At the Edge: Law Enforcement, Human Rights, and the Interlocking Crises of Our Time

At the Edge: Law Enforcement, Human Rights, and the Interlocking Crises of Our Time
By: Peter Marina, PhD

To look soberly at the state of the human species today is to confront not just crisis, but the likelihood that we are nearing the end of a global system rooted in domination, denial and destruction. To critically examine the moral crises of our time requires confronting the realities of state violence, structural inequality and the erosion of human rights frameworks. Nowhere is this more evident than in Gaza, where ongoing military actions have resulted in catastrophic civilian suffering. Numerous international bodies, including United Nations officials and human rights organizations, have raised grave concerns about potential violations of international humanitarian law. Reports by figures such as UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese document patterns of mass displacement, infrastructure destruction and civilian targeting that demand urgent global attention and accountability. These events should not be reduced to partisan narratives but must be understood within a broader context of colonial legacies, militarized power and the failure of international institutions to protect vulnerable populations. As members of the human species, we have a responsibility to engage critically and ethically with such issues, fostering dialogue rooted in evidence, empathy and a commitment to justice.

Add to this the collapse of public education into a profit-driven marketplace where students are treated as customers and learning is reduced to transaction. Add mass incarceration, particularly in the United States, a global penal empire where police forces increasingly resemble domestic military units. Add mass deportations, the rise of surveillance capitalism, the erosion of the free press, the normalization of nuclear brinkmanship and the destruction of any meaningful public sphere. The evidence is not merely overwhelming, it is systemic, accelerating and global.

Law enforcement sits at the intersection of all these crises. Policing, historically a tool for the enforcement of order on behalf of dominant groups, now faces a defining choice: Reinforce the existing system of control, or reorient toward the ethical defense of human rights. In an age of terminal crises, the status quo is not sustainable. As I argue in Human Rights Policing, we need a radical shift from punitive enforcement to the principled protection of all people, especially those most vulnerable to systemic harm.

Community policing is often touted as a remedy for fractured police–community relationships, yet in practice, it is often watered down, reduced to PR campaigns or advisory committees without real power. For community policing to matter, it must be grounded in solidarity where officers and communities work together as equals to address the root causes of harm, not merely its symptoms. Within this framework, the guardian model of policing offers an important alternative to the dominant “warrior” mindset. Guardianship implies not submission, but moral responsibility and a commitment to human dignity, peace and care.

Recent research by Clifton, Torres, and Hawdon (2021) reveals that the divide between warrior and guardian is not always absolute. Many officers, particularly those from Latino/a backgrounds, report hybrid orientations suggesting that departments could nurture a principled model of policing that combines resolve with humility, responsiveness with restraint. This is not about perfection; it is about reimagining the purpose of policing in a world where control alone cannot solve the crises we face.

Because the current punitive orientation of policing feeds into the machinery of mass incarceration, law enforcement has become complicit in the systemic abandonment of entire communities. Prisons have become the default solution for social problems that demand care, housing, education and public investment. Particularly for Black, Indigenous, immigrant and poor populations, the police are not seen as a source of protection, but rather perceived as a source of harm.

And these patterns are now converging with the existential threat of ecological collapse. Climate disaster will shape every aspect of life in the coming decades, including the role of police. Natural catastrophes, resource scarcity, forced migration and mass displacement will become routine. The question is whether policing will double down on coercion and control, or evolve into a stabilizing force for justice, equity and survival.

The collapse of trust in police institutions, while visible in many marginalized communities, is far from universal. In fact, large segments of the public continue to support aggressive, punitive models of policing including agencies like ICE and programs that prioritize enforcement over care. This reflects deeper ideological divisions and the normalization of state violence as a tool of social control. The heavy-handed social control and pervasive surveillance seen in Gaza offer a stark glimpse of tactics that risk becoming normalized here in the U.S. Yet, even amid this reality, critical voices, including from historically marginalized communities, continue to call not merely for reform, but for a transformation of public safety rooted in human rights, ecological ethics and collective well-being. These demands may not represent the political mainstream, but they articulate a necessary moral counterpoint to the dominant logic of punishment and exclusion. We must hold space for these conflicting truths, interrogating both the systems of violence and the social conditions that allow them to persist.

This complex dynamic is further entrenched by fiscal policies like those exemplified in the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill,” which funnels billions of taxpayer dollars into ICE, law enforcement agencies and the military-industrial complex, while simultaneously granting substantial tax breaks and subsidies to the wealthiest corporations and individuals. At the same time, vital social programs, such as healthcare, housing and education face cuts or chronic underfunding. This redistribution of resources away from the public’s welfare toward enforcement and the elite exacerbates inequality, fuels social discontent and deepens the conditions that breed crime. Rather than investing in the root causes of community instability, the state’s fiscal priorities reinforce a cycle of control and punishment that undermines long-term safety and justice.

In this context, transforming policing is not simply about changing tactics. Rather, it demands a fundamental shift in how officers see their role within society. They must move beyond being enforcers of order to become guardians of human dignity, civil liberties and social cohesion. This transformation requires departments to rethink training, leadership, oversight and mission, and to end practices that criminalize poverty, suppress protest or treat vulnerable populations as threats.

And it demands that we situate law enforcement within the broader collapse of settler modernity and global capitalism. Other worlds are not only possible, they have existed. Indigenous cosmologies and ecological ethics offer vital alternative ways of knowing and being. These traditions reject domination and extraction in favor of relationality, reciprocity, and care. The contrast is stark and necessary.

There is no neutral ground in a time of disintegration. Law enforcement will either help build the trust and solidarity needed to sustain democratic life or it will contribute to its further unraveling. Officers, departments and policymakers must ask: What kind of world are we protecting? And what kind of world are we helping to destroy?

We may be near the end. But how we face that end –– what we resist, what we protect, what we create –– will shape the future for whoever or whatever comes next. If there is hope, it lies in a new kind of public servant: one who chooses humanity over force, dignity over domination, and justice over convenience.

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 (Routledge Press, 2023)

Do Cops Make Good Bodyguards?

Do Cops Make Good Bodyguards?
By Dr. John Giduck and Matt Adams

Between the October 2025 ambush of a businessman at his home in Macomb County, Michigan, the targeted killing of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024 and the assassination of Charlie Kirk, not to mention the two efforts against Donald Trump’s life, we live in an era of targeted threats and killings. Business executives and other high-profile leaders can’t ignore the increasing threat to them. Right now, celebrities, politicians, church leaders and countless others live with daily threats on their lives. Much of this is driven by the mass radicalization caused by Left Wing news and talk shows, as well as social media’s pandemic of hate. With each event, others who have long-thought of doing such things are incentivized. Rhetoric like that of Virginia Attorney General hopeful Jay Jones’ highly publicized emails during the 2025 election, in which he fantasized about putting two bullets in the head of a previous political opponent, only add fuel to this simmering social fire.

In the face of this growing threat, the question must be asked just who those in danger can turn to for security. Many believe that hiring prior or current cops offers the best protection. Citizens assume all police are expert at three things: shooting, fighting and being bodyguards. But are the skills of our nation’s warriors in blue really suitable for them to serve the role of Kevin Costner in the famous movie The Bodyguard? Can they really fight, shoot and perform all the other skills of executive protection or bodyguard (EP or BG) work, much of which is not even known to the uninitiated?

Transferable Skills

Certainly, police possess skills with direct application to EP. Training and experience provide excellent observation capability; especially of the immediate environment and people who are potential threats. They are exceptional at quickly assessing whether someone has a concealed weapon and that person’s hostility level. This is critical, especially in the Close Protection realm of EP. Situational Awareness is something addressed in everything from LE training to FTO mentoring and even publications like BLUE. Nothing is more important to a BG.

They also are competent with firearms. Certainly, all police qualify regularly. But they are also forever making decisions over whether to be prepared to draw a weapon and which weapon to draw, including “shoot-don’t-shoot” decision-making. The chances of a cop having to fire a weapon are much higher than a BG. In EP, so much effort goes into planning and ensuring all factors are in favor of your protectee’s safety that if you end up shooting someone, you failed on several levels long before the gun was drawn and hammer cocked.

Fighting – or using defensive tactics – is one area that police are probably not as highly trained as most people believe.There are too many DT systems that are not reality-based. They’re often more oriented to keeping a department from being sued than ensuring the officer’s safety. Even when going “hand to hand,” the skills police require are often quite different from that of a BG. This includes close-quarters weapons disarming, something both are typically trained in. However, police also realize the difficulties and potential threat to tussling with a suspect on the ground while armed. BGs never seek to control and secure a threat, never arresting anyone. The rule for EP is to stop the threat and evacuate the client. It is always better to evade-and-escape than fight, and BGs do not have the right to pull a gun in all the circumstances police enjoy. That is another advantage of police as bodyguards. Whether retired with LE credentials, or active duty working a side gig, when problems ensue and local LE arrives you will often be given latitude that other, out-of-town private-security professionals may not. That is one of the reasons when running EP details, we always seek to hire at least one off-duty local officer for every shift.

On the less dramatic but equally important side, from shifts spent securing public buildings, controlling crowds or traffic, cops are comfortable spending long hours standing guard while maintaining vigilance over potential threats. Bodyguards do much the same. Just ask any Secret Service agent. It isn’t all high speed and glamor. In fact, if you’re doing the job correctly there is seldom drama. Just like police work, though, EP is a difficult job that can come with difficult decisions. Both see long hours of tedium interspersed with brief seconds of adrenaline-fueled action. You have to stay “switched on”.

An Expansion of Skills

But there are certain conditioned behaviors of police that do not fit well into the EP/BG model. Chief among them is recognizing that you are never there to make an arrest. Everything changes when your only priority is the client’s safety. Use your police experience to mentally log things that will be important to a police report later, like description of an attacker and type of weapon, but do so on the fly as you move quickly away. You must also discipline your police instinct to get control of environmental situations you encounter. If you’re moving your client down a city street or through a parking lot, don’t be distracted by an argument or fistfight between others. You are not there for that. When running CULEX’s on the final day of police EP training, we will often stage an altercation to test the cops’ ability to only react to it as a potential hazard to the client and alter the route.

A rule for the most professional of BGs – and one police benefit from - is to be friendly and approachable where possible. When working in private security, you do not have the authority of a cop to order someone to move away, remain in place or not enter a public restroom your client is in. Doing so only invites conflict that becomes more of a threat to the client than the person posed in the first place. Learn to navigate situations with well-mannered professional courtesy. You are never there to engage, not on any level with anyone; merely to ensure your protectee is always in a safe space.

