We Remember Police Officer Danny Faulkner 4699: EOW 12/9/1981

By Kirk Lawless

There are two names I hate to see in print, Wesley Cook (AKA Mumia Abu-Jamal) and Colin Kaepernick.

Colin Kaepernick, former football player-turned-political-activist is getting attention again with his racist, rabid, anti-police agenda, by calling for the release of Cook, a convicted cop killer. Why anybody gives Kaepernick any press is beyond my comprehension. To me, he is nothing more than an un-wiped ass (and anyone who knows me knows I would say that to his face). 

I try not to use Cook’s made-up name. I suppose it makes him a more colorful and exotic figure to rally behind and I will deny him that pleasure.

Let’s start with Wesley Cook, convicted murderer. On 9 December 1981 at 3:55 p.m., near the intersection of 13th and Locust, Philadelphia Police Officer Danny Faulkner, badge 4699, curbed a vehicle driven by William Cook, Wesley’s brother. The roadside encounter turned physical and Wesley, then a cabdriver, exited his cab and went to the aid of his brother, (as brothers often do). This was not a normal intervention. He did not try to separate his brother from Police Officer Danny Faulkner or attempt to calm the situation. He could have joined the physical melee in an attempt to help his brother get away. 

Instead, Cook ran up on the scene, produced a five-shot Charter Arms revolver, and shot Faulkner in the back four times. Danny Faulkner was able to return fire, striking Wesley Cook in the abdomen. As Faulkner fell to the cold, cruel Philadelphia sidewalk, Cook stood over him and fired his fifth and final round into the face of the young officer, killing him. Cook had just made Maureen Faulkner a police widow, and himself a cop killer. Cook also collapsed on the sidewalk near the young officer’s body. Faulkner’s bullet, while not finishing off Cook, kept him from escaping, and he was arrested where responding officers found him. Cook was wearing an empty shoulder holster. The revolver used to execute the young police officer (who was just twelve days shy of turning 26), was recovered near Cook. There is, as we say, a P.S. regarding this revolver that contained five spent shell casings: It was registered to Wesley Cook.

Ironically, this article was delivered to the editor on what would be the 39th anniversary of the murder of Faulkner. I remember this murder and will never forget it. Nor will Maureen Faulkner forget being robbed of her young husband, nor Danny’s police family, another void in their roster to be filled, but never replaced.

There is more to Cook than he was “just a cabdriver, who happened to see his brother fighting with a police officer and got involved.” He was a member of The Black Panther Party (BPP) and had been recruited into the terrorist organization at the age of 14. The BPP was responsible for the murders of some 35 police officers nationwide and the injuries of many more. Cook was born in 1954 and was close in age to the police officer he killed. He was indoctrinated in the BPP mantra of hate and racism, particularly when it involved the police, especially white police officers, but it did not discriminate. They had proven their willingness to erase black officers with equal zeal.

I hope Colin Kaepernick reads this, so he can learn some things about his newly discovered “victim of the system and political prisoner,” Wesley Cook. Note the lack of the words alleged or allegedly. There will be none of that. Why? Because, he did it! He is a murderer. A racially mixed jury convicted Cook. That same diverse jury handed down his death sentence and it didn’t take them long to reach that decision. The good people of Philadelphia had weighed the evidence, and sentenced Cook to die for the murder of Police Officer Danny Faulkner.

Oh, how the word spread about this “brilliant man, who was wrongly convicted of this terrible crime,” and now languishing on death row, a political prisoner. Folks of “celebrity” status rallied behind him. Liberal Hollywood types chanting “Free Mumia” because all the “cool kids” were doing it became all the rage. Money poured in from around the globe to support this murdering cop-killing savage, including some folks from the East Coast who make over-priced ice cream. It was a good marketing strategy. The support of a business openly promoting a cop-killer sold lots of ice cream to lots of liberal under-informed fools. It’s doubtful that the folks in Hollywood were making bank by supporting this POS, but it provided them with a little face time.

It did promote Cook to instant celebrity status. Publishers clawed at the door of his cell on death row to publish his books. He was allowed to broadcast radio shows from prison. He was invited to give a commencement address to graduating students from a high-dollar university. Thankfully, opposing students excused themselves from the ceremony or turned their backs to the speakers to express their disdain. Can you imagine, a convicted cop-killer speaking at a college graduation. What sort of wisdom could a murderer give to new graduates? “Get jobs. Don’t murder anyone. Eat your ice cream!”

Cook, with the support of his followers, continued to appeal his death sentence (he had nothing but time) and in 2011 now age 57, his wish being granted, he was released from his cell on death row and his sentence was commuted to life without parole. But his situation had some loose strings. A death appeal would mean a new trial. Memories faded, witnesses died, and the hellish nightmare would have to be played out again for Maureen Faulkner and the rest of Danny’s family at a new trial. The District Attorney Larry Krasner approached Maureen Faulkner with a compromise. If she agreed to life in prison without parole (meaning Cook would die in prison) they could avoid a lengthy trial that would probably have had the same results. Maureen Faulkner agreed and it appeared as though “that was that,” but apparently, not so. Krasner did the ultimate double-cross and has helped set the stage for Cook to get a new trial. 

Enter Colin Kaepernick, born in 1987, nearly six years after Danny Faulkner’s murder. Now Colin thinks Cook should get a new trial, and the papers let him talk about the “injustices,” the murderer has endured. Cook has successfully sued the department of corrections because he claimed he received inadequate medical care while in custody. He also sued and won the case that allows him to make money from the sales of books, interviews, so yeah, let’s talk about the injustice.

Cook is now 66. Danny Faulkner should be retired off the job, but instead he’s dead, and has been dead longer than he was alive. 

Colin Kaepernick has proven himself to be a racist, cop-hater. He played a big part in all the racial turmoil since he “took a knee.” He has blood on his hands, police blood, and that includes (after the fact) the blood of Police Officer Daniel Faulkner Badge 4699 EOW 9 December 1981. 

If Cook gets a new trial, I hope he gets the death penalty again and they fast track it and I get to see it. I’ll be in the front row with popcorn. 

Colin could redeem himself if he’d start to use some common sense and throw in behind a worthy cause (or causes) instead of getting my brothers and sisters shot and killed. If he’d like to discuss this issue with me in person, I’ll gladly make myself available. I’m easy to find.

Law Enforcement’s Dance with the Devil

By: David A. Clarke Jr., Sheriff (Ret)

I am watching sometimes in stunned disbelief as police executives order front line officers to participate with state governors, local mayors and administration officials as they use the heavy hand of government in enforcing questionable rules concerning the coronavirus. It’s a game of Russian roulette. Oftentimes it doesn’t end well.

 Law enforcement officers have only one remaining support group in the United States of America and it is the law abiding public. This profession has experienced over the past five years an unprecedented onslaught of hate and physical attack from cop hating groups like ANTIFA and Black Lives Matter. A host of politicians have chimed in with their support of these insidious bastards by trying to appease them and their calls to defund the police through massive budget cuts and other measure such as prohibiting the use of tear gas, rubber bullets and other less lethal options to keep themselves safe while fulfilling their obligation of protecting life and property.

 Cities such as Seattle, Minneapolis, New York, Chicago, Milwaukee and Los Angeles have already gone ahead and reduced the size of their police budgets. The NYPD had their budget slashed by one billion dollars. Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett reduced the size of the police department by cutting 125 police positions. Los Angeles elected local officials approved a $150 million public safety budget reduction. Every one of these cities is cutting police budgets as the violent street crime is rising precipitously. And citizens are noticing and pleading for more police help. In Minneapolis a citizen group filed a lawsuit against the city for not fulfilling the city’s obligation to keep them safe per the city charter. A judge recently ruled that the suit can go forward after the city asked for a dismissal. That is a good sign.

 With that being said, you can understand my disbelief that law enforcement executives are ordering front line officers to be the bad guys in government’s attempt to use a pandemic to enforce questionable at best edicts that many find intrusive, offensive and a violation of their constitutional liberties. An Ohio woman was tased and arrest for refusing to wear a mask and then refusing to leave a stadium. In Oregon, a woman was arrested at a Walmart for refusing to wear a mask and then refusing to leave the store. A man in Maryland was arrested at a polling place for trying to vote without wearing a mask. Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett has ordered police officers to go along with city health officials to be the enforcers of outrageous COVID rules.

My advice and recommendation is that police not insert themselves into this fray. There is no upside. The cooperative relationship that remains with the law abiding public currently hangs by a thread. Once we lose them then we are finished. Law enforcement executives are always touting that they cannot succeed with the help of the public. Why then be the brutes in closing down a business for example when onerous capacity restrictions could very well mean the end for them? Most small businesses are operating on the margins to begin with and what about the employees who have to be let go due to business falling off? People are hurting all across America right now. Where is the compassion? Why would this profession allow itself to be used in this fashion? The public will long remember how we treated them when they needed understanding. I would not blame them if when moving forward and we need their help to say, get some dangerous person into custody or be a witness in some incident, if they turned their backs on us and refused to help.

When framing the Constitution that would limit government authority over people the Founding Fathers particularly spoke of people being secure in their houses, papers and personal effects against unreasonable searches and seizure without a warrant. It’s called the Fourth Amendment. Now Governors and Mayors are ordering state administrators backed by law enforcement to do home inspections to check for compliance on the limits of how many people can be in a home at one time and to check if they are wearing a mask and staying six feet apart. Some have even set up hotlines that encourage people to rat out their neighbors if they suspect someone has invited too many people over for whatever reason. This is untenable in a constitutional republic and the very thing the Founders feared.

This is why I am recommending that law enforcement stand down here. They do have discretion on how to handle these situations if they are called to the scene. Here is a chance for this profession to let the same government cutting police budgets to be pushed back against. Officers can demonstrate whose side they are on in this unprecedented time period by standing with individual freedom loving citizens. They should in a very public way, tell government officials, they are on their own. Abandon those politicians like they abandoned law enforcement.

Police Officers are called WHAT?

By: Allen Louis Hott                         

Without a doubt, there are many, many nicknames for law enforcement officers. Quite a few of these go back to at least the 1700s and some may go back even further.  Of course the most common and well known is “cop”. A very common belief is that cop came from the word “capere” meaning to seize. Cop has also always been thought to have come from copped (caught) by those who had the right to do so.

There are other thoughts, such as perhaps “cop” came from “Chief of Police” or even “Constable on Patrol” but there is nothing concrete to prove these thoughts. So instead of just thinking about where the name “cop” came from, here is another intriguing thought.  Many feel that cop was actually a shortened version of “copper” which identified their copper badges which they used for identification. But that is only one name that is used for the police officers. And to this day, many people feel that “cop” is an impolite or derogatory nickname.

Look at some of the names that have been used over the years, some still in use and some not. A quick look at England brings up the name “peeler” which comes from Robert Peel, who founded the British Police Service in the early 1800s.  During his term as prime minister, he created a new type of police officer who was either called a “peeler” or even more often a “Bobbie” after him and which still exists.

Other names used over the years include “beak runner” from the late 1700s which meant that the policeman’s job was to run information about those who broke the law. Another was “Elephant Ears” which meant a policeman’s job entailed listening to pleas of innocence so often, so long, and so hard that his ears grew longer and bigger and bigger.

“Fuzz” appears to have begun being used in the 1920s and actually was meant as a compliment meaning one who was “very diligent in enforcing the law”. However, about the same time a somewhat derogatory term came into being. They were called “Lizzie Lice,” which referred to the small autos (coupes) that they used in patrolling their beat.

Regardless of what they are or were called, it appears this basically began in Colonial America when “the Watch” walked the roads looking for fires and minor crimes. This group later was somewhat augmented by “slave patrols” who were organized to prevent slave revolts and even catch runaway slaves.

