chief of police

I Quit

I Quit Johnny Paycheck popularized this song originally written by David Allen Coe in 1977, and despite having been his only #1 hit, we recall with clarity those famous words, “Take this job and shove it.” He sings about the dissatisfaction and hurt of a man who gave his life to his work without reciprocation of reward. Ok, I’m not quitting, but it gets your attention. It also gains the attention of supervisors, Chiefs and Mayors who ask, “Why?” Well, there are []

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do February 13, 2013 in Featured, Patrol, Posts by Chief Scott Silverii, Ph.D. Let’s explore why it is so hard to “break up” from a job you love and love to not love. before beginning, I was approached by a lady Saturday night while monitoring a downtown nightclub crowd following the Ambrosia Mardi Gras parade. She is not associated with law enforcement and I am not sure who she is. She was kind enough to share having []

I’m Shaping Up; Week 6

I’m Shaping Up; Week 6 It’s Monday and week #6 in my quest for regaining a healthy lifestyle.  I have to say that I still have a way to go but I figured out the secret. Eat less of this – and do more of this – Of course it’s not that simple, but it helps from getting overwhelmed and for setting small obtainable goals. I’ve remained true to Lt. Lane’s diet and earned a “2 Hour Cheat” where I was allowed []

Leadership: Trust Me

Thibodaux Police Chief: ‘Trust me’ Editor’s Note: This article is an archived media piece posted in January 2011 when Chief Silverii first took office.  Newly appointed Thibodaux Police Chief Scott Silverii speaks to the department as a group for the first By: Nate Monroe Published: Thursday, February 3, 2011 at 11:01 a.m. THIBODAUX — Thibodaux Police Chief Scott Silverii wanted to make sure his officers were ready to break with the past. In the opening portion of a speech addressed to most of the []

10 Questions with Chief of Police Scott Silverii

10 Questions with Thibodaux Police Chief Scott Silverii Thibodaux Police Chief Scott Silverii shares ideas about the department after being appointed earlier this year. Originally Published: Friday, September 16, 2011. Since taking over the job in January, Thibodaux Police Chief Scott Silverii has changed the structure and ideology of the police department. He has also faced a number of challenges, most notably the brutal murder of 7-year-old Jori Lirette in August. Daily Comet Staff Writer Nate Monroe sat down and talked with Silverii []

I’m Fat; Week 3

Continuing Health Partnership Last Monday was so exciting to announce the partnership with CopsAlive.com. It also meant the added pressure of extra accountability and less breaking my diet and exercise commitments. Unfortunately, peer pressure does not lock the freezer from late night ice cream binges. I did however, use the BMI link  (Ouch!!) and measure everything spreadsheet to set goals and monitor my intake and activities. John Marx has included more great information and we all encourage you to join us in []

Rookie Cop; The Stand-Up Guy

Years ago while commanding a Uniform Patrol Division for a nationally accredited Sheriff’s Office, I worked closely with the Regional Police Training Academy Director. Having previously worked for me in a special services division, we became fast friends. The Question Following the graduation of each academy class, the rookies reported to the Patrol Section for assignment to an experienced Field Training Officer (FTO). The Director made it a point to ask if they still stood up. I’d laugh and say, “Yes.” This went on for just a few weeks, []

Cops; Old Bulls & Young Bulls

January 22, 2013 in Featured, Leadership, Posts by Chief Scott Silverii, Ph.D. Who can forget Robert Duval’s advice to a young LAPD Officer played by Sean Penn in the 1988 movie “Colors?” While Duval’s character may have been referring to operational efficiency more than chronological age, the point is that better results are often associated with maturity. Oakland’s Chief of Police Howard Jordan recently announced increasing the Police Department’s minimum hiring age from 20.5 years to 25 years old. I hope this []

I’m Fat – Week 2 & Joined by CopsAlive.com

Blessed by a New Partnership I posted this just 2 weeks ago for motivating myself to regain healthy habits, encourage others to join in by setting their own goals for holistic health, and creating a forum for sensible information and accountability. Last week, I spoke with John Marx at CopsAlive.com who offered to partner. They provide fantastic practical information ranging from health to spiritual survival. Our plan is to post every Monday. I will give you a brief update of my progress, []

It’s Just Funny

My Bike Patrol Officers are watching Wal-Mart surveillance video for an arrest they made of a thief in progress. One Officer uses the “front brake” at dismount and, well, you see it. The laughter is what you get, the respect is what you earn. These guys have my total respect. I just had to share a lighter moment of Cop Culture.

