Thank You, Kevlar

In the city that just had its 300th homicide, there's a bright side.  Two Police Officer's lives were saved by the protective equipment they're issued.  A Kevlar vest and helmet allowed two officers to walk away from what would have otherwise been fatal gunshots after a shootout with a criminal who had already shot and wounded another Philadelphia Officer.

Coverage here

Philly "Gun Court" Judge is Failing

According to FBI statistics, Philadelphia has the highest rate of gun-related homicides of all the large cities in the United States.  Previous posts on this blog have cited the Philadelphia Police Department's commitment to making the streets safer by getting guns off of the streets and by arresting people with illegal guns.  Some have criticized the police for being too aggressive and for being too intrusive.  Quite a small price to pay, if you ask me, for safe streets.  Unfortunately, it appears that Philadelphia's "Gun Court" judge, Paula Patrick, would disagree with me.  She has thrown out dozens of apparently good gun cases, and therefore, set free dozens of criminals.

In Philadelphia, Gun Court is designed to handle cases that involve defendants charged with crimes, where the most serious charge is a gun charge.  The idea is to streamline the process, and provide education and rehabilitation to those offenders who are amiable, but to also "provide direct and immediate response to...recidivists".  (see gun court fact sheet)

In this case, Judge Paula Patrick, a former civil and criminal defense attorney, appears to be furthering her own personal agenda.  In turn, the streets of the City of Brotherly Love will surely get more dangerous.  Sam Stretton, the West Chester Attorney who represents Judge Patrick, has represented other judges.  This representation includes when other judges are accused of violating the law or the  Code of Judicial Conduct.  (click here to see this case, where Stretton represented another Philadelphia judge who was accused of and found to have used his position as judge to issue illegal orders for friends)

If you are religious, pray for Philadelphia.  With judges like this, the city needs help.

A Rare Example of Someone Doing the Right Thing

Bernard Madoff, the architect of the biggest Ponzi scheme in history, is a total jerk.  He destroyed peoples lives.  Some people's entire life savings, millions of dollars for some people, have been lost.  In a recent development, one of the scheme's largest beneficiaries, one of its earliest investors, is making good.  Barbara Picower, whose husband invested with Madoff for 35 years, is returning more that $7 Billion, yes BILLION to victims.  The justice department announced the news recently.

Full story here.

Philadelphia Police Hunting Serial Killer?

Police in the City of Brotherly Love are investigating a series of strangulations in the Kensington section of the city.  Just in time for the holidays, some criminal is terrorizing people in the city.  Fully story here.

N.J. One Step Closer to Government Marijuana

photo courtesy Larry McDevitt

Only a few months ago, Lawmakers in New Jersey have approved the "medical" use of marijuana.  (Medical in quotes because I cannot imagine anyone abusing a doctor's prescription for marijuana)  But now, the governor, the legislature, and the government health officials can't agree on the rules and regulations that will attach to the new marijuana laws.  Now, months after marijuana was "legalized" in New Jersey, not a single legal joint has been smoked.  And I've scoured the internet to try to find out how much money has been wasted debating the issue, to no avail.  So, in a state that is home to the second most violent city in The United States, police officers and firefighters are being laid-off, but government officials are spending time trying to iron-out a plan to make weed available for those who need it.   I'm sure people won't have a hard time finding it on the streets of Camden in January. 

Maybe the government should not waste its time or the people's money.  Instead of debating marijuana, figure out a way to save the City of Camden by not firing half of it's public servants.

More here at Philly.com

More Parking Meters in Borough, Let the Boo-Hooing Begin

West Chester Borough Council, faced with an upcoming $1.5million shortfall, has decided to increase revenue by adding  about 150 parking meters to areas that were otherwise "free parking" areas.  I congratulate council for this action.  However, after reading the story and all of the readers' comments at DailyLocal.com I am definitely in the minority.  While I don't think increasing parking rates or adding meters is the only way to increase revenue, I do think its a good start.

Either way, I'm reminded of the opening scene from Cool Hand Luke.  While not a Paul Newman fan, (mumia abu Jamal supporter) the scene is apropos.  Do yourself a favor and watch the first two minutes of this video.

Philadelphia Police Officer Daniel Faulkner Murdered 29 Years Ago Today

REMINDER:  29 Years ago a member of the Black Panther Party, Mumia Abu Jamal, murdered Officer Faulkner.  Abu Jamal has been convicted and sentenced to death, but he still lives and breathes. 

Rest in Peace Officer Faulkner, and thank you for your service.

H. Paul Fitzpatrick, Former W.C. Borough Council President, Dies

Rest in peace, Mr. Fitzpatrick.

I've had the pleasure to sit on a board or two with Mr. Fitzpatrick, during his tenure on Borough Council.  It was always a pleasure working with him.  My kindest thoughts are with the family. 

Link to full Obituary in DailyLocal.

Delaware County Man, 88, Admits Killing Wife

This has to be one of the most unfortunate new stories I've read this year.  In Delaware County, Ernest Rayfield, 88 years old, has admitted that he stabbed his 87 year old wife, who had advanced Alzheimer's Disease.  Full story here at DelcoTimes.com

What Will the Ecnonomy Do to the Crime Rate?

As we already know, the City of Camden, NJ, is laying off half of its police officers and almost half of its firefighters.  Newark, NJ, has already laid off more than 160 police officers this year.  Other towns across cash-strapped New Jersey have already laid off cops and firemen, or are planning on doing it soon.  Here in Pennsylvania, we are feeling the crunch too.  Philadelphia's mayor made noise this year when he closed Fire Houses across the city.  The Borough of West Chester, home to such festivities as the Old Fashioned Christmas Parade and the Chester County Restaurant Festival, is facing a 1.5 million dollar budget gap next year.  The borough that has enjoyed so much economic prosperity, so much 'revitalization' in the past two decades, will be faced with some tough choices in the coming years.

Who or what is blame?  Is it the economy?  Is it politicians? Unions? The federal government?  Bad Investments?  Who knows.  Probably a mix of all the above and then some.  The question I have is, what will the reduction of police officer, firefighters and other important public-service jobs cause?  What will happen to towns like Camden, Philadelphia and maybe even West Chester if the the politicians continue on the trend they're on and continue to reduce police, fire, and EMS services?  How long will it take a "great town" like West Chester to regress into the town it was years ago?  Who will really suffer in cities like Camden and Newark?  How long will it take for business owners to pull out all together, and for criminals to expand? 

In my opinion, all too often, politicians campaign on the backs, and at the expense of, the true public servants.  When crime is high, they say they'll fight to lower it.  But who lowers crime?  Do politicians lower crime.  I don't think so.  I think communities, in partnership with police, are the ones to fight crime.  I think its the politicians who like to take the credit.  Then, when crime is low, it's the politicians who think we can do with less police.  They look to "save money" by eliminating jobs.  Or they promise that services will not be cut, and the police will magically be able to do more with less.  But the reality is that crime tends to increase when the economy is in a downturn.  basically, more people turn to crime to get by.  Couple that trend with less cops and firemen, and I think its a recipe for disaster.  The quality of life across the country will decrease, one town at a time. 

So what is the solution? 