By the early 1800s, many large cities like Boston, Philadelphia, New York and others began creating police forces. Today there are close to a million police officers throughout the U.S. Records show that in 1890, Marie Owens from Chicago appears to be the first female police officer in the U.S.  However, more than 12 percent of today’s police officers nationwide are women.

The saddest part of many of the numbers is the amount of police officers who are killed in the line of duty. For some unknown reason, the year 1930 showed 310 officers killed. However, another terrible day for recording police officer deaths was September 11, 2001 when 72 officers died in response to the attacks that day.

Regardless of what they are called, police officers, sheriffs, constables or some other term that matches their work, all of them should be referred to with respect. Our enforcers do a great job in policing this country and keeping it safe for all Americans.       

Recruiting Quality Candidates in an Era of Police Reform is both possible and essential

By:  Sgt. Jon Greenawalt

 Chambersburg, Pennsylvania is a borough of approx. 21,000 people The 34-member police department has existed since 1818 and it continues to proudly serve a population which is growing in total number and diversity.  The events of 2020, which include a global pandemic and civil unrest directed toward law enforcement, should signal a clear mandate to law enforcement leaders that we must be responsive to the citizens we serve while working in the best interest of public safety. 

In order to accomplish our mission, two issues become critical for agencies, 1) community policing and 2) recruiting officers who are fitted to a service-oriented criteria which will enhance legitimacy of the police in the communities that we serve. Without quality people, the first item is a moot point. So, recruiting should become our initial focus. This begs the question, can we recruit in this era and are there still people who want to wear the badge in this society? The short answer is yes, don’t believe the pessimist.  But how? 

In Chambersburg, we believe that we have cracked the code on recruiting in terms of gaining applicants and finding diverse candidates from whom we can select for hire despite anti-law enforcement sentiment and the COVID-19 pandemic. In the 2020 recruiting cycle, we received 314 applications for testing, 124 of which met diversity targets (women and minorities) that we sought to attract as part of our overall effort. This was accomplished through a multifaceted approach which included building a recruiting team from within the agency, advertising and social media, seeking diverse candidates and community relations, which should be the heart of all policing. 

Build a Recruiting Team and Develop Relationship with Applicants

In 2018, the department commissioned a recruitment team made up of three officers from within the agency. The officers were trained on recruiting and were then sent off to find recruiting fairs and events to build their contact list. It is not enough to simply compile a list of contacts, recruiters must continue their contacts with potential applicants through an ongoing process which occurs through the testing and hiring process.

Many reading this article might believe that you don’t have the time or resources to pull officers off the street for recruiting, which is an understandable problem.  At CPD we didn’t pull officers off the street, we simply offered a job enlargement opportunity to our officers and three of them stepped up to the challenge.

Advertising and Social Media

If you want candidates to apply for positions within your agency, you have to advertise and in doing so must reach a larger audience than your local area. At CPD, we used our department website in association with popular social media platforms and job sites such as Indeed and PoliceApp. We published ads in local newspapers and their affiliated websites along with radio advertisements on multiple stations throughout the region.  We also used billboard advertisements which were featured throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland and West Virginia. Much of the advertising that the agency did during the 2020 recruiting push came at very little or zero expense to the agency’s budget.  We found that many advertising entities were willing to support their community’s law enforcement by donating advertising. 

Seek Diverse Candidates and They Will Come

If any entity wishes to diversify its staff or agency, it must go out and find those diverse targets that it wishes to offer the opportunity. At CPD, we did this via advertising and we clearly stated that we were seeking and encouraging women and minorities to consider applying for a law enforcement career with our department. We placed ads in Diversity Magazine, which is marketed to a diverse audience including people of color and women. We also targeted minority applicants on college campuses through ads on their job boards. CPD has also developed a relationship with several diverse churches in the Chambersburg area. We are using these partnerships to enhance recruiting  

The evidence of the positive effect that this had on recruiting diversity was substantial as seen through the 124 diverse targets who applied to the department during this campaign. In most previous recruiting years, 124 candidates would have been beyond the upper limit of total candidates who applied for the Chambersburg Police Department.

Perhaps many might not think of community policing as a tool that goes hand in hand with recruiting.  If our strategy on recruiting can work for Chambersburg Police Department, it can work for your agency, too. In the era of calls for police reform, we cannot afford to fail in our efforts to recruit quality people who can provide quality policing.

Operation Russian Roulette

By: Eric Caron

 Black Lives Matter (BLM) posters are now hanging inside each city police station in San Francisco; in Austin, Texas, the mayor has suggested turning a police station into a BLM welcome center and in Providence, Rhode Island the mayor ordered the removal of the city flag while he raised the BLM flag at a public safety building. “Peaceful protesters,” many armed with weapons, shout a chant often heard in Iran, “Death to America.”   Violent crime is sweeping America and since January 2020, 186 police officers have been killed in the line of duty, standing between good and evil just as demonstrated on Sept 11, 2001.  Many politicians have begun alienating and demonizing LEOs within their communities, calling their own police forces “white supremacist institutions” before trying to dismantle them.  Unfortunately, for some officers, the psychological stress is too much. Blue H.E.L.P., an organization that offers comfort and honor to families of officers who have been lost to suicide, report 120 deaths to date, and 228 last year.  

 These “new normal” daily assaults on inner-city police officers by domestic terror groups such as BLM and ANTIFA, and these hypocritical politicians who openly disrespect and regularly expose our police officers to unnecessary risks in policing, have caused thousands of officers to retire or resign. Is this but the first step in the goal of these anarchist and liberal politicians?  

On Sept. 2, 2020, at 11 p.m., I watched as rioters and agitators in Washington, D.C. surrounded a police station and heard a chant to officers, “Take off the uniform, take off the uniform.”  Is it only a matter of time before BLM and Antifa members are welcomed and infiltrate the ranks of police departments at the demands of liberal politicians and the approval of progressives everywhere?  I believe we must take these domestic terrorists at their word; they want to wear the uniform, the badge and the guns ... the second and final step by BLM in hijacking the major cities of America.

We must not allow politicians to politicize our police. Our recruitment and hiring standards must be kept high, not lowered to allow persons associated directly or indirectly with criminal or domestic terror groups to infiltrate our law enforcement agencies. Police chiefs must now oppose political pressure to allow outside threats to enter their departments and become “insider threats.” The impacts will be devastating to our cities and country. I applauded the recent resignation of Seattle’s first female Black police chief, who said her resignation was about the, “overarching lack of respect for the officers, the men and women who work so hard, day in and day out” and the politicians’ decision to reduce the department by 100 officers. 

The number one job of our elected officials is to keep us safe but many, mostly Democrats, in America’s big cities have not!  We learned tragically on Sept. 11, 2001, that political correctness has no place in public safety and national security. 

While liberal politicians have conspired with the liberal media outlets and progressive organizations to overthrow America, “Operation Russian Roulette” is a deadly game being played with our lives. Many people including the president and myself have been victims of this overt operation, and countless have died including police officers who represent our core values and beliefs. 

Operation Russian Roulette is focused on brainwashing the American population into believing we are a racist apartheid country. Standing for the American flag and supporting law enforcement is seen as offensive, and your decision to not wear a mask is un-American and a criminal offense. This disinformation campaign is a distraction to the American people from the real threats to our civilization. Many are unaware they are even playing this deadly game.

Our liberal politicians and their cohorts have individual bullets loaded with socialist ideologies, criminals and terrorists on a table. We are told to load one bullet into an individual chamber within the cylinder of a revolver, and we even agree to spin the cylinder unaware of which deadly bullet potentially awaits us. The liberal politicians then actually hold the “weapon” to our temples, and tell us to pull the trigger. Look no further than the war zone of Chicago with 611 homicides to date.

Operation Russian Roulette has proven very successful in just these last six months. What was wrong is now right, and America could lose this deadly game!

Sir Winston Churchill, one of the most widely revered and iconic leaders in world history said it best: “A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to put its pants on.”

Stand up, America and support the men and women in uniform or they will continue to take theirs off for good, and their replacements ... could just be ... BLM members.

Stay “Switched On” America!

WELLNESS; STRAIN & STRESS: FIGHT BACK

By: Joel E. Gordon

 “Being in control of your life and having realistic expectations about your day-to-day challenges are the keys to stress management, which is perhaps the most important ingredient to living a happy, healthy and rewarding life.” – Marilu Henner

Feeling stressed? Reach out… you're not alone. 2020 has been a most overwhelming year. From the COVID-19 pandemic, health setbacks, to financial concerns, riots, destruction, breakage, needed repairs and a host of life and work challenges and changes, this year has been a whirlwind rollercoaster of life events sure to have had an impact on all of us.

How are you doing? See where you might fall ... The following information is adapted from: Watson, Gist, Taylor, Evlander, Leto, Martin, Vaught, Nash, Westphal, & List (2013):  Stress First Aid for Firefighters and Emergency Services Personnel - National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

THRIVING (I’ve got this):

·      Calm and steady with minor mood fluctuations

·      Able to take things in stride

·      Consistent performance

·      Able to take feedback and to adjust to changes in plans

·      Able to focus

·      Able to communicate effectively

·      Normal sleep patterns and appetite

SURVIVING (Something isn’t right):

·      Nervousness, sadness, increased mood fluctuations

·      Inconsistent performance

·      More easily overwhelmed or irritated

·      Increased need for control and difficulty adjusting to changes

·      Trouble sleeping or eating

·      Activity and relationships you used to enjoy seem less interesting or even stressful

·      Muscle tension, low energy, headaches

STRUGGLING (I can’t keep this up):

·      Persistent fear, panic, anxiety, anger, pervasive sadness, hopelessness

·      Exhaustion

·      Poor performance and difficulty making decisions or concentrating

·      Avoiding interaction with coworkers, family and friends

·      Fatigue, aches and pains

·      Restless, disturbed sleep

·      Self-medicating with substances, food or other numbing activities

IN CRISIS (I can’t survive this):

·      Disabling distress and loss of function

·      Panic attacks

·      Nightmares or flashbacks

·      Unable to fall or stay asleep

·      Intrusive thoughts

·      Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

·      Easily enraged or aggressive

·      Careless mistakes or inability to focus

·      Feeling numb, lost or out of control

·      Withdrawal from relationships

·      Dependence on substances, food or other numbing activities to cope

Stress First Aid is a course available at https://www.firehero.org/resources/department-resources/training/#stress along with other programs. This course teaches seven core actions to help in bringing individuals from the effects of stressors to healing and wellness:

Check - Assess, observe and listen.

Coordinate - Get help; refer as needed.

Cover - Get to safety ASAP.

Calm - Relax, slow down, refocus.

Connect - Get support from others.

Competence - Restoring effectiveness.

Confidence - Restore self-esteem and hope.

The seven C’s, as it is known, is designed to help responders provide more compassionate care to one-another. By following these seven components outlined in Stress First Aid, although geared toward firefighters and EMS personnel, all responders can benefit from these steps for helpful action.

I find that it is also helpful to realize that in many aspects of our lives we DO have a level of personal control. Of significant importance is the time we go to bed and get up in the morning, what we eat, how we exercise, how and when we will do our work or schooling from home, what we choose to watch on television, who we choose to speak to during the course of the day, how much time we spend on social media and how we respond to the challenges we face. It is easy to lose sight of how much of an impact to our spirit and wellbeing all of this has in our daily lives.

We must always be open to learning from each other and leaning on one another while seeking any help we may need; especially to get through trying times. It's never too soon to reach out to someone if you or someone you know needs support.  We can and will overcome with toughness and determination. NEVER SURRENDER!

