Patrol: Page 52

Rent-a-Cops, Wannabes, and Scabs—Oh, My!

You'd think that as people engaged in a profession that is no less broadstroked by the public, cops would have more empathy for security guards.

Sometimes, the Pain Comes Later

In conducting interviews with the officers profiled in my Shots Fired columns, I was surprised at how many either didn't know that they'd been injured, or if they knew they'd been injured didn't know where their injuries were located or their severity.

First Impressions

That a stranger would go so far out of his way to offer words of comfort and counsel instead of chastisement and condemnation left each child wanting to do the same as police officers themselves.

Blowhards R Us

A certain degree of self-assurance is obligatory to our profession. But how fine is the line between self-assurance and arrogance? When does self-confidence become conceit? And at what point does a full blown narcissistic personality disorder become harmful?

Courage When It Counts

Yesterday, Sheriff Lee Baca said something that needed to be articulated a long time ago. That there's an ongoing race problem between blacks and Hispanics in Los Angeles County that is resulting in deaths on both sides.

A Shocking Proposition

A categorical claim that the availability of TASERs in the field mitigates the need for a backup officer is not only grossly irresponsible, but a prescription for disaster.

The Creepiest Calls

You can’t anticipate everything, and inevitably, there will be surprises. Just remember that when checking on the welfare of another, to look out for your own.

Dangers of Domestic Violence Calls

I have been at enough domestics to know that some officers can be a little more lax than they should be. And that can get you killed.

Some Criminals Know How to Fly Under the Radar

Many criminals exploit our bias in order to fly under the radar. Some get away with their criminal acts by hiding in plain sight. Often it comes down to attire and timing. And often, they approach it from opposite ends of the sartorial spectrum.

Be Prepared for Gun Grabs

When Jim re-holstered his sidearm in preparation for handcuffing the man, the suspect was off the curb, going for Jim’s gun, which he apparently felt was—literally—up for grabs again.

Dumb Things Cops Do to Themselves and One Another for Laughs

You may not have any reservations about playing a joke, and the target may not have any objections to being the butt of it, but beware that seemingly ubiquitous third party complainant.

Has 911 Become a Government-sponsored Dial a Prayer?

Several recent 911-related misadventures are currently making their way through the courts. One where a five-year-old dialed 911 for his mother who had collapsed, only to be chastised for "playing with the phone" while his mother died; another where a 37-year-old woman choked to death while veteran 911 workers refused to assist a trainee with the call. Upon hearing of her death, one of these employees was heard to comment, "I guess she bit off more than she could chew."

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