Yes Virginia, the governor really does want to take your guns

“Yes Virginia, the governor really does want to take your guns.”
By Kirk Lawless

While Americans are distracted by the daily news and what they are being spoon-fed by the left-wing media, there are sinister forces at work.  Folks need to start paying attention, and all eyes should be on the state of Virginia and its Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam, his personal attack on the 2nd Amendment, and what it means to the law enforcement community.

Like Beto O’Rourke and his “Hell yes, we’re going to take your AR-15,” Northam has decided to attack and begin chipping away at the constitutional rights of the folks living in his Democrat-controlled state.

For some reason, Democrats want to disarm law-abiding American citizens, and the reason is simple.  It’s about control. 

My permit to defend my family comes from God, not man (although, it is endorsed by the signatories of the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights).  I’m a firm believer in “An armed society is a polite society.”  I don’t need permission from anyone to protect my family or anyone else who needs protection from a predator.  I would never relinquish the very tools that I would use in defense of myself or my loved ones. Only a fool or coward would do that!

Many large Democrat-controlled cities are falling apart.  Idiots are in charge and criminals roam about freely with little or no consequence, and the answer is always “Let’s take away the guns!”  The notion that someone can walk into a gun show and buy a gun (handgun, long gun, or shotgun) under the table is total bullshit!  I’m in St Louis.  I’ll go with you. It won’t happen.  Somebody would probably beat the shit out of you just for asking.  It might be the dealer or another person attending the show. I invite anyone who believes that they can walk into a gun store and try it, to come with me and do it, so I can video record you getting tossed through the door and onto the pavement!

I may sound like a broken record, but why not arrest the folks committing crime with guns and start putting them in prison? Mandatory sentencing.  Build more prisons. I don’t believe that locking someone in a cell for 10 years does anything but keep the community safe for 10 years and makes the inmate mad as hell.  I believe they should be afforded the opportunity to learn a trade perhaps. If recidivism rears its ugly head, put ‘em back in! Fuck ‘em.  Some folks learn and some will never.

The bullshit prosecutors need to quit coddling these criminals and do their jobs. Just the other day, 2.7 miles from my house, three thugs tried to rob two technicians who were servicing an ATM at a credit union.  They jumped out of their sled with one shooting at the technicians … bad idea!  Both technicians were armed and shot back at their attacker. He died at the scene. His confederates were in the wind. One was captured a few days later, leaving one out there.  The dead bandit was out on bond, awaiting sentencing for guess what? Armed robbery!

Do not demonize those who operate within the law and punish them!  The criminals are the ones who need to be punished and held accountable for their actions.  How dare you imply that law enforcement officers are going to do your illegal dirty work?  There are enough folks standing ready to harm or kill us without a careless politician hanging another target on our backs!

Every law enforcement officer in the country should revisit the United States Constitution and The Bill of Rights and its Amendments.  When you raise your hand and swear an oath to defend the Constitution, you should know what you are swearing to protect.  I’ve always said the 2nd Amendment protects the 1st, and without the 2nd all other amendments would be in jeopardy.  As cops, we know the importance of freedom of speech.  Hell, we go into harm’s way to protect people who protest and exercise that right.  The 4th Amendment becomes the “rule of the day;” unreasonable search and seizure is so ingrained in cops, it is adhered to without second thought, along with the 5th Amendment (life, liberty and property), 6th Amendment (rights of accused persons in criminal cases).  Keeping the Bill of Rights in mind, will you as a sworn law enforcement officer, obey an unlawful and unconstitutional order to violate the rights of citizens in your community by forcibly entering the homes in your jurisdictions and seize their firearms? It’s a serious question, and you may want to think about your answer.

Remember the element of control.  Without weapons, the populace is easier to control.  When folks are reduced to “toothless dogs,” those on the far left can sit back and watch “your” once-enjoyed liberties go swirling down the shitter, one by one.

There aren’t enough cops to do this; the politicians know this. That’s why folks of Northam’s ilk start talking about bringing in the National Guard to do their dirty work.  The politicians won’t be on your porch demanding you turn over your weapons, kicking in your door to take them by force! Northam won’t be there.  Is he foolish enough to believe the local police, state troopers, sheriffs and their deputies would partake?

In all probability there would be blood, lots of blood; it would be a blood bath and who would be bleeding?  Folks on both sides, the citizens protecting their rights and property and those foolish enough to attempt following the unconstitutional orders of a madman.  What would come next, a second Civil War? Riots? The possibilities are endless.

Could it be attempted? Remember the incident on King Street?  It began there, in Boston on March 5, 1770.  The catalyst of the American Revolution, the deaths of five colonists: Samuel Gray, James Caldwell, Crispus Attucks, Samuel Maverick and Patrick Carr, killed by British soldiers.  A bit earlier in 1768, British troops were sent to Massachusetts to enforce laws on the colonists, and they weren’t ready to drink what King George of England was pouring.  The colonists were getting their balls taxed off: The Stamp Act, among items heavily taxed were paper, newspapers and magazines (what the colonists used for news and correspondence) an official attempt to control the media, and The Sugar Act, a spin-off of the Molasses Act.  A post script to this was “Turn in your weapons, or we will take them by force.”  Sounds eerily familiar, yes?

Present-day Virginia is the latest “litmus test” to determine how many citizens will comply with a demand to surrender their weapons.  It is also a test to determine the resolve of LEOs throughout the state in matters of following unconstitutional orders by enforcing forcible confiscation.  The Posse Comitatus is not viable as being violated in the case of Virginia, because the governor didn’t make noise about using regular US Army troops should there be a “mandatory” forcible confiscation attempt. That’s why he invoked the name of the State National Guard.  Another test? You bet.  Ask around to friends in the armed services, the government keeps statistics on and ask questions such as, “If ordered to do so would you fire on U.S. Citizens?”  That’s correct, “if ordered to do so?” This is not a joke, folks.

I invite Gov. Northam to look only to his state’s official seal for his questionable acts and words, and further, his beliefs and oath of office. Virtus (figure of peace), holding a sheathed sword in one hand a spear in the other, standing with a foot on the chest of a man, supine, a broken crown near his head, a whip in one hand and a broken chain in the other.  The motto “Sic Semper Tyrannis” (Thus Always to Tyrants), on the reverse a likeness of Libertas (protector of individual liberties), Ceres (Goddess of agriculture), and Aeternitas (representing eternity).  He is a perfect example of tyrannical government, which I have laid at your feet. He doesn’t operate using the state seal as a guide.

Perhaps Northam aspires to be more like King George?

Yes, I am pro-gun. I am a lifetime member of the NRA. I’m pro-Constitution, pro-life (unborn babies didn’t do anything to anyone), pro-death penalty (murderers did). I am a Christian and a patriot.  I will not comply with an unconstitutional law, nor did I ever follow an unconstitutional order during the 28 years I spent as a police officer.  Many sheriffs have openly declared they would not participate in such a heinous act.  I believe most cops feel the same way, but there are a few who have, or will, imbibe from the same cup once offered by King George.

My question to all LEOs and military members is, “If something as stupid as this pops off, where will you stand?”  I know exactly where I’ll be standing!

Two Kinds of Guys: Interview Techniques

Two Kinds of Guys
By Lt. Joseph Pangaro (Ret) CPM, CSO

It doesn’t matter what your role in law enforcement is. The need to establish a relationship with the people we interview, wherever we find them, is paramount to our success as officers. This story is about that kind of a relationship and how we can use a personal relationship to gain trust, build a bond and get a confession.

When I was a young patrolman, I was assigned to drive a young man into HQ from the field.  He had been arrested for the theft of an old woman’s purse at a shopping center. The detectives were on scene and I was told not to speak to the man, just drive him into the station and have him sit in the interview room of the detective bureau.

The detectives were investigating a series of these purse thefts from older women in the vicinity and it was clear this man was most likely the suspect responsible for all 10 strong-arm robberies. In a couple of the robberies the women, who were in the 70s, were injured when the suspect forcibly took their purses from them. There was no forensic evidence and the victims could not make positive IDs from photos or sketches.

On the ride in I could tell he was nervous.  He was in his late 20s and looked like a pretty strong guy. He was asking me what was going to happen to him, he even said he found the purse on the ground and was stupid for taking it. This was obviously his attempt to distance himself from the strong-arm robberies and try his story out on the first cop he could tell it to.

I told him I couldn’t talk to him, but he should just tell the truth when he spoke to the detectives. I knew enough to butter him up a bit and let him know the detectives were good guys, hoping it would help them when they spoke to the guy.

We got to HQ and I sat him down in the interview room and waited for the detectives. While we waited, I deflected his crime questions and tried to just talk about sports and family stuff to kill the time. He seemed to calm down. Eventually the two detectives came in and relieved me. I waited out in the bureau writing my report while they interviewed him.

After about an hour they came out saying the guy was sticking to his story and wouldn’t budge. He said he found the purse at the curb and took it. He ran when he saw the cop car because he knew the purse wasn’t his. One of the detectives asked me to go sit with him while they discussed what to do next.

I went back in and sat down. He seemed OK, but still nervous. He said he told the detectives the truth, but they don’t believe him. He said they were trying to pin a bunch of robberies of old ladies on him that he didn’t do. He said he had a grandmother and he would never do something like that to old ladies.

I listened to him and made a decision that could have gotten me in big trouble. I decided to try and talk to him a little more. I figured if the detectives didn’t get anywhere with him, what would it hurt? I didn’t know what a possibility was at the time, or what diminishing was, but I thought I might be able to get him to talk to me just based on the way he reacted to me.

My thought was this; he was scared to admit what he did because it was really a terrible thing to do. I also took note that he mentioned he had a grandmother and I figured he might feel guilty for targeting these older women as well.

