? No, but what I do have is the perspective of a lawyer who has represented approximately 180 officers in shootings and critical incidents. I also bring the insight of a trainer with thirty years of experience watching amazing candidates increase their skills through dedication and perseverance. Finally, I witness every day the dedication of the men and women in law enforcement who still show up, do the job and put their lives at risk for strangers.

The National Guard stories allowed me to highlight some interesting points. Although the defund movement relies upon a premise that the presence of a uniformed law enforcement officer will deter crime, the National Guard is being brought in as a uniform presence - to deter crime. In a world where activists scream and holler about the militarization of law enforcement and work to remove armored personnel carriers from SWAT teams and prevent officers from wearing outer vest carriers because they look too much like the military, the same activists are supporting the use of actual National Guard soldiers in civilian environments. In a city where activists complained about stop and frisk, those same activists are supporting the use of uniformed soldiers to search every bag, purse and backpack in the name of safety. The reason? Their failed social policies have made their communities more dangerous, in many cases uninhabitable, and they recognize “something” needs to be done. The infamous “something” often to be done by “somebody” in a place known as “somewhere.”

Rather than getting angry about these hypocritical stances making headlines, find comfort in the fact that the public knows that law enforcement is not the problem. Some of you may ask, why don’t they just bring law enforcement officers back, refund police departments and increase the presence of uniformed officers to deter crime? That answer is simple: That would require the activists to admit they were wrong. Don’t hold your breath waiting for that to happen. They own one tool, and it is a shovel.

Like you, I hate watching a steady flow of headlines bashing law enforcement. However, I can tell you without hesitation the public overwhelmingly supports law enforcement. What you are seeing right now is a struggle between the easy side of the equation - namely blaming law enforcement for every societal ill – versus the most difficult side of the equation - actually doing something to fix the problems that cause and perpetuate criminality and victimization.

Holding people accountable when they commit crimes is not only a good idea, it’s a basic obligation of government. When elected officials fail to do so, they should be held accountable. Many have asked me what standard we should use to hold those public officials accountable. Let’s use the same high ethical standards to which we hold law enforcement, and the public has the ability to do so. Reach out to your friends, family, neighbors, people with whom you attend church, little league games and other events. Encourage them to speak loudly to support law enforcement, and pay attention when they thank you for your service. It is heartfelt, reflecting a mixture of gratitude and fear - that one day your beat will be empty, your patrol car will sit idle, and the politicians condemning you will be nowhere to be found.

Stay safe.

Lance LoRusso, Esq, is national thought leader and expert on use of force. As a litigator with a law enforcement background, Lance focuses his practice on cases involving first responders, responds to critical incidents and shootings, and handles catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death cases on behalf of injured first responders & their loved ones. Lance serves as General Counsel to the Georgia Fraternal Order of Police and was named 2021 Attorney of the Year by the National Fraternal Order of Police. Lance is an author of educational books for first responders as well as fiction books inspired by his experiences as a first responder and representing them during some of the most trying times of their lives. His print & audio books are available on lancelorussobooks.com. Lance founded the Blue Line Lawyer Institute – a think tank for LEOs and their lawyers – that hosts the annual Force Forum training conference. For more information, visit lorussolawfirm.com or bluelinelawyer.com to sign up for his newsletter and learn more about the upcoming Force Forum May 19-22, 2024 on Jekyll Island, Georgia.

Lessons Learned From My Mental Health Struggles

Lessons Learned From My Mental Health Struggles
By: Stan Popovich

I struggled with fear and anxiety for over 20 years. During these times, my anxieties and fears were so powerful that I had trouble getting through the week and there were times I felt like giving up. I learned numerous lessons from my struggles, which I will share in this article.

To get through these trying times, the first thing I did was admit that I had a problem. I then took the steps to find a mental health counselor who could help me with my situation. I also made the effort to learn as much as I could in dealing with various anxiety disorders and depression by reading a lot of books and doing a lot of personal research.

I knew that the answers I was looking for were out there and all I had to do was try to find them. Over time, I learned how to deal with fear and anxiety which helped me in the long run.

It was very tough — however, I did not lose hope.

With time, I became better able to conquer my fears and anxieties, and I applied the techniques I learned from professionals and my own research when I encountered such situations. I tried to find out which techniques worked for me. I would then write down this information in a small notebook. When I encountered a similar situation, I could better face my fears by reading these notes. This prevented me from repeating the same mistakes I had made in the past.

Instead of looking at my struggles as a problem, I tried to look at each situation as a learning experience. For example, I remember when I first learned to ice skate. Initially, I fell all the time, but I kept getting back up even though it was very difficult. Over time, I did not fall as much and eventually I was able to skate without falling.

