TAG, YOU'RE IT!!!!!

I just saw an ABC News report that so far four school districts accross the country have banned the most insidious of childhood threats from their playgrounds.....NOT Pedophiles, NOT guns or knives, but TAG!

W.T.F. People!!!!!!!

These curriculum creeps say it is an effort to prevent both physical and psychological injury to our children. WHAT!?!? Are they nuts?!?!

Tag teaches kids speed, endurance, balance, and tactics while also helping to support positive self-image as well as mental and physical agility. The TAGGER has to think quickly, like a tiger, to select his/her target TAGGEE then execute an assault in just the right way so as to limit his/her time as the dreaded TAGGER and allow for the fun of being chased. The TAGGEE must also think quickly as they constantly re-evaluate their speed, direction and any potential obstacles. All while maintaining a situational awareness second only to spy satellites as the TAGGEE tracks the location and direction of the ever present TAGGER. The quick reflexes needed to wiggle, cut, and dive to avoid or make the tag are the same ones needed in later life for sports, driving, and eventually work.

The critics think it singles out the "slow kids", it does. They think it can result in physical injury (from a fall), it can. WHO CARES. IT'S FUN!!!!! I WAS the slow kid, I still loved to play tag because it was my chance to surprise the other kids who thought I couldn't keep up. The fact is, no matter how you slice it TAG is good fun and good for you. If only adults still played tag, Paintball Anyone?

Is your door locked?

In the past 5 weeks I have been buried under more than 20 car burglaries to unlocked vehicles. I was amazed at the number of unsecured vehicles so I did a seat-of-the-pants quick survay of one of the affected neighborhoods. What I found was stunning to those of us in police work.

On the street with the most burglaries I spoke to the residents and found that of the 30 homes on this block only 5 residents claimed to ALWAYS lock their car doors. Thats LESS THAN 20%.

Come on people!!

I'm only too happy to do my job, BUT why create work for me? Why let yourself get violated by these opportunistic thieves? Why leave valuables INSIDE your unlocked car?
What kind of valuables you ask? Cash, Jewelery, Credit Cards, Personal Info, CD's, DVD's, CD & DVD Players, Purses, Wallets, Laptop Computers, Cell Phones, and my personal favorites, Spare Set of Car Keys & GUNS!

I'm sorry, leaving your car unlocked and valuables inside is not a crime, it's a gift! You might as well but a brand new laptop and hand it to the first guy you see when you walk out the store.

We will always try our best to protect you and your property, But we need your help. It's your stuff, You need to take some responsibility for it too.

Selfish B*#@*RD ruins family

I just spent the beginning of my weekend with the winner of the 2006 inconsiderate ass**$% award. This nimrod was such a control freak that he threw away EVERYTHING all because his wife of six years wanted to take their 4yr old daughter and 1 1/2yr old son out for a ride in the car.

When she readies the children for the car Mr. Muttonhead threatened to do the obvious thing..... YEP, suicide. When the wife tells him to get a grip and walks out the door with the kids Mr. Dipstick pulls out his gun and starts pulling the trigger with the muzzle securely planted to his head.

I guess he thought the furtive move toward completion of his warped, selfish power struggle would make his wife run back into his arms and forget about a day with her beautiful, charming children. however, this sort of ME,ME,ME crap had apparently been an on-going thing and was getting way too old for her. She later told us he'd done this same stupid sh** many times before, so she had continued out the door.

Each of the prior times, so we were told, this guy would pull the trigger so the hammer would raise ALMOST to the point of falling before he'd put the gun down. Well, this time Captain Crapstain pulled just a little too hard and the gun fired.

In the end this poor bas****'s warped mental state couldn't accept that the mother of his two wonderful children would want to spend time with them and this slack-jawed genius wound up on his living room floor with a bullet in his head.

We arrived to a broken, no, shattered wife crying on the front walkway trying not to scare the children. The kids were thankfully NOT in the room when it happened. But how do you tell your little girl, who worshiped her father and let everyone else know it, that daddy preferred a bullet to spending time with her.

If I had known him sooner I may have some heartache over his loss, but I have no pity left for this moron of an ex-person. My soul goes to the survivors. My heart positively aches for his wife, daughter and son.

It doesn't matter if you call it Mental illness or a personality disorder, either way this sh**head threw away what I always thought every man should cherish most...the true love of a wife and the unconditional love of your children. Either way a wife is now a heartbroken widow and 2 more children must grow up without the one person they both adored without question.

If you know someone who displays this or similar types of behavior DO NOT SIT AND WAIT. Get them help. Talk to them. Let them know you care. DO SOMETHING, because no child deserves to live without their Mommy & Daddy. If you see this man in your actions... get help, please.

Carnage and Contempt for Others

Today, only hours apart, two more people died on the roads of central Florida. I mention these senseless deaths for two very important reasons. First, and foremost, both of the men killed today were law enforcement officers. Second, and much more troubling, both men were killed in the most disturbing type of traffic crash; the hit and run.

Deputy Michael A. Callin, a 26-year-old motorcycle officer with the Orange County Sheriff's Office, was conducting traffic enforcement in the area of Universal Studios when a speeding driver ran him over and fled the scene. Deputy Callin's femoral artery was severed, he lost part of his right leg, and eventually died from his injuries.

The second crash claimed the life of Haines City (Polk County) police officer Phoenix M. Braithwaite who was killed in a head-on collision with a mini-van as he was riding to work on a motorcycle. The driver of the van tried to overtake other vehicles on the two lane roadway hitting and killing Officer Braithwaite. Officer Braithwaite had been with the 42 officer Haines City Police Department for only TEN months.