Here’s what I said:

“You know I’m not a detective and I don’t know what you talked about with them, but I do know that they believe you did take the lady’s purse. The way I see it is this: There’s only two kinds of people that would be involved in something like this.”

He was not answering me, just listening. 

“The way I see is there one kind of guy that doesn’t care who he hurts. He wants money and he figured a good place to get money is from old ladies that can’t fight back.”

As I said this, I held my right hand, palm up at about face level. He looked at my hand and I saw revulsion on his face.

“The other kind of guy is somebody that needed money for something, money for medicine or food for their kids, whatever.  This guy would never purposefully hurt anyone, especially old ladies. This guy didn’t intend to hurt anybody he just needed the money”

As I said this, I held my left hand up, palm up just above my stomach, creating a real difference between the two hands.

The suspect stared at my hands-
“What kind of guy are you?”  I asked him.

What was interesting with this approach was that I only gave him two guilty choices. If he admitted to either one, he was admitting to robbing the victims. The difference was that one of the choices was morally reprehensible; the other was not so much.

I didn’t say anything; I just held my hands there. After a second he looked right at my lower left hand and said:

“I’m the kind of guy that didn’t mean to hurt anyone.”

Inside my head I was jumping up and down. I couldn’t believe he confessed to me. But I maintained my composure and said:

“That’s what I thought too.”

He shook his head up and down and asked me, “None of them ladies are hurt, are they?”

In reality, two of the 10 ladies did get injured, though they were not life-threatening injuries.

“No, none of them were hurt real bad. A couple of the ladies had sore arms when you yanked their purse away, you’re a big guy”

I then asked him if he would tell the detectives what he told me. He said he would.  I then said: “You know those ladies had a lot of things in their purses that they would like to get back, like pictures of their families and other personal things. Can you tell me where the purses are?”

He shook his head yes and said: “Yeah, they’re in the woods next to my house, I’ll take you to them”

I thanked him and shook his hand. As I was leaving he said, “Hey officer, will you tell the judge what kind of guy I am?”

I said I would and then I told the detectives what had transpired. I really thought they would be angry, but instead they were thrilled, telling me I did a good job.

Besides the satisfaction of solving the crime and getting the confession, I realized how much I loved talking to suspects and I wanted to do it better. I also realized that the way I talked to him was probably the most important part of that interview. Even without formal training what was obvious was that the suspect felt comfortable talking to me, and then I just tried to make it seem that what he had a reason to do what he did besides just being a dirtbag.

This story is an excerpt from my forthcoming book “The Art of Interview” from Loose Leaf Law Books.

Ending Blue Suicide is Not a Lost Cause

Ending Blue Suicide is Not a Lost Cause
By Danielle Crosson

Blue suicide is a growing epidemic. As a college student, I had learned about blue suicide and wanted to share some of what I had learned on the topic with the hope that perhaps an officer out there would read this and know just a little more and hopefully get the help they need to get through their dark period. Also, my hope is that more is done to solve this epidemic.

Due to increases in crime, more mental health issues are arising within the law enforcement community. Also, many officers tell of a lack of support from their departments which makes it hard for them to feel comfortable asking for help. This is common knowledge, so more needs to be done to address this because higher stress levels and anxiety lead to burnout, an early retirement or, unfortunately, blue suicide. Due to the stigma that is behind officers seeking help, many internalize this emotional and mental pain, and many officers do not seek help because they fear they will be tested for their fitness for duty, have their gun taken away, or placed on modified duty. Our officers deserve better for the work we ask them to do every day. They risk their lives for ours and deserve to have stigmas removed and access to mental health readily and acceptably available. 

In most circumstances regarding blue suicide, there are warning signs before the officer makes the ultimate decision to end his or her life. The first symptom tends to be stress, which leads to depression, or the officer begins to act out of the ordinary. Due to the stress, and possible dependency on harmful substances, the officer tends to struggle with intimate relationships such as family and friends and may even have marital problems. This is all part of a downward spiral that needs intervention as soon as possible. If a fellow officer sees any signs their brother or sister officer is struggling, they must have the courage to speak up and get the officer help. When blue suicide strikes the opportunity for intervention has passed.  Dismissing warning signs is too great of a chance to take.

As far as the research goes on blue suicide, I noticed there had been some discoveries; however, most times, the sample sizes are too small to provide any resourceful data. There is also a multitude of gaps within the research, which leaves many questions unanswered. Also, the research shows very little data about a spiritual component that, sadly, many people do not believe is a vital component to solving this issue. I believe understanding this untapped spiritual component will help not only in the analysis of why so many officers commit suicide, but will also work toward prevention. It’s worth looking into. 

Over the years, many helpers have been saving lives. Helplines such as Cop2Cop are great resources. Moment of Silence, Blue Magazine, and Brothers Before Others are excellent organizations that have been saving many lives over the years. These groups are the type of lifelines that save officers thinking about committing suicide and leave them feeling as if there is hope and that they can overcome whatever mental and physical struggles they are going through. There are also professional therapists out there who treat officers, and many find their assistance crucial to their overall health and well-being. 

Although I am still growing with my knowledge on this topic, I support the men and women in uniform and sincerely hope my brief article here helps and that more work is done toward solving the blue suicide epidemic. Ending blue suicide is not a lost cause. Every officer’s life is worth all the effort invested in solving this epidemic. 

CHRIST, COPS AND PRESIDENT TRUMP

Christ, Cops and President Trump

By: Chris Amos

We are living in difficult and divisive times, and none are more aware of that than the men and women of law enforcement. You face daily what anyone in their right mind, when given a choice, chooses to ignore. Life is unfair, unjust and often unimaginable to many living in their self-created “safe zones.”  The reality is, apart from the presence of law enforcement officers, the very thought of a “safe zone” for one’s life, let alone their fragile psyche, would be non-existent. The safety that we enjoy in this nation we owe to the grace of God and the faithful service of over 800,000 law enforcement and corrections officers. 

We are a year away from an election that may redefine America, and in doing so redefine what a law enforcement officer can or cannot do. Look no further than Portland, Oregon or Seattle, Washington to see police departments so handcuffed by their political leaders that they cannot provide the very services they swore an oath to provide.  

What has prevented this from sweeping the nation was the unexpected election of President Trump. Could there have been a greater swing in attitudes toward law enforcement than that of the Obama and Trump administrations? Five years ago, Obama was sending representatives to the funeral of Michael Brown, a thug, bully and robbery suspect, shot and killed while attacking a police officer. Two years ago, Trump was signing an executive order stating, “This first executive order will place the government firmly on the side of federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement. This will ensure that funding supports officers on the street, and anyone who tries to do them harm will be aggressively prosecuted.”  

President Trump has breathed life and respect into an occupation that has been grossly and unfairly misrepresented in the mainstream media to great effect. Both the POTUS and the VPOTUS have time and time again gone out of their way to personally thank LEOs detailed to their respective events, as well as in general. 

Now what does Jesus Christ have to do with any of this? If you look at Jesus’ interaction with Roman soldiers in the gospels, you will find He treated them with respect, going so far as to laud one Roman’s centurion’s faith above all in Israel [Matthew 5:8-13]. Now, the Roman soldiers were an occupying police force during the time of Jesus. They were the LEOs of His time. In fact, John the Baptist baptized a group of these hardened men and when asked what they were to do now, he responded to serve righteously and justly. Not intimidating or using their power and authority for selfish gain [LUKE 3:14]. He did not say, lay down your swords and spears and pursue another line of work. Quite the contrary, it was known then as it is now that LEOs are critically important to maintaining a civil society. LEOs have much authority and must give an account of how that authority is used, but have the authority none the less. Authority that ultimately comes from God, ROMANS 13:1-4. 

People are quick to paint God as a loving, passionate, merciful God which He most assuredly is. But often it is at the expense of God’s attributes as holy, righteous and just. God and God only has the authority to display JUSTICE – getting the punishment we deserve, MERCY – not getting the punishment we deserve, or GRACE – getting the blessings we do not deserve. In God’s economy He uses LEOs to exercise His justice; this is why abuse of His justice is so destructive and accountability so important. 

What am I trying to say, friends? You play a very important role in what God is doing in our nation today. Your role and significance will only increase in the coming months as will the opposition. No matter what comes your way follow the advice of John the Baptist, “Serve righteously and justly. Not intimidating or using your power and authority for selfish gain.” Friend, do that and you will overcome the self-proclaimed experts, media critics, and coffee-serving haters across the country.    

Undercover work: Jay Dobyns

Undercover - Exclusive Interview: Jay Dobyns
After 27 years and over 500 undercover ATF operations, retired Special Agent Jay Dobyns retells his wild ride.
By Eddie Molina

Undercover work ... I can’t do it, not many people can. I would stumble a hundred different ways to put myself in harm’s way. Just thinking about running into a suspect from “my undercover life” (while out having breakfast with my family) is stressful.

It is not just another assignment. It’s a lifestyle that consumes you and completely takes over. Only a special kind of person can successfully navigate the dangerous waters of a long-term undercover operation. Exactly what kind of man or woman can successfully pull it off?

"Research indicates that individuals that are particularly adept at handling dangerous situations have greater control of emotions. These attributes can provide a distinct advantage under pressure, allowing certain individuals to think rationally where others might not be able to," according to psychologist Dr. David Barker of Rutgers University.

Makes sense to me. That would explain why some people choose to climb Mt. Everest, others jump out of perfectly working airplanes and some go deep undercover (UC) inside criminal organizations.

And that’s exactly what Jay Dobyns did. After graduating from the University of Arizona in 1983, it wasn’t long before he ended up with a federal law enforcement agency.

“I was an All Pac-10 football player in college. I planned on playing for the NFL but when I went to the NFL combine where college prospects are tested, it wasn’t long before I knew my life’s goals were going to change. I was grouped with Andre Reed and Jerry Rice, who were simply better, more dynamic athletes. I knew I needed a new Plan A,” said Jay.