This requires changing your focus. Since you always know where your client is, your focus changes from him to the areas and people around him. Threats always come externally. If your client is giving a keynote speech at a conference, you should be in a position to scan the crowd to the front, but also people to the sides and even working backstage areas. You must also be in a position to move quickly to your client or between him and a gunman. This is another difference with EP work: You train to first get between a shooter and your client at the closest point possible. These are called movement-to-target drills where you make a high-speed decision whether you can reach the shooter, the client or get in the line of the bullet the fastest. That means you become the human shield for that client and never move to cover for your own safety. In EP work, you are pledging your life to ensure the life of the person paying you. Your body armor is as important to your client as it is to you.

Also, when in the EP role you must remember you are not enforcing the law – any law. When people have BGs, they are taking a relative stranger into their most private lives. That gives you glimpses into things that the job demands you maintain the confidentiality of. Clients are trading intimacy for safety, but also depending on your ability to keep secrets. This is recognized at the highest levels of government. Secret Service agents and governors’ state police protection officers are never called to testify as to the goings-on in the chief executive’s private life. They need to maintain their protectees’ trust, not risk compromise, and ensure executive privilege. Celebrities are notorious for bending laws in their personal lives. If covering rock or movie stars, even politicians and business executives, short of needing to put a stop to horrifically dangerous or felonious behavior, the EP role demands you merely focus onyour client’s security. Remember Japan’s “Three Mystic Apes”: see no evil (Mizaru), hear no evil (Kikazaru) and speak no evil (Iwazaru).

The last and most difficult of the adjustments police must make when serving as bodyguards is the abandonment of the “no cop left behind” rule. If a shooting takes place, you must leave your partner and evacuate the client. Your teammate’s job becomes engaging the threat solely to provide you the ability to move the client to safety.

Police can and usually do make excellent bodyguards. But they must be realistic about the differences in the role before taking someone’s money and pledging their lives to that person’s safety, something they already do every day for perfect strangers. John 15:13 states, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends". In EP work, police bring their willingness to risk their lives for others into a new realm.

Dr. John Giduck has a law degree, a master’s degree in Russian Studies and a Ph.D. in Middle East Studies. His dissertation was on the evolution of jihadist terrorist mass-hostage siege tactics throughout the world. He has trained police departments and SWAT throughout the US. His latest book, 1500 Years of Fighting, can be found on Amazon. He is also the author of Terror at Beslan: A Russian Tragedy with Lessons for America’s Schools (listed by Police1 as one of the top 15 all-time must-read books for police); Shooter Down! The Dramatic, Untold Story of the Police Response to the Virginia Tech Massacre, along with co-author Police Commissioner Joseph M. Bail; and When Terror Returns: The History and Future of Terrorist Mass-Hostage Sieges. He can be contacted at john@circon.org.

Matt Adams is a 32-year law enforcement veteran. Beginning as a patrol officer, he is currently a Special Agent for the Office of the Attorney General in Colorado. He has served as an instructor in high-liability areas such as firearms, Taser, defense tactics and SWAT. Matt served on his department’s SWAT team as a team leader. He is a multiple black belt holder Matt was trained in close protection and surveillance through a SAS-based EP course in the UK. He has worked EP for foreign dignitaries, generals and high-risk terror targets, as well as providing EP training for US SWAT teams for joint operations with the Secret Service and State Department Security details.

Truth Dies in Darkness

Truth Dies in Darkness
By: Lt. Joseph Pangaro, CSO, CPM  

The feeling of danger is palatable. We all live with it. Some of us feel it more as a constant presence because of where we live or work, and others feel it when they have to leave the relative safety of their homes for any other reason.

The never-ending threat of being robbed, attacked or otherwise brutalized has been crystalized in recent days by the very public and brutal murder of an innocent young woman from Ukraine who came to America for a better life. Her throat cut while sitting on a train doing nothing to deserve her fate.

The school shootings we see all across the USA on a regular basis makes us nervous and afraid to send our children to school, and the devastating live action murder of Charlie Kirk at the University of Utah sent shock waves across the country.

These horrific events and many more that are less publicized but are just as terrible take place every day at what seems like a heightened pace and have left most of us shaken.

And what causes this wave of violence, death and destruction?

While I can cite many reasons such as crime in general, a lack of respect for our fellow citizens and an attitude adopted by many that they are entitled to hurt and steal because of their circumstance, there is a bigger reasons at work.

These reasons we don’t talk about so openly because to do so would open a person up to criticism for being “uncaring, racist, religious haters, cold hearted and bigoted” and any other slur that can be leveled at a person to shut them up.

In this age, we find ourselves in a place where truth is shunned because it is considered hurtful, offensive to point out facts, and makes some people look bad in their choices and actions no matter how detrimental those choices are to the person themselves and everyone around them.

We are told through the popular culture that it is better to ignore truth as it makes people uncomfortable; it is better to live a lie and pretend not to see the truth than to see things as they actually are. This goes for many of today’s problems and they stand at the doorstep of leftist, liberal, socialist thinking.

While most of us have known this to be true all along, we have stayed quiet in the background so as not to be targeted for recognizing actual truth and not going along with the lies being pushed on our country and people.   

We have seen the era of big liberal ideas, beliefs, concepts and theories take hold of our nation and the utter destruction these things offer in real life, defined by pools of blood and shattered lives. We have seen the power of the media, who have clearly taken sides and joined with the anti-truth crowd, to push lies, misconceptions, twisted thoughts and illogical thinking to advance an agenda that is based on a misplaced sense of, “Being nice, understanding people’s feelings”, and allowing horrendous behavior to be excused as society’s fault and not the fault those who engage in the negative behaviors.

We are suffering a mental health crisis that has added to the carnage offered by leftist beliefs and ideas. We have accepted the idea that it is better to let people live in a delusion rather than to help them cope with their problems.

We force the entire society to “Pretend” these delusions are real and to go along with them in some bizarre belief that living a lie will make it real. And voicing any opinion different than the approved version of reality can subject you to being canceled, ostracized, called names or shot through the throat in front of your family on a beautiful sunny afternoon in Utah.

And to demonstrate the depth to which these beliefs and concepts have overrun us, we see thousands of unhinged, morally bankrupt individuals posting on social media that the brutal murder of a man simply speaking his opinion is a great thing.

We see people dancing with joy because a voice they disagree with was silenced. Instead of debating these different ideas and opinions, they revel in murder and bloodshed.

For many years, we have refrained from defining this mindset so as not to offend. We ignore truth and pretend that bizarro world is real; we allow thousands of our fellow citizens to be murdered every weekend in our cities without addressing it for fear of revealing truths that would be inconvenient. And we accept the attacks on like-minded, clear thinking people, because we don’t want the evil eye of the politically correct to be focused on us.      

The result of our silence; a dead woman on a train, school children shot down like animals, women sexually assaulted on a daily basis, children trafficked by evil people and a man’s voice and life taken from him, his family and the world.

These are the results of living lies.

These lies are supported and propped up by an ideology of hate, revenge, narcissism, self-pity, self-righteousness, fear, rage, purposeful misinterpretation, manipulation of the weak in spirit and weak in mind and the cowardice of those who see the truth, know the truth but do not speak up. This will lead to doom for all of us.

It is clear the world we are living in is suffering from the reality of this leftist ideology that has afflicted our society and many other societies across the world. We can see parallels in other western countries where these same left-wing beliefs, policies and practices have been allowed to take hold to the ruin of many people. To ignore this reality or to refuse to see it is a symptom of a much deeper problem; a problem that will affect all of us sooner or later.

How do we recover from this dark place we have found ourselves?

The answer is not hard to find, it has always been with us, but it is much harder to live because it demands we address the lies, refute the lies and accept truth. 

Let’s ask a few tough questions…

Does seeing, and speaking the truth mean we cannot be understanding and compassionate to the suffering of people who struggle with mental challenges, or those whose moral underpinnings have been damaged for decades and led to parts of our society that don’t behave and interact with the world around them appropriately?

The answer is no; we must use compassion to understand people’s struggles. But we don’t further damage them by lying to them.

Seeing and living the truth is the first step. Next comes the responsibility to heal those afflicted, help them overcome their challenges, and take concrete actions to make the world a better place.

We must commit ourselves to speaking the truth even if it offends, even if it makes us uncomfortable, even if it is interpreted as hurtful. What is more hurtful: Pointing out truth and helping people overcome their struggles so they can have a better life, or continuing to spout lies so they can pretend they are living a better life? And we must stand together to demand a new era built on truth, reality, decency, and love as we support the voices of truth.

Lofty goals indeed, but where has the current way of life gotten us, how has living the lies made our country a better place for all?

It hasn’t. We suffer citizens being slaughtered in the streets in American neighborhoods because we won’t confront crime and the actual sources of crime because it’s uncomfortable? How is that compassionate? How is that in the American tradition? To not address this truthfully puts the blood of innocent people on all of our hands.

How do we ignore the rule of law because criminals find themselves suffering for the consequences of their actions? Is it better to ignore the truth and allow people to destroy lives and our way of life to pretend crime cannot be stopped?

No it is not better. Human nature tells us that if we allow criminals to act as they choose, it is the innocent who will suffer, and that is not a good exchange for the perceptions that criminals cannot control themselves or society made them rape, rob and murder. We must face the truth and protect these communities from the people who would destroy them.  Every citizen in every community deserves to live free and safe.

In the end the list of things we must readdress and reevaluate under the bright light of truth, and I will address them in the future, for now this piece has broached the subject.

Are you a person who wants to live truth or will you hide under a rock to protect lies?

Tonight, a young woman who could be anyone’s daughter lies in her grave. A voice of a generation will never hold his wife or children again and countless other people will suffer from living lies and not facing truth.  This must change.

This article originally appeared on AmericaOutLoud and is reprinted with permission of the author.

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: Joe@PangaroTraining.com, www.PangaroTraining.com. “The Blue Heart Webcast”www.YouTube.Com/@BlueHeartWebcast & host of “The Human Equation” at 9 PM on AmericaOutLoud.news Thursdays and Fridays.

WE ARE A PROFESSIONAL POLICING ORGANIZATION…and also WE will ONLY help fellow officers WE agree with!? ...Chicago?

WE ARE A PROFESSIONAL POLICING ORGANIZATION…and also WE will ONLY help fellow officers WE agree with!? ...Chicago?

By: Monty Bynum

I’ve spent the last several days digging into what happened in Chicago on October 4, 2025, the incident where a request for aid by federal agents to the Chicago Police Department went unanswered for more than 40 minutes.

I’ve reviewed the press conference by Superintendent Larry Snelling, the dispatch recordings, the CAD logs, and spoken with several CPD officers who were familiar with the call. What I’ve seen and heard paints a disturbing picture:

·         A direct call for help ignored.