Whenever I struggled, I made it a habit to take things one day at a time. I tried to not dwell on my fearful thoughts which were telling me that I was not going to make it. I also realized that you just can’t predict the future. A person may be 99% correct in predicting the future, but all it takes is that 1% to make a difference. There are factors and circumstances that you can’t predict or anticipate that can make a difference in your current situation.

Happiness is not from seeking one joy to the next, and research indicates that happiness involves times of considerable discomfort. Our intrinsic genes, environmental interactions, achievements and social connections all influence how happy we may feel. Therefore, taking small steps to create pleasurable situations, undertaking various tasks or challenges and setting and meeting goals can all increase life satisfaction. The key is to pursue activities which make you happy.

I found it can often be very challenging to remain optimistic when dealing with depression, fear and anxiety. Depression is often associated with overwhelming feelings of loneliness, despair and hopelessness.

Here are a few tips I used in my personal life when I struggled with my mental health:

1. Socialize With Others

It can be tempting to confine yourself to solitude when you are struggling with depression. Unfortunately, this can simply exacerbate the negative feelings that you are experiencing. Reaching out can go a long way toward supporting you during your more difficult stages. Experiencing depression can certainly make socializing feel exhausting, but there are many benefits to engaging in social activities when you are struggling with depression.

2. Exercise Regularly

Physical activity helps to produce hormones, such as β-endorphins, in the body that are great at lifting the mood and fighting feelings of depression. Though improving your health can certainly help with depression, it doesn’t require substantial exercise and exertion to provide ample benefits. If you don’t exercise regularly, it can be particularly beneficial to simply invest some time in walking around the block. Sunlight, for example, provides many positive benefits to your mental health. It has been shown to boost levels of serotonin, which can substantially improve mood and feelings of well-being.

3. Reduce or Avoid Drinking

Alcohol can affect your brain chemistry, increasing the risk of depression. Many people turn to substance abuse as an alternative to facing the extreme negative emotions associated with depression. Though they may provide a numbing effect, they are certainly not helping. If you drink regularly, reducing the amount you drink, or even quitting altogether, can substantially help you handle the struggles of depression.

4. Implement a Routine

Those who struggle with depression often find that their sleeping patterns deteriorate and become unhealthy. Sticking to a routine can help to prevent you from falling into these habits. In addition, a routine will help to ensure that you eat regularly and obtain the nutrition that you need to stay healthy and manage your mental health issues.

5. Seek Help for Your Mental Health

It is important to seek help when handling mental health issues. Regularly visiting a therapist can go a long way toward providing you with the tools and mental strategies that you need to find happiness while living with mental health issues.

6. Practice Meditation

Meditation has been shown to provide a multitude of mental health benefits. When you incorporate meditation into your routine, you can often manage stress more effectively and ensure a more positive mood. In addition, meditative practices can help you to focus on gratitude and positive feelings to minimize your negative emotions.

In summary, the key is not to give up, and to seek help from professionals. You are not alone when it comes to your mental health challenges. There are many support groups where you can get assistance and where you can meet others who can relate to your circumstances. Your situation is not hopeless and by making the right decisions, you will eventually be able to get your life back on track.

Stan is the author of "A Layman's Guide to Managing Fear" http://www.managingfear.com

A First Responder’s Retirement: The Vital Role of Friendships

A First Responder’s Retirement: The Vital Role of Friendships
By: Kimberly Stratman

Ask most police officers, and they will affirm they have a wealth of friends. They'll often add, “We would die for each other.” This is truth and has been proven. The bonds formed between officers are unique, conceived in shared experiences, challenges and victories. These relationships, often as intimate as family ties, are created in critical moments, where reliance on each other can mean life or death. However, as officers transition into retirement, these friendships often evolve, sometimes leading to their end.

During their careers, police officers develop profound connections with their peers. These relationships are established on mutual respect, understanding and an unspoken bond that is rare in other professions. They share the physical risks and the emotional toll of their duties, fostering a camaraderie that becomes an integral part of their identity. In addition, they experience life's significant milestones together — from attending each other's weddings to celebrating the births of their children and mourning the on-duty deaths of colleagues.

Retirement often ushers in a sense of isolation as the structured support system of the workplace disappears. Even with days off and changing shifts, the officers still “worked together.” The loss of this close-knit community can be one of the most daunting aspects of retirement. After 20, 30 or even 40 years of working together, officers cannot imagine the connections ending. Thus, the unexpected realization that relationships have waned can be painful and confusing.

