Patrol: Page 44

Who's Got Your Back?

One of the strongest administrators I ever knew was a captain who took more than one unpopular stance against then L.A. County Sheriff Sherman Block. It cost her politically and took a toll on her physically, but she had the respect and affections of those who were fortunate enough to work for and with her. Years after her retirement, her name is spoken with deep respect among those who knew her.

Photo via Thomas Hawk (Flickr).

Personal Preference Determines Tactics

These days, a growing chorus of defensive tactics instructors advocates using palm strikes instead of fist strikes. Still, the proficient pugilist will adamantly defend the fist strike as a viable force option.

And Now for Something Really Scary

Normally, I’d try and get some Halloween-themed column in here about now. But something far scarier weighs on my mind: The outcome of the Nov. 2 election.

Photo via Flickr.com (hjl).

Suppressing That Urge for a Pound of Flesh

Ask yourself if succumbing to that split-second thought is worth permanently depriving the people who trust and depend on you the value of your services.

Dirty Cops: The Slobs You Will Meet on Patrol

I've even heard tale of a cop who saved a partially devoured piece of chicken he found under the front seat and mailed it through the departmental mail to the offender.

Guard Yourself While Carrying Off Duty

A firearm stolen from one officer's vehicle was later used to kill still another-Minneapolis PD Officer Richard Miller, who'd stopped the gun thief in yet another stolen vehicle.

Several companies, including 5.11 Tactical, sell clothing designed to allow for easy access of a concealed weapon when off duty.

The Worst Advice I've Ever Received

A couple of weeks ago, I blogged about some of the best advice I ever received. It seems only appropriate that I should also share some of the less sagacious comments I and other deputies and officers have received through the years, as well.

Accountability Works Both Ways

I give big kudos to the Los Angeles Police Protective League for speaking out loudly and candidly against the repellent politico Sen. Gloria Romero (D-Los Angeles).

The Best Advice I Ever Received from Other Cops

I was sure that I could take the dude, but my T.O. reminded me to never judge a book by its cover. He'd known a good many cops and suspects who'd gone headlong into fights, thinking they had the upper hand by virtue of their age, size, or perceived martial arts skill, and they promptly got their asses handed to them.

Why You Should Goof Off (Some) On the Job

Being more lazy/touchy feely/idealistic/free thinking/whatever, I thought it'd be nice to cut some of our own some slack. Maybe let hard workers work out on duty; or, indulge themselves with some down time (a.k.a., get them in tough with their inner fireman).

Investigative Sloppiness is Criminal

Your notes are legal record. Make them complete as possible and keep them safe and secure. Failure to do so can compromise a prosecution.

Photo via Flickr.com (tomswift46).

Click It or Die Bleeding

While vehicle crashes attributed to just 26 percent of all law enforcement deaths between the years 1980 and 1982, they comprised 54 percent of officer deaths between 2005 and 2007. Fatalities incident to foot or motorcycle patrol remained largely unchanged, yet deaths in patrol cars spiked.

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