·         A delay that would get any patrol officer disciplined or terminated.

·         And a command staff more focused on defending the optics than confronting the truth.

During his press conference, Superintendent Snelling didn’t own the failure. He downplayed it. He deflected criticism by claiming those outside the agency “didn’t have the facts.” That’s not leadership, that’s damage control. The facts his own timeline, the radio traffic, and the CAD readout did show that assistance was delayed. The “why” is what’s most troubling. Multiple officers inside CPD have stated that this was not confusion; it was hesitation. And hesitation rooted in politics.

Let me be clear… When a fellow law enforcement officer calls for help, the answer is never “wait.” It’s never “stand down.” It’s “on the way.” Five minutes is an eternity when you’re in a fight for your life. Forty minutes is betrayal.

If the Chief of Patrol truly gave that order or failed to countermand it, that’s not a lapse in communication. That’s a moral failure in leadership; the kind that costs lives. This is what happens when politics infect policing. When command decisions are made to protect careers instead of lives. When the people wearing stars forget what it means to wear the badge.

Superintendent Snelling’s defense of his command staff might sound noble, but defending failure isn’t leadership, it’s complicity. I’ve always given police leaders the benefit of the doubt. But in this case, the evidence, the radio traffic and the voices of the officers on the ground say otherwise. This incident should terrify every cop in America. Because it tells you when things get political, help might not come.

Chicago PD has a chance to fix this. To be transparent. To admit a mistake and restore trust. But that starts with truth, not spin. To every agency across the nation learn from this. If your people ever call for help, your response time better not depend on politics or press conferences.

SINCE WHEN DOES IT MATTER WHAT UNIFORM AND BADGE YOU WEAR??? Are we servant leaders, cops, law enforcement officers or we are POLITICAL PAWNS!? I have NO patience or tolerance for weak leadership, DON’T make excuses. This was not a hard call. Immediately respond. TRUE LEADERS are built and trained to make the ‘hard calls.’

When cops stop responding to each other, the system collapses. And if that happens, no one’s coming.

#LeadershipMatters #ChicagoPD #Vigilant

Monty Bynum is a USMC Captain Veteran and 32-year law enforcement professional whose career spans narcotics, counterterrorism, and complex criminal investigations with the DEA and GBI. He’s led Marines across 12 countries, dismantled international trafficking networks, and trained thousands nationwide. As founder of the ADB family of brands, he’s on a mission to restore the honor, pride, and excellence of policing—raising the next generation of guardians and redefining what it means to lead with purpose, conviction, and heart.

Attaboy

Attaboy
By: Deon Joseph

The older I get, the more I value the memories of my job as it gets closer to the end.  I had a lot of challenge coins given to me over the years. The ones in the front row each have a cool story behind them.

One in particular is my favorite.  It was given to me by Chief William Bratton around 2005 or ‘06. I remember back then I was really grinding to make Skid Row safe along with many great officers. I was primarily driven by the tragedy and lack of justice for the people there. I wanted to change it.

One day I was at the old Police Administration Building on the first floor en route to conducting an investigative follow-up at Robbery Homicide Division.

I was at the lobby desk talking crap with one if my old partners, when a tall detective with a white shirt and red tie approached me and said “The Chief wants to see you.”  It was out of the blue. First I thought, “How did he even know I was here.”  The second thought was “What the heck did I do?”

I was just a new Senior Lead. I never got into trouble, I stayed quiet and humble.  Never bragged about my work.  Someone must have lied on me or something.

It was a weird way to think, but after what we experienced with the previous chief, I was a little nervous.

So I took the elevator to the Chief’s floor. I said a prayer, sighed got myself prepared for whatever was coming beyond that door. I knocked and heard a calm voice with a super heavy Boston accent say, “Come on in Officer Joseph.”

I entered and saw the Chief in his class A uniform standing and staring out of the window at the gray sky. His hands were clasped behind his back.  I thought to myself “Oh oh!” I approached and said, “Sir, You wanted to see me.”  He turned to me with his hands behind his back and said, “I’ve been hearing about your work. Keep it up. This is for you.”

I stuck out my hand had he placed this coin in it. He then said, “That is all. Be safe out there.” I thanked him for the coin and I left feeling relieved.

But also euphoric knowing that though I never touted my work, the highest-ranking member of my department noticed.  It was a good feeling.

With every story I tell there is a lesson. This is for leaders of 1st responders The people who work under you don’t look for credit. They don’t look for pats on the back or thank yous. They don’t need to be paraded around in a grand fashion.

But a simple and quiet, “Attaboy” in private, can really mean a lot.  It really did mean a lot.

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

It’s hard to believe it's been 38 years

It’s hard to believe it's been 38 years
By: Dale Gabriel  

It was October 19. 1987. THIRTY-EIGHT YEARS AGO!

Happy Anniversary to my brothers and sister from the 69th PSP Academy class.

We embarked on a journey like no other, a journey that cannot be defined, and a journey that only a very small percentage of people are 

able to take, a journey that would take us places and show us things that NOBODY should ever have to see, a journey that would bless us with unbreakable bonds, a journey that would give us pride and jubilation, a journey that, in the end, was ultimately life-changing!

Personally, I left my job that I absolutely loved as a radio announcer/news reporter, packed up my old yellow Firebird, kissed and hugged my mom and dad, my then-girlfriend (now my wife of over 37 years, said goodbye, then began the long and lonely 2 ½-hour drive east, across the state, to PA State Police Academy in Hershey.

I had NO idea what I was getting myself into.  Other than being 20 miles away at Saint Vincent College, and coming home most weekends, I had never even been away from home. The next five LONG months seemed like a lifetime for this college boy, being about as anti-military as they come. I never DID learn to march or salute very well, something that would haunt me over the next 25 years.

The Academy classroom work was simple. Learning had never been difficult for me when I put in the effort.  Pool time was easy since I had swum nearly every day possible for the past 12 years or so (although we did not have "pool duty" long because of a problem with the pool.) The REST of the academy time was NOT easy. My knees could NEVER withstand the morning run of up to 5 miles, regardless of the weather. Physical training had its ups and downs. There was fight class, actual LIVE hand-to-hand combat. Sometimes you were lucky enough to get the weak; other times, you WERE the weak. The shooting range, working details and much more filled the days.  My parents and older troopers I knew LIED to me!  This was NOTHING like college! What had I gotten myself into?  And then, there were the constant inspections. They certainly were not my friend, especially considering I did not have my mom to make my bed or wash and iron my clothes.

Fortunately, after that long, hard five months and finally passing the required tasks, including the obstacle course at the exact time I needed (I still think they shaved a few seconds off my time.  Just a week earlier, I was still far off.), I would become a full-fledged Pennsylvania State Trooper.

Trooper Dale a Gabriel. "GABRIEL G-A-B-R-I-E-L Just like the Angel." That had a nice ring to it. I probably said that a thousand times over the next 25 years, pointing to my name tag, when someone DEMANDED to know my name. My coworkers can attest to that. In fact, some of them started doing it FOR me. This was easily the most important and proudest accomplishments in my life to that point, only overshadowed later by being a father.

I would spend the next 25 years doing what I still consider to have been very important work, taking me from Shippenville in Clarion County, to Greensburg, then home to Kiski Valley for the last 20 years.   I was proud of the work I did. Proud to be a "Road Dawg" for the entire time. I was punched, kicked, bitten, spit on, run down by a car, dragged by a drunk driver and even attacked off duty, resulting in a fractured skull and severe facial injuries. Yet, like Buford Pusser, I kept "Walking Tall."  Well, at least as tall as a guy not quite 5'9" could!

I kept plugging away, going from wide-eyed rookie to grizzled veteran in what SEEMED like a very short time.  Several times, I was among the top 10 in DUI arrests in my troop, receiving the High DUI award. For about 18-20 of those years, I had the most DUIs at my station. I probably took part in taking a thousand drunk drivers off the road, and I absolutely hammered underage drinkers. Many thought I was wrong hunting them out the way I did.  Right or wrong, these were things I despised.

My very favorite thing, however, was simply the interaction with people when they were NOT at their worst, not victims, not the accused.  I loved seeing kids out in public and the excitement in their eyes at seeing a policeman, still a hero to most of them. I would let them sit in my patrol car, blow the siren, just talk to them, let them know we are there when they need us, and a friend when they don't.  I absolutely loved being like Superman to them.  I thoroughly enjoyed the hundreds of programs I put on at schools, old folks' homes, town meetings, scout troops, 4-H Clubs, PTA meetings and many more.

I think my proudest "accomplishment" was to incorporate, then put on for five years, "Camp Clelian," a one-day police camp for the students at Clelian Heights, a school for persons with special needs, the first of its kind to my knowledge. Each year, it got bigger and better. After the last one, I received a personal call from Governor Corbett and our PSP Commissioner. Great memories.

Unfortunately, though, as only those of us IN law enforcement know, the job eats at you. It takes so much out of you, changes you. My outlook on life changed. We are forced to see a multitude of things the average person does not see. I had so many ups and downs over the years, hundreds of dead bodies, mostly fatal accidents and suicides, drug overdoses, fatal fires, even a few murders. I saw a man die screaming while trapped in his tractor-trailer, as fire raged around him, and we caught his dog as he threw it out the window. I found my daughter's best friend and other kids I knew dead in a triple-fatal crash. I sat along the side of the road, holding an elderly woman's hand as she expired while awaiting an ambulance, talking to her for what seemed like hours. Delivering death messages to people, telling them they had just lost a loved one, was very difficult, completely draining you.

Over time, it hardens you. I saw people at their worst, injured, hurt and scared. Very often, however, I think that I was able to provide them some kind words, some comfort, which I believed helped them deal with the situation they were in. That is a very important and under-rated task.

And I was blessed to work with and become friends with so many great people along the way. Unlike a "normal" job, your co-workers become more than just your friends. They become your lifeline. They are men and women you know you can count on when the shit hits the fan. Brothers and sisters you know will have your back, just as you have theirs.

It's not just those in your own department, but many of those in the neighboring stations, local police officers you work with regularly.  Unfortunately, some of these brothers and sisters were taken from us at the hands of murderers. It does not matter if you know them personally or not; each and every one are family. May they all rest in peace.  And now, I see many of my old law enforcement brothers' and sisters' KIDS wearing the uniform. I am as proud of them as if they were my own kids.  And I pray for them constantly, as I do ALL police officers. Thank you for carrying on the tradition!