And voila - his life would change forever.

In an exclusive interview, the Blue Magazine sat down with Dobyns to get the full scoop on his 27-year career as an UC federal agent. We talked about his brushes with death, the thwarted plots of domestic terrorism and, most notably, his two- year UC operation infiltrating the Hells Angels outlaw motorcycle gang. This incredible journey was brilliantly recaptured in his NY Times bestselling book entitled No Angels.

The Blue Magazine: You were shot and survived a serious gunshot wound on your fourth day on the job. How did that affect your future with the ATF?

Jay Dobyns: With absolutely no training whatsoever, I was taken hostage and shot in the back. The bullet went through my lung and exited my chest. I was dying. Luckily, I quickly received emergency medical treatment. Liability attorneys were guaranteeing me millions of dollars if I would allow them to sue the government. I refused. All I wanted to do was get back to work and be better.

That night you were shot, you were held hostage inside a vehicle with the suspect and chose to drop your car keys to lean down and give your team an opportunity to shoot. Tell us about that experience.

I can’t offer heroic advice; I was scared. I decided that if I was to die, it would be while my partners had an opportunity to help me or gain retribution, not by assisting the suspect to escape only to be assassinated on my knees 20 miles down the road. My first thought was to floor it and ram us into a telephone pole. That plan would likely leave me shot, and crushed, so I decided on a simpler plan and rolled the dice.

In your book, there were a lot of parallels between your UC experience and that of Joe Pistone as Donnie Brasco. There were several moments in the movie that showed Donnie temporarily believing he was "one of them (mobsters)." Were there any moments where you felt the same way?

Joe is a legend, a friend and a hero to me. If there was a Mt. Rushmore for UC officers, Joe’s face would be the first one carved in the granite. While UC I developed close, personal relationships. There is no doubt in my mind that while in a role, some of the suspects I had befriended would have stepped in front of a bullet for Jaybird (his UC role). But I never lost sight of who’s team I was on.

What would you tell someone considering long-term UC work in regard to managing their family life?

This is my biggest regret in life. My UC role became more than what I did, it became who I was. That is very dangerous. I am humiliated to now have to admit that I abandoned and betrayed my own wife and kids in exchange for some false, hero-worship legacy that never came true. In the end, the people who loved me the most, Gwen, Dale and Jack, I treated the shittiest. That is something I am still trying to overcome.

During your UC operation of the Hells Angels, your book mentions the binge-drinking, drug-fueled parties. How did you control your alcohol intake?

When I drank, I did my best to stay in moderation. If I let myself get out of control, I would create a real threat to my beloved team. They could die trying to save me from my own bad decisions. That was always on my mind. Were there times when I had one too many? Yes. But I was smart enough to surround myself with amazing partners who could fix problems better than I could.

Surely drugs were offered to you. What was your strategy to avoid doing drugs without looking like a chump?

There are laws, policies, and ethics that say we can’t. The experts learn ways to avoid those compromising situations and maintain their cover. It is a skillset that is acquired over time and with experience.

How important are confidential informants?

Very. Informants can often open doors quickly. With their assistance comes the issue of managing their conduct and maintaining their loyalty. I held a tight leash on them and when they broke free, they understood they were on their own. For them to trust me, I had to extend equal trust in them. Their lives were on the line just like mine was. I always respected that.

What was one decision where you later told yourself, "I'm definitely not doing that again?"

I was in a bar trolling the Sons of Silence (SOS) biker gang in Colorado with an amazing team of UC agents. Our goal was to create a confrontation, be ordered to remove our fabricated gang clothing, and leave town. It would serve as an intimidation/extortion predicate act toward a RICO case. The SOS found us in their bar! The critical threat was delivered and recorded and the case was made.

But I overstepped. They outnumbered us 5 to 1. The right move was to follow their orders. But no, I started a massive bar brawl that resulted in us being locked inside and having the dogshit beat out of us with pool cues and brass knuckles until they became bored with kicking our asses. They let us leave and I am fortunate no one was killed.

How did you build a reputation as a murder-for-hire (MFH) without actually killing anyone?

Tricks of the trade. MFHs are the most serious investigations we undertake. Some people’s wires become so crossed with jealousy, rage, retaliation, that they have convinced themselves they have the right to play God with someone else’s life. Those cases are delicate and require urgent patience.

What is the worst thing a UC can do to ruin a case they're building?

Refusing to walk away. I placed so much pressure on myself to close the deal that at times I agreed to terms that no real criminal would. In reality, criminals decline deals and pass on terms; that is real life on the streets. Once my confidence rose, people began to trust and believe in me and my decisions and I became better at the walk-away.

What was it like seeing your family during an UC operation?

On one occasion I came home and my wife Gwen told me, “You can’t just show up at this house and speak to me and the kids like we are your people on the street.”

I answered, “I’m not a light switch. I can’t turn this person (Jaybird) on and off. People who do what I do and treat it like a hobby get dead.”

Gwen’s reply, “You better install a damn dimmer switch and turn that attitude down and if you can’t, don’t come back until you can.” That was the harsh truth of how I was treating my family.

Any other operations that went virtually unnoticed by the media?

My partner Louie Quinonez and I infiltrated a faction of the Aryan Brotherhood and purchased 100 improvised explosive devices over 100 days. The suspects believed the explosives were being used in debt collections and murders. 

In another case, my partner Vince Cefalu and I infiltrated and disrupted a scheme to blow up three Las Vegas casinos – The Mirage, Treasure Island and Golden Nugget – using remote controlled C-4 devices. Both of those investigations, along with the Hells Angels infiltration are featured in Joe Pistone’s Deep Undercover program on Netflix. 

What are you up to these days?

I re-connected with God. That is the most important thing for me now.

I’m not a hero. My life is full of regret, shame and embarrassment. I’ve lost many people from my life by my own hand, word or action. I must live with that, God forgives it.

I believe this, for anyone in our profession out there, if the only time you are talking to God is when you are in trouble… you are in trouble. God is first, family, friends, others are second… and I AM THIRD. I only wish it hadn’t taken 50 plus years to realize that.

What is your opinion of law enforcement being labeled as “part of the problem” in America?

Copland was betrayed and villainized by Obama, Holder and Lynch. They painted all lawmen and women as hateful, racist, bigoted, abusive enemies of the people. A few unfortunate and unacceptable events were used to cast disrespect and doubt over an entire profession while millions of civilian/criminal/violent police contacts were peacefully and safely resolved without fanfare.

We are the underappreciated, who go underpaid to do the unthinkable for the often ungrateful. Every day lawmen and women put their feet on the ground, drink a cup of coffee, kiss their family’s goodbye with no guarantee they will ever see them again. They report to duty knowing that they will be hated, despised, ridiculed, filmed, taunted, spit on, assaulted, sometimes murdered… and THEY STILL GO!

Is there anything else our readers need to know?

UC work was the most amazing experience and time in my life but it is not for everyone. I sought out opportunities to be used, to contribute, sometimes big, sometimes small, to help an investigator and friend like Joe Slatalla.

I was a shit-talking street hustler disguised as a debt collector from your local trailer park. I knew my role. It was always my honor and privilege to do what I was capable of to advance the greater good of an investigation for the sake of justice.

Jay Dobyns’ incredible journey went full circle to where he began as a young adult. He now finds himself engaged in another passionate activity, football. He is the head coach of Tanque Verde HS football team in Tucson, Arizona.

I can’t imagine a better way to finish off a wild career; coaching and mentoring our youth to be brave, disciplined and focused on anything but crime.

Check out his other book Catching Hell, available on Amazon. A special thank you to Jay Dobyns for sparing his time for the Blue Magazine.

Writer Eddie Molina specializes in leadership theory and practice but covers everything related to law enforcement. For updates, sneak-peaks, and articles follow him on Twitter @ohwowleadership

Blasted: A February Storm to Remember

A February Storm to Remember

Here's the National Weather Service account of the February Blizzard of 1983:

"The Blizzard of 1983 was at the time the second greatest snowfall for Baltimore since records began. The storm set a new 24 hour snowfall record at Baltimore with 22.8 inches. For a couple hours of the storm, snow fell at an amazing rate of 3.5 inches per hour. Thunderstorms intensified the snowfall in some areas. Winds gusted over 25 mph all day on February 11 causing drifts up to five feet. The heavy snow and winds paralyzed the region. The cost of clearing the snow from roads was in the millions of dollars." – National Weather Service

By now I was a 23-year-old living in my first very own apartment in Baltimore’s Ten Hills neighborhood in the southwestern police district a little over a 4-mile drive from the western district police station were I was assigned and my roll calls were held. Much to the chagrin of my sergeant, I called off from my scheduled 4x12 shift the first day of the blizzard. Even though I had tried to plan ahead, my personal car was completely plowed in, buses were stuck and not moving and my attempts at walking were unsuccessful. It turned out that a state of emergency had been declared as it was later estimated that 90% of the businesses on the west side of the city were being looted. The National Guard had been activated and I requested a transport in to work but to no avail.  The Guard was too busy clearing snow, rescuing stranded motorists and assisting with patrols throughout the city.

By day two of the blizzard, I got up really early and spent more hours digging out my car which was even further plowed under. It took about two and a half hours more to drive the four miles to work through snow drifts and around other cars and buses stuck on various inclines. Once at work, I learned that the only vehicles out for patrol were our own four-wheel drive Jeep, Ford and Chevy paddy wagons and the National Guard vehicles that had been deployed. I was assigned to ride in a National Guard six-wheel drive deuce and a half. My sergeant decided to ride along as well. I was seated in the middle between the sergeant and the guardsman who was our driver. The driver introduced himself to us and immediately informed us that he had been awake for over 24 hours straight. Up and down, up and down, up and down. I was not sure if we were being driven over high snow drifts or parked/stranded cars or whatever else you could imagine because we were atop a white blanket of heavy wet snow everywhere we would go!