In these cases both suspects have been located and arrested, but this side of the story only makes me more upset. The nineteen year old driver, whom it appears, deliberately ignored, then aimed for and killed Deputy Callin was, like the suspect in my February 17th posting, driving with a suspended driver's license. In fact he's had over a dozen violations over the last two years for driving without a license, not paying tickets and Failure To Appear for court.

The driver who killed Officer Braithwaite appears to be an illegal alien and may not even have a valid license (reported but unconfirmed at this time).

These deaths highlight the fragility of life and I encourage you all to enjoy and cherish every day as if it were your last. They spotlight the fact that if two trained law enforcement officers can fall victim to these renegades who thumb their noses at the law and at society as a whole then YOU are just as vulnerable. Most importantly these deaths underscore AGAIN what I have said every time I am asked:

The drivers who killed BROWARD COUNTY DEPUTY SHERIFF RYAN SEGUIN (on 2-15-06), ORANGE COUNTY DEPUTY SHERIFF MICHAEL CALLIN, and HAINES CITY POLICE OFFICER PHOENIX BRAITHWAITE legally, morally, and any way you slice it SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN DRIVING!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't say it any clearer than that. If those drivers had obeyed the law and we as a community had made sure he didn't drive, all of these men would be alive today.

As for us, we ignore these things because we think they don't directly affect us and are really "not that big of a deal". After all "who really gets hurt by traffic law breakers?", "It's another type of taxation", "The State just wants more money".

These are not, "victimless crimes". I challenge any of you to look these officer's parents, wives, and children in the eyes and tell THEM this is a victimless crime.

Terrorism's Double Standard

Today reports revealed ANOTHER terrorist plot. This one was to bomb one or more of the tunnels connecting New York City to New Jersey. Everyone is buying into this plot without a word of doubt. Why is that? LET'S REVIEW...

CASE #1: Seven guys in Miami try to obtain training and materiel to launch an attack in Chicago. Only by FBI intervention do these guys NOT make contact with a "real" militant, Al Qa'ida or otherwise, and are foiled in their attempt to get their plans off the ground. Almost immediately media, community, and even some political sources question the validity of this investigation and the "true threat" posed by these guys. How many times in the following days did we read or hear, "they were just talking, it's not like they had any weapons".

Fast forward to today.
CASE #2: Eight people (only three of whom are in "some sort of custody" according to the FBI) are accused of plotting to bomb the PATH train tunnels and possibly the Holland vehicle tunnels. Again, no weapons. Again, just planning stages. Again, FBI intervention foils the plot. However, because none of these suspects are American or even IN America, everyone BUT EVERYONE is calling this case a serious threat, the "real deal", and a great example of our anti-terrorism intelligence system at work. WHAT???

Admittedly, the latter case has "confirmed" Al Qa'ida connections. I say SO WHAT!

Both groups were a threat to the United States. Both groups subcribed to an extreme ideology. Both groups intended to destroy U.S. targets and kill American citizens. Both groups had and/or wanted support from terrorist group(s). BUT only one was actually IN THE UNITED STATES!!! Only one group was threatening an assault that in many ways was easier to execute, easier to supply, and capable of maximum terror and death. Ask any soldier or marine just how dangerous and deadly an armed assault by a group of suicidal troops armed with machine guns, hand grenades, and I.E.D.'s could be on a hardened target, nevermind a soft one like the Sears tower. How many people work in the Sears tower? About 10,000! How many of them are trained to repel armed invaders? A few? Maybe?

So once again, just because the connection to Al Qa'ida is not "confirmed" the Miami seven are reduced to a bunch of bumblers caught in an overzealous FBI investigation while eight persons in other countries are feared more and identified as, "the real deal".

Let me present my point:
MADRID train bombers - SPANISH and MORROCAN citizens who developed extremist beliefs and sought out and are believed to have made contact with an Al Qa'ida operative in Spain (sound familiar).
LONDON bus & train bombers - 1 JAMAICAN & 3 BRITISH citizens, all residents of ENGLAND, who developed extremist beliefs and MAY have made contact with Al Qa'ida operatives by travel abroad (that connection is still unclear).

It happened in these two countries. It was carried out by citizens and LEGAL residents. It was done using a minimum of training and support from outside groups. What makes us think we here in the U.S. are so special it will not happen here?

IF AL QA'IDA CAN'T COME TO AMERICA, AMERICAN JIHADISTS CAN AND WILL COME TO THEM!

YIKES!

First the State of Florida told citizens it's okay to shoot anyone who enters your home and puts you in fear for your safety. Fair enough, BUT....

Now the Supreme Court has held that Police no longer need to knock and announce who they are before serving a search warrant.

HMMMMMMM..... follow me on this...... armed citizen freaked out because someone is kicking down their front door..... armed police officer just trying to do his job under the law.....anyone else hear gunshots in our future?

The Threat from Within

In the days to come politicians, sociologists and pundits will disect, ad nauseum, the motivations, intentions, causes, and reasons why seven young men, five of whom are U.S. Citizens, would seek to support Al-Qa'ida by planning attacks on U.S. targets.

