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Dave Smith

Officer (Ret.)

Articles•by Dave Smith•April 7, 2017

What Dreams May Come

Worrying enhances the anxiety associated with our dreams, and most experts say dreams are the "subconscious mind" resolving anxieties. No cop ever said they didn't think about confronting life and death situations; anxiety is a healthy result of those thoughts.

Articles•by Dave Smith•March 13, 2017

Where are the Helmets?

Departments hoping to reach out to "alienated communities" are implementing training designed to: make us feel bad about who we are; encourage us to try to diagnose the "root cause" of a miscreant's bad behavior; and tempt us to hesitate to do our job for fear of prosecution or punishment. This is a recipe for disaster where officer safety is concerned.

Articles•by Dave Smith•February 7, 2017

Personal Maintenance

In the modern world there are many great reminders to help us make sure we do our maintenance chores right on time. I just wish the critical tools in my life had the same reminders.

Articles•by Dave Smith•January 4, 2017

A New Day

Well, it seems the times they are a changin' after all. The bizarre "War on Cops" seems to be diminishing somewhat. America has taken a side, and it is law enforcement's side.

Articles•by Dave Smith•December 7, 2016

The Basics

When officers do well it's inevitably because they have kept true to the training they were given.

Articles•by Dave Smith•November 4, 2016

Traits of the Trade

The very curiosity that led to a burglary arrest the night before can drive your 12-year-old nuts.

Articles•by Dave Smith•October 6, 2016

Are You a Cynic?

While the Cynics say "People are stupid" and walk away, the Stoics say, "Some people are stupid and I can't change that; I can only control myself and choose to help them anyway."

Articles•by Dave Smith•September 1, 2016

You Did What?

Officers who make a mistake should report it immediately. Lying to cover up a mistake is a much greater offense.

Articles•by Dave Smith•August 12, 2016

Give Me an Unlisted Number, Please

Any officer who is on social media should know it makes us too easy to find. So here are a few steps to take to protect your identity and your family.

Articles•by Dave Smith•July 6, 2016

Pass the Blue Crayon, Please

All of us have activities that simply make us stronger and better, like working out or fishing or hunting or … coloring! Look, I don't judge (OK, maybe a little). Just find things that you enjoy and help you recover from the stress of your job.