New Jersey's Bad Boy of Comedy

By: Michael D. Boll

Recently, I had the honor and pleasure of meeting"New Jersey's Bad Boy of Comedy" Mike Marino.  Mike is a Jersey-born comic who has performed all over the world and headlined at some the biggest stages, clubs and theaters in the country.  This talented comedian has been on the stage with some of the biggest names in the business. Mike has appeared in over 200 national television commercials, received many endorsements and a Best Actor Clio Award Nomination. He has acted in many prime-time soaps and television shows including As the World Turns, One Life to Live, Becker, Nikki, Frasier and Party of Five. His film credits include Crooks, Pizza with Bullets, Hangin’ in Hedo and Steven King’s LuckyQuarter and Criticsized.

Adding to his great success in film, theater, commercials and soaps, Mike Marino began touring the world performing and selling out at countless clubs, theatres and casinos. His stand-up material ranges from cutting edge observations of everyday life to his Italian family roots, which recently spun into a TV pilot called Re-Constructing Jersey. His comedic style has landed him guest appearances on The Tonight Show as a regular sketch player, The Martin Short Show, Canada’s Comedy TV, The Boomer Show, Wild Pitch and Hand Held Comedy Radio. A clip of Mike’s appearance on Byron Allen’s Comics Unleashed earned him over 7 million views (and counting). This led to his current web series Marino 2016 – an original comedy based on Mike’s road to the White House and wise guy attempt to become the first Italian-American president of the United States.

A few months ago, the Untied Brewing Company hosted a comedy show for our team in New Providence. Both Assemblyman Jon Bramnick and Mike Marino performed at the show and it sold out immediately. After the show, I was able to meet Marino and he explained to me how he always supported our uniformed heroes and wanted to really get involved with the team.  A few days later, I met with Michael in his Mom's Basement, (where he hosts his nationwide podcast show), and we began working on ideas to help the charity. Michael has always supported our uniformed heroes; he was a member of the USO comedy team and entertained the troops in places like Bosnia and Afghanistan.  After his comedy tour, Michael was awarded the prestigious Bob Hope award.  This award is only presented to performers who go beyond the call of duty. Michael has spent a lot of his time in Los Angeles. He has hosted and performed countless times for our brothers and sisters in blue.  After the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001, Michael felt he was obligated to do something for the first responders’ families affected by that horrendous and devastating day.  He joined up with both the Los Angeles Sheriffs and Police Department where they do a comedy show every year that raises money for the 9-11 fallen families.   

Our team is very lucky to have Michael on board and we can’t wait to bring joy to these extremely difficult times.

If you are interested and would like to follow Michael Marino, please check out his website mikemarino.net and podcast – “Live from My Mom’s Basement.”

Information, Tour Dates & Merchandise:

www.mikemarino.net      

Latest Videos:

www.youtube.com/mikemarinolive

Like Mike:

www.twitter.com/mikemarinolive

Follow Mike:     

www.instagram.com/mikemarinolive     

Listen to Mike’s Podcast:

www.anchor.fm/mikemarinolive    

If you are interested in joining the team please contact Michael Boll at mdbollio@optonline.net . Also, check out our accomplishments on our website NJVN.org.

13 Reasons Why We Don't Need another Shutdown

By: Eddie Molina

With 2020 coming to a close, I’m starting to see more hope for 2021. But it seems like it’s going to get worse before it gets better. And quite frankly, I just tired of it all.

Even though we all saw increased cases and more restrictions coming, I can’t shake the feeling that it doesn’t have to be this way.

I think I speak for a lot of people when I say dealing with this pandemic is frustrating and the politicians in charge are part of the problem. More orders are emerging as to what needs to close, what restrictions need to be put back in place and so on.

But when I was told that my family and I couldn’t get together as we used to during the holidays- it hit a nerve.

Why?

I mean I get why. But what about everything that has unfolded since this started back in March?

A lot of progress has been made and it’s almost like the government isn’t recognizing any of it. Now it’s been over seven months since the heaviest onset of the virus and a lot has been learned and a lot has changed.

Here’s why we don’t need to shut down again (politicians pay close attention).

There has been seven months…

1) For citizens to understand the importance of social distancing and personal cleanliness.

2) For cleaning product and paper product companies to increase their production and improve their logistics to get it to consumers.

3) For supermarkets, restaurants and general supply stores to learn how to effectively deliver products to customers who prefer to stay home.

4) For the medical equipment companies to develop more ventilators.

5) For people to understand that toilet paper is not ultra-critical and hoarding products is not necessary because the world isn’t ending.

6) For the scientific community to better understand the virus.

7) For the public to see the progress of a vaccine and recognize how close it’s getting.

8) For organizations and businesses of any type to develop protective shields, protocols to promote social distancing and other safeguards for people.

9) For citizens to understand what steps they need to take if they do become symptomatic; contact tracing, quarantining, testing and recovery.

10) For testing facilities to streamline and improve their testing process.

11) For companies to continue developing more accurate COVID tests with faster results. (jamming something up our nose isn’t the only option anymore).

12) For the scientific community to clearly define who is really “at-risk” versus who will have a very high percentage of recovering.

13) For hospitals to improve logistics and operations to accommodate the higher demand of affected people that was expected.

… and a bonus one- for media outlets to understand why they shouldn’t sensationalize the pandemic and scare the s*** out of Americans purely for ratings.

There have only been two different occasions where we, as Americans, had our freedom and liberties trampled on; the Patriot Act after 9-11 and now this… COVID-19. And I’m ready to fight back.

Now understand I’m not heartless and have a lot of compassion for those who succumb to the virus. But there has been seven months for every person, company, entity, etc. to figure out what they need to do for themselves.

There is no way any restriction put in place by the government is going to stop the virus. It’s going to be around for the long term and I believe there is enough information out there that we, as Americans, should be able to move about as we choose. That is the true American way.

Walking the Walk

By: Michael D. Boll

For the last few years, our mobile outreach team has been extremely active and growing throughout the entire state.  Since there are so many veterans and first responders in need, we rely on volunteers to help with mentoring.  One of our team’s mentors, Robert Bouthillette, has really taken things to the next level.  Robert is a Navy veteran, one of our team’s event coordinators, and recently he started a charitable rucking team called the Raritan Bay Ruckers. 

I have had the pleasure of meeting Robert at our 22-hour anti-suicide and PTSD awareness ruck march event at the New Jersey Policemen Benevolent Association at Atlantic City.  While we were doing the walk, Robert said that he would like to do more to help our disabled veterans and their families.  After the event, Robert contacted me and joined the team.  Almost immediately, he began to help out and was always volunteering at our charity events as well. 

Sometimes the general public has a difficult time understanding how to interact with our first responders and veterans.  This is a huge problem, and Robert was extremely motivated to help and make a difference in so many lives and having someone like Robert on the team helps the other volunteers, as well.  Everyone can work together and focus on the first responder or veteran in crisis.   

When COVID-19 struck, a large number of charities and free service programs shut down.  Sadly, so many people were experiencing anxiety and having a difficult time coping.  This caused our mobile outreach program to expand and do whatever it could to help the increase in people in need.  There was a shortage of protective gear and cleaning supplies. A few days into this pandemic, Robert contacted me and stated his company, Ashland Inc, was making hand sanitizer for first responders, veterans and hospital workers.  At this time, we met up and coordinated a statewide distribution plan that would help countless people throughout the state. For nearly four months we were able to provide thousands of gallons of hand sanitizer to hospitals, veteran shelters, police/ fire departments, schools and other places that were helping people during COVID.  During this mission, Robert also volunteered to help with our “Feed the Hero” initiative.  The team began sending hot meals to veteran shelters, hospitals and the National Guard bases.  It was truly amazing seeing how hard Robert worked on doing whatever possible to help make this mission a true success.  The “Feed the Heroes” program fed over 3000 veterans and active-duty military members

Since, things have calmed down some and Robert really began focusing on amazing veteran/ military-friendly events.  The first event he started was when the Raritan Bay Ruckers met in South Amboy and each participant filled their backpacks with canned food for the South Amboy Elks Drive-Thru Food Drive.  Then a few weeks later, the Raritan Bay Ruckers and the Operation Rebound Racing team completed a 27-mile ruck march in the Henry Hudson Trail in Keyport.

There are a few people in this world who really stand out from the rest and dedicate their lives to help others, but Robert Bouthillette is that person.  We are truly honored to have Robert on our team and he has done amazing things with his Raritan Bay Ruckers. 

In these harsh times, it’s refreshing to have a man like Robert taking the lead and making a difference in the lives of our uniformed heroes.

If you are interested in joining the team or need assistance, please send me your name and phone number to Mdbollio@optonline.net

If you are interested in joining the Raritan Bay Ruckers please like their page on Facebook or send me an email at Mdbollio@optonline.net

An Open Letter to Law Enforcement/Correction Officers

By: Chris Amos 

Ladies and Gentlemen, you are serving during the most difficult of days. I am amazed at your commitment, your determination, your resolve to protect and serve during these times of great uncertainty and unrest. I wonder if I would have the backbone and fortitude to come to work after spending an eight-hour, twelve-hour, or even longer shift standing between “peaceful” protesters and their intended targets, which more times than not are the men and women in uniform standing directly in front of them. You are cursed, mocked, threatened verbally, and at times physically. Your immediate supervisors are often by your sides experiencing the same treatment as yourselves. They, for the most part, have your back. Unfortunately, higher up the chain of command the support you receive often becomes less obvious, more nuanced, driven by the winds of popular opinion and political agendas. This only makes a nearly impossible job that much harder. Fortunately, I personally know a few chiefs and sheriffs who are determined to place their responsibilities as leaders ahead of personal aspirations or self-preservation. So, they do exist and thank God for them.

Three years ago, I wrote of the dangers facing law enforcement and predicted those dangers would only increase as we drew closer to the 2020 presidential election. I drew an analogy between the law enforcement officers of our day and the Vietnam veterans in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s.Back then, President Nixon was isolated and safe behind large gates, locked doors and security details. The Vietnam vets, not so much.

Fast forward to 2020; , the president, is safely tucked away behind, gates, doors and security details. Unfortunately, the law enforcement or corrections officer who slides by the grocery store to pick up diapers for his newborn baby on the way home has no such protection. No, you are on the front lines, both on duty and off. In fact, even in retirement, I have recently experienced a taste of the outrage, as I was on the receiving end of food that had been tampered with at a local drive thru. What was my crime? My license plate indicated I was a police officer.

As a retired police officer having served almost 27 years, and now as a citizen whom you have taken an oath to protect and serve, please allow me to share my expectations of you. I expect you to carry out your duties with professionalism, integrityand fairness to all regardless of race, sex, religion,ZIP code, etc. I expect you to do your job without fear or favor. I expect you to use the powers entrusted upon you, and great powers they are, in a fair, righteous and just way. I expect you to continue doing what most of you have done since taking your oath of office, policing the police. A corrupt, heavy-handed, falsely accusing, evidence-planting cop, deputy or corrections officer is a CANCER to law enforcement and must be removed, and when warranted, arrested. We have seen in recent weeks just how dangerous and destructive bad cops are to the 800,000+ men in women in law enforcement and correctionswho do their jobs to the best of their abilities. Keep doing the job to the best of your abilities, and if you cannot in today’s charged environment – get out. I, for one, certainly cannot blame you.       

Now, what I DO NOT expect from you, PERFECTION. You are imperfect human beings created by God. I do not expect perfection, despite the media mouthpieces and Monday morning quarterbacks who think otherwise. I do not expect you to know everything as you pull up to a scene. I do not expect you to handle a violent domestic, robbery suspect or drug dealer as if you were teaching a child’s Sunday School class. I do not expect you to walk away from a 12-hour shift on the front line of a peaceful protest turned riot, having been called everything in the book, and not be impacted. I do not expect you to be able to process in a split second, what your critics will take weeks, if not months, to second guess,investigateandevaluate before coming to their own conclusions from the safety and comfort of their air conditioned offices, behind their big desks, sitting in their leather chairs. In other words, I do not expect you to risk your own life out of an overabundance of fear that someone might be upset or offended by actions you take that are needed and necessary to protect yourself or others. I do not expect you to have to suffer life-threatening wounds or injuries before you take action to defend yourselves or others. I don’t expect you to surrender your vehicles, your precincts and blocks of your own cities to anarchists, rioters, arsonists and looters. I do not expect you to walk on water, give sight to the blind or raise the dead. Only Jesus could and did do such a thing.