Most Dangerous City in U.S. to Lay Off Half It's Cops

In 2009, Camden, New Jersey, had the highest violent crime rate of all cities in the United States.  It's  violent crime rate was nearly five times that of the national average.  To compare, West Chester's violent crime rate is equal to or just slightly higher than the national average.   Coatesville, Chester County's most violent town, statistically speaking, has a violent crime rate just under two times the national average.  (1)  So, to be sure, Camden is in need of some help.

So what are law-makers planning to do to clean up the city?  They are planning to, and have received State approval, to lay off 180 of its police officers.  That number is half of the city's force.  And, since Camden had the highest arson rate of any other city I could find, they decided to lay off about 35% of its firefighters too.

I realize we are in a recession, and that we are in the middle of "tough economic times."  I'm also all for fiscal responsibility.  However, laying off one cop, let alone half of the city's force, just doesn't make any sense.  Once again, way to go politicians!  Congratulations, you're  making a dangerous city more dangerous.  I feel bad for the 180 cops in the city.  I feel even worse for any of the good citizens of Camden, who are being abandoned by their elected officials.

(1) source - http://www.cityrating.com, from data compiled by FBI Uniform Crime Reports

Philly Police Anti-Crime Tactics Under Fire...Again

The Philadelphia Police Department is being sued in Federal Court.  The ACLU (of course) is alleging that the Philly PD "stop and frisk" tactic has resulted in the unfair stopping of racial minorities.  Police leaders have argued that the tactic has reduced crime, and that it does not target any particular race.  To me, this seems to be another case that the ACLU has latched on that will eventually just make the streets less safe for law-abiding citizens.  At what cost, I wonder, does the ACLU do its business?

More coverage here

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving. Thank you Squanto.

Pennsylvania Self Defense Law Sitting on Governor's Desk

Right next to a cheese steak with extra onions, an ashtray full of cigarette butts, and a glass of scotch sits a bill that has passed though the PA legislature and must be signed by the governor to be made law.  The bill would expand a citizens right to use deadly force in Pennsylvania.  Essentially, right now, current PA law requires that a citizen facing danger first retreat from any danger, if possible, before using deadly force.  The main exception would be in one's own home.  The new law, however, would eliminate the duty to retreat.

Those who appose the new law, which include most police leaders and prosecutors, worry that it would increase violence and promote violence among criminals, or at least make criminal acts of violence more defensible in court.   Outspoken and media-friendly Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman told The Philadelphia Inquirer that she worried about the "level of violence it would authorize on our streets." 

So where do I weigh in on the issue?  Its a tough one.  I do not think that we should pass any law that makes it easier for criminals to be criminals or that makes it easier for criminals to "get away" with crimes, especially crimes of violence.  However, I firmly believe that law abiding citizens should not be limited as to where they can defend themselves or their family.  I think that if the bill is signed into law by Good 'Ol Fast Eddie, and if its enforced properly, it will be a good thing for the good citizens of Pennsylvania. 

I wonder what others, including other members of the law enforcement community think?  I'm all ears...

Amidst Media Coverage, Philly DA Changes His Mind

Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams, and PA Supreme Court Chief Justice Ronald Castille have been fielding a lot of negative criticism after last weeks news that more than 20,000 cases have been dismissed to "un-clog" the system in Philly.  Some of the FUZZBUZZ readers may have read it here first.  Now, the DA is saying that "some" of the "serious" cases were thrown out mistakenly.  More likely, I think he's  surprised that the reporters found out about all of the cases and even more surprised that they found out about the many serious ones.

Suffice to say, he has changed his mind, and is now looking into re-instating charges against some of the defendants.  Read more here at the Philadelphia Inquirer.

What a huge waste of time!

Four Loko Alco-Energy Drink to be Discontinued

Four Loko is a highly caffeinated malt liquor beverage with the alcohol content of four 12 ounce beers and the caffeine content of four coffees.  It comes in a variety of fruity flavors.  The 23.5 ounce cans have become a favorite of young people.  I personally have seen it around for a little over a year.  Some of the people I've spoken to describe it as the closest thing to cocaine that they can get.  And the hangovers are reportedly the worst. The dangerous mix of caffeine, taurine, guarana, and alcohol has landed some in the hospital. 

Now, reportedly, The FDA will prohibit the sale of beverages that mix alcohol and caffeine.  Seeing the writing on the wall, Phusion Products, makers of Four Loko, announced this morning that they will no longer include caffeine, taurine and guarana in Four Loko.  The decision is shore to save a few horrible hangovers, at the very least.

The Libertarian in me wonders if the government should be waasting its time with more regulations.  The parent in me commends the FDA and, reluctantly, the makers of Four Loko, for their recent decisions.  The parent in me also wonders exactly who these drinks are marketed to.  With the colorful cans and fruity flavors, they are easily mistaken for one of many fruit or energy drinks we'd find in the supermarket.

Philadelphia DA Drops Charges Against More Than 20,000 Criminals

That's right, just when I figured it couldn't get much more unbelievable, the "system" surprises and disappoints me again.  In Philadelphia, our neighbor to the east, The District Attorney's Office dropped cased against approximately than 20,000 criminals.  All of the cases had reached "Fugitive Status" which means that the defendants had "skipped out" and not reported to court or to jail when required to.   Every case that was dropped was approved by a Judge.

These aren't  people who failed to pay parking tickets or speeding citations.  These are 20,000 criminals who committed actual CRIMES, including child molestation, aggravated assault, theft, and just about everything else.  One example is Indecent-assault charges against Douglas Gaines, who police said molested a 5-year-old girl in 1989.  Police and anyone else with Google know where Gaines is.  He lives free and presumably happy, in California.  In other examples, The Philadelphia Inquirer reports, they've found scores of people living in other states who are quite happy to hear that their criminal cases no longer exist.

The real injustice here is that no victims have been notified by the courts or by the DA's office that their cases are dismissed.  And the REASON for the cases being dropped: because the system was clogged.  In fact, the Inquirer reports, the dismissal came at the urging or Pennsylvania Supreme Court Chief Justice Ronald Castille.


Talk about a get out of jail free!  This has to be the stupidest thing I've heard in my tenure in Criminal Justice.  Are we trying to tell criminals that if they hide long enough, they get away with whatever they've done?  If I were a victim of one of these crimes, I'd be at City Hall wanting answers; answers I'm sure I'd never get.

PA Game Commission Officer Murdered, Suspect Arrested

In a sad story from across the state, Conservation Officer David Grove was shot and killed while investigating illegal nighttime hunting near Gettysburg.  Hours after the murder, police arrested Christopher Lynn Johnson near the Pennsylvania / Maryland border.   My condolences tot he Grove Family.  Story here

My Balloon Just Lost Some More Air

The jury in Cop Killer Case didn't do their job.  Read the story here

More Money and Time Wasted on Another Murderer

Mumia Abu Jamal has still not been executed.  He was convicted and sentenced in 1982, but he still lives, breathes and rants, and makes headlines. 

I have to stop writing because I'm sick to my stomach.