Gunshots were being heard everywhere as store owners were trying to defend their turf against looters. This was the only time I ever experienced anything like this. Everywhere that we looked, numerous looters were carrying items stolen from stores and delivery trucks. Many of the looters were falling on the ice and snow. I remember seeing several people carrying stolen whole chickens which had been readied for store delivery at the slaughterhouse nearby. We had the guardsman stop and exited the vehicle, arresting as many looters as possible while slipping and sliding and placing them into the back of an overly crowded paddy wagon. We repeated this over and over again. To this day I have no idea how these people were charged or with what. I was never required to complete any paperwork or submit any evidence on them. We were just told to stay on this patrol. I am of the belief that they must have been charged only with curfew violations by the desk sergeant and his crew in violation of the state of emergency which had been declared.

It wasn’t until the snow was able to eventually be cleared that we were able to reclaim our streets and neighborhoods once again on Baltimore City’s west side.

Having now resided for the last quarter century in mountainous and snowy Preston County, West Virginia, where it has been said that there are two seasons “winter and getting ready for winter” it is amazing to see how snow can negatively impact a city like Baltimore to such a great degree. Two different worlds … and that’s a good thing.

Joel E. Gordon is a former Baltimore City police officer and was Chief of Police for the city of Kingwood, West Virginia. He has served as vice-chair of a regional narcotics task force and is a 2020 candidate for Preston County West Virginia Sheriff. An award-winning journalist, he is author of the book Still Seeking Justice: One Officer's Story and founded the Facebook group Police Authors Seeking Justice. stillseekingjustice.com

Lester Glenn Auto Group Hosts Bucks for Pups Event Benefitting Manchester Township Police Department

(TOMS RIVER, NJ – January 15, 2020) In January of 2019, Lester Glenn Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM FIAT's Sales Representative, Steve Regan, made a pledge to raise funds to support the Manchester Township Police Department's K-9 Unit.

With each vehicle Regan sold in 2019, a portion of the vehicle sale was added to his year-long fundraiser's total. In addition to his personal contribution, Regan also accepted donations through online fundraisers as well as in-store from community members, customers and colleagues.

After discussing his fundraising campaign and his passion to help the community with Lester Glenn Auto Group owner and President Adam Kraushaar, Lester Glenn Auto Group pledged to match the donations Regan would generate through his 2019 fundraising campaign.

The Bucks for Pups Event marked the one-year anniversary of Regan’s pledge to raise money for the Manchester Township Police Department’s K-9 Unit. The event featured a series of on-site demonstrations completed by K-9 Officers Marc Micciulla, Steven Wendruff, Storm and Lynk. After fielding a series of questions asked by community members and Lester Glenn team members in attendance at the event, Lester Glenn Auto Group and Regan presented a check for $10,000 to the Manchester Township Police Department.

“It was an opportunity to assist the community that provides so much for my family and I,” said Regan. “It all started with an idea to help a local law enforcement department and that idea grew and grew with the help and support of my customers, colleagues and my organization.”

All funds donated will go to support the K9 Unit of the Manchester Township Police Department.

Additional Information on the Manchester Township K9 Police Department:

The Manchester Township Police Department has two K-9 officers among its ranks. Both German shepherds, K-9 Officer Storm was welcomed to the department in January 2014 and K-9 Officer Lynk came on board in August 2015. K-9 Officer Storm resides with K-9 Officer Marc Micciulla and K-9 Officer Lynk resides with K-9 Officer Steven Wendruff. Both K-9 officers are trained as dual-purpose K-9s which include training in the areas of police patrol operations, such as tracking and locating missing persons, suspects and evidence as well as in narcotics detection.

Additional Information on Lester Glenn Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM:

Lester Glenn Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM is a family-run new and pre-owned vehicle dealership as well as vehicle service center. It is part of the Lester Glenn Auto Group Family of Dealerships located in Toms River, NJ. Its core values of customer service and giving back to the community represent pillars of the Lester Glenn organization since opening in 1956.

Caution: Spineless, Disingenuous, and Loathsome “Friends” Will Hurt Your Well-being.

Caution: Spineless, Disingenuous, and Loathsome “Friends” Will Hurt Your Well-being.
By Anthony Mikatarian

From a young age, we begin to develop the necessary tools and skills that are crucial for our survival. One of the most basic and essential skills to develop is to decipher who or what is a friend and who is not.

We, as humans, are naturally wired to crave positive and rewarding personal relationships which we use to build our pyramid of family, friends, work associates, acquaintances and foes. At times this is easy to build, but it can also be complicated, tricky and misguiding. This especially relates to understanding and navigating the difference between someone acting friendly versus someone who is an actual friend.

In law enforcement, knowing the difference is vital. When beginning this career, many officers naively believe that everyone will automatically have a unique and dependable bond between each other because of the nature of our profession and the constant referencing of the thin blue line. New officers also think that civilians will always respect them. However, it doesn’t take long to realize the interpersonal in-house and out of house relationships developed come with all types of positive, neutral and negative tones which can be misinterpreted or even missed.

So let’s discuss this further. When someone is acting friendly toward you, it doesn't automatically mean they want to be your friend. Instead, they may feel neutral about you, are jealous of you, or dislike you for whatever reason. These friendly behaviors toward you can be out of courteousness, respectfulness and professionalism and are easy to perceive as genuine, but there are many evil and cowardly wolves in sheep's clothing out there who will use every lowly tool for their selfish gain. Of course, many people are friendly and genuinely mean it, but always reserve approval until finding out their real motive(s).

Through experience, I’ve learned how to understand the difference between friend versus friendly. Yet there is no perfect science to navigating this minefield because there are real slick actors out there who can, and probably will, fool you at times.

When someone is disingenuous and acting friendly, they will usually give the appearance of being approachable, helpful and courteous, especially when there is an audience. They will spend time with you when it is only convenient for them to do so. They shoot the small talk while laughing and joking with you. But be on guard, because these interactions can be used as a cowardly and calculating weapon to mask their mean-spirited fraudulent friendliness with the ultimate goal to degrade, discredit, bully and embarrass you; like I said, especially in front of an audience. These scoundrels diabolically use this tactic in the hopes of deflecting from their own deficiencies and/or as leverage to lift them higher than you. You will know your assessment of the person was right when they abandon you. These spineless, loathsome frauds will always leave you when their own needs are satisfied.

A true friend is very different. True friends build a dependable and enjoyable relationship with each other. These relationships are unconditionally bonded based on such things as trust, loyalty, reassurance, dependability, values, commonality, reliability and good-willed enjoyment. It's making a wanting and conscious effort to nurture and maintain these relationships. This includes encouragement and support through all the good times, bad times, sad times and the unfortunate horrific times. Real friends pay attention to the small things. True friends genuinely appreciate spending time with each other and will always have the courage to tell the truth, even when it hurts. They will genuinely be there through thick and thin. They will motivate and encourage each other. If needed, they will sacrifice their blood, sweat, and tears. A true friend is someone who truly wants to bring the best out of you and see you achieve while wanting nothing in return. Through it all, a true friend will always stand by your side and will have your back.

So make the right decisions in your life. Misjudging who you let in as a friend is unhealthy and dangerous to your well-being and self-esteem. Despite who we communicate with, we naturally forecast expectations on these relationships. We must ensure these expectations are both realistic and not rushed in their development. Spending time with the wrong ones will drain the valuable time you should be spending with the right ones. They will suck the life out of you and will damper both your quality of life and enjoyment.

Although we start our careers thinking that everyone is or should be a friend, we learn the truth as we mature and experience life's highways. To have a better quality of life, develop the skills to determine who is a friend and who is not. This will give you more time to spend your energy and attention on your genuine relationships. It’s worth the effort to learn the differences because you will live a more enriched and enjoyable life.

As always, God bless and stay safe...

Pardoned: Army 1st Lt. Clint Lorance speaks out

Army 1st Lieutenant Clint Lorance
By Eddie Molina

After spending six years at Ft. Leavenworth, Clint Lorance is pardoned by Pres. Trump and now speaks to Blue about the injustices of the legal system

What is your personal worst-case scenario as a law enforcement officer while on duty? The first answer is most likely getting shot and killed by a suspect. Then there are other tragedies; getting into a serious car accident during a high-speed pursuit, being held hostage in a prison riot or having a human being (God forbid a child) die in your arms. Those are all tragedies that could occur, and we pray that they never do.

But what about the scenario of a split-second decision that could be the difference between life and death—or the difference between being hailed a hero or getting indicted?

There is often a lot riding on the line of a split-second decision. For example, say you have a suspect who’s fumbling around inside his jacket even though you continually tell him to show his hands. You’re thinking … Is he rattled and just nervous? Does he have a lethal weapon he’s reaching for? What’s his intent? It’s nighttime and I can’t see well. Whatever I do, I better decide quickly! That entire conversation is going on in your head in a matter of seconds.

That is a very real part of law enforcement that carries enormous legal and life-threatening consequences. The best-case scenario is your instinct was right and your actions were perfectly appropriate in the eyes of the law and public opinion. The worst-case scenario is you made a controversial decision—a decision your department is pressured to call ‘the wrong decision’ and now you face charges. It is then left in the hands of an unpredictable jury in a social climate geared toward a growing anti-police state.

That’s what happened to Army 1st Lieutenant Clint Lorance. On July 02, 2012, Lt. Lorance and his platoon were on patrol in an area of Kandahar province, Afghanistan, known for enemy combatants masquerading as civilians who are hell-bent on killing Americans and our way of life.

Members of Clint’s platoon observed three individuals on a motorcycle approaching the patrol. Given the frequency of Vehicle Born Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) and suicide bombers in that area, Clint, with only moments to decide, ordered his soldiers to fire on them, leading to the death of two and the capture of the third.

That is the fog of war.