All in all, it was a great career for me. I am proud of my body of work. I am proud to have set an example in my neighborhood, someone people knew they could count on, and someone the kids could look up to. In addition, I was able to work midnight shift for the majority of it, which allowed me the time and ability to stay active in my three daughters' lives, which I think helped them turn into strong and successful adults.  It gave me the opportunity to stay active with kids in my community.

Those of us IN law enforcement KNOW the truth... but to those NOT in law enforcement, it's much different than you THINK. It's not like what you see on TV. It's a calling, not a job. When others run for safety, WE run TOWARD danger. Today's world disgusts me. There is so much blind hatred for law enforcement. So much disrespect. Yet we are still out there doing the job every day, much of the time for people who do not appreciate it. I cannot believe it's been 38 years, and I have been retired for 12, but I still hold my head high.  I am still proud to be part of a fraternity that most of the world could not or would not do.

Happy Anniversary my brothers!

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.

The SALT Deduction Revival: How the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” Bailed Out America’s Overtaxed Homeowners

The SALT Deduction Revival: How the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” Bailed Out America’s Overtaxed Homeowners
By: Geoffrey Rejent

Imagine this for a minute:  You’re a hardworking law enforcement officer living on the East or West Coast, earning a solid six-figure income. You pay enough property taxes to personally fund a small town’s volunteer fire department annually, and your state income tax bill is even worse. For as long as you can recall, you’ve been getting crushed by taxes.  You take your blows from the state and local governments, only to get hit again by Uncle Sam, who wouldn’t let you deduct more than $10,000 of those crippling state and local taxes. Naysayers may say, “It’s your choice to live there,” but let’s face it, can you really uproot your family midway through your career and move to a tax-friendly state?  What about those who are near the end of the careers, just trying to hang on until they can secure their pension and leave their overtaxed state?  Chances are that those faced with those situations will consider moving only when they are finally able to pack it in and retire.  President Ronald Reagan once said that “The nine most terrifying words in the English language are,, ‘I’m from the government, and I’m here to help.’”  Well, thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the federal government has helped taxpayers in the high-taxed states.

On July 4th, 2025, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law.  The law has a number of provisions and tax reductions for your average American.  You can debate the merits of the bill, whether or not it will ultimately increase or decrease the national debt, etc.  There is one major component of the bill that serves as a financial lifeline that millions of Americans in high-taxed states have been desperately waiting for:  a temporary increase in the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction.  Prior to the passage and signing of the bill, the SALT deduction was capped at a mere $10,000.  The bill now increases that number to $40,000, providing much-needed help to those living in high-taxed states.

What is the SALT Deduction, and Why Should You Care?
The SALT deduction allows taxpayers who itemize their deductions to subtract their state and local income taxes, sales taxes and property taxes from their federal taxable income. Think of this as the federal government saying to high-taxed state residents, “Hey, we recognize you’re already getting crushed by your state and local taxes.  We aren’t going to do it, too.”Prior to 2018, there wasn’t a cap on this deduction. People who lived in high-taxed states like California, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut could deduct their entire state and local tax bill. When the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 was signed into law during President Trump’s first presidential term, it created a $10,000 annual limit on SALT deductions.  That meant that residents of those high-taxed states lost their federal tax deduction with the stroke of a pen.  What was the result? Taxpayers who lived and worked in high-tax states suddenly found themselves paying thousands more in federal taxes, even as their overall tax bill continued to climb from a state and local tax standpoint.  Residents of high-taxed states felt like they were being punished for living in states that happened to have robust public services, inflated budgets and higher tax rates.  Worse yet, some politicians in these states have done little to help improve the rising taxes in these states.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act brought about much-needed tax relief to high-taxed state residents. The new legislation temporarily provides a more generous deduction cap, increasing it from $10,000 to $40,000 from 2025 to 2029.  There are some limitations to the SALT deduction. There is an income limit starting at $500,000, which phases out the generous deduction. The SALT deduction will take effect for the 2025 tax year and remain in force through 2029, with a 1% inflation adjustment after 2025.

To put this in perspective, here is an example of how this will benefit residents from high-taxed states.  John is a municipal police officer living in Bergen County, New Jersey.  He earns $130,000 annually, owns an $800,000 home of which he still owes $450,000 to his mortgage company, and pays about $25,000 in combined state income and property taxes.  Under the old $10,000 SALT deduction cap, John could only deduct $10,000 of his $25,000 state and local tax bill, essentially leaving him feeling like his $15,000 was essentially taxed twice.  How was he taxed twice?  He paid the initial tax of $25,000 (a combination of the state or local tax), but he was still taxed on that $15,000 federally as well, even though the $15,000 was paid out of his pocket for taxes.  What is the implication?  Depending on his federal tax bracket, he could be paying an additional $2,500-$3,500 of federal taxes on money he didn’t get to keep.  With the new $40,000 cap and assuming John itemizes his deductions, John can now deduct the entire $25,000 state and local tax bill, saving that $2,500-$3,500 per year in federal taxes.  That’s a significant savings!  It is important to note that the One Bill Beautiful Bill Act also changes the amounts of standard deductions.  The bill increased the standard taxpayer deduction to $15,750 for single filers, $23,625 for head of household and $31,500 for joint filers, while also limiting other itemized deductions. If John is a single filer or even a head of household, it would make sense for him to itemize his deductions. If he is a joint filer, he may need to determine if any other deductions total up to a higher number than $31,500. 

You might be asking how does this affect real estate markets?
The SALT deduction isn’t just about individual tax bills; it’s a major factor in real estate markets, particularly those located in high-tax areas around the country. Homebuyers often (and should) consider tax costs when buying a home.  A higher SALT cap makes expensive homes in high-tax areas more financially attractive. This change is also very important for buyers looking to move into larger or nicer homes.  Homeowners who are looking to sell their starter homes and purchase larger properties in desirable school districts will be motivated to buy these homes because of the tax savings. The enhanced deduction makes moving to a more expensive home more financially feasible. The higher limits on the SALT deduction may also slow the flow of families leaving high-taxed states.  This is especially important for people who are moving toward retirement or those who are on a fixed income.

The changes to the SALT deduction represent more than just a tax policy modification.  The modified SALT deduction is recognition that Americans living in high-taxed states are struggling and paying an astronomical amount of taxes.  Families living in high-tax areas will now be able to keep more of their hard-earned money, which will provide more flexibility with how they handle the household finances. Whether you’re a current homeowner watching your tax bill shrink or a prospective buyer suddenly finding more homes within reach, the enhanced SALT deduction is reshaping the landscape of personal finance and real estate. After years of feeling penalized for living in states with high taxes and high home values, families finally have some breathing room.

Geoffrey J. Rejent is a Municipal Police Sergeant in New Jersey.  He is currently in his 23rd year of service and is assigned to Special Operations.  Prior to Special Operations, he was assigned to the Detective Bureau, Traffic Bureau and Patrol Division.  He also currently serves as a Drug Recognition Expert and is a former Crash Reconstructionist.  He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Marist College and a Master’s Degree in Administrative Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University.  He is also a Mortgage Loan Originator (NMLS 2624041) with One Real Mortgage (198414).  You can reach Geoffrey J. Rejent by email at Geoffrey.Rejent@onerealmortgage.com or by Facebook at Geoffrey J. Rejent – For All of Your Mortgage Needs.

PREVIEW: Artificial Intelligence: The End of the Human Officer?

PREVIEW:Artificial Intelligence: The End of the Human Officer?

The Blue Magazine – 2025 Edition

In Silicon Valley, engineers are designing the perfect officer — one that never sleeps, never hesitates, and never makes a mistake. While they debate algorithms and ethics, America’s command rooms stay quiet. But silence doesn’t mean safety. Artificial intelligence is already policing the world.

In Dubai, robots patrol public spaces. In Los Angeles, predictive software guides deployment. In Singapore, surveillance systems flag movement patterns before a crime occurs.

What began as support for law enforcement is becoming a replacement for it. To policymakers, perfection looks efficient — no fatigue, no bias, no liability. But when judgment is turned over to artificial intelligence, who defines justice?

The Blue Magazine examines the rise of AI in law enforcement and what it means for the officers still wearing the badge. Read the full investigation at TheBlueMagazine.com (https://www.thebluemagazine.com)

When Everything Changes at Once: Navigating Retirement, Family and the First Responder Mindset

When Everything Changes at Once: Navigating Retirement, Family and the First Responder Mindset
By: Kimberly Stratman

I knew retirement would bring change—but I didn’t realize just how many changes would happen at the same time.

My boys are grown now. They have their own lives, schedules, families and dreams. This is a little painful.  My parents are aging, and with that comes a new kind of caretaking—one I didn’t expect to take on so soon or even ever. And then there's me—retired from a career that shaped every part of who I am. Suddenly, I'm no longer the officer, the responder, the one holding the line. And yet, somehow, I’m still trying to hold it all together.

This isn’t just my story. It’s our story—especially for those of us who’ve lived years, maybe decades, with the first responder mindset. Have you considered how and why you make your decisions? Have you considered the cost of your actions?

We were trained to jump in, take charge, fix things, and keep people safe. That mindset served us in the field—but it can also trip us up in retirement. When our children are carving out their own lives, we might step in too much, trying to "help" when they just need space. When our parents’ health starts shifting, we can go into control mode, unintentionally making them feel incapable. The conversations get difficult or do not even happen. And when we finally have time for ourselves? We often don’t even know what we want anymore. Maybe we think, “I just wish it was like before.”

We get in our own way.
We get in the way of our children.
We even get in the way of our parents.

But here’s the good news: The same skills that made us excellent first responders can also help us build a strong, grounded future—for ourselves and the people we love.

The Skills That Help Us in This New Chapter:

·         Decision-making under pressure: We know how to assess situations quickly. This helps when navigating tough choices about aging parents, finances, or where we want to live.

·         Resilience and grit: We’ve been through hard things. That strength can carry us through the emotional terrain of family transitions and our own identity shifts.

·         Situational awareness: We’re observant. That allows us to see when someone needs support—and when it’s time to step back.

·         Dedication to service: Our instinct to care for others can be a gift—when we channel it with love, not control.

The Mindsets That Can Hurt Us If We’re Not Careful:

·         "I have to handle everything myself."
This leads to burnout, isolation and resentment. In retirement, collaboration is key—not command.

·         "If I’m not helping, I’m not valuable."
Our worth doesn’t come from being needed. It comes from being—authentically and fully ourselves.

·         "I know what’s best."
Maybe you do—but people need to make their own choices. Even if it’s hard to watch.

·         "I’ll take care of me later."
Sister, now is your time. You’ve earned this next chapter. Don’t put yourself at the bottom of the list anymore.

·         Resilience and grit: We’ve been through hard things. That strength can carry us through the emotional terrain of family transitions and our own identity shifts. Oh? On both lists? Absolutely. You might have too much “stuff” to handle anything else.