Jury Deadlocks; Murderer's Life Spared

In a travesty of justice, a Philadelphia jury failed to vote unanimously in favor of the death penalty for Rasheed Scruggs, the filth that killed Philadelphia Police Officer John Pawlowski.  I can only hope Scruggs' remaining years on earth are miserable ones.  If this guy didn't deserve ther ultimate punishment, I don't know who does. Officer Pawlowski, pictured here, is a true here regardless..

California Will Have to Wait for Legal Reefer

Interesting article here on CNN.com about why Californians voted against legalizing marijuana.

Philadelphia Police Under Fire for Trying to Make City Safer

The Philadelphia Police are being sued by The ACLU, for violating citizens' rights by the implementation and use of their "Stop and Frisk" Policy.  The tactic, designed to reduce the amount of guns and other weapons being carried illegally on city streets, has been used in Philly and in other large American cities, including New York City.  Mayor Nutter promised to implement such a plan when he ran for office.  Commissioner Ramsey did indeed implement the policy when he took the lead of the department.  At issue with the ACLU is whether of not it is a violation of citizens' right to be secure and protected against unreasonable searches.

Obviously our right to not be subject to Unreasonable Search (or Seizure) has some history.  The 4th Amendment to The Constitution gives us this right.  When the amendment, and the rest of the Bill or Rights were ratified, our country was fresh off the heels of independence.  Just a few years before the Bill of Rights, we were British subjects.   British troops (Law Enforcement) commonly searched people private property for evidence.  The soldiers needed no reason, no "probable cause", no justification whatsoever.  They pretty much did what they wanted.  This pissed off Americans, who decided that one of the protections they would provide to the citzens of their new country would be this freedom from unreasonable search and seizure.  (see Amendments one through 10 for a full list of what pissed off our forefathers)

Anyway, the ACLU must have been tired of trying to tear down war memorials, supporting Nazi rallies, fighting to free terrorists  from U.S. prisons, and freeing murderers.  Now they are trying to make city streets more dangerous.  By doing so, somehow, they'd say that they are "protecting us".

The bottom line is this: We live in a violent world.  Although that is unfortunate, it is also reality.  In order for the government to establish some sort of safety, we have to give something back.  I, personally, have nothing (ok very little) to hide.  If I happen to be walking down the street in North Philadelphia (probably won't ever happen) I have no issue with a police officer stopping me and checking me for weapons.  But apparently, city residents, including a buffoon of a state legislator, does take issue with it.   (read article in Phila Inquirer here)

more to come. .

A Message to the Newly-Elected

Like a good citizen, I voted yesterday. I say this not because I expect a congratulations. I realize that voting is something we all should do. At the very least I think it gives me the right to complain when the people I don't vote for do things I don't agree with. The problem is, I seem to disagree with the people I do vote for just as regularly. But anyway, I voted yesterday. And after having voted, I came into work today and, since I had recently voted, talked politics for 10 or fifteen minutes.
So anyway, here's all I want out of this election, Mr. Toomey, Mr. Corbett, Mr. Truitt, Mr. Meehan, Mr. Barrar, and everyone else:
1) Lower taxes
2) More Crime Control
That's all. I figure, I'll give you two years (or 4 or 6, depending on your position) after that, if my taxes are lower and so is crime, I'll vote for you again and ask you to move onto two new issues. But, if my taxes are higher and so is crime, I'll have to give someone else a try.
So good luck, I'm hoping you do well.

Murderer Apologizes, So What

Officer John Pawlowski's mother will never see him again.  His wife will never see him come home.  All because a disgusting waste-of-space chose to cowardly shoot and kill him.  Rasheed Scrugs has pleaded guilty to the February 2009 shooting of Pawlowski.  Scruggs, in a most cowardly manner, shot the Police Officer while holding his gun in his pocket.  Neither the Officer, nor anyone else, ever saw the gun in the cowardly killer's hand before the shots were fired.  This is a striking reminder of the danger every Officer faces. 

Well, since this is America, the land of second chances, the killer's mother apologized to the surviving members of Officer Pawlowski's family.  Of course, she did it in court, in an attempt to convince the jury to spare her murderer-son's life and sentence him to life in prison, instead of the death sentence.  (Story here at Philly.com)  Oh, and the killer's defense attorneys will also show the jury this note  pictured above.  The killer's lawyers plan to argue that it is evidence of his sorrow.  (story here) And of course he had a difficult childhood, so his life should be spared.  Oh, and also, he was high on PCP, so he definitely shouldn't be execute, according to defense lawyers.  Apparently, being high on drugs at least partially excused the killing of a police officer.  Sarcasm italicized for anyone who couldn't tell. 

I understand that the death penalty has its flaws.  I think I may have even blogged about it.  I understand all of the common reasons to not support the death penalty.  But to me, it has its place.  This case is as clear cut a case there ever was for Capital Punishment.  To think that the killer's life could be spared, and tax-payers, including The Police Officer's Family, would have to pay for the killer to eat, sleep, watch TV, lift weights, get a GED, is sickening.

Balloons and Aspirations

The Criminal Justice System is not perfect.  I've covered that fact in earlier blogs.  While in conversation the other day with a co-worker, we were discussing the changes that individual police officers experience during their careers.  Other that going pre-maturely gray and bald, and we go through other changes.  My co-worker made the following analogy:

John Q, its like this.  When we graduate from the police academy, they give us this large, inflated balloon.  When we hit the streets, we are carrying this balloon around, being very careful not to let it get punctured.  We were told not to let it deflate; so we protect it from danger.  We do our very best to keep it blown up.  Slowly, as we go from call to call, and months turn into years, the balloon begins to deflate.  After a couple of years, we are carrying around a half-inflated balloon, that is a little wrinkled, but still has some air in it.  After a few more years, the balloon is sagging and although there are no holes in it, most of the air has escaped.  And by the time we get to 10 or 12 years, we are carrying around a completely deflated balloon.  Its stretched out and wrinkly and won't hold air, but we still carry it around, because we think we have to.  


So, I thought about it.  Am I carrying around an inert, deflated balloon that once represented everything right with the system, but now is a sorry reminder of what is wrong with it?  Perhaps its true.  Maybe I can even remember the first time my balloon lost some air.  Should I try to blow the balloon back up, or would I be wasting my time?

Moreover, when I see a new officer protecting his still robust balloon, should I save him the time and aggravation, and just stick a pin in the balloon, speeding up the process?

Police Lay-Offs Considered

Tuesday night, at the East Fallowfield Township meeting, township supervisors will be considering laying off police officers.  We've heard it a million times, "In these tough economic times..."  It looks like the East Fallowfield politicians will be using "these tough economic times" as an excuse to cut the size of the police force.  Does it make sense that when the economy is bad, we decrease the size of police departments?  I don't think so. 

Obviously, I am biased.  I am a police officer, and I wouldn't want my job to be cut either.  But moreover, I am a citizen.  I would not want the cops that protect my neighborhood to be stretched any thinner than they already are.  I can think of a dozen places local governments could cut-back before cutting police officers.  I wonder how much money the East Fallowfield Township manager makes?  I wonder what type of benefits, health insurance, take home vehicle, retirement plan, etc, he gets.  If he (or she) gets any of the above, I suggest he give them back before the township cuts its police force.

story at DailyLocal.com


 

The Blog is Back

Thanks to any patient readers out there.  The last month has been crazy, and the blog has suffered.  I apologize.  Rest assured, if an of you are still checking...I'm back.