Clint stands by his decision, but the upper echelon of the Army’s chain of command disagreed. Clint was later charged and found guilty of two counts of murder and sentenced to 20 years at Fort Leavenworth. The case made national headlines and was recently featured as a documentary on the Starz Channel entitled Leavenworth.

It wasn’t until November of 2019 (six years into his sentence) that President Trump called Fort Leavenworth to speak directly to Clint to give him a full presidential pardon.

In an exclusive interview, Blue Magazine sat down with Clint to get the full story on what happened that fateful day and the events that followed it. We covered everything; his leadership philosophy, his theory on government officials and top brass politicizing incidents (sound familiar?), and much more.

Blue: Tell us about your military experience.

Clint: I enlisted into the Army as soon as I turned 18 and chose to be an MP (military police). I deployed to Iraq and then decided to go to college while I was in the Army. Once I finished school I went into OCS (Officer Candidate School).

Blue: Where did the desire to serve in the military come from?

Clint: I did it because of this city right here (New York City) due to the events of 9/11. I really wanted to be a Texas state trooper. Even though they don’t make much money, they are highly respected in Texas. But I don’t know if I would do that now because of the way police get treated.

Blue: Prior to becoming an officer in the Army, had you considered the fact that you may have to make a split-second decision that carries enormous legal and life-threatening consequences?

Clint: Yes. While I was in Iraq, I saw it all the time. I saw officers making critical decisions that were later scrutinized. I felt I could handle it because I know I’m a good guy, I loved the Army and I love America. Like most people, I never wanted to kill people. That was a war where you would have to make impossible decisions.

Blue: The incident occurred on your third day with the platoon. You were selected to take over the platoon after the original platoon leader was wounded and sent to the rear. Why you?

Clint: My commander at the time told me the platoon seriously lacked discipline and that they needed someone like me to clean it up. He told me that when he sees them, they’re not shaven, they don’t wear their body armor when they’re supposed to, they’re running around in their underwear, they’re calling the platoon leader by his first name … and that is simply unacceptable.

Blue: That is unacceptable. I specialize in leadership theory. Subordinates who call their leader by their first name degrade discipline and the leader’s authority. In law enforcement, that jeopardizes public safety.

Clint: And when you have soldiers that stop shaving (one of the most basic military requirements), what else are they going to give up on? Stop loading their magazines? Or stop calling in reports? That all starts with discipline.

Blue: From a leadership perspective, when a new lieutenant arrives to his or her unit for the first time, the soldiers already there will be very cautious, critical, and even uncooperative to a certain degree simply because the lieutenant represents change and fear of the unknown. How do you feel that played a role with several of your soldiers disagreeing with your decision, even testifying against you?

Clint: They should have been skeptical; I would be skeptical too. You have a new guy who’s giving you orders, making you work more, who’s making you do your job compared to the last guy who, in my case, hasn’t even read the book. When I walked into the guard tower and soldiers didn’t have their helmet or body armor on, I told them to put it on. And they didn’t like that, they didn’t like taking orders like that, but I was brought in there to enforce the standard.

Blue: From the moment you were made aware of an incoming motorcycle to the moment you gave the order to fire on them, what was going through your mind? What emotions were you experiencing?

Clint: I remember my mindset at that time because I had six years (in prison) to think about it. The day before the incident, day 2, I sat down with everyone to get to know them; what their goals are, their backgrounds, and so on. When the call came in requesting to fire on the motorcycle that I couldn’t even see from a soldier I knew was a police officer before the army, I said yes. During those few seconds I had to decide, I was thinking about the intelligence reports that I was very familiar with and how the Taliban would place C-4 explosives under the seat of the motorcycle in such a way you couldn’t even see it. They typically didn’t carry rifles or grenade launchers so it’s not really obvious. I had a duty to react to that because if I didn’t, I could’ve been sending soldiers home in a body bag. That’s the thing with war; you have to know what the enemy could potentially do.

Blue: That’s an extremely difficult thing for the average civilian to understand.

Clint: The generals that are in charge have no clue what the reality of combat is on the ground. The ones that served in Vietnam are all gone; the generals now are paper pushers. Those who served in Iraq are not old enough to be a general.  They may have served in Desert Storm, or Panama or Kosovo, but they have no idea what it’s really like.

Blue: Use of force is a critical component of law enforcement. Do you feel the Rules of Engagement for the Use of Force were appropriate for that area of operations?

Clint: No. We were at a point where if the Taliban shot at us with small arms fire, like an AK-47, we would have to radio back to higher headquarters to get permission to fire back. That’s ridiculous.

Blue: Regarding the trial, was there any surprising testimony?

Clint: What did surprise me was when Deputy Brigade Commander Colonel Alstead came and took the stand on my behalf and spoke highly of my character.

Blue: How, if at all, do you feel your case and trial was politicized?

Clint: The military has been social engineering for a long time. For example, you have Senator Gillibrand, among other politicians, who tells the Pentagon, ‘You have a problem with sexual assault. My voters want you to fix it.’ Senators then put pressure on the Pentagon and when generals are up for promotion and it goes for Senate confirmation, senators like Gillibrand will say no unless the generals pushed their agenda to help them secure votes to get re-elected. And that’s what happens with cases like mine.

Blue: What advice do you want to give law enforcement officers when it comes to facing criminal charges and going to trial?

Clint: My first advice is, don’t say anything to anyone other than your PBA rep. One of the things I did right was when CID (Criminal Investigation Division) walked into the room, I said I want to talk to JAG (Judge Advocate General) and that’s it.

Blue: What about your attorney?

Clint: If I could go back, I would take out a second mortgage, sell everything I own and get a better attorney. You want an attorney who actually cares and doesn’t have a huge caseload. Do your homework and pick the right attorney.

Blue: What was it like at Ft. Leavenworth?

Clint: I actually told the president that the American people should be proud of how the military treats its prisoners. They (Ft. Leavenworth staff) go out of their way to make sure everything is as fair as possible.

Blue: What now, what does the future hold for you?

Clint: I want to go to law school and be a part of the solution. Too many politicians push their own agendas and justice gets moved aside and that’s crap! I want to dedicate my life to helping people and pursuing justice and fairness.

Also, if I may, I have to mention UAP, United American Patriots (www.UAP.org). They are a nonprofit organization whose employees dedicate their lives to help servicemen and women fight the injustices of the military legal system. They still have several cases ongoing….

Clint and I ended the interview talking about how much has changed in six years. Although that is time he will never see again, he spent it building the conviction needed to pursue real change in the military and civilian justice system. We hope he gets there and makes the changes the justice system desperately needs so our heroes in the military and in Blue avoid becoming political puppets and, instead, get recognized for their dedicated service.

About the writer: Eddie Molina specializes in leadership theory and practice but covers everything related to law enforcement. For updates, sneak-peeks, previews and articles follow him on Twitter @ohwowleadership

Taken too Soon: P.O Katie Thyne

Officer Katie Thyne
Article & Artwork by Jonny Castro

“If you ever saw Officer Katie Thyne, you saw her with a smile ...a ll she did was smile. That smile was the love of life, family and service to a community and the city she called home.”

Katherine Thyne loved the job. She was a dedicated and active officer who was deeply involved with the community. On Jan. 23, Officer Thyne was conducting a traffic stop when the driver was asked to step out of the vehicle. The suspect refused and instead fled the scene, trapping the officer between the open car door. She was dragged for a block before the suspect crashed into a tree. Officer Thyne was pinned between the car and the tree and suffered fatal injuries. She passed away at the hospital later that evening.

Officer Thyne had served the Newport News Police Department’s South Precinct for just seven months and had made a huge impact in the short time she was assigned there. Prior to her time in law enforcement, Officer Thyne served five years active duty in the United States Navy as a Logistics Specialist 3rd Class at the Naval Station Norfolk and aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier. Officer Thyne leaves behind a 2-year-old daughter. She was 24 years old.

Policing as a Martial Art

Policing as a Martial Art
By: Joseph Petrocelli

Policing will never change if police do not change

The basic unit of policing is the police officer.  Police administrators, critics and academics are forever attempting to devise more efficient ways to deploy police; they ignore the fact that if an improperly trained officer is responding, no new system deployment will work.  As policing went from reactionary policing to proactive policing to Community Policing to Broken Windows theory through Intelligence Lead Policing into Evidence-Based Policing, there is more attention paid to the structure rather than the basic block on which the structure is built.  If the street officer is improperly trained or enters a scene with the wrong mindset, it doesn’t much matter how he or she was deployed.

For generations of U.S. policing, police officers have been told they are warriors.   Police were recruited from the ranks of the military.  They attended a military-style academy.  They were trained in the tactics and mindset of a warrior.  They enter a para-military profession.  They were repeatedly told they were warriors entering battle.    Police are forever fighting a war; a war on crime, a war on drugs, a war on terrorism.  They enter the profession and approach each call as a warrior being dispatched to vanquish an enemy. 

This paradigm does not work in our society.  From the earliest days of modern policing, when Sir Robert Peel stated “The police are the people and the people are the police,” it has been recognized that the police must form a trusting alliance with the community in order to efficiently deliver police services.  The police must be the ethical, righteous arm of enforcement, especially in besieged communities.

Choosing a profession where you are putting yourself between good people and evil is an honorable choice.  No citizen ever calls the police when things are good; police are only called to deteriorating situations that require clear thinking, patience, ethical application of policy and of the law and occasionally the use of force.  Law enforcement must develop and perpetuate an identity of respect, humility, discipline, level-headed confidence and ability to judiciously use force when required. These characteristics are more reflective of a martial artist than a warrior. Police officers should be trained not as warriors but as martial artists.