But I deal in FACTS.
FACT: 7 men of common beliefs conspired to attack the United States.
FACT: These men cooperated with and solicited aid from a person THEY knew as a member of Al-Qa'ida.
FACT: These men made efforts to obtain weapons and explosives from a person THEY knew as a member of Al-Qa'ida.
FACT: They conducted pre-operational surveillance of targets.
FACT: They provided the information/images obtained from that surveillance to a person THEY knew as a member of Al-Qa'ida.
FACT: THIS PLOT WAS DISCOVERED AND INVESTIGATED BECAUSE AN ORDINARY CITIZEN SAW OR HEARD SOMETHING SUSPICIOUS AND REPORTED IT TO LAW ENFORCEMENT.

U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez characterized this group's activities as, "a new brand of terrorism...inspired by a violent jihadist message". He stated these men came, "to view their home country as the enemy", and wanted to wage, "a full ground war", against the United States. They hoped to, "kill all the devils we can", and conduct an operation that is, "as good or better than 9/11".

Of course no good work by law enforcement can go unpunished and in the two main press conferences held in Washington D.C. and Miami some of the reporters were already trying to characterize these men as the proverbial gang that couldn't shoot straight. Journalists suggested these men were, "incompetents", "inept", "social misfits" and my personal favorite, "couldn't organize a 'booze-up' in a brewery". The reporters used these terms in apparent attempts to minimize the threat posed by this group. One reporter even suggested the arrests of these men were nothing more than a mid-term election grandstanding stunt directed by The President. United States Attorney Alex Acosta in Miami tried to explain to the media and the viewing public that the goal of this and any anti-terrorism investigation is, "to identify, disrupt, dismantle, and prosecute", these groups and persons who intend to harm citizens of the United States. Two more words are reverberating through the media outlets today - "radical muslims". No-one in the law enforcement community has used this phrase in any of the public announcements, just the media. I echo the U.S. Attorney's Office position when I declare to you that anti-terrorism investigations are about IDEOLOGY, not faith, not national origin, not sex, race or any other factor, IDEOLODY. Specifically, radical ideology that promotes violence in support of its stated goals and those individuals who support and follow that ideology.

As the media fans out across the Liberty City section of Miami, where these men lived, we get to see just how disaffected and disassociated from everyday America the residents of this neighboorhood really are. (SIDE NOTE: It seems to me, and I could be wrong, that the only time areas like Liberty City see people from the media is when someone is dying, dead, or some other MAJOR negative activity has occurred. Think - Lower 9th Ward of new Orleans) While most of those interviewed responded with the understandable disbelief and surprise others chose to portray the arrests as another example of the govermnent picking on minorities. Several locals who admitted to seeing the group training in karate and other fighting skills in front of their building still insisted these men are peaceful members of the community and the government is being heavy handed for no good reason. To them it was perfectly normal for a group of black men to be learning how to defend themselves. Normal because someone in the neighborhood is always looking to hurt you regardless of whether it's the dope dealers or the cops. The government isn't going to help them so they must help themselves. Some of the men arrested have prior criminal arrests, but that is not an uncommon thing for a young black man in Liberty City. The most unfortunate thing is that regardless of your political affiliation, as long as there are communities in America where an 'everyone-for-themselves' attitude prevails terrorists will find shelter. As long as large segments of the U.S. population feel the local, state, and federal governments don't care about them, don't want to help them, or worse, don't want them around then terrorists will have support. As long as we accept a double standard of protection and services between nice neighborhoods and poorer ones then radical ideologies will have a breeding ground from which to recruit the next generation of terrorists.

These men had their own problems, demons, and issues that brought them to plan destruction and death. But their environment, their experiences with government, and the influence of a radical ideology professed to them by a figure who supported them was the water to grow the seeds of hatred, the fuel to ignite the fire of resistance, and changed an extremist's theory into a terrorist's plan to affect change through violence against the innocent.

REMEMBER: A CITIZEN, NOT A COP, FIRST NOTICED THIS GROUP'S ACTIVITY AND REPORTED IT TO LAW ENFORCEMENT. JUST LIKE POLITICS, LAW ENFORCEMENT IS LOCAL. YOU ARE OUR BEST WEAPON IN THE WAR AGAINST CRIME AND TERRORISM. IT'S YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD, BE A PART OF IT. REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY TO YOUR LOCAL POLICE.

Welcome to the food chain!

Okay, this is F L O R I D A people!!!

I know you all move down here from DC, NY, OHIO, wherever and really enjoy our fine state's weather. However, please do at least A LITTLE homework about your destination. Each spring Floridians with 1/2 a brain avoid all but the clearest fresh water lakes and rivers for one big toothy reason...GATORS. Not the college team, the real thing, averaging six to ten feet long with a bite that can snap 2x4's like toothpicks. Although gators are here all year it is the springtime rut that makes them particularly grumpy, aggressive, and much more territorial.

So for those of you still not getting it...even an adolecent gator has the strength, skill, and attitude to KILL YOU.

This past week 3 unlucky souls have met there fate in the gruesome jaws of alligators. Yet in each of these sad media-hyped deaths the victims ALL did something that violated the uneasy truce between gators and humans. The first, although reported to have gone for a jog, was actually sitting by a canal with her feet either in or very near the water. This is the gator's best kill zone.

Anyone who has watched those national geographic shows of the african river crocodiles knows that the first wildebeast to get killed is the one who ventures too close to the water. The hungry gator launches himself out of the water from his hiding place just off the shoreline, up onto the bank grabbing what ever unlucky creature got too close. The victim is shaken violently then dragged beneath the surface to drown. My heart goes out to her family but knowingly or unknowingly she was sitting in the middle of the gator's lunch buffet.

The two other victim's were swimming in areas KNOWN TO HAVE GATORS PRESENT and one even left the protected area of a state park spring into an uncontrolled area where she was attacked and killed.