So, What Do We Do?

We pause. We write it down. What matters to you now? What does a good day look like? What does your body need? What lights you up? What do you want your relationships to feel like?

This isn’t about planning every step—it’s about intention. Living on purpose. Not reacting. Not rescuing. But responding—to your life, to your season, with wisdom and grace. I am definitely benefiting from “not planning” everything.  When my youngest son and his wife need an extra set of hands with their creative install business, I jump in. The casual, relaxed conversation that occurs while we are working side by side is priceless. No way I could plan that!

All the changes are a lot to process, and while you might be used to handling things on your own, retirement is a season that calls for connection. There are resources out there—some on a national level that you can find online, and others closer to home, like small local groups or even one-on-one conversations with women who are just a little farther down the road. But here’s the thing: Many of us don’t have a lot of close female friendships, especially if we spent our careers in a male-dominated field like first response.

That’s why this moment—when everything feels up in the air—can be the perfect reason to start building those connections. Use this time to reach out, to talk with other women your age or a bit older, and to share your experiences. You might be surprised how comforting it is to realize you’re not the only one feeling this way. And the friendships you build now? They won’t just help you get through this transition—they’ll be there the next time life shifts. Because it will. And you shouldn’t have to face it alone.

You’ve spent your life serving others. And you probably will continue to serve others. Now it’s time to build a life that serves you—while still showing up in healthy, loving ways for those around you. I invite you to acknowledge your struggles. Recognize that life is happening all around us and we are really “in charge” and we have some useful traits and strengths.

You don’t have to figure it out alone.
If this speaks to where you are right now, I see you. Let’s rethink what life looks like after the job—together. Please share your story and experience. Other first responders, need it.

If you're a first responder who is even beginning to think about retirement, I invite you to explore my self-paced coaching course designed just for you. This eight-session, video-based program includes downloadable worksheets to help you reflect, plan, and move forward with clarity and confidence. You can also grab my free resource: a curated list of must-read books for female first responders preparing for life beyond the job. Visit tothepointcoach.org to get started.

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

COVER STORY: The Weight of the Badge

COVER STORY: The Weight of the Badge
By: Joel E. Gordon

Imagine working under a microscope, being judged for taking the very actions that you were hired to do, often being held responsible by others with adversarial views or personally beneficial motivations against the greater good. Welcome to reality in the world of law enforcement as experienced by many.

Every day, police officers face challenges that go beyond writing reports or patrolling neighborhoods. Behind the badge lies a heavy toll that affects our mental, physical and emotional health. While the work is vital for community safety, the cost for those who serve often remains hidden. Understanding this toll is key for making law enforcement better — not just for officers, but for everyone they protect.

Police work is dangerous. Officers often face assaults, car crashes and other physical dangers during duty. Data shows that law enforcement officers are injured at a rate higher than many other professions. These injuries can be minor or severe but often lead to long-term health issues.

After many emergency responses and potentially violent encounters, the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), which is a branch of the autonomic nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions in response to stress or perceived danger, often diminishes as a result of burnout from too many adrenaline rushes initiating the sympathetic nervous response over a period of time.

Long-term health problems linked to policing include heart disease, stress-related illnesses and musculoskeletal pain. The physical strain of carrying heavy gear or chasing suspects takes a toll on the body over time. Experts say these risks aren’t just accidents — they’re rooted in the job’s demanding nature.

Officers work odd hours — night shifts, weekends, holidays — that disrupt their sleep patterns. This can make it hard to get enough rest, leading to fatigue. Sleep deprivation increases the risk of accidents, mistakes and health problems.

Shift work also affects mental health and increases the chance of developing chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes. The body’s internal clock gets confused, and over years, this can wear down even the strongest officers.

Many officers face mental health issues like PTSD, depression and anxiety. Exposure to traumatic scenes — accidents, violence, deaths — can leave scars that don’t heal easily. The constant confrontation with danger wears down their mental resilience over time.

Talking about mental health isn’t easy for officers. A culture persists where admitting they’re struggling is seen as weakness. Fear of judgment or losing their job can prevent many from seeking help. Fortunately, some departments are working hard to change this view through wellness programs and stigma-reduction campaigns.

Job stress and traumatic experiences often spill into officers’ personal lives. Some struggle to connect with family members or maintain healthy relationships. In extreme cases, this job-related stress leads to divorce or family breakdowns.

Many officers withdraw from friends and social activities. The demanding nature of the work makes it harder to keep friendships strong. Over time, this social isolation can deepen, leading to loneliness and a sense of disconnect from the community they serve.

High stress levels push many officers toward burnout. When exhaustion and dissatisfaction grow, departments see more resignations and retirements. This turnover affects police operations, costs departments money and weakens community trust.

Stress influences how officers make split-second decisions. When overwhelmed, some may resort to force more often, which can damage their relationship with residents. High-profile incidents can make communities feel distrustful or fearful of law enforcement.

Providing mental health counseling, peer groups, and resilience programs can help officers handle stress better. Regular check-ins with mental health professionals makes a huge difference. Departments that prioritize wellness create healthier, more effective officers.

Encouraging honesty and openness about mental health can foster a supportive environment. Rethinking shift schedules and workload can reduce exhaustion. Training officers on stress and trauma management prepares them better for tough moments.

Actionable Tips for Law Enforcement Agencies

·         Hold routine mental health checkups for staff.

·         Offer stress management and relaxation training.

·         Develop community partnerships to create supportive networks.

·         Promote a culture of caring and understanding within the department.

·         Support good faith efforts of officers’ actions within the bounds of constitutional limits.

Policing is a difficult job in regulating human behavior to a high degree that is not for everyone. It takes a serious toll on officers and ultimately on the communities they serve. From physical injuries to emotional scars, the cost of the job can be overwhelming. Addressing these issues requires commitment, cultural change and better support systems. Only then can we foster safer, healthier environments for everyone. Advocating for policy reforms, mental health care and community collaboration is the way forward. Together, we can ensure that those who protect us are also protected.

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

BLUE EDITOR UP FRONT

BLUE EDITOR UP FRONT

"Taking a toll" means to have a damaging or harmful effect on someone or something, according to Cambridge Dictionary. It's often used to describe how a difficult situation or event negatively impacts a person's health, well-being or finances.

In this edition of BLUE Magazine we take an in-depth look at what impacts us negatively. Careers in law enforcement, corrections, and in the first responder world are not for everyone and often result in personal harm from the many adversarial and traumatic encounters endured over time. Lack of political support for the very services we are hired to provide adds to the relentless stress of functioning under a microscope.

Behind the badge lies a heavy toll that affects our mental, physical and emotional health. Our cover story The Weight of the Badge further sets the stage for painting a picture of what contributes to the toll our profession so often takes on our lives of dedicated service. We provide some recommendations on actionable tips for law enforcement agencies to explore for implementation or expansion.

Be sure to check out our other informative and inspirational articles. Monica Crawford encourages empowerment in My Story of Career Transition. Leonard Sipes asks, Is Policing The Toughest Job In America? Deon Joseph asks, Is it Time to Reconsider Our Approach?  Lt. Joseph Pangaro (Ret.) provides A Tactical Guide for Officers Facing Violent Protests. Stan Popovich gives us Six Reasons Why a  Police Officer Should Get Help For Their Mental Health, and Chris Amos’ provides his Police Chaplains Perspective reminding us that There Is Hope.

Other articles of equal interest will be found throughout this issue. Once you begin reading, you won’t want to stop!

The untimely death of our friend and mentor, Commissioner Bernard Kerik, has saddened us immensely. As our founder and publisher Daniel Del Valle recently said, the BLUE Magazine will continue to forge ahead with the same intensity and focus in keeping with the legacy Commissioner Kerik left behind in support and dedication to our law enforcement community while always striving for the greater good. May Commissioner Kerik rest in eternal peace. We will strive to keep his work front and center as we take his life's mission over from here.

As always, we at BLUE Magazine remain anxious for your input, stories, knowledge and experiences. Our sister organization Moment of Silence remains committed to our wellness and longevity. We rise by lifting others. Reach out to us; we want to hear from you!

Joel E. Gordon
Editor-in-Chief

Is Policing The Toughest Job In America?

Is Policing The Toughest Job In America?
By: Leonard Adam Sipes, Jr.

There seem to be a lot of pissed-off cops.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United States lost over 25,000 local police employees, and the number is higher if you include state agencies. Police agencies throughout the country are complaining that the number of recruits is dropping. As a result, they are lowering standards.

Some cities report they are approximately 1,000 officers below authorized levels. Some cities are reporting over an hour’s wait time for police officers to arrive, which has an obvious impact on crime reporting and public safety.

All of this is indicative of problems law enforcement officers face. Is the job of being a police officer so difficult as to persuade potential applicants not to apply and thousands to leave? If so, what’s the impact on citizen safety and the delivery of services?

Part of the problem is the unrelenting negative media coverage of police use of force. But many in law enforcement believe that force (or the threat of force) isn’t because of overly aggressive cops; it’s more an issue of uncooperative suspects or hostile people they interact with.

Repeated surveys from the US Department of Justice indicate that police use “or” threat of force is rare, two percent of 50-60 million yearly police encounters. Citizen surveys are supportive of law enforcement based on trust and fairness regardless of demographics. 

So what are the reasons that being a cop has become so hard?

When I was a police officer decades ago, the great majority of the people I interacted with (including those I arrested) were civil and compliant. It was rare to use physical force. But today’s environment seems different.

Data indicates that 42 percent of police shootings involve people in mental health crises. In most of these cases, it involved potential or ongoing acts of violence.

As I progressed through the justice system, I discovered that mental health caseloads tripled in parole and probation and correctional agencies.

Pew’s analysis found that adults reporting co-occurring serious or moderate mental illness (hereafter “mental illness”) and substance use disorders in the past year were far more likely to be arrested (emphasis added) compared with both those with mental illness alone and those who didn’t experience any mental illness or substance use disorder.

First, we need to establish that all available data indicates that the great majority of people with mental health or substance abuse issues will not engage in criminal activity. But what I’m hearing from today’s cops is that interactions with the public are far more intense than in previous years, possibly based on people using drugs or alcohol or having emotional problems.

There is immense controversy regarding police interactions and the use of force. The simplest of exchanges can explode. According to national polling from the USDOJ, two percent of police-citizen contacts involve the use “or” threat of force.

Per Bureau of Justice Statistics research, more than half of all prison and jail inmates had mental health problems. These estimates represented 56% of state prisoners, 45% of federal prisoners and 64% of jail inmates. Being these are self-reports, the actual numbers are higher.