The martial arts have much to lend to law enforcement. A martial artist is unfailingly humble, courteous and respectful to all.  Martial artists are trained to develop a high level of self-control, knowing that losing control can be disastrous in a dangerous situation. Martial artists develop a strong sense of integrity resulting in an ability to recognize and act on right and wrong. Martial artists train to develop an indomitable spirit grounded in honesty and modesty. This equips the artist to recognize injustice, then confront and subdue it in a legitimate manner. These attributes of the martial arts would serve law enforcement officers well in every community.

Society demands policing be a profession prepared to use force. The title ‘Law Enforcement’ implies force must sometimes be used. Force itself is not evil; how force is used by some police can be evil. The mindset of the police officer using force must be changed.

Force must be an available option but the last option.  Force is not the option of the bully or of the panicked.  When used, force must be dispensed in a measured, reasonable and justifiable manner.  This will ensure no citizen will live in fear of the criminal element or of the police. 

The training and mindset of a martial artist are more closely aligned with the goals of a police officer.  Martial artists are trained to be respectful of all people they meet—especially their opponent.  Martial artists are trained to remain calm in the face of an adversary and to use only the force necessary to mitigate the threat.  Martial artists are trained to display respect and compassion to a vanquished foe.  Martial artists train throughout their lifetime to attain the level of discipline and skill required to defeat an attacker with a minimal amount of force. 

A martial artist mindset would prepare police officers to handle any violent offender they encounter.  In anticipation of a use of force encounter, police would receive ongoing training in efficient empty hand control, non-lethal techniques.  Along with tactics, police would also learn the quiet respect and humility integral to the martial arts.  Martial artists train to be fully in control of their emotions and have the maximum amount of respect for their art and their opponent. Police should be trained along these lines.  The discipline, respect, humility and control associated with the martial arts would become the hallmark of policing.  Police would no longer be warriors doing battle against members of the citizenry; they would be viewed as measured professionals using the life-protecting tools they have mastered to subdue a problem thereby protecting society.  The police would be the best example of the values a community cherishes.  This would bridge the current chasm between the police and good citizens.

Adopting a martial arts mindset would require an enormous shift in paradigm.  Police would endeavor to change how they are viewed and how they view themselves.   Implications would be felt in recruiting, pre-service academy training, departmental Standard Operating Procedures, in-service training, modeling behavior, community outreach and professional expectations.

Society cannot survive a war within itself.  Communities demand a change in the way police services are delivered. Failure to change the mindset of police means deploying resources in the same way that has failed so many on so many previous occasions. A warrior mindset does not serve policing or those policed in the 21st century.  Training police as respectful, courteous, ethical officers who calmly and effectively deliver justice and force in the community will benefit the profession and society.

PLANTAR FASCIITIS - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

PLANTAR FASCIITIS - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
BY Gregory Tamagnini, DPM

Searing pain in the arch of your foot when you stand up in the mornings? It might be plantar fasciitis. As an ankle and foot care specialist and surgeon, it is one of the most common conditions I see. It occurs when the foot develops tears in the plantar fascia ligament along the bottom of the foot. The result is inflammation and pain.

Most sufferers feel it in the morning because the fascia ligament tightens up during the night while we sleep. When we climb out of bed and place pressure on the foot, the ligament becomes taut and the pain is particularly acute. The pain usually decreases as the tissue warms up but may easily return again after long periods of standing or weight-bearing, physical activity or after getting up after long periods of sitting down.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

The plantar fascia ligament is like a rubber band and loosens and contracts with movement. It also absorbs significant weight and pressure. One of the most common causes is excessive physical activity, exercise or repetitive use. Athletes are particularly prone to plantar fasciitis and commonly suffer from it. Excessive running, jumping or other activities can easily place repetitive or excessive stress on the tissue and lead to tears and inflammation, resulting in moderate to severe pain.

Arthritis is another common cause of plantar fasciitis. Certain types of arthritis can cause inflammation to develop in tendons, resulting in plantar fasciitis. This cause is particularly common among elderly patients. A person is also at a greater risk of developing plantar fasciitis if they are overweight or pregnant due to the added strain on the body.

How Do you Treat Plantar Fasciitis?

In most cases, plantar fasciitis does not require surgery or invasive procedures to stop pain and reverse damage. Conservative treatments are usually all that is required. However, every person's body responds to plantar fasciitis treatment differently and recovery times may vary. Treatment for plantar fasciitis should begin with rest, icing and over-the-counter medications for pain and inflammation.

If rest does not help, there are other options to consider. Your doctor may recommend custom orthotics which can be slipped into your shoes to add support and distribute weight during movement.

Night splints are worn for an extended period of time, keeping the plantar fascia stretched to promote healing.

Physical therapy has also become a common option for treatment of plantar fasciitis. With this conservative treatment alternative, a physical therapist designs an exercise plan intended to address your specific needs in order to promote healing.

More invasive procedures to treat plantar fasciitis are usually considered only after conservative treatment options have failed to produce desired results. Corticosteroid injections deliver medicine into the injured fascia to reduce pain. It’s important to note this helps temporarily relieve the pain but does not cure the condition.

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is another option to treat this condition. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is basically a high-intensity ultrasound that breaks up the inflammatory cells and stimulates blood flow to the area in order to increase healing. I’ve personally had great results with this technology and my patients have responded very well to it.

Surgery is the final option for those suffering from chronic or severe plantar fasciitis. There are of course things you can do to help avoid this condition. Minimize walking barefoot, wear shoes that are supportive, always warm up properly before exercise and don’t forget to cool down afterward. The importance of stretching cannot be over-emphasized.

I often find my patients respond very well to treatment and they are able to resume normal activity in a reasonable timeframe. Remember to warm up gradually when working out, and if pain persists, listen to your body and call your doctor.

There are many options available to you if you suffer from this condition. It’s important to see a doctor if this pain persists because left untreated, the ligament will continue to worsen.

Dr. Tamagnini is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island and the New York College of Podiatric Medicine in New York City. He completed his residency training at New York Downtown Hospital (now known as New York Presbyterian / Lower Manhattan Hospital) in New York City where he was honored as Chief Resident. Dr. Tamagnini currently practices at Metro Ankle and Footcare Specialists in Totowa, New Jersey.

Supervisors: Am I Making The Right Decision?

Am I Making The Right Decision?
By: Lt. James Rotundo

Decisions. Life and law enforcement are full of them. Many decisions that can affect your career and life must be made correctly and quickly. Therefore, knowing how vital decision-making is, how do we become more efficient in making them? Ask yourself if you are the kind of person who finds it hard to make a decision. If so, what’s holding you back?

Over the years, I have seen officers afraid, for any number of reasons, to make a wrong decision. Sometimes this can be the direct result of poor leadership where officers are micromanaged and where every move they make is second-guessed and criticized. An environment like that will result in paralysis not only in decision-making ability but also in proactive policing. Often no decision is the result of negative environments, and in my opinion, no decision is always the wrong decision. So what can we do to solve this? Here are four tips.

Preparation: Seek a good foundation of education. What you learned in the police academy and from your field-training officer can only go so far. Enroll in every class you can. Always ask questions from those who have been in awkward positions before. Develop a network of officers who have expertise in a specific field and keep asking questions. Preparing before you are in a difficult situation can make all the difference when that time comes.

It should be noted that although no situation is the same, the similarities linking situations can help build your knowledge base. Reading and understanding case law also helps to show what other situations have been challenged and what the outcomes were. Case law is not just for lawyers! Case law is continually updating, so it’s essential to stay current with it.  

Resources: Know what you have at your disposal. Why put everything on you to fix when there are people who are experts waiting to help? Make a list of your resources and highlight what each has to offer and also identify their capabilities. Keep a file or binder of them, and make sure you include contact names and phone numbers, like the old days of compiling a Rolodex. Create relationships with the people involved in these resources and organizations. Having a quick reference sheet can help when offering support to someone in need or when you need a quick answer to a question that may arise. Also, knowing the specialized positions other officers in your department are assigned is essential because they are most likely your fastest reference to information.

Policies: Know your SOPs and SOGs inside and out. Know the Attorney General Guideline, too. Know what you have to do and what you are allowed to do in certain situations. Make sure you identify whom you have to contact during and/or after an event. Taking the time to read and understand the pages set forth by your department and your state’s attorney general will be worth it. A lot of the time, you have procedures and guidelines written in black and white for you to fall back on. Keep a copy of them in a convenient place. 

Plan: Developing a plan is paramount to success. I know the saying, “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry,” but the truth is the ones without a plan are often the ones who make wrong decisions and find themselves in situations they cannot get out of. If your plan is on point, you will know the resources you can use, and the things you must do and can do. Making a plan will help you make decisions quickly.

Working to make the right decision that could affect your life and the lives of others forever is worth the effort. You will increase your confidence in our chosen profession. Your coworkers will respect you. You will also inspire younger officers to be better, and your superiors will trust you. Decision-making is only as difficult as you make it. Put the time in to improve your ability. You and your department are worth it. Good luck, and always stay safe out there!

James Rotundo is a lieutenant in a northern New Jersey police department. In his police career, he led the detective bureau for several years before becoming a Patrol Tour Commander. He is the President and Founder of the Forgotten Brothers Motorcycle Club, an organization that honors fallen members of the military and public safety organizations.

Growing Up Cop

“Growing up cop”
By Chris Gialanella

Growing up the son of a cop is both a privilege and a curse. It is an evolving dynamic that opens and closes the doors of your future. You are forced to grow up in an environment that brings you to the pinnacle of adrenaline and the perils of your worst emotions. The roller coaster of being a cop’s child will leave you with the darkest of scars and the brightest of smiles. The world becomes a barometer of smiles and cries. The key is to learn to smile more than you cry, at least on the outside.

