Patrol: Page 47

How's Your Poker Face?

Men are all too transparent. They stare, they ogle, they salivate. They wouldn't know subtlety if it came up and bit them on the ass. And that's true when they see criminals.

For Those We Miss This Christmas Season

Regardless of your theological beliefs, this is the time of year to be reflective. To consider those things for which we are thankful. To contemplate what might have been.

Law enforcement officers gather to remember Oakland (Calif.) PD officers killed in an ambush in 2009. Photo courtesy of Skortch311 (flickr.com)

Where the Job Is Better Nowadays

Once upon a time you had to use your radio to run subjects for wants and warrants. Now, you can run as many subjects as you want. As if that wasn't enough, license plate recognition systems can alert you for warrants.

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When This Guy Says He Wants Someone Decisive, Believe Him

"I thank God my partner had the balls to do what he had to do," he said. "I'd rather he take [the shot at me] than hesitate and get me or both of us killed. He's my partner, and any guys that are Monday morning quarterbacking the guy can kiss my ass."

Four More Cops Killed: Where Is The Outrage?

Shortly before I retired, I openly speculated that we were on the cusp of a new era where people would increasingly bring the fight to us. Moreover, I said they would prove to be greater threats, less predisposed to "gangsta"-style shooting and actually recognize the significance of sight alignment and trigger control.

It's Your Crime Scene; Protect It

Often, this last line of defense is made with little more than some flimsy yellow tape separating your victim from his friends, family, and grandstanding looky-loos trying to make a name for themselves.

Normally I'd Just Hump Your Leg, But OK

Fortunately, K-9s are not just the butts (or other anatomical parts) of pranks. Some actually get the opportunity to do great police work.

Fort Hood: Can It Happen to Us?

Murders of law enforcement personnel by their brethren are not without precedent. Lovers' triangles have resulted in murder-suicides; subordinates have shot superiors; ex-cops-cum-felons have killed lawmen.

Taking Care of Our Best

No one knows when it happened, or why, but somewhere along the line - a traffic stop? A radio call? - he cut a corner.

Give Credit Where Credit is Due

I still can't wrap my head around President Barack Obama's being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. As a Los Angeles Times editorial noted, it's embarrassing to him and diminishes the prize. But getting rewards and being deprived of them is nothing new.

Delaying, Delayed, and Good Ol’ Hamstrung Justice

As I like to bitch and gripe at the lack of novel approaches in the justice system, I should at least look at some when they do pop up. A couple of novel ideas were brought to my attention during the last couple of weeks, so I figured I'd share them herein.

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The 'How to Be a Better Cop' Reading List

I sincerely believe that if you were to read one or two of these books, you'll be a better cop for it. And if you haven't the time or inclination for reading, then it might hearten you to know some are available on audio books.

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