I know Florida is hot, I know the water is very inviting, BUT in this state you MUST assume that almost any body of fresh water has at least one good sized alligator in it. Furthermore, in springtime a young gator's thoughts turn to female gators and god help you if you get between the two or invade a horny gator's lake. If you do the gator looks at you and sees you as lunch or worse yet, a rival. Either way you just entered the food chain and better know how to fight, swim, run, heck...walk on water if you want to go home with all your parts intact. BE SAFE, BE SMART, DON'T FEED, MOLEST, OR SWIM WITH GATORS. You've been warned.

Happy Birthday Dad

Today is my father's 67th birthday.

Today is the first time I can't wish him Happy Birthday.

My Father died at 6pm on Tuesday, February 21, 2006.

It is not important how he died. It is much more important how he lived. He loved my mom with all his heart from the day he first met her till the day he died. He tried hard to be the kind of dad his father was not. He worked 2, 3, and sometimes 4 jobs at a time to make a better life for his family. He complained frequently, bitched loudly, but laughed heartily. He was born Scottish, raised Scottish, and died a proud Scotsman. He loved America so much he brought us here and promised us a life he had never known in Scotland. He lived each day with the goal of being a good father, good husband, good provider, and a good man. He succeeded in more ways than he ever knew.

I LOVE YOU DAD,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, YA AULD SCUNNER!

If You're not SWAT, then you're just NOT!

This phrase and several variations on the theme are currently swirling all over our beloved agency these days. Although at first glance one might think this a recruiting slogan for the SWAT team what it really means is much more involved. Under the current administration (Sheriff, Chief Deputy, Commanders) those who are, were, or have shown themselves "worthy" to be on the SWAT team roster have found their advancement potential increasing exponentially since the Sheriff took office in January 2005.

They swept into office promising a house cleaning of wonderful proportions, fat trimming in all non-essential areas, and most importantly, moving sworn personnel from administrative functions to law enforcement.

Well a year and a half later and what do we have?

An administration that is more top heavy now than it ever was under the former Sheriffs. A cadre of SWAT trained, self-promoting, type A personality Commanders, Majors, and even Lieutenants who meet regularly to pat each other on the back and tell themselves how lucky we all are to have them in charge. Those who are or were a friend to any of the top three or four leaders are in like Flynn. One guy was made a Major, then handed a Commander's position, WITHOUT having to give up his beloved position as the SWAT team director (read as: getting $100,000/yr. to do a $55,000/yr. job.) Units that could be, should be, and have been run by Sergeants are now run by Lieutenants or Majors. The civilian Public Information Officer was replaced by a Sergeant who was quickly elevated to Lieutenant. The civilian Chief Administration Officer who has ZERO law enforcement, corrections, or court services experience was added to the chain of command and is now #3 in charge of the agency. If the Sheriff and Chief Deputy are out of county or out of touch this guy now has full authority to direct police operations.

The secret to their success so far has been confusion, obfuscation, and an ivory tower mentallity to rival any kingdom of legend. Those with favor can jump the chain of command at will without problem, while those without favor are derided and threatened with punishment for their impertinent behaviour. They present a united front to all comers. They squash the bad news as they exhault the good, the lame, and the ridiculous. Anything to distract the media, the staff, the county commissioners, and the public from their failure to DO ANYTHING of lasting value to reduce crime, improve service, improve neighborhoods, or improve the public's trust in us.

On paper they saved the county millions of dollars, when in reality they have squandered each and every opportunity they have had to promote change for the better, change for the future, change from the same old stuff to new ideas and fresh perspectives.

Their current plan seems to be one of, 'just enough'. Just Enough to get us through four years. Just Enough to keep the media off our backs. Just Enough to keep the minority populations from noticing the distinct lack of color, gender, and ethnicity in our Command structure.

I am saddened that after a campaign which promised change, progress, and partnerships, all we have is status quo, stagnation, and unbridled favoritism for a select few.

9 7 8 days to go till a new election and I already regret each and every one. I am sorry I cannot do more to serve my community, my fellow citizens, or my county the way they deserve to be served.

PERHAPS I SHOULD RUN FOR SHERIFF????????????????????????

What Happened to Higher Standards?

In ten short years I have noticed a disturbing trend in Police recruiting. Due to an apparent lack of qualified candidates agencies are resorting to lowering their recruiting standards, some to rediculous levels. Ten years ago if you EVER used a hard drug such as COCAINE or HEROIN you could not be employed as an officer. Even Marijauna use was restricted to between five and seven years prior to application to be considered for employment. But today, as long as you are not CURRENTLY using Cocaine, Heroin, or other hard drugs and had your last toke on a joint before you submitted your application...YOU'RE HIRED!!!! Although each department sets its own standards, many are relaxing not only thier drug policies, but also their CRIMINAL ACTIVITY/HISTORY standards. No SERIOUS Felonies...You're Hired! No RECENT DUI arrests....You're Hired!

W.T.F.!!!!!

I'm sorry but I as a citizen MUST demand more of the person who is supposed to come to my aid. I do not want a convicted felon protecting my family. I do not want a "recreational" doper assigned to get the drug dealers out of my town. I do not want the guy who claims, "I can quit drinking any time I want to, I just drink to relax", driving on the same streets as my wife and children.