Now what you can expect from me, and I believe, most Americans; support, respect, appreciation, and heartfelt thanks and gratitude for your service. I will pray for your safety and that of your family. I will pay my respects every time a member of the Thin Blue Line is killed in the line of duty. And I will continue to be available to the many police officers, deputies, and firefighters who seek me out just to unload the trials and troubles of the day. Anything I can do to help lighten your load I am committed to doing. Take care, be safe, and God Bless.

See you at the finish line!

Police Officer Cassie Johnson

By: Jonny Castro

On Dec. 1, 2020 Charleston (West Virginia) Police Officer Cassie Johnson responded to a report of an SUV parked in someone’s driveway. The driver of the vehicle got into a verbal dispute with Officer Johnson when she arrived on location. At some point during the confrontation, the suspect pulled a gun and callously shot her. Though gravely wounded, she was able to draw her service weapon and fire two rounds which struck the suspect in his chest before she collapsed. For two days, doctors worked tirelessly to save her, but it was eventually determined that Officer Johnson’s wounds would be unsurvivable. Succumbing to her injuries, she remained on life support long enough so that her organs could be donated to help save others. 

Officer Cassie Johnson was a three-year veteran of law enforcement. She served as a Humane Officer before joining the Charleston Police Department last January. Officer Cassie was a devoted daughter, sister, friend and lover of all animals. Her unit #146 was permanently retired with the Charleston Police Department. Officer Johnson was 28 years old.

Editors Point of View

Welcome to another excellent issue of Blue Magazine. As you can see on our cover, we fully endorse President Donald J. Trump for re-election, and have awarded him our most prestigious Man of the Year Award. Congratulations, Mr. President!

If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s who is worthy of our votes. Politicians live and die for votes. Ever consider why they typically reach out during election cycles and then disappear? Power. Full stop. It’s all about obtaining and retaining power. Sadly, for many politicians, power is like an addictive drug that causes them to do whatever it takes, including being silent while cities burn and violence surges if it will bring them to or keep them in power. They will perpetuate false narratives against law enforcement, scapegoating the men and women who serve and protect our communities to gain an unfair advantage at the ballot box. They tacitly approve of the cop-hating mobs, the supposed peaceful protesters who are torching everything in sight and bludgeoning anyone brave enough to speak out against them. We at Blue Magazine are amazed at the great lengths of appeasement politicians will go to. We deserve better from our elected leaders.

The choice is clear. The political parties are diametrically opposed when it comes to their stances on law enforcement. We have had enough of the violence — the slaughtering of cops, the broken bones and assaults simply because they wear a uniform. We are tired of seeing the endless stream of images of officers with blood spilling from their faces, from being struck with bricks, frozen water bottles and anything else these lunatics can get their hands on.

So remember, as a profession, law enforcement votes are very precious, and we should not cheapen our voting power to assuage any unworthy politician or political party. We must stand with those who stand with us. President Trump had our backs long before he was president and has proven irrespective of the tremendous pressure by the cop-hating opposition, including their co-conspirators in the corporate media, that he unwaveringly stands with the men and women on the frontlines. It’s refreshing nearly every time Trump is in front of a microphone; he messages the American people to stand with law enforcement. Trump is worthy of our support.

At Blue Magazine, we implore officers and their families in our great nation to cast their votes to re-elect our great law and order President Donald Trump. Again, we congratulate Pres. Trump — Blue Magazine’s 2020 Man of the Year!

George Beck, Ph.D.
Editor-in-Chief

Blue for Trump: 2020 Man of the Year

Blue for Trump: 2020 Man of the Year
Trump endorsed by National Police Magazine

I was honored when asked by Blue Magazine to write an article about President Donald Trump and why he deserves the honor of being named Man of the Year. From the time I was a little kid, I always looked up to cops and I always knew that it was the right career choice for me. No doubt. I have a great respect for law enforcement officers whether they are city, county, state or federal officers. In my opinion, they are the finest 1% this nation has. My support for law enforcement is unwavering and we have a president who has supported law enforcement for his entire life.

On November 21st of 2019, I was honored as Man of the Year by Blue Magazine, Moment of Silence, and Brothers Before Others in a New Jersey ceremony called “Night to Unite.” Weeks before, when these organizations came together and announced that I’d receive the award, the first person to call and congratulate me was President Trump.

I’ve received many awards during my long career, but the most significant for me was being honored with the Man of the Year Award given by front-line cops at Night to Unite — a tremendous event, with nearly one thousand cops in the same room. The camaraderie was tremendous, but it’s always that way with police and firefighters. The men and women of the profession I admired as a child — and lived — took time from their busy lives to say thank you. It doesn’t get any better than that.

This year it is President Donald Trump being recognized as Man of the Year. In my humble opinion, he has been Man of the Year since his inauguration, because from day one of him sitting in the Oval Office, he has supported law enforcement and first responders like no other president in my lifetime. I have worked for six different presidents starting with Ronald Reagan and I respected every president I ever worked for. However, let me be clear, no president has done more for the men and women that carry that badge and gun than Trump. That is a stone-cold fact based on his words and actions. The person in the Oval Office greatly impacts the people on the front lines of law enforcement. The president sets the tone — either by what they say and do, or by what they don’t say and don’t do. No comparison, not even close.

The night of my award, much of my acceptance speech was about President Trump and his love and respect for the men and women who serve on the front line. Until you serve, you don’t realize what a thankless job it can be, and how much a thankful leader means.

That night, I heard numerous stories about Donald Trump, from his life before 2016. I learned that he supported law enforcement long before he became president. Bernie Kerik shared with me that Mr. Trump used to go down to ground zero in the dark of the night. He wasn’t looking for TV cameras or attention. He went down there among the debris and hazardous conditions to pay his respect for the lives lost, and to personally thank the men and women who were doing the incredible task of sorting through the carnage and respectfully recovering remains so family members could honor the deceased. Donald Trump also sent additional workers to provide assistance. A billionaire businessman went to that scene where so many perished, and so many got sick, simply to pay his respects — not once, but numerous times.

Another officer, Rob worked for the New York City transit police before they merged with the NYPD and was assigned to the midtown Manhattan area. He shared with me that he and other officers had numerous interactions with then-businessman Trump. He would always notice Rob and the other officers, stop what he was doing, and ask how they were doing. He’d tap them on the chest or back to make sure they were wearing their bullet-resistant vests, and remind them to “be safe.” Mr. Trump would also extend an invitation for them to use Trump Towers’ employee dining facilities for their lunch or dinner break.

I heard countless stories about Donald Trump that night — the man, not the celebrity or president. From showing up at police fundraisers in the late ‘80s and ‘90s to say thank you and hanging out with those in attendance, while quietly leaving five-figure donations, to everyday interactions with street cops.

Now, let’s fast forward to Donald Trump becoming the president of the United States. From day one he has had the six of law enforcement officers. He has had their backs. With the unprecedented attack on law enforcement this past two years, it was President Trump who never cowered. He strongly voiced his support for the men and women in law enforcement and his support never weakened, never diminished. In fact it grew stronger. It was the right thing to do for the men and women who leave the safety and security of their homes every day to risk their lives for people they don’t know and people they will never meet again. It helped that they knew they had the support of the most powerful person on the planet, the president of the United States. Again, no president has ever came out as boldly as Trump during the most trying and controversial times. He fought side by side with the American heroes and would not allow the false narrative of the left to vilify these American patriots who serve their communities and save lives every day.

As President Trump stated in September “America needs creation, not destruction; cooperation, not contempt; security, not anarchy; healing, not hatred; justice, not chaos. This is our mission, and we will succeed.” In that same month he signed a memorandum to hold local politicians accountable for refusing to protect their communities from rioting, looting and mass property destruction. The memorandum directs agencies to identify federal funds provided to Seattle, Portland, New York City, and Washington, D.C., and the authorities available to withhold funds. The Department of Justice, in consultation with other federal agencies, will consider a number of factors, including whether the city defunded the police or prevented local law enforcement from intervening to restore order.

Earlier this year, under the president’s direction, the Department of Justice launched Operation Legend to surge federal resources to cities and jurisdictions plagued by violence and crime. Upon the announcement the president said, “Today, I’m announcing a surge of federal law enforcement into American communities plagued by violent crime. We’ll work every single day to restore public safety, protect our nation’s children, and bring violent perpetrators to justice. We’ve been doing it, and you’ve been seeing what’s happening all around the country. We’ve just started this process, and, frankly, we have no choice but to get involved.”

Since the operation’s launch, there have been more than 2,000 arrests, including defendants who have been charged in state and local courts. Of those arrests, approximately 592 defendants have been charged with federal crimes. In addition, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has seized 587 firearms, more than 1.2 kilos of heroin and more than five kilos of methamphetamine; the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has seized almost 70 kilos of methamphetamine, more than 16 kilos of heroin, more than 7 kilos of fentanyl, more than 12 kilos of cocaine, 268 firearms and approximately $5.19 million in drug proceeds; the FBI has recovered 241 weapons; and the U.S. Marshals Service has recovered 169 firearms and made 1,810 arrests, including 163 for homicide and 120 for sexual assault.

Also remember in 2017, shortly after becoming president, he revitalized Project Safe Neighborhoods to bring together communities and law enforcement at all levels of government to reduce violent crime.

In 2019, in further support of our nation’s cops, President Trump established a new executive Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice – the first commission on law enforcement in half a century. The commission will study key issues facing law enforcement – like substance abuse, homelessness and mental illness. The commission will look at best practices for recruiting, training and supporting law enforcement officers. He also signed an Executive Order to help prevent violence against law enforcement officers at the federal, state, tribal and local level.

The president has also shown unprecedented support for our federal immigration agents and stepped up efforts to stop crime and drugs from flooding across our border. In his 2020 State of the Union address, Trump stated, “We will always support the brave men and women of law enforcement, and I pledge to you tonight that I will never abolish our heroes from ICE. Thank you.” He also recognized the efforts of ICE officers to keeping our communities safe.

This campaign season, Trump has reiterated his support for law enforce-ment and underscored the threats to law and order posed by a Biden presidency. Prior to leaving on Marine One for Minnesota on Sept. 30, he stated, “I want law and order to be a very important part — it’s a very important part of my campaign. And when I say that, what I’m talking about is law enforcement has to — the police have to take care. And they should stop defunding the police like they’ve done in New York.”

At a rally in Middletown, PA on Sept. 26, the president stated, “The Democrat Party’s war on cops is putting our police officers at risk. As President, I will always stand with the heroes of law enforcement. We will hire more police, increase penalties for assaults on law enforcement.”

At another rally in Newport News, VA on Sept. 25, he said, “With your vote, I will preserve our Constitution and ensure law and order. We will hire more police, increase penalties for assaults on law enforcement, and we will ban deadly sanctuary cities. Ban them.”

At the Black Economic Empowerment forum in Atlanta, GA on Sept. 25, he was quoted as saying, “Including over 50,000 incredible black police officers who risk their lives every day to keep us all safe. You know, they protect people that they've never met before, and it's very dangerous. It's -- they're amazing.”

