cop culture

Understanding Police: My PhD Research

July 24, 2016

Understanding Police: My PhD Research I’m still in shock over the North Miami Police shooting of Charles Kinsey. I keep waiting for a plausible explanation before I make any comment on this. It’s hard, very hard to just remain silent.   So many folks want to understand the world of law enforcement, but will never gain an objective perspective. My research conducted for my PhD has been published twice – once as a textbook titled, Cop Culture: Why Good Cops Go Bad, […]

FIT@50 / week 62

May 20, 2016

It’s also that humanity that has stirred my emotions all week. I still miss each of my 7 friends who died in the line of duty. Actually, I grieve for the 20,789 names of American law enforcement officers senselessly killed while doing only what we all swore to do – Serve and Protect.

Hug a Police Dispatcher – Do it today

April 16, 2015

This week honors Emergency Dispatchers – the life lines who answer frantic 9-1-1 calls, dispatches officers to the scene and records the funny or painful details of each call for service. Often unsung, Emergency Communications Operators are the true heroes – Hug a Police Dispatcher – Do it today

FIT@50 \ week 5

April 10, 2015

FIT@50 \ week 5 Legacy Building Talking with a newly promoted commander I encouraged him to consider how he wanted to be remembered. “Think about building your legacy today,” I said, “not on your deathbed.” He leapt to his feet and shared a movie scene he felt applied. Warring kings agreed to have their respective champions fight in their place. King A calls a giant, menacing soldier. King B calls a guy—who’d decided to sleep in that morning. An apprentice was dispatched […]

FIT@50 \ week 4

April 3, 2015

FIT@50 \ week 4: 1 hour – I was feeling a bit omniscient this week as my 25th year in law enforcement roared around. Sharing a few old stories with the guys helped me reflect on how incredibly different my life had turned out. Our historical journey migrated to a generational generalization. You know the one about, “kids now a days…” Seems the moment 8 hours of accrued leave is earned, some employees miraculously become ill for precisely 8 hours. Just then […]

Why are police funerals good for the profession?

February 28, 2015

Last month I visited the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, DC. I stood over the granite wall with the carvings of more than 20,000 names of officers killed for no other reason than reporting for duty. I knelt at panel 38-E:25 and ran my fingers over his name – Octavio Rafael Gonzales. The feigned smile exchanged the grief I’ve carried over the years for a public show of respect. On the very next panel, number 36-E: 27 – Timothy Bergeron elicited […]

TPD Celebrated 3rd Annual Blue Summit

January 15, 2015

“We are a shining example to the nation that you can combine compassion and policing to achieve great things.” Those are the words heard by Thibodaux Police Department personnel as Thibodaux Chief of Police Scott Silverii spoke at Blue Summit, the agency’s annual departmental meeting. The entire department gathers once a year to share a meal, receive awards, and hear from Mayor Eschete and Chief Silverii, who recap the previous year and share a vision for the next. “We’re going to continue […]

Ferguson & Public Engagement | What are they good for?

November 29, 2014

What’s the best time to plant a tree? – 30 years ago. What’s the next best time to plant a tree? – Today In general, law enforcement has made for horrible horticulturalists. We’ve not tilled the soil of community engagement as a practice. Now we wonder why no one understands us. When an incident like Ferguson erupts, the pundits hurry to fend off allegations from a civilian population incessantly asking for answers. I’ve had so many tell how they’ve unfriended people on […]

“If Not Us, Who?”

November 27, 2014

“If Not Us, Who?” My heart weighs heavy in this week before the important decisions contemplated by a civilian grand jury in another state. After nearly 25 years of serving my community and country, I see the potential for an occupationalrevolution. The potential for substantially significant cultural change. While most revolutions are spurned through violence, this cannot be one of them. Soon, events born in violence will again effect this country. Not just for today, but years to come. Regardless what you […]

Us versus Them | A Ferguson Outcome

November 25, 2014

Us versus Them: Sunday I shared the burden on my spirit in anticipation of the grand jury decision, “If Not Us, Who?” (https://www.facebook.com/CopsWritingCrime) It wasn’t about an outcome. It was that our nation rallied on either side of the issue based not on facts and evidence, but on historical perspective. Truth is, there’s more than one narrative to American history. Just before turning off the news, I received a private message. Simply, it read – We Won! In clarity, I saw this […]

TBT – SWAT School (1990)

August 7, 2014

Always fun to shoot up stuff. Ever heard of a Nor’easter? We bayou boys learned real quick out in the plains of West Texas.