Most children grow up in a warm, loving environment with two parents who fill their home with loving family photos. Dinner time is spent talking about their respective days and sharing quality loving milestones. Making memories that will serve as a blueprint to a normal life for the children to use as a template and carry on the American Dream. A cop’s son has a little different path. My father was a grizzled homicide detective born and raised on the mean streets of Newark where he then played police for nearly 30 years. He is a baby boomer whose way of life growing up in an Italian family was a mix between cops and criminals.  Born to Italian immigrants, his morals and ideologies were thrust upon me with a steady flurry of his hard stance on skullduggery behavior.

My home was filled with autopsy photos, crime scene investigations and dinner time stories of the most heinous acts of humanity imaginable. My childhood was spent passing tests of integrity, lectures of driving safety, flashbacks of gun lessons and the ever-irritating phrase, “Son, nothing good ever happens after 11 p.m.”  My toys were empty holsters, spare bullets and steel handcuffs. Cops and robbers replaced hide and go seek.  Visits to the police station were my Disney World. Sitting in the back seat of an old Crown Victoria on a crime scene was my movie theater. To me growing up, the only option was to become a cop.  It was all I knew, and it was the coolest job ever.

Being a homicide detective, my father missed many holidays, school and sports events, family dinners and visits from Santa Claus. The special occasions were missed so my father could give a voice to the dead when no one else would.  To me this was the norm and my father was a hero. I didn’t take his absence as he didn’t want to be with us, but that he was a larger-than-life figure I needed to share with the world.  My mother didn’t always understand that, but she would always put on a brave face and begrudgingly attempt to explain his absence with a “G-rated” version of his account.

I remember sitting in my grandmother’s home listening to the police scanner waiting to hear my father’s voice like the children before me would sit around the radio for a “fireside chat.” This forum was my Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Superman and Batman all in one. Hearing the men and women service the community provided me with a perspective unmatched by any of my non-law enforcement friends.

Being a cop’s kid made you the cool kid on the block. Your house became a playground of mystery and fantasy all in one.  Kids came from all over the neighborhood to be a part of something that they couldn’t experience in their own home. We had uniforms, knives, handcuffs, night sticks and holsters for whatever adventure we could dream up.  My family had a connection for any topic that came before us. We had mechanics to fix our cars, plumbers, electricians, and construction workers to work on our houses and business owners to help us with any purchase we needed. These were the perks of the trade. Everyone wanted to have a cop on their side.

I learned this later in life when I eventually became a cop myself and people would go above and beyond to make me happy. The feeling was contagious and a very powerful tool that needed to be regulated. 

As I got older, I began to realize that these childhood experiences of joy would soon make me become the warped and over-exposed young adult who was cynical of the world and questioned everyone’s motives. It affected my relationships, my personal and professional encounters, my ability to show and have compassion and an all-around simplistic view. You were either right or wrong based on the foundation of the law of a cop’s son.

I now look in the mirror and see my father. I carry on all his traits and I parent with a lot of the same hang-ups that I was taught.  I consider being a cop’s son a badge of honor, and I say it with all the pride as I take up the challenge not to repeat history but embrace the life.  To all the kids out there, “growing up cop” our futures became pre-determined whether we liked it or not. 

Christopher Gialanella is a 23-year police veteran currently holding the rank of police captain in the Special Operations Division for the City of Newark, NJ. He holds degrees in criminal justice and Homeland Security. Chris is the owner of Wide Eye Security Systems—a private security consulting company focusing on the need for innovative solutions pertaining to real-time security issues. Chris is the son of a cop who grew up in the industry and has dedicated his life to protecting those who can’t protect themselves. Follow him on Twitter @GGialanella

Leadership is a Burden Borne with Honor

Leadership is a Burden Borne with Honor
By Christopher Scilingo

As law enforcement officers, we are challenged daily and face many burdens throughout our careers. One significant burden that is often overlooked and unrecognized is the burden of leadership. Those officers who have borne the burden of leadership and done so successfully know too well that leadership is, in fact, a burden and a privilege. Leadership is difficult to begin with, and it is far more challenging to be a good leader. If you find yourself in a position of leadership, it is vital to use your time and position wisely; otherwise, your actions or lack thereof can have detrimental effects on the unit or organization.

Leadership has been studied and examined for a long time; many who have studied it have different explanations or theories. Many traits and principles have been highlighted that make an effective leader. Some traits can be learned and developed; some leaders are stronger or weaker in some traits. Many great leaders of the past and present have written about character traits, leadership strengths or principles. So much of this knowledge is not new. If you find yourself in a position of leadership and are unsure where to begin, pick up a book and read, go to a leadership seminar or course. The knowledge you learn will only benefit you and those under your command.

Leaders have a responsibility to their people; there are no ifs, ands or buts about it. If you cannot grasp that concept from day one, then you have already failed yourself and those under your command. Leaders don’t have the same luxuries as other members do in a law enforcement organization. Good leaders must always be responsible to themselves, their subordinates and to the organization. Good leaders must be the case in point in everything they do every day. A good leader cannot hold others accountable to an example set by the leader but not followed by the leader.

A good leader needs to get members of the organization to buy into their vision. This cannot be accomplished if your subordinates have little confidence in you or they believe that you don’t care about them. It is also important to remember that not everyone will approve of your actions and decisions. Good leaders should be concerned with the welfare of the organization rather than everyone individually. Retired United States Army General Colin Powell puts it best when he describes the disadvantages of avoiding tough decisions and trying to get everyone to like you; he states that being responsible sometimes means pissing people off, and I couldn't agree with him more. A good leader will make the right decisions for the right reasons and should not be worried about peers and others disliking them.

Law enforcement organizations are full of leaders. Some leaders are at the top of the organizational hierarchy, while some are at the bottom and middle. It is important to remember that rank and titles do not make the leader. However, if you do have the privilege of rank, you must take into account the responsibility you have to others within the organization and try to be an effective leader. Nothing can be more harmful to a law enforcement organization than a ranking officer who is an ineffective leader. Remember, leadership is a burden, but one that should be borne with honor.

One Amazing Teacher: Nate Ward

An SRO’S Perspective: One Amazing Teacher
By Michael Boll

Constantly, we hear and read about how the kids of today are not patriotic and do not care about this country. For the last 2 years, I have been Mendham High School’s School Resource Officer (SRO). I have the honor and privilege to work with a faculty and staff that really love this country and teach their students about the huge sacrifice that our uniformed heroes make on a regular basis. The students at the school are given the opportunity to have a hands-on learning experience by having veterans and first responders speak in their classes about serving and protecting this country.

There is one amazing teacher, Nate Ward, who inspires and changes the lives of countless students and staff every day. Nate engages with nearly every student in this school, and he is by far the most beloved teacher at the school. Nate always puts others first and is always working on projects that have the most positive impact on his students.  Also, Nate collaborates with other teachers so they are able to provide their students with meaningful and life-changing projects. He has the amazing ability to motivate the entire school and have them work happily together. Since I have been working here, I constantly hear people say that “Nate Ward is the best teacher.”

Every day I get to watch this incredible man teach these students things that a textbook could never do. He uses a boots-on-the-ground approach with life experiences and challenges. As an outsider, I am drawn to his classes and wish that I had an educator who cared about me like this while I was a high school student.

This man wears his heart on his sleeve, and this is something that cannot be faked. He is always making a difference in so many lives and I am lucky to be able to be his friend.  I know there are so many deserving educators out there, but I have never seen someone who is loved by an entire school!

Some of Nate Ward’s programs:

Red Bandanna Day

Every year, the senior class watches the “The Man in the Red Bandanna” documentary. This film is about a day trader/ firefighter, Welles Crowther, who saved countless lives during the 9/11 attacks. After the class watches the film, they host a “Red Bandanna” day at the school. The Crowther family attends the event and shares Welles’ heroic story with the school.

9/11 Memorial / NYFD firehouse field trip:

During the spring, Nate has the senior class go on a field trip to New York City and visit the 9-11 Memorial and an NYFD firehouse. The students are able to hear from actual firemen who worked at ground zero and asked them questions about their experiences. After the firehouse, students go to the 9-11 memorial and pay their respects to the fallen.

Army Ranger Pat Tillman

Each year, Nate also studies the life and untimely death of Army Ranger Pat Tillman. Students engage in reading, discussing, and viewing about Pat’s life, and the decisions he made to leave behind an NFL career to serve his country months after America was attacked on 9/11.

Being a veteran and former police officer, Nate was able to convince me to share my personal experiences about the war and working at ground zero. This was the first time that I have ever spoken about these things and he made me feel very comfortable doing it. All of Nate’s programs are done with love and compassion, everyone who participates will take away something they will never forget.

Michael D. Boll is a retired police sergeant in NJ. He previously served as a United States Marine and is a Gulf War veteran. He is the founder of Operation Rebound Racing Team, a nonprofit organization that helps wounded veterans and first responders enjoy a better quality of life.

Lt. Pat Ciser Teamwork take

Teamwork
By: Lieutenant Patrick J. Ciser (Ret.)

Teams … Have you ever been on one? Do you consider yourself to be part of a team within your law enforcement agency? I hope so. As kids, many of us were on Little League baseball teams, “Pop Warner”-type football teams, basketball, hockey, soccer, track teams and so many others. It always seemed like an easy concept and one that builds character as we grow. Arbitrary lines many times would be drawn, pitting some kids against their friends who just happened to live on the other side of town. Where I live in Wayne, New Jersey, we have two high schools separated by Ratzer Road. So as a result of having two public schools, rather than one, the schools have a fierce football rivalry. Wayne has a population of about 53,000 and could have had one high school like my alma mater, Clifton High School. But with Wayne being 26 square miles, I understand why they created two. To me, however, it seems like a family divided as I have so many friends on both sides. Larger New Jersey cities, however, like Newark, Jersey City, and Paterson, have no choice but to divide their municipalities up because of their sheer numbers.