Add substance abuse and histories of violence and data stating that most correctional offenders come from troubled backgrounds (i.e., child abuse and neglect, brain injuries, exposure to violence, sexual abuse as children for female offenders) and we begin to understand the dangers and difficulties of police officers making stops and arrests.

So in the final analysis, police officers are interacting with an immense number of people with a wide array of mental health and substance problems. Not covered in this article are the physical and developmental disabilities prevalent in our society. The rate of child abuse and neglect within the offender population is considerable.

It takes an extraordinary police officer with immense skills to wade through these issues and make the right decision every time. When I was a cop, I discovered that it was almost impossible to make the right call every time I interacted with the public. With the loss of police officers and with society piling on additional duties (i.e., school security, red flag laws, event security, mass shooting prevention) being a police officer IS much harder than ever.

Making a mistake now means that you are on the front page of every newspaper in the country.

Do we provide the training necessary to successfully deal with the array of issues listed above? No. Do we provide cops with the less-than-lethal weapons designed to incapacitate with minimal harm? No.

Is any of this an excuse for bad behavior on the part of police officers? No. But I have seen mild-mannered cops dedicated to equal and constitutional law enforcement lose their tempers when a criminal threatened his family with violence.

Maybe it’s time to make sure that every police officer in America has the skills, training and equipment necessary to successfully interact with people with troubled backgrounds. Maybe it’s time to attend to the mental health of cops. Maybe it’s time to understand the high suicide rate in law enforcement.

Maybe it’s time to understand the risks cops take. 50-60 officers are feloniously killed each year. Over 79,000 law enforcement officers were assaulted while performing their duties.

Maybe it’s time to stop stereotyping all cops as brutal based on the mistakes of a few. 

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

Embrace the Ride: Navigating the Unpredictability of a Law Enforcement Career

Embrace the Ride: Navigating the Unpredictability of a Law Enforcement Career
By DLT. Joe Bucco Jr.

Whether you’re fresh out of the academy or deep into your second decade of service, one reality remains; a law enforcement career rarely unfolds exactly as planned.

Most officers enter the profession with a vision; an image of what success might look like. For some, it’s earning a spot on a specialized unit or being promoted into a supervision role. For others, it's simply making it through the early years, earning credibility and one day retiring with dignity, health and your integrity intact. But if there’s one truth seasoned officers will all agree on, it’s this: The road from aspiration to achievement is rarely if ever a straight line.

The journey is marked by detours, setbacks and unplanned changes. That is not a flaw in the process. That is the process.

From day one, this profession demands adaptability. Officers encounter organizational restructuring, leadership shifts, unanticipated personal challenges and opportunities that appear or disappear without warning. Some challenges are systemic, including internal politics, injuries, resource constraints or the emotional toll of critical incidents. Others are more personal, such as burnout, missteps or the slow erosion of motivation. But in many cases, what first appears to be a professional setback eventually proves to be a pivotal moment of growth.

If you’re just beginning your career, you’ll quickly learn that no training academy can fully prepare you for the complexity of this work. Real-world policing tests your judgment, empathy and endurance in ways that defy simulation. If you’re in the middle of your career, you already understand how difficult it can be to stay engaged once the initial excitement fades and the daily grind takes over.

But here is a critical truth: Longevity and success in law enforcement do not depend on everything going right. They depend on your ability to adapt and maintain a positive attitude when things go wrong.

This job is not always glamorous. Behind the scenes are long nights, thankless tasks and emotionally draining calls that leave a lasting impression. But growth often happens in these less visible moments. True development occurs not only when you earn a promotion or receive recognition, but also during those difficult shifts that force you to reexamine your values, strengthen your resolve and recalibrate your focus.

Instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?” Consider asking, “What can I learn from this?” That shift in mindset can be a powerful tool for navigating the unpredictable.

Perspective, more than any tactic or tool, may be the most valuable resource you possess. It is easy to become narrowly focused on department politics, public opinion or organizational frustrations. But with a broader perspective, it becomes clear that every chapter of your career carries value, even the ones that do not feel that way in the moment.

If you are in that middle stage of your career, no longer new but not yet nearing retirement, you may be wondering what comes next. Perhaps your original goals have not materialized. Or maybe they have, but the experience feels underwhelming. This is common, and it is no reason to panic. The midpoint of your career is not a dead end. It is a proving ground. Use this time to mentor others, refine your leadership style and prepare yourself for what lies ahead.

It is also important to remember that law enforcement may be your profession, but it does not have to be your sole identity. The skills you’ve developed such as crisis management, emotional intelligence and ethical decision-making are not only essential within this profession. They are highly valued in a wide range of fields. Whether you move into corporate security, education, consulting or explore an entirely new career path, your experience in law enforcement provides a meaningful foundation.

This career will challenge you in ways few others can. You will witness humanity at its best and at its worst, often within the same day. You will encounter moments that inspire you and others that test your resilience. But through it all, the profession will shape your character, your worldview, and your leadership.

So, wherever you are on your journey, whether you are lacing up your boots for your first shift or approaching the final years of your service, keep this in mind: The path will not always be clear. It may not make sense in the moment. But if you remain open to growth, resilient in the face of adversity and committed to learning through every season, you will ultimately find your way.

And when you look back, you will recognize that even the setbacks had meaning. They helped shape you into the officer and the person you were always meant to become.

Joseph Bucco Jr. is a Municipal Police Lieutenant in northern New Jersey.  He is currently in his 22nd year of service and is assigned to the Detective Division as the Division Commander. Some of his past assignments include the departments Patrol Division, Street Crimes Unit as well as an on-loan assignment with a Multi-Jurisdictional Fugitive Task Force. He received a B.A from Ramapo College of New Jersey and an M.A from Seton Hall University. In the fall of 2018, in addition to his police and consulting careers, Joe accepted a position as a Business Development Manager with a national communications and media company that is solely focused on serving our nation’s law enforcement officers. 

REMEMBRANCE: Deputy Sheriff William May

REMEMBRANCE: Deputy Sheriff William May
Artwork by Jonny Castro

Walton County, Florida, Deputy Sheriff William May wasn’t supposed to be working on Wednesday afternoon April 2, 2025. He decided to volunteer for an overtime shift to help provide staffing assistance. During that shift, a Dollar General store in Mossy Head, Florida, called 911 regarding an individual inside causing a disturbance, and needed him to be trespassed from the scene. Deputy May responded to that call. It was his last stop before heading home for the day.

Upon arriving at the location, Deputy May made contact with the suspect and the two had a brief conversation. Within 10 seconds of escorting the male out of the store, the suspect pulled out a gun and fired multiple rounds at the deputy. Although body armor was credited with stopping several rounds, one of the rounds struck him just outside the protective area of his vest. Despite being mortally wounded, he was able to return fire and kill the gunman. At least 18 rounds were fired in the short but violent gun battle. Deputy May was rushed to the hospital where medical staff fought for four hours to try and save his life, but he succumbed to his injuries later that evening.

Deputy William May had been a member of the Walton County Sheriff’s Office since 2014. He started as a communication officer, and was eventually promoted to deputy sheriff in 2019. Deputy May leaves behind a wife and four children.

Carrying the Weight That Wasn’t Ours

Carrying the Weight That Wasn’t Ours
By: Adam Boyd

A young warrior once set off on a long journey across the mountains. Before he left, the village elders handed him a heavy pack filled with gear—flint, rope, dried food, even a cast-iron pot. It was tradition, and no one questioned it.

As he walked, he collected more tools. A friend gave him extra rope, another insisted he carry stones “for strength.” He never questioned what he was carrying. He just kept moving.

The higher he climbed, the more the weight began to hurt, first his shoulders, then his back, then his spirit. But he pushed on. That’s what warriors do.

When he finally reached the summit, he collapsed. Exhausted, aching, and broken. Curious, he opened the pack to see what had worn him down. That’s when he saw the truth: he hadn’t needed most of it. He had been carrying weight that wasn’t his to carry.

This story may feel familiar to a lot of us — especially in law enforcement, fire service and the military.

We’re trained to carry stress, trauma, pressure and responsibility like it’s just part of the job. And while some of it is ...  much of what we carry, we’ve never been shown how to process or release. We just pack it in and keep going. Until we break down.

But resilience isn’t about enduring. It’s about being able to recover faster from those hardships. To help us do that, we need to learn when to carry, when to set down, and how to recover for the next climb.

True resilience is a skill. A system. A choice.

After over a decade in law enforcement and years of working with first responders and tactical athletes, I’ve seen firsthand what makes someone thrive and what slowly takes them out of the fight.

Resilience comes down to three key pillars:

1. Control the Physiology
 Your breath, heart rate and nervous system dictate how you show up. If your body is constantly in fight-or-flight, performance drops, relationships suffer, and decisions falter.
 Tools like breath work, ice exposure and movement retrain the body to respond, not just react.

2. Master the Mind
 We’re never taught how to manage our thoughts. Mental toughness isn’t born, it’s built. Techniques like visualization, stress inoculation and internal dialogue help keep clarity when the chaos hits.

3. Optimize Recovery
 You don’t grow in the stress, you grow in the recovery. Prioritizing quality sleep, deliberate rest and mindful habits restores your capacity. Otherwise, you’re pouring from an empty cup.

These pillars aren’t theories, they're part of a system we’ve developed and delivered in departments, training rooms and retreats across the country.

At Soleful Training, we’ve built a 3-step system specifically for those who serve. The Soleful Warrior Program helps first responders develop practical, sustainable resilience through workshops and a 12-week immersive experience. We don’t preach. We train. We guide warriors through tools that strengthen the body, focus the mind and rebuild recovery without adding extra weight to their lives.

This isn’t just another wellness talk. It's strength. It’s breath. It’s mindset. It’s action.

Departments need more than an outside voice, they need internal leaders who carry the torch. That’s why we offer a Train-the-Trainer track, equipping select staff to bring the Soleful Warrior principles in-house.

With it, the program becomes part of the culture — not just another training. And when wellness lives in the culture, it impacts the team, the family, and the community.

Set It Down

So here’s the question, what are you carrying right now that you no longer need?

Old expectations? Past trauma? Shame for struggling? The pressure to be everything to everyone?

You don’t have to carry it all. You’re allowed to set some of it down.

Resilience is not about being tougher. It’s about being smarter, lighter and more prepared for the journey ahead.

If you or your department is ready to take that step, we’re here to walk it with you.

Let’s build warriors who know the strength of letting go.