At a rally in Jacksonville, FL on Sept. 24, Trump stated, "Every year, dozens of courageous police officers lay down their lives for people that they never met, people that they don't know, people they never saw, in most cases. Right? They lay down their lives for people they never have met. They’re incredible. Law enforcement; let's give them a hand, please. As President, I will always stand - and I will always stand with the men and women of law enforcement. They’re great people. They’re very brave people. Not easy. And they don't get support. We have to give them back their dignity. We have to let them do their job. That's very simple. They're great.”

In a press briefing on Sept. 16, he doubled down by stating that, “The anti-police crusade from the Democrats and the radical left - and radical-left Democrats also - has to stop. The leftwing war on cops puts our officers in danger and our communities at very grave risk. Can't do this. Biden described the police as the enemy. They're not the enemy; they're the friend. They're our friend. They’re helping us. And if you go to - I just saw a poll - it just came out or recently came out - where African Americans, by 84 percent, wanted more police. They wanted safe neighborhoods. I'll always stand by our heroes of law enforcement, and we want to stop this horrible rhetoric and stop it fast."

I can go on and on but we don’t have enough pages to fully explain that President Trump says it and he does it. He talks the talk and he walks the walk when it comes to having the back of our cops. He has said it. He has proven it.

The police have taken notice, and President Trump has been endorsed by a record number of police agencies.

Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) – nation’s largest police union, representing 355,000 officers. FOP President Patrick Yoes stated: “Public safety will undoubtedly be a main focus for voters in this year’s election… Look at what the national discourse has focused on for the last six months. President Trump has shown time after time that he supports our law enforcement officers and understands the issues our members face every day.”

National Association of Police Officers, which represents more than 241,000 officers nationwide, stating “Our endorsement recognizes your steadfast and very public support for our men and women on the front lines, especially during this time of unfair and inaccurate opprobrium being directed at our members by so many.”

International Union of Police Associations, which represents more than 100,000 officers, said: “Every top Democrat currently running for this office has vilified the police and made criminals out to be victims. They seem to take any union’s support for granted. Many of them still refer to the tragedy in Ferguson as a murder, despite the conclusions of every investigative inquiry to the contrary. While his candor ruffles the feathers of the left, I find it honest and refreshing. He stands with America’s Law Enforcement Officer and we will continue to stand with him.”

National Association of Police Organizations, citing his “steadfast and very public support” for law enforcement.

NYC Police Benevolent Association, representing more than 24,000 NYPD officers.

Chicago’s Fraternal Order of Police, characterizing endorsement as a “no-brainer.”

ARTWORK BY JONNY CASTRO

Texas Municipal Police Association, stating “Joe Biden is not capable of making any kind of commitment to law and order.”

New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association, stating "At a time when Democrats are calling to defund the very men and women who keep our communities safe, our campaign has chosen instead to stand beside them and make our support for men and women in blue very clear."

For those reading this article, there is no argument that President Trump has always stood, continues to stand and will always stand with our law enforcement heroes. He has consistently stood up for law enforcement and it’s time we come out in full force on Election Day to vote for the man who has our backs.

President Trump, let me be the first to say, you have truly earned this Man of the Year award! Blue Magazine appreciates and supports you. Congratulations to the finest president in my lifetime from the men and women of law enforcement.

Tom Homan grew up in West Carthage, New York. He is a career law enforcement officer. He was a police officer, then a Border Patrol Agent, then a Special Agent investigating criminal organizations that smuggle aliens or traffic in females and children. He was nominated by the President to be the ICE Director. He had a 34-year career enforcing immigration laws. He is now a Fox News contributor. He lives in Washington, DC.

DETROIT POLICE CHIEF JAMES CRAIG ON BLM, ANTIFA, CRIME AND MORE.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH DETROIT POLICE CHIEF JAMES CRAIG
Cops Count, Leadership Matters
By Daniel Del Valle, Shai Carr and Catherine Angel

Police Chief James Craig has an impressive law enforcement career that began in 1977 as a Detroit police officer. In 1981 he became a Los Angeles police officer and worked his way up the ranks in our profession, serving as the police chief in Portland, Maine, and Cincinnati, Ohio, before returning to his roots at the Detroit Police Department where he currently serves as chief of police. 

Recently, Chief Craig has been making national headlines as a no-nonsense law enforcement leader who stands up for his officers, and serves and protects the community with integrity and pride. Chief Craig is a role model for many big city law enforcement leaders. We at Blue Magazine believe many law enforcement leaders can learn valuable lessons from emulating Chief Craig. 

Blue Magazine recently traveled to Detroit to sit down with Chief Craig and discuss many important issues effecting law enforcement.  We thank Chief Craig and all the fine officers we met at the Detroit Police Department for their hospitality and professionalism. Be safe out there!

The Blue Magazine: Let's get right into it. Attorney General Barr recently came to Detroit. He toured your city and promised to help you combat crime. How was this offer received?

Chief James Craig: I was excited. This was a continuation of what we already started. Let's be candid. People manipulate the narrative. They're sending federal troops into the cities to do what? In some cities, the statements are made that they're here to manage peaceful protesters. That was never the case here in Detroit, never. Factually, this department has been in a relationship with federal law enforcement now for 26 years. 1994, to be exact.

In December, AG Barr visited our city under a new operation that was being launched then to assist select cities in reducing violence. And while the department had made some great strides to drive violence down, one of the things that was clear, per capita violence was still higher than it should be.

Then in December, I stood with AG Barr and all the heads of the federal law enforcement entities, FBI, ATF, U.S. Marshals, DEA, who came to Detroit. I remember AG Barr telling me then we like what we see, what's going on in terms of law enforcement. Innovative department, crime is coming down and we think we can be helpful and then your leadership, chief, and so I wanted to announce Relentless Pursuit here in Detroit and that's what he did. So, of course, after he left and they began to develop a strategy to assist the select cities, COVID hits and we know the impact COVID had. Then right after COVID, we transitioned quickly into the tragic killing of Mr. Floyd and in subsequent protests in major cities across this country, some of which were very violent. As a byproduct of this, the COVID, anti-police rhetoric, bail reform, just to name a few, a lot of our major cities, particularly those who saw tremendous reductions in violence, began to soar with crime. So the idea was that Operation Legend, which is what it is called now, is a continuation and enhancement, if you will, of Relentless Pursuit. And so that's what gets lost. I've talked about it nationally and locally, it's a continuation. Its enhancement and so clearly, the people of Detroit want effective and efficient law enforcement. They want to mitigate the violence that has occurred and they're very aware of the spike like in so many cities.

Is the spike in crime correlated with COVID and the Floyd incident?

Absolutely, and I can certainly go into that. So let's reflect on what's driving violence now. Why now, you know, COVID and then protests and bail reform. So we all know with COVID, there's been a tremendous push in many of the large cities to do what? Early release of some violent, predatory criminals now. But we understand that there could have been more thought as to who gets released. I mean, if it's a property crime suspect, a habitual offender who is a burglar, OK, fine. But when you start letting individuals out who have a propensity to violence, what do you think is   going to happen? That's what we're seeing in our major cities. Then let's talk briefly about bail reform. Does there need to be reform to our bail system? Certainly, but we're talking again same concept, violent predatory criminals historically engaging in violence. Is this someone you want to reintroduce back into our communities? So it's not a surprise when you see it. Then what we've also seen across this country is increased aggression of suspects against our men and women who wear the uniform, not just here in Detroit but across this country. And why is that? Because suspects today feel emboldened. They've embraced the anti-police rhetoric and in many of these cities, police officers are not supported. So it gives suspects this sense of I can do what I want.

Do you correlate a lot of this uproar, negativity and culture against law enforcement to the Democratic Party?

I'm not going to get into the politics of it. If I was in New York right now, I would probably have an answer for you. But here our mayor, who happens to be Democrat, is very supportive of law enforcement. OK? That's the difference.

You have a police chief and a mayor who are in sync on
reducing violence in this city.

I'm not the chief of police in New York or New Jersey or Portland or Seattle. You know, that doesn't mean that they’re individuals who serve in leadership, political leadership positions who have adopted this anti-police rhetoric like dismantle the police, defund the police. That's not a conversation being had by our mayor. It's not being had by the majority of our elected city council. There are few who have embraced the notion of defunding, but that's not the same. So again, as I've taken a stand that you cannot paint an entire party or all of these cities, some of which are run by Democrats, as not effective. Take it individually. Now, there are some cities… Frankly, what I see going on in my own home of Los Angeles is troubling. They've defunded the LAPD. The problem I find with this conversation, not your conversation, but with the conversation about the defunding and dismantling is a group of people who are speaking, they allege, are speaking for the people who live in that city. Well, I can tell you here in Detroit, these outsiders who've come into Detroit who have been protesting, they do not speak for Detroiters.

Detroiters don't want to defund the police. They don't want to dismantle this police department. And, of course, across the board, all of us in this business have denounced the tragic killing of Mr. Floyd in Minneapolis. But does that mean that every department across this country is in some way having problems? That's not the case here in Detroit. And so these outsiders have come into our city to hijack the message. It's a hijacking of the message. Then you have in some of these cities, people who sit in seats of leadership, who stand quiet because they lack the courage to stand up and take a position to support law enforcement, support their communities. Talking about safety and generally the people who claim to speak for people who live in these communities, they don't live in the cities. They don't live in the areas in many of our large urban centers that are populated by mostly persons of color. And when you talk to people who live in those communities, and I have whether it was L.A. and Cincinnati, I can tell you they want the police.

So let's discuss deeper how Detroit is different than other major cities. How did Detroit get to a point where, say, someone like AG Barr was recently received here without political interference? 

It's shameful that we got to think in terms of partisan politics. It's shameful. This is about fighting crime. I can tell you that I didn't get a lot of pushback and there were some who expressed concern about operationalizing in Detroit. Once, the message was hijacked by this mob mentality that put out the narrative that the feds are coming into these cities to control and manage peaceful protesters. Now, it is factual that there were some federal buildings being attacked. I think it was in Portland they were protecting federal property. That was not the case here. In fact, we know definitively we have never asked for federal support to manage the now week 12 of protests. Not one time. We didn't ask for the National Guard. We didn't ask for outside assistance because we didn't need it. And we were very clear that we had a few days of disruptions. The first three days following the Floyd situation, there were some cars attacked, police officers attacked. But in comparison to some of these other cities, I'm sure you're aware of Los Angeles, Philadelphia, New York City, where there was burning, looting, riot and civil unrest. We didn't have that.

Why? 

I'm glad you asked, because, frankly, as I've said to my colleagues in other cities, you cannot wait till something bad happens to then decide, well, I’ve got to work with the community. I had to get this relationship from day one when I got here. That's part, I guess, is part of my DNA. I understand the benefits of having a trust base, and I put emphasis on trust, trust-based relationships with people you're serving. That's very important. And it doesn't start when there's an officer-involved shooting incident. It's an everyday thing and it's institutionalized in this department. 

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I give a lot of credit to our community. I give a lot of credit to our police officers who rely heavily on their training, the execution and understanding to use only the force that is necessary. And so it's a combination of things. A false narrative was perpetrated where there was an allegation that we ran over peaceful protesters with one of our scout cars. False. What happened, several of the protesters became agitated, angry because the police officers were on scene wanting to redirect the path of the march and doing so, that core group of the angry mob surrounded our police vehicle. They began to attack the vehicle, got on the hood, started beating on the sides of the car and the officers you could see in the video that they were very carefully trying to move the police SUV, but it continued. And then at some point, one in the angry mob took out the back window of the scout car. And according to one officer, who was in it, he didn't know if he was being fired upon. So at that point, he had only one thing to do and to get out of there. Even then, he tried to do so in a very careful way because he knew there was a potential for some of these individual sustaining injuries. Yet the headlines and the story was these were peaceful protesters who were incited by Detroit Police Department. Conveniently left out was that some of these “peaceful protesters” were armed with long wooden-handle hammers. They left it out. So that's what we're dealing with, not just here in Detroit. Again, it's not the Detroiters that we're dealing with. We're dealing with the outside agitators; the domestic terrorists who have come into our city like they've come in to other major cities across this country.

