Dave Smith

Officer (Ret.)

Articles•by Dave Smith•June 9, 2016

The Age of Unreason

We don't control many things in the world except ourselves, and I think the key to happiness is just that: control the things you can (your beliefs, your emotions, your dreams, and your efforts) and let go of the things you can't control (meaning the world.)

Articles•by Dave Smith•May 4, 2016

The Names

It is right and fitting that the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall memorializes a great panel of individuals who have shed their blood, and given up their dreams and futures, for all of us.

Articles•by Dave Smith•April 6, 2016

Good Old Condition Yellow

We do control ourselves, and like all who must go into danger to serve and protect, we should take stock of our assets to counter the greater risks to our safety.

Articles•by Dave Smith•March 2, 2016

Off Duty, Not Off Guard

Even with the limited weapons and carry options I had, I always carried off duty. What about you? Are you ready to defend the ones you love against deadly force when you are off duty?

Articles•by Dave Smith•February 10, 2016

Dark Days

Everyone gets depressed at some point, and whether you are simply recovering from a loss or bad event or suffering from true clinical depression, here are some thoughts on what to do.

Articles•by Dave Smith•January 13, 2016

Warriors or Guardians?

One of the big mistakes of the past is the fantasy that law enforcement causes criminality and that if only we can change the police we can stop poverty, crime, gangs, etc.

Articles•by Dave Smith•December 2, 2015

Monkey Business

Whenever we gathered, we knew someone was getting a "monkey" so just in case it was you, you stayed alert to the issues of the meeting.

Articles•by Dave Smith•November 17, 2015

Snack Food

Years ago, while working at the Law Enforcement Television Network (LETN), I heard an anecdote from one of the producers who had worked on a corn chip commercial earlier in her career. This event helped her put things in perspective in whatever she did for the rest of her life.

Articles•by Dave Smith•October 22, 2015

The Last Time

To ensure the next time doesn't turn into your last time, you need to reflect and learn from the other last time.

Articles•by Dave Smith•September 4, 2015

Mental Toughness

It's called the McGuire-Ivey-Lattner Model of Mental Toughness, and coaches are using it to focus their athletes and build their mental skills. I think crime fighters should use it, too.

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