Adam Boyd is a former SWAT operator, detective, and ultra runner with over a decade in law enforcement. After losing his father to cancer at 33 and two fellow officers to early heart attacks, he dedicated his life to building first responder resilience. Adam holds multiple wellness certifications, including Wim Hof Method and T-SAC, and has trained SWAT and first responders around the nation. He now leads holistic programs focused on performance, recovery, and mental toughness. He is the founder of Soleful Training www.solefultraining.com

Preparing Your Finances before Applying for a Mortgage

Preparing Your Finances before Applying for a Mortgage
By: Geoffrey J. Rejent

A home purchase is one of the most significant financial commitments you can make, and obtaining a mortgage is a very important step in the process.  It is important to have your finances in order before completing mortgage applications.  Proper financial preparation will help you ensure a relatively easy application process, avoid stress and potentially save thousands of dollars in interest costs over the life of your loan. The following steps can serve as a guide on how to prepare your finances before applying for a mortgage.

1. Evaluate Your Credit Score and Credit Report

Your credit score is a major factor that lenders consider when reviewing your mortgage application.A higher credit score will usually translate into a lower interest rate, thus saving you money over the life of the loan.  Before applying for a mortgage, you should obtain a copy of your credit report from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion).  It is important to take time to review the information for accuracy.  If you determine that there are inaccuracies, you can contact the credit bureaus and the creditors and notify them of the discrepancies. You can improve your credit score by doing the following:

·         Pay off outstanding debts.

·         Ensure that you are current on all installment loans.

·         Avoid opening new credit accounts or taking out new loans prior to applying for a mortgage.

·         Reduce the amount of overall debt you owe by keeping balances low on credit cards and avoiding any large-scale purchases.

2. Establish a Stable Employment History

Most lenders prefer applicants with a stable employment history. A stable employment history usually translates into less risk for the lender. Most lenders require at least two years of consistent employment in the same field and at least one year with the same employer.  Self-employed individuals may need to provide additional documentation to prove their income.  Some additional documents that prove stable income include tax returns and profit-and-loss statements.

3. Build an Emergency Fund

Homeownership comes with expenses (both expected and unexpected).  These include repairs and maintenance.  Establishing an emergency fund can provide financial security and prevent you from defaulting on mortgage payments if an emergency arises.The following are tips for building an emergency fund:

·         Focus on saving at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses.

·         Keep your emergency fund in an easily accessible account such as a high-yield savings account.

·         Contribute to your emergency fund regularly (automate the deposits if possible).

4.  Reduce Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)

Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is another important number lenders use to evaluate your ability to manage monthly mortgage payments. A lower DTI indicates that you have adequate income to cover your debts and other financial obligations.  Certain mortgages have DTI thresholds in order to conform with the lending guidelines.  You may not qualify for certain types of loans if your DTI is higher than the maximum limit.

Ways Lower Your DTI:

·         Pay off or consolidate high-interest debt to reduce monthly obligations.

·         Increase your income through additional income sources such as overtime, side jobs or career advancements.

·         Avoid making any large purchases that require installment payments prior to applying for a mortgage.

5.  Save for a Down Payment and Closing Costs

A large down payment can improve your loan eligibility and reduce your monthly mortgage payments.  Conventional loans typically require a 20% down payment to avoid private mortgage insurance (known as PMI).  PMI protects the lender in the event that the borrower defaults on the mortgage.  There are loan options available with down payments as low as 3% for qualified buyers for residential properties.

Ways to Save for a Down Payment:

·         Create a separate savings account dedicated to your down payment and closing costs.  It is best to automate the process so that a certain amount is deposited into the account each pay period. 

·         Reduce discretionary spending and deposit those funds into your savings.

·         Explore special mortgage programs and grants that may offer down payment assistance.

·         Look for properties where the seller is offering closing cost credits.

·         You can consider using gifts from family members; however, you must be aware that lenders may require a letter from the gifting family member disclosing that the money was a gift. 

You need to budget for closing costs, which typically range from 2% to 5% of the home's purchase price. These costs include appraisal fees, title insurance, surveys and other administrative expenses.

6. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Obtaining a mortgage pre-approval is a preliminary evaluation conducted by a lender that determines how much a borrower can borrow based on your specific financial situation.  A pre-approval gives you a budget to operate within when shopping for a home and strengthens your position in the eyes of the seller when making an offer.  The following are required for a pre-approval:

·         Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, W-2 forms)

·         Bank statements and investment account summaries

·         Current debts or revolving credit

·         Credit reports and scores

·         An employment verification letter

A pre-approval doesn’t necessarily guarantee a loan, but it is generally beneficial to have one when negotiating with sellers and real estate agents.

Conclusion

Preparing your finances prior to applying for a mortgage can improve your chances of obtaining the best mortgage with the most favorable terms for you. Following the advice in this article will improve your chances of obtaining a mortgage approval.  The goal is to have financial success as a homeowner while having an equity stake in the nation we serve as first responders. 

Geoffrey J. Rejent is a Municipal Police Sergeant in New Jersey.  He is currently in his 22nd year of service and is assigned to Special Operations.  Prior to Special Operations, he was assigned to the Detective Bureau, Traffic Bureau and Patrol Division.  He also currently serves as a Drug Recognition Expert and is a former Crash Reconstructionist.  He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Marist College and a Master’s Degree in Administrative Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University.  He is also a Mortgage Loan Originator (NMLS 2624041) with One Real Mortgage (198414).  You can reach Geoffrey J. Rejent by email at Geoffrey.Rejent@onerealmortgage.com or by Facebook at Geoffrey J. Rejent – For All of Your Mortgage Needs.

THE CALLING: Exploring First Responder Career Paths

THE CALLING: Exploring First Responder Career Paths
By: Joel E. Gordon

First responders are the backbone of emergency services. They rush into chaos to save lives, protect property, and keep communities safe. As demand for these vital roles grows, so do chances for careers in emergency response.

First responders are trained professionals like police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs. They are the first on the scene during accidents, disasters, or crimes. Their main job is to provide immediate help, secure the area, and start the rescue process. Each role has different tasks, but all share the goal of quick, effective action.

Every year, millions of emergency incidents happen across the country. Response time can make a big difference—sometimes saving lives or preventing injuries. For example, a firefighter extinguishing a house fire or an EMT stabilizing a patient can change everything. Their work is often unseen but absolutely essential.

First responders need a mix of physical, mental, and technical skills. Sharp communication, quick thinking, and teamwork are a must. These skills readily transfer into further career growth as in the case of a trained paramedic becoming an RN as field work becomes more prohibitive as the individuals aging process takes hold. Educational requirements vary: most roles need high school diplomas or GEDs, plus specialized certifications. Strong problem-solving abilities and emotional resilience are just as important as physical fitness.

Camaraderie among first responders can be second to none. During times of trials and tribulations the support, care, and understanding of fellow first responders can make a huge difference when undergoing difficulties when dealing with critical medical conditions or other issues in our own personal lives.

Career Paths in First Response

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●Police Officer

Police officers are tasked with law enforcement, community safety, and crime prevention. Many police departments offer specialized units like K-9, cybercrime, or SWAT teams. Career growth often involves promotions to sergeant, lieutenant, or even higher roles like chief. Continuous training helps officers handle evolving challenges.

●Firefighter

Firefighters fight fires, perform rescues, and provide emergency medical aid. They often work in shifts to ensure 24/7 coverage. Advancement might include roles in fire inspection, training, or hazardous materials teams. Becoming a fire captain or fire chief is a common next step.

●Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Personnel

EMTs and paramedics respond to medical emergencies outside hospitals. Starting as an EMT is typical, then moving up to advanced paramedic roles or EMS supervisor positions. Many EMS professionals also choose to specialize in areas like EMS education or management.

●Specializations and Support Roles

Beyond core responder jobs, there are support roles like dispatchers who coordinate responses or communication specialists who operate emergency radios. Search and rescue teams, disaster response units, tactical law enforcement, and bomb squads are specialized fields requiring additional skills and training.

Most jobs in emergency services demand certain basics: age limits (usually 18+), background checks, and physical fitness tests. Candidates must also pass written exams and drug tests. Certifications like CPR and first aid are often mandatory from the start.

Attending police or fire academies is common for initial training. On-the-job training helps new hires adapt quickly. Continuing education keeps skills fresh and up-to-date. Many agencies endorse courses on advanced medical procedures or crisis management.

Local governments often fund training programs for first responders. Scholarships and grants are available, especially for those committed to long-term careers. Some employers even cover training costs after hiring, so researching available resources can reduce financial barriers.

Starting as an entry-level responder is just the beginning. Many move into supervisory roles, specialized units, or become trainers themselves. Careers in emergency management or public safety administration are also options for those ready to lead.

Keeping skills current is key. Certifications like Advanced EMT, Hazardous Materials Technician, or Incident Command System boost employability. Attending workshops and courses improves expertise and prepares responders for bigger responsibilities and future endeavors.

Experts say that career growth in this field often depends on dedication and lifelong learning. Stories of first responders who started at the bottom and now lead teams or manage entire departments are common. These roles bring a deep sense of pride and community impact.

The job is physically demanding, and responders face danger during every call. Emotional stress from traumatic scenes can take a toll. Odd hours, night shifts, and unpredictable schedules add to the challenge, making mental health and self-care vital.

Despite hardships, many find their career deeply rewarding. Saving lives, helping communities, and making a difference bring unmatched satisfaction. Personal growth, new skills, and camaraderie often result from this line of work.

First responder careers come with a wide range of options—from police and fire to EMS and beyond. Proper training and continuous education are keys to success and advancement. If you’re drawn to helping others and thrive under pressure, this field offers a fulfilling path. Exploring these opportunities might just lead you to your life's most meaningful work and a chance to make a real difference in the world out in the field and even later in a career path of service.

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

Internal versus External “Customers”

Internal versus External “Customers”
By: Heather Glogolich, Ed.D.

I’m tired of women and men in this profession feeling as though they don’t have a voice. I’m tired of our cops feeling as though they have to change who they are to fit in when it’s who they are as individuals that brings so much positive impact. And maybe, fundamentally, that’s the problem with policing. As paramilitary organizations, the culture has remained traditional. But there is a way to keep traditions while not remaining stagnant.

The world changes at such a fast pace, yet “leaders” of law enforcement organizations fear change. They choose to hold onto the facets of policing that are antiquated. Change happens as a response, not as a proactive forethought. Traditionally, problems are handled as they come in and yet outside of law enforcement, companies continually look toward proactive progress; progress within the team as a whole in order to positively attract and affect the customer.

If you read your mission statement and it puts the “customer” first - then you’re doing it wrong. And by customer, I mean the stakeholders within the communities you serve. It should be team first. There cannot be an expectation of excellent customer service when there is lackluster leadership for those who are tasked with supplying said services.