Ever hear guys in the Marine Corps selling shit about the Air Force? But I’ll bet in war zones when the flyboys show up, the Marines would like to buy them a beer. If you’re deployed to the Middle East and meet a guy from your home state, I’d say there’s potential there that he’ll become one of your best friends. That’s what I like about battlefields, if there is something to like that is. Americans of all races, religions or ethnic backgrounds become one when they’re fighting on the same team. This applies to both domestic and foreign battles.

Sometimes we divide our team without even realizing it. I suppose there’s no real harm in the Italian, Hispanic, or Black Police Officers Associations, but personally, I feel no allegiance to the Irish, Germans or English, which Ancestry.com says of which I’m all a part. I do, however, have a strong allegiance to America, as do we all, and would like to be called simply an American. The New Jersey Honor Legion got it right, as all ethnic backgrounds are welcome.

In law enforcement, many times we’ll see division within our own departments. I’m told that the teamwork and camaraderie isn’t what it used to be, however, no one has to remind me of some of the backstabbing I witnessed in my 28-year career. I believe that in the City of Clifton, and other cities with civil service promotions, it wasn’t quite as bad as some of the “Chief’s Test” towns. Then, if you work for a Sheriff’s Department, it can really be bad for you depending on who you supported in the last election. Let’s face it, if your candidate wins, you win, but if they lose …

Internally, jealousy, ego and politics, always seemed to creep into the diurnal conversations in the hallways and local “cop” bars, which is always unfortunate.  But I can tell you this: When the call came in, “shots fired!!” EVERYONE was suddenly on the same team! But, to my chagrin, this, too, was short-lived.

Make no mistake! Today is extremely challenging for all of our LEO’s working in any capacity, as politicians and special interest groups sell us out, and continually drive a wedge between us.  Bosses many times don’t want to “rock the boat,” leaving us to wonder if they’re even on the same team as the rank and file, who would like to be more proactive. Prosecutors used to support our hard work as we risk our lives to ensure public safety, but now, many big city prosecutors don’t even want to charge certain criminal offenders let alone prosecute them. Assault on a police officer, for instance, is no longer a “big deal” and in most cases doesn’t even require bail.

It is incumbent upon each and every one of you, to stand proud and be the cop you were always meant to be regardless of those who would undercut your efforts. Run down a burglar or drug dealer, stop a domestic violence assault, talk to a teen about not doing drugs, save a potential suicide victim, including our Brothers and Sisters, but make sure that you do it for YOU, and be PROUD, that you did. And continue to build and support your team, because if we don’t, nobody else is going to.

Abused Ecuadorian Dog “Lucky” Joins Blue Magazine Team

Abused Ecuadorian Dog “Lucky” Joins Blue Magazine Team
By George Beck, Ph.D.

”Humanity's true moral test, its fundamental test, consists of its attitude towards those who are at its mercy: animals." – Milan Kundera

Beaten with a bat and left for dead is how our publisher Daniel Del Valle’s parents, Ricardo and Mercedes, found a pup on the streets of Ecuador—a society where lots of dogs and cats roam the streets. The tiny animal had a hole in his head, was bleeding, and was full of maggots. As Ricardo and Mercedes wondered what kind of savage would do such a thing to a helpless animal, they decided to rescue him and name him “Lucky.” 

In an environment where injured street animals are euthanized regularly, Ricardo and Mercedes took Lucky in and nursed him back to health. At the same time, they made plans to bring him to New Jersey. Shortly after healing, Del Valle returned to Ecuador and picked Lucky up. He was now an energetic and playful dog who, although he had healed, has a visible scar on his head as a reminder of the emotional scars of an abusive early life. But things were changing quickly for Lucky. He took the flight to New Jersey, where his new life and job as the Blue Magazine office dog awaited. Quickly, Lucky adjusted well in his new environment. 

Since its inception, Blue Magazine has consistently promoted the loving and humane treatment of animals. As humans, we are given significant responsibility with dominion over the creatures of the land, sea, and air. We must be responsible with our power. We encourage anyone who knows of an animal being abused to contact their local authorities to bring the abuser to justice.

The Blue Magazine is proud to introduce Lucky as the newest member of our Blue Team! A special thank you goes out to Mercedes and Ricardo Del Valle for giving Lucky another chance at life.

Malkin: Blood on Open Borders Boston’s hands

Blood on Open Borders Boston’s hands
by Michelle Malkin

Here is a chilling case of sanctuary chickens coming home to roost.

Upon being convicted of armed robbery, kidnapping, home invasion and the brutal murders of two doctors on Tuesday, African criminal Bampumim Teixeira taunted the Massachusetts prosecutor who won the case and vowed to rape his wife. “You better hope I don’t get out of jail,” Teixeira threatened as he was dragged away in handcuffs by a quartet of court security officers. The killer appeared to greatly enjoy the media spectacle while striking fear into the hearts of innocents.

I am outraged on behalf of the victims’ families and pray for the prosecutor’s loved ones. But let’s be clear: This homicidal beast is a beneficiary of liberal Bay State policies that coddle foreign evildoers and give them cover to wreak havoc in our homeland. The architects of open borders Boston have blood on their hands.

Teixeira was a repeat offender well-known to law enforcement and government officials before he sneaked into the South Boston condo of Richard Field and Lina Bolano in 2017, bound and gagged them, slit their throats and stabbed them to death. A homeless vagrant from Guinea-Bissau in West Africa, Teixeira had been convicted of two bank robberies and was released from prison just weeks before the massacre at Field and Bolano’s condo. This thieving bum’s lawyer secured a deal with the Suffolk County district attorney’s office to sentence him to 364 days for the second heist and downgraded the second felony crime to larceny.

Why one day shy of a year? Why the reclassification of a felony to a misdemeanor?

The soft-on-alien-crime agreement allowed him to escape deportation, which any green card holder would normally face for committing crimes of moral turpitude or crimes that result in sentences of 365 days or more. Ultimately, he served only 9 months behind bars. This evilness is part of a nationwide move by far-left Democratic prosecutors, many subsidized and supported by open borders billionaire George Soros, to minimize “collateral immigration consequences of criminal convictions” and help immigrants evade “disproportionate collateral consequences, such as deportation. All in the name of “public safety” and celebrating diversity, of course.

For those outside New England, let me tell you about the infamous public enemy, Suffolk County DA Rachael Rollins. In March, she ordered her employees to monitor and snitch on federal ICE officers hanging around any courthouse while trying to do their jobs. She is overseeing a radical “restorative justice” agenda to decrease arrests, detentions and prosecutions for both citizens and noncitizens. Her office, she announced, “will begin to factor into all charging and sentencing decisions the potential of immigration consequences.”

Let me translate that for you: If foreign adults commit crimes that would separate them from their families and lead to imprisonment and deportation, DA Rollins will drop charges or shorten sentences in the name of social justice — the law-abiding victims of these criminal immigrants be damned.

The anarchy-promoting DA grudgingly admitted to Boston talk show legend Howie Carr earlier this year that the Teixeira case was a “horrific situation.” She said she would have “no problem” deporting convicted criminal immigrants, but only after they “shoot or rape or kill somebody.” In other words: Always look the other way at immigration crimes until it’s too late to save the lives of innocent people sacrificed at the altar of open borders.

As the people of Boston face a crucial vote by their city council on whether to make their sanctuary policies even more radical and welcoming for the world’s homeless, jobless, drug dealers and gangbangers, I have questions:

Why shouldn’t foreign law-breakers face “immigration consequences” for every single civil and criminal law they violate?

Why are Soros-bots across the country elevating the rights of criminal immigrants above law-abiding citizens?

Why aren’t more Americans rising in revolt against open borders-sponsored politicians and prosecutors turning our neighborhoods into safe spaces for foreign outlaws?

Over the past three months, thousands have joined me at rallies to Stand with ICE and defend American First in so-called sanctuary cities from Boston to Aurora to Portland to Montgomery County, Maryland? What about the rest of you? What’s your excuse?

Blue For Good: Garfield Police Release

Garfield Police Release
By Sgt. Jeff Stewart

Flambeau tackle boxes Giveaway
The Garfield New Jersey Police Department Community Affairs Division gave away over 150 Flambeau tackle boxes filled with fishing gear to Garfield kids this holiday season. This was thanks to a partnership with the Ike Foundation aimed at hooking kids in urban areas on fishing and not crime and drugs. The Ike Foundation, founded by Pro Bass fisherman Mike “Ike”  Iaconelli, a native of New Jersey, has also been a sponsor of our Annual Cops and Bobbers (cops and kids) fishing event held in Garfield every April.

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Grand Opening Garfield Community Engagement Center
The Garfield Community Engagement Center hosted its grand opening in May 2019.  The center is the home office to the Garfield Police Department’s Division of Community Affairs, as well as a community space for classes, meetings and programming. The center is a unique and first-of-its-kind, functional space where Garfield residents of all ages can gather to learn, grow and build a sustained community.  Aside from the Garfield School’s Life Skills Classes for their 18- to 21-year-old students, older adults and community partners have also been using the center. In addition, healthy homes workshops, home safety strategies, interfaith council meetings, an opioid abuse art exhibit and nutrition education have been held at the Engagement Center. The Community Affairs Division Headquarters situated in this same space also gives the Garfield Police a more visible presence in the housing community, addressing residents’ safety concerns.

The center is made possible by the Garfield Housing Authority, the Garfield Police Department's Community Affairs Division, Generations for Garfield and the remarkable cross-agency collaboration that takes place in Garfield. The creation of this “third place” that is not home and not work has been an opportunity to fill a void for residents who need this particular kind of support in their community.

Most recently, the center has been host to “Breakfast with Alex.” Alex is one of Garfield's students who has been spending his mornings practicing life skills at the center this year. He hosted his first guest for breakfast, Officer Luis Vasquez from the Fair Lawn Police Department, on January 16th.  Pancakes, eggs, bacon, bagels and coffee were all on the menu, as well as collaboration, education and friendship!