Finding and hiring a GOOD cop IS SUPPOSED TO BE HARD!.....DUH! Not everyone can be an astronaut, or a surgeon, or even a mechanic. Certain careers need certain people with a particular gift, be it for astro-physics, anatomy and physiology, or even mechanical ability. A surgeon would make a lousy mechanic and the mechanic an even lousier surgeon. So what are these agencies thinking when they hire uninspired, financially motivated, wanna be a TV cop types and then complain about the retention rate (as they leave for better paying jobs), the lawsuits (as lawyers line up to file their VIOLATION OF CIVIL RIGHTS suits), the lost productivity ("cuz a needed a day off, man!), and the poor community support (your cops are a bunch of arrogant pr**ks).

Being a Police Officer, Deputy Sheriff, or Trooper is a specialized calling for a special type of person. We DO NOT expect to get rich, we DO NOT want the spotlight, we respect EVERYONE'S rights (even the bad guy's), and if our squad / unit / division needed help we'll come in on our only days off to help, we'll work the overtime, cover a holiday, help a partner, or do whatever else needs to be done to protect our community, our partners, and our friends. We serve in a way that our HONOR, DEDICATION, and COMMITMENT TO DUTY is evidenced by what we do every day.

I say, if you are working as an officer, currently in a training academy, or just thinking about a career in law enforcement and you do not agree with what I have said, do me a favor and find another career. Law enforcement is NOT for you! However, if you can make the commitment of your time, your abilities, and your heart I would be proud to have you as my zone partner.

As for the administration's mis-guided attempts to improve recruitment, it will only end up costing them much, much more later as they try to put more people on the street now. I hope you don't mind paying more taxes to cover their mistakes!?!?

Immigration, We've All Done It !!!

Okay, I could pontificate ad-nauseum about the threat illegal immigration poses to the "American" way of life or I could prattle on about the terrible conditions most migrant workers have to endure to send money home to a family thousands of miles away. Either way I'm sure you have heard it all before. So rather than re-hash the 6 O'clock news, or quote some Washington DC talking head I'm just going to give it to you the way I see it.

The current Federal immigration process has so many problems it is almost too big to fully comprehend just how broken it is. Instead of a sleek, nimble agency designed to rapidly intercept illegal immigrants, allow for an asylum hearing, then repatriate those not meeting asylum rules, what we have is an albatross of galactic proportions slung about the neck of the American public. This beast of an agency (or in true Federal style, AGENCIES) have rules and procedures so backwards it is actually harder for the agents and inspectors to repatriate a foreign national to their native land than it is to let them stay.

The federal government has it backwards. They need to FIRST, secure the borders, THEN build a better mousetrap. The current system literally is the roof built on walls that are full of holes. Washington keeps saying, 'were keeping the rain off your head', while the walls are full of termites. Eventually, that big safe roof they built will come crashing down when the weakened walls collapse. Without a foundation a roof is useless.

As for these "immigrant rights" groups who have spearheaded the recent protests across America, might I remind them that this is a sovereign nation, just like MEXICO claims each time WE question their policies toward immigration. The United States of America does NOT guarantee its prosperity, its freedom, or its protection to everyone. Those rights are guaranteed to CITIZENS, NOT VISITORS! And let's face it, of the millions of illegal immigrants the majority, although they like the U.S., want to provide for their families and eventually return home to them. Yes, some do come here with the idea to remain and perhaps, one day, bring their family, but as long as they are illegally here they know that getting their family here is a very slim hope.

While this very vocal and visible debate rages let me explain how BIG BUSINESS can solve the whole mess!?!?

Think CARNIVAL, NCL, ROYAL CARIBBEAN, HOLLAND AMERICA, PRINCESS, even DISNEY. ALL of these corporate giants regularly import thousands of hard-working, dedicated foreign nationals to work on ships at ports throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. These companies DO NOT hire illegal immigrants, they don't have to! There are PLENTY of able-bodied, intelligent, hard-working people in countries around the world who are willing to work hard for six to nine months per contract in order to make more money for their families than they ever could in years of work in their native lands. All of these workers get VISA'S and WORK PERMITS and once they have completed their first contract thay can be fast-tracked to return to the U.S. for their next one (WITH U.S. Government approval). There are people who make careers doing these contracts. A worker for Carnival has, what twenty or so ships to ask for an assignment to. 20 ships X 9 months per ship = 15 YEARS of employment in the United States of America. Is it a perfect system, hell no, nothing is perfect. But imagine if ADM, Dole, or the various Ranchers or Farmers Associations across America began such a program. They use the many head-hunter type employment agencies popping up all over the world that are currently screening workers for the cruise industry and have them find workers who can meet the new company's guidelines for employment.

Make this process pay for the ranchers, farmers and companies and it will work. This also helps the home nations as new businesses spring up seeking contracts to find employees for American companies. It's a win-win for all involved.

I have had the pleasure to get to know a lot of these hard-working cruise line employees. Employees with tenacity and toughness, who work hard to get their job done and take great pride that they came to America and that America will allow them to take home their success to share with their families.

It's just an idea, I could be wrong, but HEY, you never know!

MY HEART IS BROKEN....AGAIN

On Wednesday night, February 15, 2006, a little after 9pm, a three year veteran of the BROWARD COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE (Fort Lauderdale, Florida) was killed by a 21 year old male with a suspended driver's license.

DEPUTY SHERIFF RYAN SEGUIN served his community for three years and was conducting a traffic stop on interstate 595 when a car left the roadway, veered onto the emergency shoulder, and crushed RYAN to death between the rear of his patrol car and the killer's car. RYAN died at the scene.