But chiefs in your position are not saying anything. They're going along with it and we have to, at some point, understand that these chiefs are being controlled by their mayors. You obviously have a different type of approach. How are you handling that approach where others cannot?

Well, first of all, I'm sworn and obligated to protect. If a day comes where I cannot fulfill my obligation to this community and my obligation to the men and women who serve, then that should be my last day of working. It's just that simple. So, I'm going to make decisions. Our mayor  respects my experience and my decision-making. I'm keenly aware that I would be held accountable for a bad decision. I'm not perfect, but I've been doing it long enough to know what's important. The day I stop supporting the good work of our officers is a day that we will see what we see in other cities, and that's called de-policing. We don't de-police here in Detroit. In fact, despite the necessity to manage these protests, now week 12, our police officers are still every week going out every day and making arrests for individuals who are illegally carrying guns.

That's because you have their back. Is that safe to say?

It's safe to say. And they know that they come up to me and they say, chief, we appreciate you. Whether you sit in my seat or you sit in some other seat, it does take courage. And the problem today is that there are individuals who lack the intestinal fortitude to stand up, despite what the vocal minority is saying. There are people who sit in elected seats who refuse to stand up, but they call me, I need your help. Because what I've come to understand and we saw evidence of this in other cities, whether it was Portland, Oregon, or Seattle, the mob turned on the mayors.

As you know, some police precincts around the country were overtaken by criminals. How far would you go to stop this siege if it happened in your city? 

You use whatever force is necessary to overcome violence. I didn't say excess, not excessive force — the appropriate force that is necessary. Now, if the situation is you were overrun, outstaffed, I mean, there's something called officer safety, but that doesn't mean you go into a full retreat and abandon. So there's a strategy that should be in place. But one strategy, it's not retreat. For example, we had somebody wanted to set up a little mini no cop zone here in the city of Detroit. I got the call from one of my commanders on the ground. He said, we had the intel and they

just set it up. I tell you what, give them one morning. Not a lot of time, a few minutes and I want them gone. They were gone within the hour. They set up and within that hour they were gone. That's not what Detroit wants. I serve at the pleasure of the people, not some outside domestic terrorist, who wants to come into our city. What message is sent if you take over a police station and then I just abandon and say there's nothing I can do. Now tactically, things happen. We know that sometimes you might be in a situation where there may be a necessity to back off.

Black Lives Matter. Do you think they are a good or a bad group?

I'll tell you, black lives do matter, but I take it in that all lives matter because if black lives truly matter, then why are we not talking about black on black crime that happens to so many of our urban communities. We're not talking about the impact of managing daily protests and moving resources out of the communities. What about those lives? So in terms of messaging, I think initially that the movement, to bring light to police excessive force was proper. We don't disagree with their message. However, what's become of the Black Lives Matter movement cannot be and should not be about looting. It shouldn't be about violence against police officers. They say, well, violence works. I heard some well-known commentator who made the statement, well, America pays attention to violence, but I don't support violence. Why don't we digress and think back on the non-violent marches, Martin Luther King and the impact that had on change. So what's happened today, that under the guise of the banner of Black Lives Matter, the outside agitators call them anarchists, call them Boogaloo, Antifa, who have hijacked the message under their banner. They have no interest in Mr. Floyd. This is not about Mr. Floyd. Now, I got to believe there are some members, the original founders, who still believe in denouncing police excessive force or excessive force that results in the killing. We all agree with that. 

So what have they gotten right and what have they gotten wrong?

Well, what they got wrong, I think that the chief issue, in my estimation, is allowing individuals who had other agendas to get involved. Instead of denouncing the violence and looting, what good are we doing if we go into urban communities and there's looting that's inspired by the agitators? What does that do in promoting black lives? I mean, what about black-owned businesses? What does that do to promote the agenda? It undermines it. It just clearly undermines the agenda. So I’ve got to believe that they can take that leadership role like our local activists have taken here and said, oh, no, you're not bringing this to Detroit. And some of those local activists were courageous who support Black Lives Matter in its original form, but said, you folks got to go, you've got to leave Detroit. You're not going to engage in violence. It's just that simple.

Your thoughts about Antifa?

On what I know about Antifa. Domestic terrorists. What I've heard about, and I'm not actively investigating Antifa or Boogalos, uh, whatever, I understand they're anti-government. Let's face it, law enforcement is the face of the government to domestic terrorists. If it is your agenda to undermine local, state, US government and you do it by force of violence, you are defined in my definition as a domestic terrorist. I don't care if you’re Antifa, Boogaloo or whatever. 

President Trump has consistently mentioned Detroit and wants Detroit to thrive. Have you seen anything positive come out of his office for Detroit?

Well, I can tell you, he's been a staunch supporter of law enforcement across the nation. He said something recently I thought was kind of interesting. It was an interview and he was talking about Chicago and a few other cities. And then he got to Detroit, he said, but in Detroit and I hope I get the quote right. “He's a very, very good chief. They have a very, very good police chief,” and then probably within 24 hours, either before some point, Vice President Biden  was being interviewed and Detroit came up, I guess similar conversations about what's going on in the different cities. And in that conversation, “Detroit has a good mayor, but they also have a good police chief.” So when I talk about these issues, I don't get caught on issues of the left or the right, but focus right down the middle and do what I have to do. That's what most Americans want, whether they are on the left or on the right.  

Right now many police unions are endorsing President Trump, which is something that never really happened before. New York City PBA just endorsed President Trump. They've never, ever endorsed a president. Do you support President Trump?

I support the many things he has said regarding law enforcement. As I indicated earlier in this, I don't get into a partisan political conversation. I just don't.

Many in our profession are discussing the suicides we are having; now more than ever, people are having difficulties. We've actually now lost more to blue suicide than line-of-duty deaths. Please speak directly to the cop today who is in a dark place. 

There is hope and here's what I know in my many years of service. The vast majority of the silent community that you serve, they love, they revere and support you. Never forget who you work for. Those are the people who have driven me for 44 years. Certainly it does help when you have a leader who will come out, stand up with you and support you. That does make a difference. There are many communities across this nation that support the men and women who serve. I am part of this law enforcement family. I love each and every one of you. I support you. 

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What does your playlist sound like when you're driving home? What do you listen to?

Now you’re getting a little personal. So admittedly, I workout every morning. You don't have a small waist like this at 64 years old if you don't workout. And when I workout, I listen to hip hop because I am a little older and I need to get my blood going.

So are you a Biggie or Tupac fan?

Well, you know, because I spent so much time in California, I got to lean a little bit to Tupac, but also because I grew up in Detroit and I think Biggie had an affinity to Detroit. He would talk about Detroit in a very affectionate way. So I kind of embrace them both. And they were both creative in their own right.

You know, Eminem put Detroit on the map.

Yes.

Are you an Eminem fan?

I like Eminem and guess what? Eminem was birthed by who? Artists out of Southern California where I spent the lion's share of my professional career. So, you know, do you like New York hip hop versus middle Midwest, like here in Detroit, Chicago, which has its own sound? Or do you like the West Coast? If it sounds good and I can get through a workout, it's good for me. It surprises everybody. Not my staff. They kind of know.

'Democrats Side with the Mob, Support Efforts to Defund or Outright Abolish Us - We Must Re-Elect President Donald J. Trump!

'Democrats Side with the Mob, Support Efforts to Defund or Outright Abolish Us
We Must Re-Elect President Donald J. Trump!

For the men and women of our nation’s law enforcement community, President’s Trump’s reelection isn’t just desirable — it’s imperative.

Joe Biden, despite his efforts to play it coy, has directly endorsed the objectives of the "defund the police" movement, sharpening the contrast between his increasingly radical platform and the Trump administration’s consistent support for the law enforcement professionals enforcing our laws and keeping our communities safe.

Trump recently won the endorsement of many police organizations, including this publication, which represents more than 800,000 law enforcement officers nationally.

This is particularly significant in light of the many endorsements of President Obama in 2008 and 2012.

As our nation’s men and women in blue watch the news, many are justifiably horrified.

In New York City, a protester attacked a law enforcement officer with a wooden object, instigating an "all-out brawl" between police officers and protesters armed with wooden bats. Meanwhile, many Democratic elected officials are siding with the mob, supporting efforts to defund or outright abolish local law enforcement agencies and police departments.

Trump, on the other hand, has taken decisive action to protect America’s history and heritage, directing Attorney General William "Bill" Barr (as one example) to prosecute those who damage historical monuments and assault our officers in uniform.

The president has also actively fought for and secured passage of numerous bills to provide support to our men and women in uniform.

Trump’s advocacy for the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act is one example of the actions he has taken on behalf of police. During his first year in office, Trump aggressively pushed for Congress to pass this law, which seeks to ensure that our men and women in blue have access to quality mental health treatment if necessary; this is a recognition of the reality that an officer’s mental health is just as critical as their physical health.

Additionally, Trump signed legislation making the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund permanent, appropriating $7.4 billion to benefit the police officers, firefighters and other first responders who sacrificed their own health and safety to save lives on Sept. 11, 2001.

Our nation's 45th president recognizes that these heroes deserve to be rewarded for their courage, not forced to bear the costs of treating medical conditions related to their selfless actions.

Trump has also revitalized the Project Safe Neighborhoods program geared toward reducing violent crime. This initiative seeks to reduce violent crime by coordinating federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement to "develop comprehensive solutions" for reducing violent crime. The revitalized PSN has already made great strides, with Attorney General Barr proclaiming the initiative a "major success."

Donald J. Trump's record of defending law and order and supporting our nation’s law enforcement officers is not only extensive, it's indisputable. On the other hand, and at the opposite end of the spectrum, Joe Biden’s rhetoric makes it abundantly clear that he represents an existential threat to public safety, that is if he ever makes it to the Oval Office.

I ask that every officer in our great country take a moment to think and who supports law enforcement and who is worthy of your vote. Let’s send President Trump back to the White House for another four years.

Congratulations to President Trump for being awarded Blue Magazine’s 2020 Man of the Year. You are most deserving of this award.

As New York City’s 40th Police Commissioner, Bernard Kerik was in command of the NYPD on September 11, 2001, and responsible for the city’s response, rescue, recovery, and the investigative efforts of the most substantial terror attack in world history. His 35-year career has been recognized in more than 100 awards for meritorious and heroic service, including a presidential commendation for heroism by President Ronald Reagan, two Distinguished Service Awards from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, The Ellis Island Medal of Honor, and an appointment as Honorary Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Trump’s Support For Police Is Undying. Meanwhile, His Opponent's Support is Mediocre.

By David A. Clarke Jr., Sheriff (Ret.) Milwaukee County

www.flickr.com

During my nearly 40 years serving my community from a beat patrol officer working the graveyard shift as it was called, and ending it as the elected sheriff of Milwaukee County, there were several things you could count on as sure as the sun rising in the east and setting in the west. One was that criminals would do what criminals do: commit crime. Another was that law-abiding people wanted to feel safe in their neighborhoods, in their homes and they wanted their children to be safe at school. Police officers have always had the support of the people they served. They still do, and in big numbers.

According to a recent poll by noted pollster Scott Rasmussen, 80% of registered voters agreed that policing is a “noble profession” and that police, “dedicate their lives to upholding the law and protecting the sacred rights of their fellow citizens,” and that they should be shown ”support and respect” for the work they do. A recent Gallup poll of black Americans showed the same support. That poll shows an overwhelming number of black Americans, 81%, support either the same amount or an increased amount of police presence in their neighborhoods. That is a far cry from how police have been slandered in the drive-by liberal media. I challenge anyone reading here to show that level of support for anything in any poll in our deeply divided country.