UK Cops – From Small Acorns Do Great Oaks Grow

July 22, 2014

Posted by my Brother in Blue from across the Pond – Nathan Constable   It’s not like me to struggle for words when it comes to writing a blog but on this occasion I really am. This blog is primarily meant to be about UK COPS, the superb work it does and the phenomenal strength shown by the survivors. And yet – there is a theme around this that I am finding hard to verbalise. A theme I am almost uncomfortable in […]

Police K-9 Interview | Part 2

July 13, 2014

  Many thanks to Lieutenant Eddie Rodrigue, III for taking his time to answer questions about K-9 Handlers and their partners. Join […]

Police K-9 Interview | Part 1

July 12, 2014

  Many thanks to Lieutenant Eddie Rodrigue, III for taking his time to answer questions about K-9 Handlers and their partners. Join Chief Scott Silverii for more from Eddie Rodrigue. Thanks again Eddie. Lets start with an introduction? I’m currently a Lieutenant for the Thibodaux Police Department. I supervise the K-9 Unit and Problem Oriented Policing Unit. I’m also assigned to the Lafourche Parish Interagency Crises Management Unit (SWAT). I’m currently a National Certifying Official for the National Narcotics Detection Dog Association […]

Our HOT CAR Message went viral | Just don’t do it

July 12, 2014

The Thibodaux Police Department challenges each officer to create innovative social media messaging that relates to our citizens and demonstrates our willingness to extend ourselves to serve the city. This selfless demonstration by Public Information Officer Detective David Melancon illustrates our vision of service. Way to Geaux

The basis for a right relationship

June 29, 2014

In my years of ministry, I have been with numerous people as they left this life to enter into eternity. None have called for their accountant or their bankbooks. They only call for their family members, friends, and their God. At the end of life we all realize the only thing that really matters is our relationships. Ultimately, the most important is the relationship we have with our God. God created a special garden He called Eden, and placed the first man […]

Teammates

June 11, 2014

  Looking forward to this summer’s Big Fun Day for Thibodaux Jr Police and families.

Who is Calling the Shots?

June 8, 2014

The greatest battleground in your life is between your ears. Scripture clearly states that as a man thinks, so is he. The Apostle Paul wrote that the way to transform your life and find God’s perfect will is to transform your thinking to God’s way. (Romans 12:1-2) Our right choices allow His Holy Spirit to transform our hearts and make us a child of God. This is what scripture calls “born again”. It is clear that the battle between Good and Evil […]

Always Training

June 5, 2014

  Officers regularly endure mental, physical and emotional challenges to better prepare us to serve you.

Policing with compassion

May 30, 2014

Policing with Compassion: Renee Mitchell at TEDxOxbridge My friend, Sergeant Renee Mitchell, one of the great new innovators in re-inventing policing, shares her experience and the need to do it better. To show compassion and humanity while serving others. Great job Renee  

Five Things

May 27, 2014

FIVE THINGS LAW ENFORCEMENT EXECUTIVES CAN DO TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE 1. Crime is rarely random; patrols shouldn’t be either. Focusing on small geographic locations and times when crimes occur and targeting specific, high-impact repeat offenders can decrease crime. 2. Quality is more important than speed. In most cases, thorough investigations, problem solving and careful forensic evidence collection contribute more to arresting suspects than shaving a few seconds off of initial response times. 3. DNA works for property crimes, too. Collecting and using DNA evidence […]

Police Week 2014; Honoring Captain Keith Paul Chiasson

May 16, 2014

Captain Keith Paul Chiasson is my Brother, and I miss you Captain Keith Paul Chiasson Thibodaux Police Department, Louisiana End of Watch: Monday, March 10, 2008 Bio & Incident Details Age: 51 Tour: 31 years Cause: Gunfire Incident Date: 2/19/1980 Weapon: Handgun Captain Keith Chiasson succumbed  to gunshot wounds sustained in 1980. He was shot several times after  responding to a complaint at a local night club. He died as a result of the  wounds on March 10, 2008. Captain Chiasson had […]

Police Week 2014; Honoring Chaney Champagne

May 15, 2014

Detective Chaney Champagne was my Brother and I miss you. Detective Chaney Joseph Champagne Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Department,  Louisiana End of Watch: Thursday, July 31, 2003 Bio & Incident Details Age: 45 Tour: 22 years Badge # 732 Cause: Automobile accident Incident Date: 7/31/2003 Detective Chaney Champagne and  Sergeant Kurt Harrelson were killed when their patrol car collided with a truck  on State Highway 308. At approximately 1530 hours, Detective Champagne  and Sergeant Harrelson were responding to a call reporting an elderly woman had  […]