The driver who killed RYAN claimed a vehicle slowed down in front of him and he swerved to the right to avoid hitting the rear of the slowing vehicle (Florida State Statute {FSS} 316.0895 - Following Too Closely, FSS 316.1925 - Careless Driving) and did not see the flashing blue lights of RYAN'S patrol car until it was too late. Add that the driver had a history of speeding, Five {5} speeding citations in the past 18 months in two counties (FSS 316.183 - unlawful speed) and was currently operating his car WITH A SUSPENDED LICENSE!!!!(FSS 322.34).

His attorney claims the driver did not have drugs or alcohol in his system while Florida Highway Patrol Troopers have secured the driver's blood sample for testing, so that remains to be seen. BUT, I think this will be MORE tragic if the driver WAS sober.

For years now this country, police officers included, have kidded ourselves that we are being tough on drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs. It is true that we have reduced the number of injuries and deaths each year from DUI crashes and DUI arrest numbers have gone through the roof, yet the fact is that almost everyone in this country who drinks alcohol, regardless of frequency or amount, has driven while legally intoxicated AT LEAST once.

DUI is the ultimate, "well everyone is doing it", cop out crime. That is why DUI is only a Misdemeanor crime. That is why MOST people arrested for a DUI end up pleading it down to either reckless or careless driving and keep a DUI free license. That is why, in Florida you must be CONVICTED of DUI two times before your THIRD conviction (in a ten year period) is a Felony. So if I get a good lawyer I can plea to reckless driving a few times before I HAVE to take a DUI plea, only then does the count begin. So I could hypothetically have been ARRESTED FIVE TIMES FOR DUI AND STILL NOT FACED A FELONY CHARGE.

But the really frightening thought is that when we talk about Driving While Suspended (FSS 322.34) I can claim ignorance of the suspension at least once and be able to go to my court dates and be convicted of "Driving While Suspended" up to THREE times (1x without knowledge & 2x with knowledge) before my next conviction will be a Felony conviction. The State of Florida concludes you are a bad driver and such a danger to others that they take away your legal authority to drive a car, but the law is so weak that when I catch you driving anyway all the State does is slap your wrist and tell you not to do it again.

In RYAN'S tragic case the driver who killed him legally, morally, and any way you slice it SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN DRIVING!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't say it any clearer than that. If that driver had obeyed the law and we as a community had made sure he didn't drive, RYAN would be alive today. You can't tell me that the family of the driver, which his lawyer rolled out to try to build sympathy for this man, didn't know this guy had no license. I'm sure he talked (or bitched) to his pals and family about how the dumbass judge believed the stupid cops and suspended his damn license. Better yet, and this is my supposition only, what if he failed to pay one or more of those 5 speeding tickets and basically told the State to go F it's self, cuz he ain't payin! One more time, I don't care how you slice it HE SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN DRIVING!!!!!

As for us, we ignore these things because they don't directly affect us and are really "not that big of a deal". After all "who really gets hurt by traffic law breakers?" It's another type of taxation, "The State just wants more money". These are only, "victimless crimes". I challenge any of you to look RYAN'S parents in the eyes and tell them THIS was a victimless crime.

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel has a link to a news report by Broward County TV Station WB39. Their report is not accusatory, not hype, not about the money, not about the State's ambition to contol you, not about victimless crime, but about RYAN.

RYAN is dead.

My brother, is dead.

My son, is dead

My heart is broken, one more gut-wrenching time.

I will honor RYAN by attending his funeral and continuing his legacy to protect you, keep you safe, and make my community better. WHAT WILL YOU DO?

Broward County Sheriff's Office

http://www.sheriff.org/

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
go to the link and click on the "Killed in the Line of Duty" video report in the first column

"COPS", Reality TV or Pending Lawsuits?

Recently I found out that several agencies in the Central Florida region will have film crews from "COPS" arriving for a six to eight week shooting schedule. I'm sorry, didn't I just get done talking about how addictive and exciting these shows can be. Not to mention how smart, intelligent officers transform into boneheads who fancy themselves the next TJ HOOKER or STARSKY & HUTCH. This has got to be a terrible, cruel joke!!

It's as if some tee shirt shirt and sport coat wearing, thirty-something FOX TV exec saw my post and said to himself, CENTRAL FLORIDA, I LIKE IT, LETS DO LUNCH AND MAKE IT HAPPEN!!!

Is this is how my agency will die? A comical yet tragic slip and fall into the deepest, darkest depths of mediocrity!

MUST.....RESIST..............MUST............WARN............(gasp)....OTHERS!!!!!
Oh, the drama! So now what?

Will I be tempted and ensnared by the lights, camera, action?

Will I be picked (NOT LIKELY) to escort one of these camera toting invaders around while he/she encourages me to bare my soul to America??

Will the agency see a sudden upswing in questionable or borderline legal arrests when the crews are around???

Will the best our trailer parks have to offer be on display for the nation's consumption???? "Ma'am, please go back in the trailer and put on a shirt!!"
"He's lyin' thru his tooth, but ah luv heeeeem!"

Who will fall victim to the boss' misplaced desire to showcase his agency to the world?????

I guess in a few months, after all the "boring" stuff is edited out, eight weeks of filming will be churned and shredded until they crank out three or four, twenty-two minute episodes.

The boss will either beam with pride or (more likely) buy TUMS by the caseload.

I guess we will just have to wait and see..........

what happened to innocent until proven guilty?