Relationships may end or diminish, not due to a lack of effort or desire to maintain them, but rather due to the shift from a shared daily mission to individual pursuits and lifestyles. New hobbies are explored. Family commitments can no longer be brushed aside due to “the job.”  Retirees might live inconvenient distances from each other.

The end of a career doesn’t necessitate the end of these meaningful connections. Retired officers can take active steps to maintain and adapt their friendships to their new phase of life. Regular meet-ups in various parts of the town, county or metroplex encourage retirees to have coffee or a meal together. Shared hobbies can lead to fun and potential income generation. New or re-energized traditions can help recognize and preserve important bonds. Social media and technology also provide ways to stay in touch, share life updates, and continue offering mutual support. Retirees should never underestimate the value of a simple text or call saying, “hello.”

It's equally important for retirees to broaden their social circles beyond their former colleagues. First responders often retire young and have several decades of energy and vitality to enjoy. Engaging in community services, volunteering or joining groups can lead to new friendships with people who have similar interests and values, offering fresh perspectives and enhancing the retirement experience. While learning to be comfortable in non-law enforcement groups can take time and intention, the results can be life changing.

Retirement can and should be a rewarding life chapter for police officers, filled with the joy of old friendships and the excitement of new ones. Witnessing the ongoing life stories of friends and former coworkers can be fulfilling and comforting. With intention and action, the relationships that once defined their careers can evolve to define a vibrant retirement.

Kimberly Stratman retired as a Lieutenant from the Dallas Police Department after an exciting and fulfilling 30-year career. She and her husband, an active SWAT officer, have two grown sons and two dogs that get lots of attention. Kimberly is the owner of To the Point Coach, a Certified Retirement Life Coach and Certified Life Coach service that focuses on first responders. Her goal is to ensure our law enforcement community thrives. She can be reached @ tothepointcoach.org

A Fateful Night in the Village: The Heroic Story of Marshalik and Pekearo

A Fateful Night in the Village: The Heroic Story of Marshalik and Pekearo
By: Christian Durante

The night of March 14, 2007, was unseasonably warm to the point where spring, which was fast approaching later that month, had already arrived. It was a Wednesday, which meant, at least for me, a school night. I was in my last year as a 17-year-old senior in Fort Hamilton High School. It was an exciting year for me because I was debating what I wanted to do as a career. It was in that frame of mind that I decided to volunteer and become a NYPD Auxiliary Police Officer a few months earlier. I started a basic training course at my local NYPD 68th Precinct in October 2006 and graduated from the course with the highest grades in March 2007. On March 12th, I was privileged to receive my NYPD Auxiliary Police ID card and shield. It was one of the proudest moments of my life.

On that Wednesday night of March 14th, 2007, I was doing my homework in my bedroom. As was my normal practice, I had my television on tuned into the news. My Aunt Janet came into my bedroom to put away some of my clothes in my closet. Suddenly, a breaking news broadcast came on as the broadcast began with a huge banner across the television screen: “TWO NYPD AUXILIARY POLICE OFFICERS SHOT IN GREENWICH VILLAGE.” The news crew started showing aerial footage of the scene in Greenwich Village where the streets were filled with NYPD vehicles with their flashing red lights lighting up the night sky. It was at that moment that my aunt stopped what she was doing and started to sit down on a chair with a concerned look on her face.

While I was doing my homework earlier that evening in Brooklyn, a couple of miles away in Manhattan, Auxiliary Police Officers Nicholas Pekearo and Eugene Marshalik were on routine foot patrol in the crowded bustling neighborhood of Greenwich Village. The restaurants and bars were packed with crowds of people enjoying the spring-like weather. They were both young men who had struck up a friendship during their volunteering with the NYPD’s 6th Precinct Auxiliary Police Unit. APO Marshalik was in his 13th month of volunteer service while APO Peakero was in his fourth year of volunteer service. APO Nicholas Peakero grew up, worked and now also volunteered in Greenwich Village. APO Marshalik was a student at the nearby NYU campus. They both had strong, close connections to the neighborhood.

These young men were in the prime of their lives and felt the need to give back to the community. They both had dreams for the future. Peakero worked at a local bookstore with his girlfriend and wanted to be an author. Marshalik wanted to be a NYPD officer at first but had recently changed his career goal to that of being a public service prosecutor in a district attorney’s office.

Later that night in Brooklyn, as the news broadcast continued, my aunt and I sat in silence watching the news in disbelief. You could see she was concerned and looked at me with a look of, “What have you gotten yourself involved with”? Amazingly, she never said anything to me. Once the newscast ended, she left my room without saying a word, which was rare for her. Being from Brooklyn, she has been outspoken and never hesitates to voice her opinion. In this instance, her action spoke louder than words.