Some humor to lighten the mood

Very funny clip, click here.  Cops can laugh too

Another Campus Shooting

A student-gunman opened fire with an AK-47 rifle this morning at The University of Texas.  Fortunately, before he was able to injure anyone, 19 year old Colton Tooley shot and killed himself.   It is the same Campus that suffered the first infamous campus shooting in 1966.  In 1966 another crazy U of T student shot and killed a dozen people from the campus clock tower.  Needless to say, I'd bet that the U of Texas Campus has been one of the most prepared campuses across the country.  Perhaps, lessons learned from the horrific incident in 1966 were applied today and helped to save lives.

This story is particularly interesting since there is a college campus within my jurisdiction.  Moreover, off the top of my head, I can name 25 college campuses within a 30 minute drive. 

As Phillies Head to Postseason...

With the Phightin Phills  seemingly headed to the postseason, are we in for more mischief and misbehavior from our exuberant residents?  How could any citizen of West Chester forget the mess that occurred in the during/after 2008's Call Classis?  Click here for a reminder, or here for a video reminder.

It almost made me, one of the world's biggest Phillies fans, wish they didn't do well this year. 

By the way, in keeping with my disappointment in the criminal justice system, all of the people that were arrested and charged with Riot and related offenses after the celebratory melee in 2008 were allowed into ARD, the court's diversionary program, and were able to escape any actual jail time and will be allowed to have their criminal records expunged. 

Baseball Stadium Coming to West Chester?

I'm not sure how I feel about it, but there is a chance that the former Wyeth Pharmaceutical cite in the southeast section of West Chester Borough will become a new home to a Phillies minor league affiliate. Story here at the DailyLocal.

I wonder how neighbors would feel being walking distance from a 5 or 6 thousand seat stadium. I also wonder who would REALLY end up paying for the stadium. Who would pay for the added polo e service it would require? State grants (Aka tax-payer dollars) might pay for start up, but what's the long term impact?

If the stadium does become a reality, I hope the Phillies are still competitive when it's built.

Humor and corruption

Today, a friend of mine told me this joke.  When I re-told it to my wife, she didn't laugh.  When I re-told it to a few co-workers, they cracked up...

A butcher walks into a barber shop and gets a hair cut.  Its a particularly good cut, and when he's done, the butcher asks the barber, "how much for the cut?"  The barber refuses to take any money and says "don't worry, we're both tradesmen, maybe one day I'll be in need of your services."  With that, the butcher thanks the barber and leaves.  The next morning, the barber comes to work to find an assortment of fine cuts of meat on his doorstep - a thank you from the butcher.

A few days later, a florist stops in for a hair cut.  After the barber is done, the florist asks, "how much for the cut?"  The barber, similarly, refuses to take any money.  He tells the florist that the cut is on him, and maybe one day he'll be in need of a florist.  The florist thanks the barber and walks out of the shop.  The next morning, the barber arrives at work to find the entire inside of the barber shop adorned with the most beautiful, fragrant flower arrangements.

A few days later, the barber is giving the policeman a hair cut.  The barber takes his time and makes sure to give the officer a particularly handsome hair cut.  When the policeman gets up to pay, the barber won't take his money.  The barber thanks the officer and says, "I appreciate your profession, and maybe one day I'll need a friend in your business"  The cop smiles and thanks the barber, leaving with a spring in his step. 

The next morning, the barber arrives at work and finds ten cops waiting in line for a free haircut!

After Workplace Shooting in Philly, Hero Emerges

Around this time of year, there's lot's of talk about heroes.  Following the 9-11-01 attacks, thousands of people who died, among them hundreds of Firefighters and Police Officers who sacrificed their lives, all have been honorably labeled as heroes.   At West Chester University this weekend, a statue of Flight 173 Co-Pilot Michael Horrocks, a West Chester University football player and graduate, was dedicated at the football stadium.  Horrocks' plane was the second one to fly into the towers.  At Ground Zero, at The Pentagon, and in a field in western Pennsylvania, memorial services were held, honoring heroes from 9-11. 

But on Thursday, a crazed woman with a gun, pissed off because of a looming suspension from her job at the Kraft plant in Philadelphia, entered her workplace and started shooting.   Yvonne Hiller killed two of her co-workers, and shot at at least two others.  Another Kraft employee, Dave Ciarlante, put his life in harms way, by following the shooter through the building, warning other employees, and notifying police of her whereabouts.   Ciarlante himself was shot at by Hiller, but was not struck.  Kudos to Mr. Ciarlante.  Condolences to the families of the victims.

Furnishing Alcohol, Destroying Lives

What a surprise, alcohol is the subject of another post.

On the front page of today's Daily Local News is an article about a 22 year old who police say bought booze for two teens just a few hours before a fatal car crash in the western part of Chester County back in July. Although it doesn't look like the police are saying that alcohol actually caused the crash, I wonder. I wonder how well the 22 year old is sleeping these days. I'm sure she knows the truth; I bet her conscience holds her responsible.

In Pennsylvania, Furnishing Alcohol to Minors is a misdemeanor 3, meaning it's the LEAST serious crime one can commit. I wonder if the parents of the teens involved in that crash think it's the least serious of crimes.

College Student Dies, Alcohol involved

To some people, the two go hand in hand - College and Alcohol.  Ask just about any 18 to 21 year old enrolled in college.  He or she will tell you that alcohol is everywhere, that it is just as much a part of college as books and class.  Ask most parents, and they will admit that they are very much aware that their underage (under 21 year old) kids are drinking are college.  "At least he's not doing drugs," some parents say.

But then you have a case like the one in Bloomsburg this weekend.  A 19 year old college student was found dead after getting drunk and sleeping at a friend's place.  (link to story here at Delcotimes.com)  So what's the deal?  Should drinking and college go together like peas and carrots?  Should we continue to accept Underage Drinking as something that is just going to happen, and then deal with the casualties as they come?  Are we doing enough to keep kids from drinking themselves to death?

Speaking of Frustration

Add this case to the list of defendants slowing down the criminal justice system. 

Stupid Thief Caught on Camera

Click here for the story from the Associated Press.  A stupid thief in Wisconsin is inadvertantly photographed by his victims.  Add this to the dumb criminal file.

btw, I'm disgusted that Floyd and Warner Get to Live

Last week, two thugs who killed Philadelphia Police Sgt. Steven Liczbinski, were sentenced to Life in Prison.   That's right.  Two of the three men responsible for cowardly taking a police officer's life during the commission of a felony will get three meals and a roof over their heads for the rest of their lives.  All at the expense of the people.  Yep, you and me, and every other tax payer in PA will be contributing to feeding, clothing, entertaining, training, counseling, educating, "rehabilitating", two men who deserve no more than a kick in the teeth and a one way ticket off the face of this earth.

Oh, what a system!