Once upon a time there was another group whose support police could rely on. They once could trust that politicians as a whole backed the police. It was important to have law enforcement endorsement at election time. If you didn’t have it and your opponent did, voters took note of that. Unfortunately, however, the political class has gotten into bed with the devil as I like to say.  They have cuddled up with groups who hate and despise law enforcement officers and agencies. These groups publicly demonize cops. Even activist prosecutors are now shamefully and with no legal basis making politically motivated decisions on police use of force. The people of ANTIFA and the Marxist organization called Black Lives Matter (BLM) not only both call for the killing of police officers and the overthrow of the US government. They attack police, show up at their homes and terrorize their families. After two Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies were shot in an ambush attack as they sat in their cruisers, these low lifes identifying as BLM showed up at the hospital they were transported to, blocked the entrance and cheered for them to die. Now it has been taken to a new level as law enforcement officers are literally being gunned down in the streets. The response from the political class, mainly from, let’s be honest, notable Democrats to the violence against police has been tepid at best. Their silence is deafening. Their silence speaks volumes. A survey taken several years ago ranking the trustworthiness of 20 professions had law enforcement ranked number two behind only the military at number one. Politicians in the same survey were ranked number 19 ahead of only used car salesmen.

Enter President Donald J. Trump.

President Trump from the day he rode down the escalator at Trump Tower to announce his candidacy made it very clear that he was going to be the law and order candidate. From that day forward, he has spoken unambiguously about his support for the police. It is the police who defend law and order in keeping our communities safe from the ravages of criminals. He has defended this profession against the smears of the cop-hating crowd. He has spoken out against the inane idea of defunding and abolishing police when local government politicians go along with the idea. At the Republican National Convention, he picked me to deliver a prime-time speech on Make America Safe Again night where I called for him to be elected the 45th President of the United States because of his full-throated support for this profession. And he hasn’t stopped. And he’s being rewarded.

Recently, several large law enforcement organizations have announced their endorsement for President Trump’s re-election. The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), with a reported membership of 330,000 law enforcement officers and 2,200 local chapters has announced their support for Trump’s re-election, as has the National Organization of Police Associations and the International Union of Police Associations (IUPA). Others have as well like the New York City Police Benevolent Association (PBA) the largest police union in the world. Other small to mid-size police unions have joined in, like the Milwaukee (Wisconsin) Police Association (MPA). It was very telling during the first presidential debate of 2020 when after stating that he had the support of most police organizations like the FOP and IUPA, President Trump turned toward Joe Biden and asked him directly to name one police group that endorsed his candidacy and Biden stood their speechless with that deer in the headlights stare not being able to name even one. Keep in mind that Joe Biden early on said that he supported defunding the police before he saw how it hurt him politically in polling. Then, like a chameleon changes its color, Biden changed his mind. That is typical political behavior-expedient and self-serving. Behavior you cannot count on in this critical time for law enforcement.

Is it any wonder politicians ended up second to last only above used car salesmen in a survey of trustworthy professions?

I know that a few officers disagree with the endorsement of their unions. But it’s go time. My advice is to put the survival and best interest of this profession ahead of any personal agenda. It makes President Trump the right choice. It is one team, one goal time.

Sheriff David Clarke Jr. is former Sheriff of Milwaukee Co, Wisconsin, President of AmericasSheriff LLC, Board member of the Crime Research Center, author of the book Cop Under Fire: Beyond Hashtags of Race Crime and Politics for a Better America. To learn more visit www.americassheriff.com

George Floyd: Was It Murder? ‘What Happened is Different Than What Most People Think.’

By: Lt. Patrick J. Ciser (ret.)

What happened to George Floyd in Minneapolis at the hands of his arresting officer should never have happened. But what did happen is different than what most people think. It appeared to many that Officer Derek Chauvin displayed malice toward Mr. Floyd, and even made it seem personal; but did he?  Chauvin knelt on the side of Floyd’s neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds as he lay on the ground. One or two days later, we found out that Floyd and Chauvin knew each other from working security at an area restaurant/club. Floyd worked inside, while Chauvin worked outside, and only time will tell if there was any friction between the men prior to Floyd’s arrest.

As I watched the viral video, it initially appeared to me that perhaps Chauvin was “teaching Floyd a lesson,” due to the duration of the event. So I watched the video a few times more in an effort to understand what the officer was doing exactly, and what concerns he may have had about the suspect. Understand that Floyd was a very large man at 6’7” and must have weighed 280 lbs. or more. His sheer size, coupled with the fact that Chauvin knew him and may have known about his violent past and criminal history, could explain why Chauvin had no interest in letting him up until the ambulance arrived.

We’ve all been taught that a knee on the side of a suspect’s neck will ensure that the suspect will not be able to stand and become combative. According to media reports, Floyd initially resisted officers’ efforts to put him in the back of the squad car, as he reportedly claimed that he was claustrophobic and couldn’t breathe. This, while standing and under little duress.  Floyd, an ex-con, was also found to be under the influence of narcotics, as per the state autopsy report, which may have affected his state of mind.

Being a retired cop and teaching martial arts my entire life, I do not believe that it ever occurred to Officer Chauvin that his actions would lead to the death of Mr. Floyd. The biggest reason is because he knew he was being recorded on a witness’ cellphone.The other reason is that it is unlikely that a knee on the side of somebody’s neck would kill them, which can easily be demonstrated by two volunteers in a court of law. Many of us have used this technique to control a suspect, but usually not for an extended period of time.

What was disturbing about his actions, however, was that he didn’t react to George Floyd’s plea that he couldn’t breathe while also calling “Mama,” which was definitely a sign that he was in distress. So many LEO’s across the country would’ve at that point, had we been there, told Chauvin to ease up on the knee. So why didn’t the three officers there intercede? Were they a bit fearful of the 19-year veteran, or the very large suspect? Mr. Floyd died of a heart attack, the state autopsy concluded, while ruling out asphyxiation. Also, I’m still not convinced that there was a racial element involved unless we see some real evidence that I’m not aware of at trial.  Problem is, Chauvin already has been tried and convicted by the media, and 90% of America.  Ever want to knock out an asshole, or an unruly criminal?  Doesn’t really matter what race they are, you just wanna knock ‘em out (although we usually don’t). Interesting that when a black cop kills a white guy, no one ever yells RACISM! And let’s not forget that more whites are killed by cops in America than blacks are, and that’s with 47-50% of the crimes being committed by blacks.  Floyd did five years for a home invasion, where he pressed a gun into a pregnant woman’s stomach while demanding drugs and money. Chauvin may have “had Floyd’s number” and had good reason not to like or trust the guy.  As a result, maybe he wasn’t taking any chances letting him up, especially if the very large George Floyd seemed agitated. We all know that if we’re dealing with an EDP (Emotionally Disturbed Person), protocol dictates that we try to keep them calm until the ambulance or mental health experts arrive.

As far as the riots are concerned, weak politicians do us all a disservice and never learn lessons from the past, including the Ferguson and Dallas riots, when they don’t allow us to do our jobs. What’s happening here, however, is on a much larger scale that we haven’t seen since 1968. Cities are burning all across America, and protests are taking place overseas; but why? It’s because Black Lives Matter, Antifa (antifascists that are actually fascists), and other Marxist groups, were waiting for just a moment like this to join forces. They grew strong during the Obama years, and with frustration over the COVID-19 lockdowns, along with “Trump Derangement Syndrome” these probably were contributing factors in stoking the flames.

The planning of these attacks across the country seemed to be more coordinated than we’ve seen in the past, including pallets of bricks being delivered to many downtown areas in our cities. Trucks were seen, and recorded, pulling up with pre-made protest signs and shields as well. In a protest, you hold a sign; in a riot, you throw a brick, bottle, or even a Molotov cocktail. Antifa, made up of mostly “progressive” white guys and gals, only want to cause anarchy and bring down capitalist America, they don’t give a shit about George Floyd. They used his death as the “spark” needed for civil disobedience and destruction. Reminds me of the Weather Underground of the ‘70s, setting off bombs in major cities.

Cops can’t win the war of words or facts while the liberal media and Democrat politicians are so incredibly biased against us. If they were honest, they could simply put up stats and case studies proving what an outstanding job police officers are doing every day under incredible stress. It seems that they dwell on sensationalism at our expense. The truth is, cops of all races in our inner cities have been saving black youths for years, and in most cases, from other blacks. Stay strong Brothers and Sisters, as we all need each other today more than ever. Oh, and stop kneeling already!!

‘They Made Him Watch As They Killed His 10-year-old Daughter in Front Of Him.’ Exclusive Interview: Hunting Down Pablo Escobar.

When it comes to television shows, I’m very picky. I keep a watchful eye out for flaws, inconsistencies, unlikely coincidences- anything that will make me shun the show and give up on it.

But every once I while I come across a gem that is perfect in every way. And that show is Netflix’s “Narcos.”

“Narcos” is the true story of the DEA’s hunt for the world’s first narco-trafficker- Pablo Escobar, one of the most ruthless drug lords in modern history.

The Blue Magazine sat down in a Zoom interview with the two retired lead DEA agents responsible for hunting Escobar: Steve Murphy and Javier Pena. They were both portrayed in the hit series and now the Blue readers get to hear the real story of hunting down Escobar.

We discussed everything from the accuracy of “Narcos,” the extreme right-wing group Los Pepes, their new book Manhunters: How We Took Down Pablo Escobar and much more.

The first thing I wanted to know was the show’s accuracy.

Javier Pena tells Blue, “I tell people that the chronology is pretty accurate on the show; the timeline, the assassination, a lot of the major events -- but the producers have to make it interesting.”

And interesting it was. The series was so successful, it led to a third fictional season and a spin-off series, “Narcos: Mexico” (which is just as thrilling by the way).

Javier’s character in the series was pretty bad-ass; a booze-chugging womanizer who threw policy and morality right out of the window. But I wondered how accurate that was, especially considering his role as a law enforcer.

Javier said, “If that were all true, I’d be getting out of prison right about now.The executive producer called me up and says ‘We know you’re not dirty, but we’re going to make you out to be a little bit on the dirty side -- working with Los Pepes, killing people and all the affairs -- I do wish all the affairs were true.” Javier laughed.

Steve tells Blue, “Second thing was the violence. As bad as it was in the Narcos series, in real life, it was much, much worse.”

If you google how many deaths was Escobar responsible for, it will say 4,000. But as any patrolman walking the beat knows, the situation on the frontlines is far different than what upper brass realize.

Steve said, “We attribute 15, maybe 20 thousand murders to Escobar. Popeye, Escobar’s main sicario, says that number is more like 50 thousand people.”

That’s a lot of souls.

Among the most well-known atrocities Escobar orchestrated were blowing up a commercial airliner that killed over 100 people in an attempt to assassinate a presidential candidate.

The other gruesome incident involved a bus loaded with 500 kilos of dynamite that destroyed a city block and also killed over 100 people.

“The chassis of the bus was found on a building a couple of blocks away. A perfect example of Escobar’s viciousness.” Steve continued, “If Pablo wanted to kill you, he would not only come after you, he come up to your wife, your children, your parents, anybody that he could find associated with you!”

Escobar was not afraid to spend money to further his agenda … and his ruthless style.

Javier said, “Escobar put a bounty on police officers and another 15-year-old thug nonchalantly said to me ‘I’ve already killed 10 police officers, at a hundred bucks a head, I get paid at the end of the day.’ That’s the attitude the sicarios had … multiply that by 500 sicarios!”

With all that violence and death Steve and Javier were embroiled in, one would have to assume their daily job was extremely dangerous.