Around 11 p.m., another round of local newscasts followed with footage from the shooting scene in Greenwich Village and both the mayor and NYPD commissioner holding a press conference to a shocked, horrified city. For New York City, where everything is possible in a city that never sleeps, the execution-style killing of two young volunteer NYPD auxiliary police officers shocked even the most hardened New Yorkers who have seen it all. Even 17 years later, Mayor Mike Bloomberg and NYPD Commissioner Raymond Kelly’s words during their news conference at Saint Vincent’s Hospital in Greenwich Village echo to those who remember that long-ago fateful night:

“Tonight, was a horrible night for the New York Police Department and for our city. Two auxiliary police officers were killed in the line of duty, two men who volunteered their time to make our city the safest big city in America lost their lives helping to keep it exactly that way.”

“What this indicates is that this tragedy, as horrific as it was, could have been a lot worse and without the actions of our brave officers, most likely would have been.” -NYC Mayor Mike Bloomberg

"The gunman fled down the street where he encountered unarmed volunteer auxiliary police officers Eugene Marshalik, 19 years old, and Nicholas Pekearo, 28 years old, two of the city’s unsung heroes who as part of our 4,500 Strong Auxiliary Police Program, serve without compensation, as the eyes & ears of this police department”.

“The fact that more lives were not lost is due in no small measure to Auxiliary Police Officers Nicholas Pekearo and Eugene Marshalik.”
-NYPD Commissioner Raymond Kelly

The next day, each member of the 68th Precinct Auxiliary Police Unit was called into the precinct stationhouse for a meeting with the commanding officer of the precinct and our auxiliary police coordinator. The NYPD was in shock like the rest of the city, and wanted to make sure all their volunteer auxiliary police officers were safe. To their point, all of us, auxiliaries, at least in the 68th Precinct, were asked if we wanted to stay on the volunteer auxiliary police force. The cold-blooded reality of this noble volunteering on patrol in uniform unarmed was made clear the night before and the NYPD wanted to do everything in their power to avoid a repeat incident. At the end of our auxiliary police unit meeting, not one of our fifty-nine volunteers including myself or my recent graduating auxiliary police class raised our hands to quit. We all decided to stay on to continue to serve the NYPD, our community and our city.

The hardest part of this surreal experience for me was preparing for the NYPD funerals of Marshalik and Pekearo. I never wore my uniform before and now for the first time ever, I was going to wear it at the funerals for two of my fellow NYPD auxiliary police officers including one, Eugene Marshalik, 19 years old, who was only two years older than me..I was getting ready to graduate high school in a few months and start college in the fall. Marshalik was in the midst of his college experience while I was about to start mine.

Although both funerals were tragic to witness, unless you wore the blue uniform, no one can tell you how it feels to be in a “sea of blue” all around you with thousands of officers standing at attention where you can hear only a “pin drop” and helicopters only a few hundred feet above flying in a “missing man formation”. It was surreal tribute to a fallen comrade in blue.

I never regretted volunteering for my community and the NYPD Auxiliary Police. It was a huge part of my life for many years. I “retired” from volunteer policing in 2019 as an Auxiliary Police Sergeant. In those twelve years of volunteer police service, I went from being a naive 17-year-old high schooler to a mature adult who has a federal career and is still volunteering, although for a different agency and volunteer mission these days.

On that fateful night in Greenwich Village, two young men in the prime of their lives, wearing the uniform of New York City auxiliary police officers, unarmed, except for a radio and nightstick, confronted pure evil, their heroism displayed in delaying a mad gunman’s shooting rampage in the crowded streets of Greenwich Village that night. It was a selfless act of heroism that saved many lives but cost them their own. As the 17th anniversary of March 14th, 2007 comes, many of those countless bystanders in the village that night along with the family, friends and colleagues of NYPD Auxiliary Police Officers Eugene Marshalik and Nicholas Pekearo will pause during a moment in their day to think of two heroes who by fate that spring-like night served as their guardian angels in blue.

Christian Durante is a retired volunteer NYPD Auxiliary Police Sergeant and is currently a federal employee. An alumni of John Jay College of Criminal Justice who graduated in 2013 with a Bachelors Degree in Police Studies & Minor in Cinema Studies, he continues working full-time & volunteering for his community with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

MONMOUTH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE AND BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ESTABLISH MEDSTAR AMID EMS VOLUNTEER SHORTAGE

MONMOUTH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE AND BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ESTABLISH MEDSTAR AMID EMS VOLUNTEER SHORTAGE
By Cynthia Scott, Public Information Officer and Ted Freeman, Executive Undersheriff Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office

On February 7, 2024, Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden announced at a news conference that the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office, with the support of the Monmouth County Board of Commissioners, is initiating a county-run emergency medical services operation called MedStar that will assist local agencies in need with emergency medical calls to ensure the most timely and effective emergency medical responses for the residents of Monmouth County, New Jersey.