Adult Crime, Adult Punishment

By now, the few readers I might have probably already know that I think our justice system needs a swift kick in the butt.  Most importantly, I think that criminals who commit serious crimes need severe punishments.  To see murderers, robbers, burglars and other violent thugs get light sentences is sickening.  Too often I see or read of some thug getting out of prison after as little as a few months for serious crimes.  Well, add juvenile offenders to my list.  If you commit a serious crime, why should you get a better break just because you are under 18?

I'm reminded of the 17 year old who shot his friend at a drunken party in Edgmont Township a few years ago.  It sickened me to learn that a judge sentenced him as a juvenile, essentially maxing out his punishment when he turned 21, as if turning 21 magically rehabilitates anyone.  All to often juvenile thugs seem to get the undeserved breaks, because they are juveniles.  Moreover, its because we want to BELIEVE that they can be rehabilitated and pointed down the right path.  Well, that fine for non-violent, and less serious crimes, but, as far as I'm concerned, those breaks should not be available to those juvenile thugs who commit serious crimes.  Do we honestly believe as citizens that just because someone is 17, or 16, or 15, that we can change a lifetimes worth of thug-programming and make lemonade out of the criminal lemons?   In my experience, the answer is no.

I've been told that to do this would be to "give up" on these young offenders.  I agree, and I'm tired of wasting taxpayer money to try to save those who don't want to be and / or can't be saved.  Lets give up on the thugs and devote time and energy (and if need be, taxpayers' money) to good people, not criminals.

So at what age do I suggest giving up on young thugs and treating them as adults?  Good question.  15?  14? 11?

Maybe a topic for next time.   

Life or Death for Philly Cop Killers?

The Philadelphia Jury is still out.  In 2008, Philadelphia Police Sgt. Stephen Liczbinski was shot and killed by an escaping bank robber, Howard Cain.  Cain was shot and killed by police.  Cain's accomplices,  Eric DeShann Floyd and Levon T. Warner were apprehended by police.  Two weeks ago, Floyd and Warner were found guilty.  Now, the jury has to decide whether they will be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, or to death.  This case is an interesting one, because neither Floyd nor Warner fired any shots.  They were found guilty of Murder based on the the fact that they were accomplices, in the getaway car together, and they shared in the intent to kill the Police Officer.  

I know that the death penalty is not perfect.  I know that there are a million and one reasons to abolish it.  I also know that Eric DeShann Floyd and Levon T. Warner are reasons to KEEP the death penalty, not abolish it.  Coverage here on Philly.com

Also, click here for info on the last six officers killed in the line of duty in Philadelphia.

SWAT Teams Tend to Take Flak

It happens time after time. A violent or potentially violent situation comes to an end after a SWAT team is deployed, and people stomp their feet that the police used too much force.

Today's headline story is tragic. (dailylocal.com) A young man is dead. It is not a happy ending for anyone. My thoughts are with his family, and I wish them the best. Having said that, from reading the story, the police did exactly what they are trained to do. They did exactly what they are supposed to do. They did exactly what they are expected to do. What would the headline say (and what comments would be made) if the police did not go to the home after being notified by Crisis that the individual posed a danger to himself of others? He lived in a residential community, had roommates, had some sort of mental or emotional issue(s) that Crisis alerted police to, and he had a gun.

The concept of an SWAT team was developed by the LAPD in California years ago. SWAT stands for Special Weapons And Tactics. More commonly today we refer to these teams as ERT (emergency response team). Theses teams are better manned and equipped to handle emergency and violent situations. The point is that a patrol officer is just that - a patrol officer. Liken it to your family doctor. If you go to see your doctor for an earache and h finds out it's a brain tumor, would you prefer a brain surgeon perform surgery or would you just stick with your family doctor?

One reader's comment suggested that because the individual ONLY had a handgun, that the ERT team and their weapons was an over-reaction. That type of comment is ridiculous. Forget what you've seen in movies like "Lethal Weapon" or "Cobra". Police officers - too many police officers - are killed every year by individuals with ONLY handguns.

As tragic and unfortunate as yesterdays events were, it could have gone down like this:

Crisis alerts police to individual who may be a threat to himself or others. Police arrive and speak to individual who needs and wants help for his situation. Individual goes with Crisis and receives help. End of story. It's not the ERT team that altered the course of events.

Again, my thoughts and condolences to the family.

Former Mexican President in Favor of Drug Legalization (in Mexico)

Vicente Fox, the former president of Mexico, has voiced his support for the legalization of drugs in Mexico.  Full Story at CNN.com

Fox makes some strong arguments, and has some good points. 

Gun Control, More or Less

Who carries guns?  Cops and Robbers carry them, and that's about it.  At least that the impression you'd get if you believed the newspapers, TV shows, and movies.  When it comes to gun control, I think politicians believe the newspapers, TV, and movies.  Politicians are generally in one of two camps. They are either "pro gun" and would suggest every citizen own at least three guns, whether they want to or not.  Then there are the anti gunners.  They think that guns are synonymous with Satan, crime, and war.  They use terminology made up solely for the news media like "brandish" and "assault rifle."

While I don't have and Second Amendment tattoos, nor do I say a prayer for Charlton Heston every night, I do wish that more law abiding citizens chose to train and arm themselves.  You may ask why I feel that way.  (of course, you might not care either, and that's fine too!)  Well, read the Dailylocal today.  One of the top stories is about an armed robber/robbers that were recently apprehended by police.  I can't help but wonder two things:

First, what would have happened to this idiots if they would have robbed me, or another armed citizen?

Second, would those idiots, and future wanna be idiots, think twice before robbing someone if they knew there was a likelihood that their would-be victims would be armed?

So, should there be more or less gun control?  I think there should be more to the degree that it should be harder for criminals and ne'er-do-wells to get them.  Moreover, when they are caught with them, they should be punished, really punished.

When it comes to the good citizens, I think there should be less gun control.  Law abiding men and women shouldn't be prohibited from buying ammunition.  They shouldn't be taxed out the wazoo for it either.  Nor should they be prohibited from purchasing a particular sized gun or magazine just because a particular state legislature or city council thinks that 9 bullets are ok, but 10 bullets should be prohibited.

I hope I am never robbed at gunpoint.  If I am, I hope its before politicians say I can't arm myself.

Chester Politicians Calling for More Gun Laws

Gun Control.  Hot Topic.  Street Violence.  Hot Topic.  Chester City, Delaware County, has plenty of both hot topics to go around.  Earlier this week, Chester removed the city's temporary state of emergency  and curfew that forbade citizens to roam the streets after 9pm.  The same night that the curfew was lifted, there was another shooting in the city.  The same city that has the brand new multi-million dollar soccer stadium that was paid for in part by tax-paying citizens of the state, has a growing problem with gun violence.

Predictably, politicians, lead this time it seems by Thaddius Kirkland, the democratic state representative, are calling for more gun control laws.  Specifically, Kirkland wants the city to enact an ordinance that makes it an offense for gun owners not to report a stolen gun promptly.