I’m Fat – Week 1

Sunday’s initial post took a bit of courage to hit “publish.” It’s out there with zero regrets. Seems there are many others willing to team up for health’s sake. I’m thankful for you sharing your challenges and goals. Don’t leave us out here alone. Welcome weekly support from diet, nutrition, exercise and stress reduction team members. Contact me at brightblueline@gmail.com to help Here’s to holding each other accountable when the couch looks inviting and the snacks endless. Week 1 recap; Weight – 222 lbs []

I’m Fat

I weighed a super healthy 180 lbs the day I was sworn in as the Chief of Police. One year later, I was at 225 lbs. Sound familiar? Granted, that first year as Chief also included my last year of a PhD program. Still, having dropped from a 260lbs powerlifter to a 180lbs triathlete (very recreational) showed I had the ability. Christmas morning 2011, I hit the scale, and it hit back with a reading of 225 lbs. I stepped off determined to drop at least 20 lbs by my []

Know What To Do & When To Do It

Know What To Do & When To Do It By: Chaplain Ronnie Melancon From: Thibodaux Police Department Several years back, I read where an Oregon middle school was having problems with girls applying lipstick and kissing the bathroom mirrors. One day, the principal gathered the girls she believed to be involved, and stood them before the kissed mirrors. The principal told the girls, “Please help me to stop this problem. It is so hard for our janitor to clean this off. Watch, []

Black History Month Highlight: Captain Preston Jacobs

No Man Is An Island. No Man Walks Alone In honor of Black History Month, Chief Scott Silverii and the Thibodaux Police Department honors the legacy of a man still fondly remembered more than 20 years since his passing. Preston “Jake” Jacobs began his career with the Thibodaux Police Department in April of 1969. He was only the second black man to join the agency, and was hired by then Police Chief Earl Melancon Sr., who spoke very highly of Jake at []

Discover Our “WHY” Week -Day 5

Once you discover your passion, everything else makes sense. This week, lets discuss and discover our “why.” If you liked this message, please share the vision by passing it along. Help ignite a cultural revolution.

Discover Our “WHY” Week – Day 4 – Guest: Sgt. Todd Prevost

I have known “Pre” for many years, and I am thankful for his friendship. Though I may have taught him a bit about POP Squad and SWAT, it was he teaching us about consistency, committment and humility. I am honored that he agreed to share his passion with us. He is blessed for having discovered his “WHY”  Bike Cop, “WHY?” After sixteen years in law enforcement, thirteen spent patrolling on a bicycle, I am still asked, “why?” Many accompany the question with further inquiries into as why I []

Discover Our “WHY” Week -Day 3

Once you discover your passion, everything else makes sense. This week, lets discuss and discover our “why.” If you liked this message, please share the vision by passing it along. Help ignite a cultural revolution.

Discover Our “WHY” Week – Day 1

Once you discover your passion, everything else makes sense. This week, lets discuss and discover our “why.” If you liked this message, please help share the vision by sharing our site.

“PEOPLE I LOVE” Week – Day 4

MCR Forgiveness and Reconciliation This is a tough one to share for several reasons, but often times saying “I love you” requires []

“PEOPLE I LOVE” Week – Day 3

Bill Cassidy Fearless Christian Leadership I was crossing a highway in south Louisiana following the blessing of the fleet ceremony about two years ago. Stopping to say hello to the deputy directing traffic I heard a conversation between he and another person I did not know. They were talking about exercise, and I naturally jumped in. We continued our conversation while walking off the highway leaving the deputy to his duties. Within moments, the conversation turned to Christ. He was on fire []

“PEOPLE I LOVE” Week – Day 1

People I Love Week Dave Paul Thibodaux I recently published a book based on my doctoral dissertation research, A Darker Shade of Blue: From Public Servant to Professional Deviant. It is the culmination of 7 years in graduate school while earning a Master of Public Administration and a Ph.D. This is a commitment I made to sacrifice my time and energies in pursuit of something special to me; education. My friend and dear brother, Dave Paul “DP” Thibodaux also made a commitment, []

The Final Inspection; A Beautiful Policeman’s Prayer

“Step forward now, policeman,
You’ve borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven’s streets,
You’ve done your time in hell.” 

An Act of “Not-So” Random Kindness

An Act of Not-So-Random Kindness I regularly contribute to Law Enforcement Today that hosts a members and internal messaging section. I have become connected through e-mail with a California Police Department’s Chaplain, having exchanged a few messages for personal introductions. This week while praying over a difficult situation, I happened to log onto LET to receive the message included below. I’ve removed his name and contact information, but leave his simple gesture and act of kindness. I consider it not-random because I []

01/24/13; Part 2 – CHANGING THE CULTURE AND HISTORY OF POLICING

This is a two-part series about the needs, challenges and promises for revolutionizing the profession of policing.  We have performed brilliantly at times, and with an openness for improvement, we will be brilliant always. Changing the culture and history of policing

Changing the Culture & History of Policing – Part 1

This is a two-part series about the needs, challenges and promises for revolutionizing the profession of policing.  We have performed brilliantly at times, and with an openness for improvement, we will be brilliant always. CHANGING THE CULTURE AND HISTORY OF POLICING  PART 1     The apple never really falls far from the tree, and this remains a truism of policing’s reactive paradigm of responding to crime.  The tree I’m referring to is England’s tithing system begun in 648 A.D. that included []

I Love You….

I Love You… There, I said it. Actually, I said it Wednesday night to my entire agency during our annual Blue Summit. I am not a “tree-hugging” chief of police, but I do believe that a key part of sincere leadership is allowing yourself to be human to your staff. I also remind them that I prayed with expectancy before accepting the position, as God led me to this city to serve Him, them and our citizens. Sharing the vision, the bigger []