This week Alan Crotzer stepped into the warm sunlight outside the courthouse in Tampa, Florida after serving more than 24 years in prison for crimes he didn't commit. The 45-year-old was released after DNA testing and a co-defendant's extremely late admission convinced prosecutors he was not involved in the 1981 armed robbery and rapes that led to his 130-year prison sentence. Sadly this is the one hundred seventy-third (173) time The innocence Project has successfully argued for DNA or other evidence to be admitted into a case and a conviction and prison sentence have been overturned. In Mr. Crotzer's case he was identified by a witness when, in reality it was two brothers and a third male who committed the crimes. The two brothers were also captured and convicted but did not confirm Mr. Crotzer was not involved until approached by TIP.

This highlights one of the biggest, if not the biggest failures of the modern American Justice system. Sometimes by sloppy police work, sometimes over-zealous prosecutors, sometimes by well intentioned but incorrect witnesses, and yet other times by a tangle of these and other issues an innocent person CAN BE and IS convicted of a crime they DID NOT COMMIT. While this stirs thoughts of The Fugitive series or movie it is an all too real prospect for some.

As a dedicated law enforcement officer I take pride in my cases and can proudly state that I have never arrested and/or charged an innocent person with a crime. I, and all officers, am required to meet Probable Cause to show the person arrested is the person who committed the crime. The prosecutor then reviews my arrest affidavit and case file to ensure they can prove the facts of my case "beyond a reasonable doubt". If they can't prove it in court most Assistant State Attorney's will Nolle Prosequi or Non-Pros or No FIle the case (sh** can it) and the arrestee never goes to trial. So when a prosecutor brings a case to court I feel the case has been duly and properly vetted by law enforcement and the prosecutor.

Back here in the real world however, the State Attorney's Office works hard each day, but it helps to understand that most ASA's carry a high, double digit case load EACH WEEK. So a case can all too easily fall through the proverbial cracks. A common docket for the week could be seventy to eighty cases in your average size district, considerably more in others. Add that most defendants do not or cannot afford private attorney's and the Public Defender's Office ends up with an equally high case load. Finally, we as a society have gotten away from the principal of "innocent until proven guilty". I can't get away from those who say "he got arrested, so he's gotta be guilty", or "if he didn't do it you wouldn't have arrested him". WHAT?

If I arrest someone, did they do it, YES. Can it be proven in court, that remains to be seen. But to enter into the false assumption that arrest = guilt denies the defendant the very rights you would scream for if arrested, particularly if the cops got it wrong and you really were innocent. Yet it is citizens with this attitude that sit on our jury and detemine if you will go to prison, YIKES!

What can be done to prevent innocents from being convicted? Two things. First, demand accountability from your local law enforcement agency. Make sure they operate in the open, according to law, and without violating the right of citizens. This means getting involved. If your Police have a citizens review board, sit on it. If they have any civilian oversight groups, participate. If they operate citizen academies (where you see the inner working of your police) take one. And always remain informed and alert when questionable incidents occur. Now this does not mean that every time the police use a level of force to arrest someone it is illegal or excessive. Or their focus on the low income neighborhood blighted with drug dealers is racist. But if you are unfamiliar with your police, your city (county, state), and how they handle the crime in your area, it is easier for those few bad eggs to get by and go unnoticed until an innocent person is arrested and sent to jail. Secondly, demand the justice system be improved, re-worked, supported and bolstered to better handle the flood of cases they get each and every week. This too is not easy because it again requires you to get involved. Your votes (or lack of votes) let ineffective judges remain on the bench, your taxes need to go to support the improvements needed for personnel, technology, and facilities which will allow the system to run more smoothly and efficiently. Finally, use your voice to make not only your police accountable for the crime in your area, but also your Prosecutor or State's Attorney.

My main point is that a criminal justice system left to itself will do what is required and not much more. But a criminal justice system with accountability to its citizens from the police station to the courthouse will be more responsive, more accurate, and more determined to ensure an innocent person NEVER goes to prison.

As a quick exercise to make my point:
1) Name three (3) people from the cast of Friends
2) Name three (3) Survivor cast members
3) Name four (4) characters from The Simpsons
4) Name your Police Chief or Sheriff
5) Name your Prosecutor or State's Attorney
6) Name one (1) Judge in your distirct

How'd you do?
Nuff Said.

I hate that I love those shows

Okay, I admit it! Just like you I love to watch mindless yahoos being chased down and busted by the good guys. The masterpiece of these ultimate, in-your-face reality shows is of course, Cops. But in the recent times it has been followed by a steady train of wanna-be shows: Worlds Wildest Police Pursuits, Maximum Exposure, Real Stories of the Highway Patrol, The Real Miami Cops, LAPD Life on the Beat, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera (quiet nod to The King & I).

The simple premise: have a guy with a camera follow the cops, is actually a brilliant idea. It allows average citizens sitting in their living rooms to glimpse a fraction of the job done every day by those who serve in Law Enforcement. However, these shows also skew that image, sometimes to extremes, by ignoring all but the really exciting, scary, or crazy moments caught on tape during several weeks of taping (if not longer). Some other shows go the lazy way and actually attend Law Enforcement conventions and trade shows to solicit agencies to submit In-Car videos and other tapes for public consumption.

The stuff they show IS exciting otherwise these shows would not exist. Yet each time I watch a clip I can't help but shudder a little at the possibility the viewers will accept this to be ALL we do; chase people, fight with people, and act cocky around obviously disturbed individuals.

And let's not forget the paperwork. You see the arrest but never the "after" where the Officer is off the road for an hour or more processing the prisoner and completing his report. If the arrest was from a pursuit the Officer's night is over. He/she will be typing their fingers off 'till the next shift arrives for duty.