I can't imagine how this will help curb the violence in the city.  Instead, I'd recommend hiring more police officers, and spending the time and money to train them to fight specific problems that promote a culture of street violence.   I think Chester has about 100 cops.  I say, hire 100 more, and commit to training them to clean up the streets.  If money is tight, start selling off bricks to that brand new soccer stadium to raise cash.

story from Daily Times linked here

Pilot Pleads Guilty

The Former US Airways pilot, Joseph Pereira, plead guilty to Invasion of Privacy for surreptitiously snapping a photo up the skirt of a 15 year old girl at the Philadelphia International Airport.  Full Story here.

By the way, what is it about mugshots that makes ordinary people look like dirty old men?

Despite Governor's Request, Rutgers University Won't Grow Pot

New Jersey Lawmakers, including Governor Chris Christie, have made it legal in the State of New Jersey, to use marijuana for specific medicinal purposes.  While the possession of marijuana remains a federal offense, New Jersey and a dozen other states have legalized "medical marijuana".  The problem for Christie and potential medical pot heads is going to be where to get their weed.  Today, Rutgers University denied the governor's request for them to be the sole legal grower of marijuana in the state, according to the New Jersey Star-Ledger.

I'm sure if Christie looked hard enough, it would only take him a few minutes to find another source of the state's marijuana supply.  Trouble is, it must be hard to tax a street corner, I guess.  While Governor Christie is doing a phenomenal job making cut-backs, and balancing a horribly inflated state budget, he will undoubtedly have a harder time getting institutions that rely strongly on financial support of the Federal Government to support a legalization plan that the feds are dead set against.  If officials at Rutgers change their mind, I have a feeling I'll be paying $50 tolls the next time I go to the beach via the AC expressway.

Another Coatesville Arsonist Sentenced, Barely

A few weeks ago, George Donkewicz, the waste of air that deliberately set the fatal fire that killed Irene Kempest, an elderly Coatesville resident and Holocaust survivor was sentenced to 30 to 60 years in prison.  A substantial sentence, and hardly a light one.  (Story HERE at the DailyLocal from back in June)  Indeed, even I agree that the punishment (almost) fit the crime in that case.  Of course, the victim was killed and the offender gets "three hots and a cot" for the next 30 to 60 years, so maybe the punishment doesn't quite fit.  But anyway...in today's paper, I read about another Coatesville arsonist.  This one was lucky enough not to kill anyone.  But it seems to me if you set a building on fire, or try to set a building on fire, you kind of do mean to kill people.  If not the people in or around the building, then you certainly are putting the firefighters at grave risk. 

Anyway, this arsonist, Mark Gilliam, was allowed to plea to 3 to 6 years in prison.  Seems like quite a lucky break for him. (story here) 

Tell Your Kids to SLOW DOWN

I have been a police officer for more than ten years and a volunteer firefighter for more than 15. In that time I've seen hundreds of car crashes. The majority of them are minor fender benders. Unfortunately however, some, indeed too many, are serious or even fatal crashes. I can distinctly remember the first fatal car crash that I was at. As a seventeen year old volunteer firefighter, I was on a crew that was called out to a single vehicle crash into a tree on a local road. There were five teenagers in the car. They were all my age. They were all from the area. All but two of them died from their injuries. The two who survived were seriously injured. And it was Mother's Day.

This scene would be repeated over and over several times over the next 10 years or so. Sometimes only one fatality. Sometimes involving more than one car. But the common thread, as I see it, in all of these fatal crashes involving teenagers is SPEED.

Today's newspaper cites speed as a factor in one of the area's most recent fatal crashes involving teens. It's all too familiar, yet just as disturbing. Teenagers think they know everything, and they think they are invincible. It in their nature, I guess. But as parents, let's do what we can to get our kids to slow down and save a life.

Three Police Officers Arresed in Drug Conspiracy

Sad day for  the good cops in the state.  Three horrible cops arrested by Feds.  Story here at Philly.com

Not much to say here, other than that I am ashamed and embarrassed by these pathetic (former) officers.  

Convicted Rapist Roman Polanski Set Free...Again

     In 1977, Roman Polanski, the actor / director who was more than 40 years old at the time raped a 3 year old girl.  Polanski fed the 13 year old booze and quaaludes, before performing oral, vaginal, and anal sex on her, against her will.  As if a drunk sedated 13 year old could consent to begin with.  Polanski plead guilty to rape, and then, like a coward, he fled the country before sentencing.
     Since his fleeing justice, Polanski has lived the luxurious life of a successful celebrity.  He has produced, directed, and acted in movies.  He has attended awards programs and won film-making awards.  He has moved about freely among countries in Europe, mocking the justice system here in The United States.  Then, finally, almost a year ago, after more than 30 years on the loose,  Swiss authorities arrested Polanski, and planned to extradite him to the U.S. 
     All of that came screeching to a halt yesterday, when Swiss authorities announced that they would release Polanski.  He would not be extradited. 
     So what the hell is wrong with the Swiss authorities?  Could they Europeans do more to undermine The U.S.? Why was Polanski released prior to sentencing in the first place?  Is our system really this f'd up?
     If Polanski wasn't a rich European celebrity would he be running free? Or would he have been sent to prison, and done his time like everyone else?

  On a side note, I saw The Pianist before I knew it was a Roman Polanski film, and I thought it SUCKED.  

     For anyone who cares to read more about this sickening story, its here on CNN.com 

Tragic Police Shooting Ends in Conviction of Officer

A California Transit Police Officer shot and killed a suspect by mistake, on January 1, 2009.  Apparently he meant to deploy his Taser, and mistakenly fired his firearm into the suspects back.  He has been convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter and is awaiting sentencing.  The story is HERE on at CNN.com

There is actual cell phone video of the shooting here at YouTube. 

Comments? Thoughts?

Our Neighbor to the South Bans Texting While Driving

If Delaware can do it, why doesn't Pennsylvania?  Del. Gov. Jack Markell signed a bill today that will prohibit drivers from texting or using hand held cell phones while driving.  (article here at DelcoTimes) Sounds like a great idea to me.  I see people reading and typing on their phone while driving all of the time, and I'm powerless to do anything about it.  At least in Delaware the police can enforce the potentially life-saving law.  While Delaware lawmakers are trying to make the highways safer, Pennsylvania lawmakers are dragging their feet.  (read here at DailyLocal)

A Reason Not to Legalize

The news story linked here from Philly.com might make you re-think your pro-legalization stance.

Technical Difficulties

For some reason, comments are slow to be published.  I don't know what the issue is, but I'm working on it.  Trust me, I'm not trying to censor apposing view points.

Accused Drug Dealer Acquitted, Entrapment Says the Judge

Last week, Judge Bortner found Kevin Clark not guilty of possessing drugs with the intent to sell them, saying that he was entrapped by the police and a police informant.  Defense attorney Fran Miller argued successfully that the informant enticed and encouraged Kevin Clark to commit an act that he otherwise would not have committed.  Entrapment is a rare defense, one I've not seen used successfully in more than 10 years in Law Enforcement. 

The Story is HERE at The DAILY LOCAL NEWS website.  The "Entrapment"section of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code is reprinted below for reference

18 PA CS 313 - Entrapment - A public law enforcement official, or a person action in cooperation with such an official, perpetrates an entrapment if for the purposes of obtaining evidence of the commission of an offense, he induces or encourages another person to engage in conduct constituting such offense by either:


1) by making knowingly false representations designed to induce the belief that such conduct is not prohibited, or;
2) employing methods of persuasion or inducement which create a substantial risk that such an offense will be committed by persons other than those who are ready to commit it.