“Volunteer EMS units play a crucial role in serving Monmouth County’s fifty-three municipalities. However, challenges have resulted in staffing shortages that are impacting response time and safety, so we are here to help,” said Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden. “This launch of the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office MedStar initiative is a testament to our dedication to public safety and resolve to address the shortage of EMS volunteers head-on. It bridges the gap and will enhance emergency response capabilities in struggling towns that have entered into an agreement with Monmouth County.”

During calendar year 2023, there were more than 60,000 calls for service in Monmouth County that required an ambulance. In addition, out of the twenty-one counties in New Jersey, Monmouth County ranked 19th in response times.

The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office MedStar initiative will assist by helping to fill that need and supplement the efforts of existing volunteer EMS squads.

“On behalf of the Monmouth County Board of Commissioners, I want to commend Sheriff Golden and his staff for developing the County MedStar initiative to fill an important need for our residents,” said Commission Director Thomas A. Arnone. “Safety is at the cornerstone of everything we do here in Monmouth County, and the Board of County Commissioners is proud to provide financial support for MedStar for this essential service.”

 “The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office has obtained seven ambulances and two Tahoes, which will be stationed at EMS Central, located at the former site of Fort Monmouth in the building formerly used as a fire station, and is currently being renovated for its new role as EMS Central.  Monmouth County MedStar will consist of highly trained, dedicated full- and part-time EMS professionals who will assist and work collaboratively with existing volunteer EMS squads in Tinton Falls and surrounding areas in the central region of Monmouth County.

The process will begin in the Monmouth County  911 Communications Center when an emergency call comes in and an ambulance is requested from the town with which an agreement has been made with the sheriff’s office. MedStar will respond, ensuring that the medical services provided are efficient and accessible. The services will be subsidized through insurance.

Michael Bascom, who has been the Monmouth County EMS Coordinator for over 30 years and is the president of the NJEMS Task Force, said, “I appreciate that Sheriff Golden and the Board of County Commissioners have listened to those of us in the EMS community who have been sounding the alarm that help is needed. With call volume continuously growing, volunteer and career staffing difficult to find and the profession failing to receive the level of support needed at the state and federal levels, this new initiative will support local EMS agencies in their efforts to ensure that requests for emergency medical assistance are answered in a timely manner, prioritized by acuity and NOT intended to replace successful local EMS programs, but rather to supplement them and fill gaps where they may exist throughout the county.”

Timothy Sidley, Director of EMS Operations, indicated that the Central Monmouth area, encompassing Tinton Falls and Oakhurst, is presently the focus area for MedStar. It is estimated that approximately fifteen calls for service per day will be answered in the coming months.  By summer 2024, the renovations to the former Fort Monmouth firehouse should be completed and EMS operations centralized at that location. The average response time for MedStar has been under six minutes.

Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office MedStar plans to maintain four ambulances on the road during days with two ambulances during nighttime hours. In addition, two supervisors will be on the day shift and one on the night shift. A dynamic staffing model will be used to analyze and adjust staffing levels to anticipated needs. Supervisors will have the authority to make decisions based on the volume of requests for service and available resources to cover those needs. The dynamic staffing model provides statistical analysis to project high, medium and low demand and permit scheduling of resources to meet the projected needs indicated.

Requirements for MedStar applicants will be: National and/or NJ EMT or Paramedic Certification, American Heart Association BLS CPR Certification, and a New Jersey Driver’s License. Preferred applicants will have the following: 3 years of Emergency Medical Services experience, Haz-Mat Awareness, ICS 100, 200, 300, NIMS 700, 800, CEVO, EVOC or equivalent, and TECC or TCCC.

Andrew Caruso, Director of EMS Training, will be responsible for providing and tracking training for all full- and part-time employees to ensure that all required certifications are met and maintained and  conduct continuing education on topics specific to the ever-changing climate of EMS in the community. By the end of March 2024, it is anticipated that there will be twenty-six full-time employees, ten part-time employees and eight supervisors for a total of forty-four employees.

Sheriff Shaun Golden noted, “One of our founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin, said, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” He also said, “Success is the residue of planning.” I commend the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners for their foresight in creating MedStar as we continue to meet the public safety needs of those who live, work and visit Monmouth County.”