BROKEN WINDOWS
The broken windows theory states that ignoring signs of crime, anti-social behavior and civil disorder creates an environment that encourages further crime and disorder, including serious crimes. Mute testimony to the theory was exhibited throughout most of 2020. Protests bought crowds to the area which did then either joined in the protests or simply added to the congestion. On many, many occasions the demonstrators turned to vandalism breaking store window. This led to looting, [...]
Revisiting LEOSA
It’s been about 21/2 years since we talked about H.R. 218, the “Law Enforcement Officers’ Safety Act” signed into law July 22, 2004, by then-president George W. Bush. Then on Oct. 10, 2010, President Barack H. Obama signed into law S. 1132, the “LEOSA Improvements Act.” Known as Public Law [...]
Poor Leadership: Killing Our Profession
Interestingly, since the first of my columns appeared, every single topic I have addressed has resulted from reader suggestions or requests. Does everyone agree with my perspective? Of course not, and they shouldn’t. There’s room in every profession for differing opinions and constructive disagreement. Just this past month, a reader [...]
Agree To Disagree — About Degrees?
There’s a lot of debate about the importance of obtaining a college degree. Conventional wisdom dictates in order to truly succeed — climb the corporate or administrative ladder — a college degree is a must. In reality, we can’t all reach the top and grab the proverbial brass ring, and [...]
The Death Of Andrew Garton
#74: Firsthand Editor’s note: In honor of National Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15, I give you this guest editorial by Ti Goetz. I was incredibly moved by his words, and can speak with authority when I say officer funerals never get any easier. [...]
The Yes-Man… No Thank You
There’s a phenomenon running rampant in society and in our profession today; it’s the tendency for those in positions of responsibility to be yes-men when it comes to giving advice and feedback to the boss. In law enforcement, no one should be a yes-man. We took an oath and that [...]
Hyphenated-America
A Tangle Of Squabbing Non-Nationals We’ve all heard the term “hyphenated America,” which has been around since the 1890s. Oddly enough, according to most writing style guides, it’s no longer fashionable to use a hyphen. The term was originally coined as an epithet and used against Americans of foreign birth, [...]
Killing Your Agency With Suck Ups?
Some things never change — or maybe they do. Let’s talk about promotions, and for those so inclined to promote, how to go about it the right way. The promotional process can vary by agency and by the rank aspired. There probably is not a “typical” path or process to [...]
Back To Basics
In the 1980s police work was changing. Simply going out and taking care of your beat in the form of tickets, reports, arrests and citizen contacts was no longer the ideal. It seemed cops were deemed unable to do real police work, unless they did it under the guise of [...]
From The Chief
Cops And The Current Administration I’ll state two things up front. One: I know this will not be well accepted by all who read it. Two: I have not written this without considerable thought, nor is it based upon partisan politics. I’ve always cast my vote for the one I [...]
Political Pandering?
I’ve received a bunch of e-mails from readers upset over comments made by LAPD Chief Charlie Beck regarding changes in protocols for vehicle impounds having to do with unlicensed drivers at sobriety checkpoints. To be clear, this goes back to March 2011. Chief Beck was quoted in an L.A. Times [...]