One less drug dealer off the street, I guess. 

Happy Independance Day

Happy Fourth of July, Americans!

Part II: Cons of Legalization

Ok, how about some negative implications of legalizing drugs. When some proponents of legalization speak about it, they compare alcohol to illicit drugs, including marijuana. Often, they explain how alcohol is worse for the body than marijuana, which may very well be true. The problem I have with that argument is that two wrongs don't make a right. The government regulates the sale of alcohol, and alcohol hurts people. Should the government get into the business of regulating and profiting from even more drugs that hurt people? I say "no".

Alcohol is legal now and DUI is a growing problem. Drunk drivers kill too many people on the roads every year. Imagine if there were as many "high" drivers as there were drunk drivers. I'd have to start taking the train!

While drug related street violence would likely decline, would drug use increase drastically if it were legal and easy to get drugs? If a young person could buy heroin at the Wawa like they buy cigarettes now, would drug abuse skyrocket? I think that it might. If it did skyrocket, there'd be unthinkable fallout from the increased amounts of drug addicts roaming the streets.

...

Drug Debate Part I: The Pros of Legalization

For decades now, there has been a "war on drugs". Ever-present is also the debate on drug legalization (and decriminalization). In the first of this two part post, I'll focus on positives of legalization, and hopefully will generate some READER FEEDBACK. Being a police officer, I'll follow up in a day or two with some cons of legalization.

1) If drugs were legal, there would be more room in prisons for violent offenders. With more prison beds available, we would be less likely to parole, or release early, violent offenders that should be kept out of the public. Judges would also be more likely to sentence violent offenders to more significant prison terms.

2) The government (local, state, and federal level) would save billions of dollars. By not funding a losing war on drugs, we'd save a boatload. That money could be spent on other law enforcement activity like protecting our borders, anti-terrorism, finding bin Ladin, citing speeders, arresting DUI drivers or whatever.

3) The government could make money by taxing the drug trade.

4) If drugs were legalized, there'd be less violence related to illicit drug trade. If your drug of choice were sold over the counter at the 7-11 store, the streets would be safer.

While the points here are not necessarily mine, I've heard all of these arguments before and I'm inclined to think that there is at least some truth to each one. I realize that there is a technical difference between legalization and decriminalization. For the sake of keeping it simple here, I consider legalizing to be similar to the way the government treats alcohol. In most places in the country ( except Pennsylvania) alcohol can be purchased in stores. Taxes are levied on alcohol sales, and there is a minimum drinking age (21).

Violent Day for Law Enforcement

This morning two Tampa, Florida Police Officers were shot and killed in line of duty by some waste of air.

Then, this afternoon, a Chester City, Delaware County Police Officer was shot by some other waste of air. Fortunately, as of this post, news reports indicate that the detective is stable.

More on the tragedy in Tampa when time permits.

My thoughts, of course are with the families of my fallen brothers in Tampa.

Traffic Education

FYI, when a traffic signal is out or malfunctioning, the intersection is to be treated as an all-way stop.  Its not supposed to be a free-for-all.  Why does everyone forget this?

Frustration

With the continuing saga of shootings and street violence in our neighbor to the south, the City of Chester, I'm continually checking the Delaware County Daily Times and the Philadelphia Inquirer for coverage.  A few days ago, the Mayor of Chester ordered a State of Emergency, which, among other things,  allows police to enforce a curfew and prohibits people gathering in groups of three or more without first obtaining a permit.  Last week, a two year old boy was shot and killed by a thugs so called "stray bullet".  (click here for story)

And then today I read the front page and see that another thug, whose stray bullet killed an innocent woman, plead guilty this week.  He plead guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter and Conspiracy to Committ Aggravated Assault, according to the story in the Daily Times.   What's his sentence?  25 years, no not quite that long.  20, no not that long either.  15, getting closer.  11 to 23.  NOT YEARS but months.  11 to 23 months, in other words, one to two years in COUNTY JAIL!

Today I'm a frustrated citizen. 

Over Critical

While having lunch with two friends of mine who are also in law enforcement, my friend Jim made the following statement that I immediately accepted as true, yet I had never really considered it before:

"Everything we do as cops is second guessed and scrutinized."

How true this is!  And how annoying, defeating, undermining, dejecting, and embarrassing this is too.  Everything we do as cops is second guessed and scrutinized.  We write a speeding ticket; it goes to court.  In court the defendant asks why we cited him.  The judge wonders why we didn't "cut him a break"  We arrest a drug dealer; it goes to court.  The newspaper prints a story on it (maybe, ok probably not)  Readers comment and wonder why we are wasting time locking up drug dealers "when there are rapists and murderers running loose!"  We shoot and kill a person who was trying to shoot and kill us; the bad guy's family wonders why we didn't just shoot him in the leg. 

Police live and work in a world without the luxury of hindsight.  We live an work in a world where life and death decisions are made in the blink of an eye.  When a stock broker makes an honest mistake, his clients lose money.  Sometimes they lose lots of money.  But the stock broker is protected.  But not so when the cop makes an honest mistake.  He's labeled as crooked, corrupt, vindictive.  Judges and lawyers with law libraries and all the time in the work to read through them question the officers judgment. 

I can't readily think of another profession that is scrutinized so consistently and heavily as law enforcement.  And as annoying, defeating, undermining, dejecting, ad embarrassing as it is, it just gets plain old.  If I had one "thank you" for every ten "why did you's" I'd be more than happy. 

Philly Police Nab Rapist-Murderer

Donte Johnson was arrested by Philadelphia Police yesterday. (click here for full story in on Philly.com)Johnson is the waste of space who is accused of raping and murdering Sabina
Rose O'Donnell, 20, of Philadelphia. O'Donnell was riding her bike
home from a friends house when she was stalked, raped, and murdered by pure evil.

Which brings me to my point of this blog posting. My wife asked me
what I thought about this case last night. In an effort to reconcile
this aweful crime with her sense, she asked what I thought. "Who does
such a thing? Why did he he have to kill her?"
I didn't have a good answer for her other than this: Evil exists.
Donte Johnson is an evil person. Good people don't do evil things
like rape and murder people.


Needless to say, I'm sure I'll have to read or hear about how Johnson's family can't believe what has happened and how he was always a good kid. Or perhaps about how troubled his childhood was, as if there is any excuse whatsoever for brutally raping and killing a girl who was innocently riding her bike home. What punishment is appropriate for an evil murderer like Donte Johnson? I have a few ideas....

My thoughts and condolences to the family of Sabina O'Donnell.

Top Ten List...Continued

5.  Listening.  Not just listening but interpreting and deciphering too.  Ever try to have a conversation with a drunk Norwegian with a broken jaw?

4.  Parenting.  Long before becoming a parent, I feel like I've honed my skills at work.  Sometimes while dealing with children, but usually with adults.