Chiefs, mayors, police directors, business administrators and other heads of organizations - they tend to have to focus on the bottom line. Budgets and contracts. Responses to incidents and deterrence of crime. Availability to the community and all their needs. They put those things first because they have to answer for it. Imagine if they took care of those out of necessity instead of priority and made the priority the people on their teams. Imagine if these leaders actually led their teams by example and then the team was able to turn around and be tasked with the excellent customer service out of internalization for the real mission.

As a leader, when you put your team first, your team will in turn put the people they sacrifice for first. Crazy concept, right? Treat your people how you want them to treat others? And with that - I challenge you all to change your agency mission statements. Instead of saying that the priority is excellence for the community through crime deterrence and proactive policing based or however you agency minces those words, say this:

Our mission is to build a team comprised of women and men that understand they are the priority through inclusion and wellness initiatives. Through our dedication to each and every one of them and their personal and professional growth, we will be able to provide exceptional services for all throughout our community based on this standard of excellence.

Imagine how retention would be. Imagine how recruitment would be. Imagine officers wanting to come to work because they feel valued, appreciated and supported. If they feel that way, they will pay it forward. Imagine having your team feel like their voice matters - in every room and at every table. That’s progressive policing. That’s the change this profession deserves.

Heather Glogolich is a 20+ year NJ Law Enforcement Professional. Heather is currently a Captain with the New Jersey Institute of Technology Department of Public Safety and holds a Doctorate of Higher Education from Saint Elizabeth University. She is an instructor for the NJ Chiefs of Police Command & Leadership Training Course, and is a PTC Certified Police Academy Instructor.

A Recipe for a Career

A Recipe for a Career
By: Marty Katz

Often, when I teach around the country, students ask me about my career and how that worked out for me. I always start with any success I have; and it can be the same for you if you apply a certain positive attitude. My career was divided into three parts. All the parts directly result from following what I consider my simple rules. More on the rules later.

The first part was the initial learning phase. These were the years from 1973 to 1980, during which my academy and field training took place. I was a new officer and followed the lead and words of the senior officers of the agency. Back then, officers were not specialists; they could and would handle anything. They excelled in people skills and had a great work ethic. During these years, the foundation of my career was built. It was a rocky road and a time of trial and error.

The second and third parts were ones of excitement and adventure. From 1981 until the end of my career (2007), I worked in South Florida. Americans woke up to the infestation of drugs, arriving into the country via South Florida. Crime was increasing. The years 1984 until 1991, I worked in street crime units, undercover narcotics, and SWAT. It was a time of putting into practice everything I was taught. Being at the forefront of policing that was being developed in South Florida was awesome. Life was fast-paced and groundbreaking. This second phase was critical as it led to the third phase.

I was in the supervisor phase from 1991 until I retired in 2007. It was about mentoring other officers using the skills learned and the survived experiences. During these years, I supervised patrol shifts, the recruitment division, the police academy, detective bureaus, and street crimes units. It was the time I could pay back those who trained me by training the next generation.

Now, on to my rules for law enforcement success.

The philosophy I had was critical to obtaining these assignments. I viewed myself as just another police officer doing a job and always trying to be the best I could be. I was never the best; I was doing the best I could. I never said no to any assignment or request. No matter how difficult, it was important to me to say yes and to make it appear to be an easy task. No one knows the behind-the-scenes work it took to present an always-positive front and complete everything before the due dates. By being available for any assignment, I also convinced the command that my real love was to increase my ability via advanced training.

As I took classes, I returned to the agency to train others. Soon, the number of classes increased, and over time, the number of courses and academies attended approached just the other side of 150. It was essential to provide excellent police service, as I enjoyed the profession.

A victim should never be victimized a second time due to poor police response. This attitude allowed me some freedom to pursue the full range of opportunities. Most people are employed at a job that seems never to change. In law enforcement, I could move about and try different assignments regularly. It was like a new job every five years while keeping all the benefits. I never wanted to be a chief. Budgets are someone else's headache. The excitement and rewards lie with being a shift or squad supervisor.

I love working daily through all of society's problems, calling out for help and being first on the scene. Never knowing what the next call would be — racing from scene to scene to scene. This is what makes a great and exciting career.

Produce excellent results, be positive, join the team and just smile. Those are my rules for success.

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.

War, Inequality, and Policing: The Hidden Costs of America’s Military Empire

War, Inequality, and Policing: The Hidden Costs of America’s Military Empire
By: Peter Marina, PhD

Across the political spectrum, many Americans are grappling with the consequences of a new and escalating military conflict in the Middle East, this time involving direct strikes on Iran. The echoes of past disastrous wars, particularly the 2003 invasion of Iraq based on false claims of weapons of mass destruction, resonate loudly as the U.S. renews its interventionist posture. Yet Iran, with its population of over 90 million and significant regional influence, is not Iraq. This renewed conflict deepens regional instability, carries vast humanitarian costs, and reflects a troubling pattern of militarized foreign policy disconnected from nuanced understanding or public accountability.

Despite this, U.S. policymakers continue to prioritize military aggression and defense spending over urgent domestic needs. Billions flow into the military-industrial complex, including unprecedented aid to allies such as Israel, while critical social services at home, such as housing, healthcare and education, face chronic underfunding and cuts. This misallocation reinforces systemic inequality, fuels social discontent and indirectly exacerbates conditions that drive crime and insecurity within American communities.

The connection between America’s war-making abroad and policing at home is intimate and profound. With a sprawling military budget exceeding $1.2 trillion annually, factoring in overseas bases, veterans’ care and homeland security, this immense expenditure supports a punitive approach to domestic social problems. Policing increasingly resembles a domestic extension of militarized state power, where enforcement and control often overshadow care and justice. Understanding this linkage is essential: resources dedicated to maintaining global military dominance come at the expense of addressing the root causes of social instability, deepening cycles of deprivation, violence and distrust on American streets.

This endless military spending deepens economic inequality, drains resources from essential social services and reinforces a punitive criminal justice system rooted in deprivation and state violence.

Redirecting War Funds to Heal America
The connection is clearer than many realize. The United States spends over a trillion dollars annually on its military-industrial complex waging forever wars, maintaining roughly 750 to 1,000 overseas military bases across more than 80 countries, and providing billions in military aid to allies like Israel. This massive spending diverts resources from critical social investments at home, investments that could drastically reduce crime by addressing its root causes.

In just Ukraine alone, since 2014, the U.S. has disbursed between $83.4 billion and $119.7 billion in aid, with over $175 billion allocated by Congress, most of it since 2022. Roughly $69.7 billion of this total is military aid, with the rest going toward financial and humanitarian assistance.

That $175 billion could have made public university education tuition-free, canceled all student debt and ended homelessness several times over. The issue isn’t scarcity, it’s political will.

Israel, Gaza and the High Cost of War
According to Brown University's Costs of War Project, the United States disbursed approximately $17.9 billion in direct military aid to Israel from Oct. 7, 2023, to Sept. 30, 2024, the largest amount in a single year in U.S.-Israel relations. In addition, the U.S. spent another $4.86 billion on related regional operations, including naval and air deployments aimed at protecting shipping lanes and countering regional threats.

The $20 billion spent aiding Israel in one year could have housed every unhoused person in the U.S., with billions left to spare.

This vast allocation of public funds, while domestic crises like housing insecurity and healthcare remain underfunded, has intensified scrutiny over the moral and material costs of U.S. foreign policy, particularly given the scale of civilian deaths in Gaza and growing allegations of war crimes and apartheid.

The Price of War or the Cost of Care?
Ending homelessness in the U.S. would cost an estimated $11–30 billion annually, with $20 billion widely cited as sufficient to provide stable housing and wraparound services for all 650,000 unhoused people.

Permanent supportive housing costs roughly $12,800 per person per year, far less than the $35,000+ spent per person on emergency responses like jails, ER visits and shelters. We can afford it. The only thing missing is the moral and political resolve.

Instead of nurturing critical thinkers, public universities now treat students as customers, charging market rates for what should be a public good. A fraction of what we spend on war could make university education affordable and liberating.

If we truly wanted to “make America great,” we’d start by ending our endless wars and realigning national priorities toward investing in the people who live here, e.g., students, workers, families and communities, not corporations and foreign militaries.

Here’s the Reality in Numbers

·         The U.S. defense budget in 2024 is approximately $886 billion.

·         Overseas military bases cost between $55 billion and $100 billion annually.

·         Military aid to Israel is $3.8 billion annually.

·         The total military-industrial complex, when factoring in veterans’ affairs, nuclear weapons, homeland security and interest on past wars, costs $1.2 to $1.4 trillion per year, according to Brown University.

Now compare that to domestic needs:

·         Medicare for All would cost $1.5 to $2.5 trillion annually in government spending, replacing over $4 trillion in current private healthcare costs.

·         Making public colleges tuition-free would cost just $70–100 billion per year.

·         Forgiving existing student debt would be a one-time cost of $1.7 trillion.

·         Even modest cuts, say $400 billion annually from military spending, could fund tuition-free college, universal healthcare, and still leave the U.S. with the largest defense budget in the world.

Why This Matters for Crime and Policing

Crime doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Sociological and criminological research shows that relative deprivation, the feeling of being unfairly disadvantaged, fuels social discontent and leads directly to criminal behavior. When basic needs go unmet, when economic insecurity deepens and when opportunity vanishes, desperation breeds disorder.

Investing in healthcare, education, housing and mental health services isn’t just moral, it’s practical. It’s crime prevention at the root.

As sociologists like Loïc Wacquant have shown, policing often functions not to ensure justice, but to manage the social consequences of neoliberal austerity, warehousing the poor and racialized populations in place of real economic investment.

When inequality declines, the role of police can shift. No longer simply agents of control, they can instead serve as defenders of human rights, protecting communities from exploitation and abuse—not managing their despair.

While Congress finds hundreds of billions for war, with little debate, it refuses to adequately fund basic human needs. This is not accidental. It is the logic of empire: punish the poor at home, dominate others abroad and call it peace.

Why hasn’t this transformation occurred?

Because the military-industrial complex is deeply embedded in American capitalism and imperialism. It is profitable, politically untouchable, and aggressively defended by both parties. Corporate lobbying, media spin and anti-“socialism” propaganda ensure that even modest reforms are blocked.

Foreign policy doesn’t serve ordinary Americans, rather, it serves defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and Boeing, and the maintenance of American empire.

Final Call
Cutting military spending and redirecting those funds to social programs isn’t utopian—it’s entirely doable. If the people demand it, it can happen.

Let’s stop following leaders who profit from war, and instead become leaders in our own communities building peace through justice, not bombs.

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).