Police Week 2014; Honoring Martha Ann Woods-Shareef

May 14, 2014

 Sheriff’s Deputy Martha Ann Woods-Shareef was my Sister and I miss you. Deputy Sheriff Martha Ann Woods-Shareef Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Department,  Louisiana End of Watch: Wednesday, August 20, 2008 Bio & Incident Details Age: 53 Tour: 15 years Cause: Vehicular assault Incident Date: 8/20/2008 Weapon: Automobile Suspect: Apprehended Deputy Martha Woods-Shareef  succumbed to injuries sustained when she was run over by a vehicle while  investigating a burglary on Highway 20. She had responded to a local convenience  store at 2:30 am after an alarm […]

Police Week 2014; Honoring Octavio Rafael “Ox” Gonzalez

May 12, 2014

Captain Octavio Rafael  Gonzalez was my Brother and I miss you. Captain Octavio Rafael Gonzalez St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s  Office, Louisiana End of Watch: Friday, June 16, 2006 Bio & Incident Details Age: 40 Tour: 13 years Cause: Gunfire Incident Date: 6/16/2006 Weapon: Gun; Unknown type Suspect: Sentenced to life Captain Octavio Gonzalez was shot  and killed while participating in a manhunt for two suspects who had shot and  wounded another deputy minutes earlier. The wounded deputy and his  partner […]

City on a Hill | Day of Prayer

May 2, 2014

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; – Matthew 5:14 It was a humbling presence to pray for our law enforcement and military on Thibodaux’s courthouse steps. The representation of spiritual leaders, prayer warriors and praise partners gathered to pray for our nation, state and city illustrates that God is Not Dead – He’s roaring like a LION in the City of Thibodaux – Our city on a hill.  

The Christian Police Officer

March 7, 2014

By: Officer Johnathon Fontenot Thibodaux Police Department (LA)  I am a Christian, but I am also a Police Officer. The challenges of being a Christian or a Police Officer are in and of themselves diverse, but being both at the same time has proved to be more challenging than I could have ever imagined. My journey with God began in the summer of 2009. My life was completely transformed, and God gave me an intense desire to know more about him. So, […]

Rating Success Differently

February 24, 2014

Cop Culture: Why Good Cops Go Bad ranked in 3 of Amazon’s top categories. I am truly grateful. More importantly, I’ve received calls and e-mails from people asking about the work. They share that reading the book is like watching what their spouse or family member is going through on the job. I always assure them to read through to the recommendations!! If it helps one cop, one family or one community, it is a measured success. That’s rating success differently. Stay Blue, […]

Quiet Your Mind

February 17, 2014

Can You Quiet Your Mind? From John Marx’s CopsAlive.com For law enforcement professionals the importance of being able to quiet your mind is critical as the thoughts, ideas, plans and excessive noise in our heads can become overwhelming. Even in their more mild expressions these thoughts can keep us from being focused, attentive, alert and might disturb our sleep. The profession of law enforcement can be quite toxic and contributes many direct threats to your mental and emotional well-being, not to mention […]

Lead Thyself

November 26, 2013

Lead Thyself: Quick Tips for Those Managing Themselves There’s a common misconception regarding the title of “leader”: You don’t have to be a manager or a supervisor in order to lead.  If you’re providing direction or support to fellow colleagues, you’re a leader.  More importantly, being a leader starts with being able to manage yourself effectively. If you one day wish to move up the corporate ladder and lead others, you must start with yourself.  Even if you have no interest in entering […]

Show me yours…

November 24, 2013

 “Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.” That’s not just some cool quote or a random idea from Google. It’s a Biblical concept. In Proverbs 13:20, Solomon, the wise-guy, wrote: “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”   It’s just like your mother always told you – Be careful who you hang around; Be careful who you associate with; Guard who pours into your life. Don’t let just anyone […]

Dreaming in Blue

November 15, 2013

From one of my favorite police leaders on cultural change; Improving Police I hope you do not think that I am saying or suggesting that our nation’s police have not improved? They have! Looking back (and I make this point in my new book) there have been major points of improvement that have helped move police forward. First of all, there is the Wickersham Commission in the 1930s and President Johnson’s crime commission in the mid-1960s. Both commissions led to many of today’s […]

Leadership, Smeadership | Get your own coffee

November 4, 2013

I’m often asked by officers, media and my college students about leadership. Seldom is asked what it takes to be led, or how to actually lead; but mostly when do “I get a chance to lead” or “I want to lead now.” I appreciate the enthusiasm, and if sincere, the desire to offer themselves up for the sacrifice to lead others. Sacrifice? Did you say “sacrifice?” No one ever mentioned sacrifice. Guess what? Servant leadership requires sacrifice. You must understand that to […]

Peer Pressure: I passed a tractor & ate a bug

October 17, 2013

Yes, it’s much better than had I eaten a bug, then “passed” a tractor. Get it? Anyway, peer pressure is an odd phenomenon. We exert it or succumb to it as children, we implore our own kids not to fall victim to it, yet even as adults we sometimes still give in to it. Bicycles don’t usually pass moving vehicles on the highways, but many of us have dreamed of that moment when pure man and muscle-driven machine out runs an automotive […]

Can a Christian be a Cop?