According to Steve, “You had to travel with your gun to your chest ready to engage targets because two riders on a motorcycle was one of their favorite ways to assassinate people.”

And Javier said, “One of the most dangerous parts were the car bombs … a lot of cops got killed because of them. We passed by and a couple missed us, but you hear that noise, that bomb, that sound -- that was the scariest part.”

Steve and Javier were not alone. In addition to the Colombian national police force, they were working with US military special operations, Navy SEALs and Delta Force. But much like police work today, politics got in the way of the mission.

Steve tells Blue, “If Delta and SEALs have been allowed to do the job and go out of base, we firmly believe that we would have had Escobar captured or dead in less than three months, but politics got in the way. The bureaucracy cost thousands of people their lives.”

Javier adds, “We had him located several times, and we’d go in helicopters- the only way in jungles- but people would warn him. He heard the noise. We would get there and his coffee was still warm. We barely missed him so many times.”

Los Pepes (persecuted by Pablo Escobar)

The subject of Los Pepes was unavoidable.

After Escobar killed his closest partner and friend, Kiko Moncada, his wife, Judy Moncada teamed up with Don Burnas and created Los Pepes -- an extreme right-wing vigilante group. Los Pepes’ main objective was to kill Pablo Escobar and everyone he was associated with.

Los Pepes were funded by Escobar’s rival, the Cali cartel; and they were just as ruthless as Escobar. They were quite effective because they didn’t fall under the morality of the legal system.

But there was another reason they were successful. According to Steve, the attorney general of Colombia assigned Don Burnas to help them after Escobar killed Kiko Moncada.

Steve said, “We went to Colonel Martinez and said, ‘Who is this guy (Don Burnas)?’ But he was authorized to work with us and the Search Bloc.”

Javier then said, “Los Pepes is one of those sore spots. Don Burnas was helping us out with intelligence. However, we did not know he was setting off a lot of bombs, trying to kill Escobar and his family.”

“Everyone else knew who Don Burnas was except us. After Escobar’s death, we found out he was the head of Los Pepes! That was very eye opening when I found out because they are stone cold killers. I’m sure they would’ve had no problem putting a bullet in our heads because they’ve done it to a lot of other people!” Steve said.

Mexican Cartels
The focus of the current war on drugs has moved to Mexican cartels, which are just as brutal as in the days of Escobar’s reign.

Javier said, “We’ve all seen the photos of bodies hanging off bridges … when they kill people … the heads being rolled onto a dance floor. They’re vicious but I think the Colombians were more violent.” Javier continued, “They [Mexican cartels] caught a guy stealing dope from them. They had his whole family in a room, the 10-year-old daughter … they made him watch, they opened his eyes, killed her in front of him.”

Steve added, “Some of the Mexican authorities that we work with later in our careers, former attorney general down there has been indicted here in the United States for taking millions and millions of dollars in payoffs from the drug traffickers in Mexico. It’s one of the most horrendous situations in the world right now.”

Drugs still continue to cross into the United States, but there is a plan in place to curtail drug smuggling -- going after the traffickers and the people who support it. But as any law enforcement officer knows, you can never stop the flow of drugs. As long as there is money to be made, crafty criminals will find a way to get it.

Steve Murphy and Javier Pena are both retired from the DEA and now spend their time doing interviews, public speaking engagements and promoting their book Manhunters: How We Took Down Pablo Escobar.

You can get in on the action. For a limited time, you can order a signed, personalized copy of their book by visiting their website, www.DEAnarcos.com . To see the full unedited Zoom interview with Steve and Javier, go to www.eddiemolina.com

Eddie Molina is a leadership professional, blogger and author. He writes articles for the law enforcement, military and first responder community to keep them informed on important issues. For more information go to www.eddiemolina.com

DISARM OFFICERS: U.S. SEN. ED MARKEY (D) OF MASSACHUSETTS. THE WAY FORWARD REMAINS A MYSTERY.

By: Joel E. Gordon

I really think we needed to have a plan moving forward - and I was disappointed that didn’t happen. - Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best (ret.)

What a challenging time we find ourselves in.

During the last many months and years, the trust people have placed in every level of government has diminished. Many new plans and restrictions are being proposed in an attempt to hold police accountable. Where however, are the plans to hold those for criminal acts and all of the chaos and destruction accountable? Where are the plans to reduce the violence? Where are the plans to improve community relations instead using such divisive measures that only serve to portray police as the enemy? Crickets…

So who are the people that are mostly proposing plans for reform and police oversight? Is it professionals with extensive knowledge of the law, a perspective on the evolution of law enforcement and of the job itself? No, instead in many communities it is comprised of politicians and ordinary citizens with anti-police agendas; facts be damned.  Would you want a committee of non-medical people organized to monitor doctors or non-educational persons to educate educators?  Maybe there should be a committee of non-aviation people to tell pilots how to fly aircraft? 

Take, for example, U.S. Senator Ed Markey (D) of Massachusetts weighing in on matters concerning the riot-ravaged city of Portland Oregon (over 3,000 miles away from Massachusetts,) he tweeted: “Portland police routinely attack peaceful protestors with brute force. We must disarm these officers, and every other police department in America, of weapons of war, and enact a nationwide ban on tear gas, rubber and plastic bullets, and bean bag rounds.” Was Markey seriously advocating the disarming of police, just days after the attempted assignation of two Los Angeles police officers?

Law Enforcement has evolved from a Reactionary Policing model to Proactive Policing to Community Policing to Broken Windows Theory to Intelligence Lead Policing into Evidence Based Policing. Evidence Based Policing is subjective and is the brainchild of academia. It makes judgments on outcomes opening the door to many unresolved contradictory ideas which routinely override long established mandates for diversity and opportunity for personal growth and promotion. Since subjective to the whims of political correctness many unintended consequences are resulting in an environment which is untenable to the newer generation of law enforcement leaders who were, in fact, in many cases born of the culture of the importance of the diversity philosophy.

The Great Escape: EVOLUTION TO EXODUS
Ever watched dominoes falling in real time? The sad reality is that many in law enforcement are throwing in the towel and just can't take it anymore.  The pressure of the job and sudden pivot away from decades old reforms for diversity, increased training with community policing and de-escalation techniques being replaced by a cry for sweeping defunding have resulted in reevaluation of many considering entering the profession along with resignations of many tenured and highly respected law enforcement leaders, a substantial number of which who identified as minority professionals who successfully worked their way up the ranks. From Dallas to Seattle to an entire command staff in Rochester New York along with many other chiefs nationwide, the time to move out of law enforcement has come on the heels of their defiance against those with an anti-police mindset, ideology and agenda.

Will this result in more feckless police leadership remaining in office or in being hired who will be willing to put their officers in unsafe, retreating or defenseless positions at the behest of those lacking sufficient knowledge to make informed or rational judgments? Society can’t reasonably expect law enforcement to succumb to violence without responding in such a fashion as to protect the very lives of the protectors themselves. No one signed up to be physically harmed by becoming a law enforcement officer. Although the job remains largely one of regulating human behavior, the desire to help others continues to be the driving motivational force and reason that many answer the calling to keep the peace.

The bottom line appears to be that regardless of the current preferred model of policing practiced, the diversity achieved within agencies or the high level of professional training implemented, the idea that the police are unwanted (until needed for selfish or individual safety reasons) has become the guiding principle of those politicians holding the power of life and death over our future.

The way forward remains a mystery. I have long professed that we must reject an "us versus them" mentality. In this current environment, through the actions of many others, it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain this mindset. The truth remains, however, we are all in this TOGETHER. Unfortunately though, if things continue on their current trajectory this clearly isn’t going to end well.

BOLO: THE NEW MULTI-MEDIA SITE, LAW ENFORCEMENT NEWS NETWORK.

By: Lori Cooper

A multi-media news network created for cops by cops, officially named Law Enforcement News Network (www.lawenforcementnewsnetwork.com), will be launched over the next 30 days.

Retired 34-year veteran law enforcement officer Randy Sutton, along with fellow retired law enforcement officers Ray Dietrich and Ryan Mason, have collaborated for a common purpose to solve a problem long plaguing our country: combating the limited scope of law enforcement news by mainstream media and the false narratives reported by these news organizations about our law enforcement officers and communities.

Many law enforcement officers and civilians alike know Randy Sutton as a household name and commentator for national news networks, with a large social media presence, his various shows on streaming television apps, and his Blue Lives Radio Program on the America Out Loud Network, among other programs. The nonprofit organization he founded in 2019, The Wounded Blue (www.TheWoundedBlue.org), is the national organization for injured and disabled law enforcement officers and is saving lives every day.  

Add to the mix the outstanding service of the retired law enforcement officer from California in Ray Dietrich, who also has 2 million followers across a dozen or more social media platforms and streaming television channels. Lastly, add Ryan Mason, another retired law enforcement officer who is no stranger to the business of multi-media, with over 21 publications to his credit.  "The 3 R's" in Randy Sutton, Ray Dietrich, and Ryan Mason have become their own "force" in the development of their media brand based on factual, impartial, and unbiased news called True Blue News," according to founder Randy Sutton.

Sutton indicated that there is really "only one way to report real law enforcement news, and that is to involve yourself on the ground, or, essentially, to go undercover," which is what he and Mason did on several occasions in the city of Portland. Out of those undercover experiences came a Special Report created and developed by Sutton and Mason, with a working title of "Siege of Portland," and it will be aired on the Streaming Television Channel of the Law Enforcement News Network in the days to come. Sadly, Sutton reported that "Portland Law Enforcement Officers view this whole situation as a monumental failure of leadership and politics at its worst.” According to Ryan, he and Sutton were unable to connect with the chief of police there, and both have stated their calls to the district attorney and the mayor of Portland have gone unreturned.

Dietrich says that the Law Enforcement News Network will be a site everyone can visit free of charge and to which they can subscribe. Their online news segment will be launched first, with the eventual goal to have live news reported five days a week. All of the programs already being aired and hosted by Dietrich and Sutton will be moved over to the Law Enforcement News Network, creating an immediate viewing audience of 2 million followers.

Finally, Dietrich explained one of the greatest accomplishments that will come out of this new network is the Use-of-Force expert who will be able to break down bodycam footage worn by officers in this country in controversial shootings or use-of-force cases, something no network has ever done. Ray Dietrich noted that part of the problems which have created the chaos and rioting in this country is related to incorrect information from an officer's bodycam on which the mainstream media has reported, without any law enforcement expert actually interpreting the actions of the officer. Dietrich explained how use of force cannot often be avoided, only compounding the false narratives of some of the more recent cases we've seen that have contributed to the civil unrest and destruction across this country. "We're going to combat that," Dietrich said very emphatically. "We're going to dispel myths and eliminate the unnecessary outrage of the American people who haven't been given information that is an accurate interpretation or assessment as to why certain circumstances or incidents have resulted in an officer's use-of-force. We're going to have our expert demonstrate that what sometimes looks awful is actually lawful," Dietrich cited.

A press release will be issued to all media outlets about the launch date of the Law Enforcement News Network, where along with the BLUE magazine and thebluemagazine.com cops and supporters can now have more  safe places to receive all of their law enforcement-related news. A separate release will be issued for the Special Presentation of "Siege of Portland," a film no American will want to miss.

Lori Cooper is a published writer and the daughter of a late Columbus, Ohio police officer shot in the line of duty and whose killer eluded authorities for 44 years until her own search resulted in his apprehension. Her story, featured by hundreds of news organizations, catapulted her to success as an expert law enforcement advocate, where she now writes for law enforcement media groups and is a highly-acclaimed guest on national radio and television. An Ohio University Social Studies Major, she is writing a book about her story, tentatively titled THE SOUND OF SILENCE. She can be reached at www.WriterLoriCooper.com.