The biggest issues I have with what these shows present are 1) outdated, lax, and just plain stupid departmental policies and 2) cops trying to be actors. I can't tell you how many times these shows show traffic stops for "no turn signal", or "running a stop sign", or even "acting a bit suspicious" that freefall into full-blown vehicle and then foot pursuits. As a member of the Law Enforcement family I get chills when I see an agency that still allows such pursuits to occur. Most progressive agencies now limit pursuits to violent felony incidents such as robberies, rapes, and car-jackings. The immediate and articulable threat the suspect poses to the community should be such that a reasonable Officer can justify the risks of engaging in a pursuit. Now don't jump on me for this, I am NOT anti-pursuit, I am PRO intelligent pursuit. I can't look a mother in the eye and tell her her son or daughter is dead because a suspect was observed in a drug area, might have been buying or selling drugs, and did not use his turn signal so we pursued him until he crashed into their child's car at 110mph.

As for the "Hollywood" bug that seems to bite Oficers featured on these shows, let's face it people, if we were any good as actors we would not be cops. But stick a camera in an Officers face and suddenly he thinks himself to be The Lone Ranger, Batman, and Harry Callahan all rolled into one. If the poor bastard isn't spouting off about how much he loves his community and hates the criminals who frequent it, he's pontificating about the dangers he faces and that the good people of (your city, county, state here) should be glad to have him as their hero and saviour. I have long believed my actions speak volumes more than words ever could about who I am and what I believe. I recall the words of Sir Winston Churchill, "All great things are simple, and many can be expressed in single words: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope." I would echo that sentiment and say that as Law Enforcement Officers it is our DUTY to defend FREEDOM and support JUSTICE by serving our communities with HONOR, MERCY, and HOPE.

Shoot to wound...are you nuts?!?!?

This past week a teenage boy brandished what appeared to be to all invloved as a 9mm semi-automatic pistol and threatened several classmates with it before being cornered by a Deputy Sheriff. The Deputy repeatedly tried to get the boy to put the weapon down but sadly the boy pointed it at the Deputy. If things had gone just a little differently this could have ended happily.

However, when a person of ANY age points a gun at a Deputy Sheriff, Officer, or Trooper the ONLY option is deadly force. In this sad event the boy NOT the Deputy made the final choice to escalate the situation and it had deadly consequences. Consequences that tear, not only at the fragile fabric of the boy's family, but the local Sheriff's Office family, and the family of the Deputy Sheriff who fired the shot.

In the days following the shooting I heard multiple people, both civilians and reporters, asking why the Deputy had to kill the boy. Why couldn't the Deputy just wound him, shoot him in the leg or arm, or taser him. Folks, WAKE UP! If a person entered your home and pointed a gun at you, and you being a law abiding citizen had access to your gun, would you shoot to wound the intruder or to kill him?

As for a Taser, it can be a very useful piece of equipment and an effective intermediate weapon when used properly. However, NO ONE should expect a Law Enforcement Officer to take what amounts to a dart gun into a pistol fight. Have we become THAT afraid of lawsuits or of offending the sensibilites of some part, of some demographic, somewhere, that an Officer faced with a legitimate, articulable, Deadly Force situation who reasonably believes that his life or the life of your family member is in immediate danger should back down and lob a dart at the suspect in hopes that the suspect 1) won't shoot anyway, 2) won't accidently discharge the gun as his fingers twitch under the electric shock, or 3) won't avoid the taser shot and return fire on the Officer and those behind him.

PULEEESE !!!! A professional Law Enforcement Officer ALWAYS tries to avoid using Deadly Force unless absolutely neccessary. In this case, as in almost all others in recent memory, the descision to shoot is not made by the Officer, rather it is made BY THE SUSPECT when he/she chooses to point a weapon at a cop or a citizen.

The Deputy in this case has a long and distinguished history of service to his county. He takes his job very seriously and very personally. Most of all, and totally absent from ALL local coverage of the incident, is that he now must come to accept the fact that not only was he put in the difficult position of having a child at gun point, but all of his directions, pleadings, and attempts to bargain the weapon out of the child's hands were for nothing. This dedicated public servant protected all of the other students in harms way, put his own life and family on the line, but couldn't save the boy.

From personal experience I can state that if you could do it all again and keep the suspect alive most Officers would do so. The last thing an Officer wants to do is kill someone. However, sometimes Officers must step into the middle of ugly, rapidly evolving, dangerous situations and make that split-second descision to shoot or not shoot. All of us train, plan, practice, and hope to do the right thing when that terrible moment comes.

In this case, despite the pressure, the speed of the incident, and the armchair quarterbacking in the days that followed, that Deputy Sheriff, on that day, in that schoolyard, with that boy, not only did the right thing, he did the ONLY thing that could be done to stop the threat and protect himself and others.

A final note for those out there who would argue the point that the boy "only had a toy gun" so the Deputy should have known it was not real and had no reason to kill the child.....

you be the judge:

Does this look like a toy to you?

And so it begins....

Greetings and welcome to my attempt to merge into the fast lane of the information super highway without becoming the proverbial bug on a windshield. This Blogging thing was introduced to me by a family member with a blog of her own and I smuggly assumed I could do no worse. While that remains to be seen, I welcome you as witnesses to the ugliness, oddities, humor and pain that is law enforcement. I intend to speak my mind about issues not only in law enforcement but about social issues, public opinons, perceptions, Hollywood's take on cops, and any other tidbits that may fall from my table. Just remember, while I may not always be right, I will protect your right to tell me I'm wrong, but lets face it in my line of work EVERYONE has an opinion on how it should be done.