3.  Staying dry.  The old adage on the job is that "a good cop never gets cold, wet or hungry."  There is truth there.  Without ever using an umbrella, most cops are masters at avoiding getting wet, no matter how hard it might be raining.  There are secrets...but I can't tell.

2.  Laughing.  Cops joke about everything.  It keeps us going.

1.  Eating quickly.  My wife tells me all the time how bad it is to eat fast, but I always do.  If speed eating were an Olympic Event, the team would be made up of cops. 

Top Ten Skills of a Good Cop That Have Little or Nothing to Do With Police Work

10.  Being able to drink a coffee while performing just about any other task, without spilling the coffee.  (I know, you're probably thinking, "big deal, everyone drinks coffee."  The other day I drank a coffee while riding my bicycle through a crowd of people.  It was good coffee too.)

9.  Typing.

8.  Being able to listen to the Phillies game, the police radio, and your babbling partner simultaneously, without missing anything.

7.  Giving directions.   Contrary to popular belief, cops don't always automatically know how to get to from one random destination to another.   However, we pretend that we do.  Side note - if your destination is outside of the jurisdiction of the cop that is giving you directions, travel at your own risk.  I once had a gentleman stop me and ask me how to get from West Chester to Memphis, Tennessee.  He was puzzled when I paused and asked him if he was serious.

6.  Writing in the dark. 

Ah, a cliffhanger.  Come back later for the top 5.

Second Time's a Charm for Killer Joran van der Sloot

Ok, I know it's not a local case, but I will comment anyway...

First off, my condolences to the family of Stephany Flores Ramirez, the beatiful Peruvian 21 year old that seems to have been Joran van der Sloot's second (at least) murder victim.  van der Sloot, for anyone who doesn't remember, is the Dutch national who was arrested twice, but released for "lack of evidence" in the 2005 disappearance / killing of Natalee Halloway, and American vacationing in Aruba.  It looks as though, like most criminals, van der Sloot was at it again.  If any good comes from this case, it the Peruvians will convict van der Sloot and keep him locked up in an awful place for a few lifetimes.  It's a shame though that Peru's death penalty is reserved for "crimes committed in exceptional circumstances", murder alone not being an exceptional circumstance.

More coverge here on cnn.com.    Let's not forget the victims of both horrible crimes, and their families.

Medical Marijuana Munchies

Food For Thought: Interesting news story on medical marijuana in near by New Jersey.

I've hear a bunch of news coverage on the medical marijuana issue in New Jersey recently.  The link above does a good job comparing two states' medical marijuana laws and how they work in the real world.  It also makes me think about the many arguments in favor of legalizing or decriminalizing marijuana.

Quick Funny Story

Great story happened today. 

So, I'm just pulling into the police station, with about 10 minutes to go on my shift.  Its about 90 degrees and humid, and I've been sweating all day long.  I just stopped at Rita's water ice and treated myself to a Wild Black Cherry Gelati with vanilla custard. It looks delicious.

Another officer calls out with a foot pursuit.  He's just stopped a stolen vehicle, and the driver fled from the vehicle on foot.  I sigh, because I imagine my Gelati slowly melting while I'm called to assist the other officer.  Dutifully, yet reluctantly, I carefully place my Gelati on the ground next to the door of the station, and I pedal as expeditiously as I can toward the call for assistance.  After about two minutes,  two women flagged me down in front of their house and told me that "he ran that-a-way!" pointing to their back yard.  It wasn't until I was in the yard that one of them warned me about their pit bull dog.  (side note - he was friendly)  After about 10 minutes of searching, another officer and I found the suspect hiding in a back yard a few blocks from where he ran.   He was actually hiding in a storage shed that was no less than 177 degrees.

So we get the guy locked up and on his way to the police station.  Turns out he is a young kid, 14 or 15 years old.  As I'm walking back to my bike that I ditched where the two helpful women were, one tells me that she saw the kid running toward her house, and she recognized him from the neighborhood.  She asked him what the heck he was doing.  The juvenile's response, "Can I just have a cigarette?  The cops are chasing me!" 


When I got back to the station, I was delighted to see that my Wild Black Cherry Gelati was only partially melted.  I enjoyed it before leaving for the day. 

Help Wanted: Positove Role Models Needed

Must be of sound moral character.  Education a plus, but not required.  Must be willing to travel.  Must like children.  Few, if any arrests preferred.  Must be legally employed.  Must actually be willing to spend time with your children.  Patience required.  Sense of humor a plus.  Pay is low.

Happy Memorial Day

It is the 
VETERAN, 
not the preacher, 
who has given us freedom of religion. 

It is 
the  VETERAN, 
not the reporter, 
who has given us freedom of the press.

It is 
the  VETERAN, 
not the poet, 
who has given us freedom of speech.

It is 
the  VETERAN, 
not the campus organizer, 
who has given us freedom to assemble. 


It is 
the VETERAN, 
not the lawyer, 
who has given us the right to a fair trial. 



It is 
the  VETERAN, 
not the politician, 
Who has given us the right to vote. 

It is the 
VETERAN who 
salutes the Flag, 

It is 
the 
VETERAN
who serves 
under the Flag,

My thanks go to all who have honorably served. 

RIP Gary Coleman

Child actor Gary Coleman, dead at 42. 

Eight Men Out

When I got home this morning after a long, boring, rainy night shift, I turned on the TV and saw that Eight Men Out, the movie about the 1919 Chicago "Black" Sox Baseball team that intentionally lost the World Series, was on.  Being a baseball fan, and not quite tired enough to sleep, I kept it on.  For those readers that are not familiar with the history, in 1919, gamblers persuaded eight members of the 1919 Chicago White Sox baseball team to throw the World Series.  These team members supposedly received payoffs to not play up to their capability.  Most famous among the eight men out was "Shoeless" Joe Jackson.  Jackson was reportedly paid $5000 to throw the series; however,  his batting average was the highest of all players in the series and he made no errors in the field.  Regardless, he was named as one of the eight players who participated in the conspiracy, and he, along with the other seven, was banned from baseball forever.

As soon as the movie was over, I checked the Daily Local's website, as I normally do once or twice a day.  I saw that the "Breaking News" was that a Kennett Square police officer was arrested on rape charges.  I couldn't help but draw parallels.   Let me say this:   If the officer is guilty, I make no excuses for him.  If he is not guilty, I hope that the imperfect system we put out trust in does him justice.  I also wish the best for the victim(s). 

Regardless of the final verdict, people will look at the Kennett Square Police and police in general as untrustworthy, corrupt, criminal, unprofessional, etc.  People will be angry, confused, disappointed, and upset.  I stress to whoever reads this blog that even if the worst is true in this particular case, that it is the EXCEPTION to the rule.  If the allegations are true, the officer in question did a great disservice to the 99.9% of officers that are good people.  Good police do not tolerate bad police.  The rotten apple does spoil the bunch.  We are aware of that.  When the rotten apples are identified, they are removed before the bunch spoils.  If any good comes from these instances, it is that people can see that good police do not tolerate bad police.

As bad a mark as the Black Sox scandal made on baseball, it is still America's Pastime.  Americans still delight in a night at the ballpark.  Likewise, as bad a mark as cases like these leave of the law enforcement profession, the profession can still be trusted.