October 15, 2013

I’m often asked, “Who is God and why should I serve Him?”  My answer is that God was the first cop.  “For […]

Silence in Policing | A Cultural Revolution

October 7, 2013

NOTE: Going back through articles I’ve written, this was and still is an important issue in the profession and use of social media by law enforcement. Police Silence in Research This post covers law enforcement’s “Code,” and the blue culture of police silence. I spent several years researching this culture during an anthropological ethnography for my doctorate degree. Going back into my research, I decided to use that as my source for drawing information for this post about the influence of Police […]

The Extra Mile

October 6, 2013

We have all heard the expression “Going The Extra Mile,” which refers to acts of service that go beyond what is required or expected. What some may not know is that the expression comes from the Bible, when Jesus declares in his sermon on the mount – “Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two” (Matthew 5:41). The verse is a reference to the practice of “impressment,” which, among other things, allowed a Roman soldier to conscript a Jewish […]

The Fishbowl | What you do in Public

October 2, 2013

NOTE: I am posting this message received for two reasons; 1. It was sent via social media, so I trust I’m not violating a confidence by posting. 2. It is possibly the nicest message I have received, and moves me to know that our actions, as important as our words, speak volumes about who we are and what we do. Hi, Scott. I found your sight by clicking on a twitter link tweeted by an author friend. I was curious because of […]

Personal Sacrifice | What’s “IMPORTANT”

September 26, 2013

  It’s amazing what you find in the very bottom of a large cardboard box marked “IMPORTANT” About 4 years have passed since I’d last looked for the “IMPORTANT” container. This picture was down about the bottom of other “IMPORTANT” items, pictures, floppy disks (yes, floppy disks) and various life affirming items. The action, the brilliant illumination or deafening decibel from the flash bang, the high-tech weaponry, nor the dangerous fugitives captured was “IMPORTANT” It is the honor of serving many years in SWAT with committed and compassionate officers […]

When God has a Message | Just hush

September 24, 2013

Developing a talking theme for the year’s last quarter, I thought about leadership. Everyday my inbox is inundated with training solicitations for courses on leadership. Sure, everyone wants to lead, guide, direct and command. It’s our manifest destiny standing at the helm with a sword in one hand inspiring the troops. Today we can learn how to do it for a very reasonable registration fee, travel, hotel and per diem. Then I thought about learning to serve instead. Jotting ideas of what our commission as public servants […]

Remembered

September 11, 2013

God Bless America

If you had just one bullet

August 26, 2013

Amazing what common sense and compassion accomplish. Keep it in your pocket.

Valor | Strength of Mind & Spirit

August 9, 2013

  I am so fortunate to be associated with men and women who hold this sacred. I’m thankful for their friendship, service and sacrifice. Who do you know living by this ethos? Thank them. Thank you.                      

I’m Shaping Up | Week 22

August 5, 2013

I’m Shaping Up; Week 22 Hi everyone, good to be back after a week in North Dakota. No exercise, unless you call reading highway safety reports and eating hotel food all week exercise. Did you know that it’s hot and humid in south Louisiana? You’d think I would know that too, but it didn’t stop me from overdoing it this weekend. But don’t “I told you so” too quickly. I was inspired by the wonderful folks I’ve rejoined in our Bayou Country […]

Local cops, kids bond over library storytime

July 23, 2013

Thibodaux kids have the right to remain entertained. The Thibodaux Police Department partnered with the Thibodaux Library to have officers read stories to kids at least twice a month. Detective Douglas Fontana, who read stories Monday evening, said the program started about three months ago as a way for officers to get more involved in the community. “It really gives us a chance to expand and do things we normally wouldn’t do,” he said. Fontana said his favorite stories are the ones […]

How Much Police Brutality Is Enough?

July 18, 2013

NOTE: This is an article from 2001, but I find it’s perspective of police force interesting. I want to share this alternative view by Daniel McCarthy. What do you think; how much police brutality is enough? “…I’m one of these guys who thinks cops can slap people around from time to time — if it’s called for and if they don’t get caught….” “The thin blue line needs to operate in a wide gray area when it comes to maintaining the social order….” The quotes are […]

I’m Shaping Up | Week 20

July 15, 2013

  I’m Shaping Up; Week 20 How to you benchmark 20 weeks of concerted efforts for reclaiming health? Just show up. I’ve been chipping away with daily runs, yoga and cycling. Most after work rides allow about 25 – 30 mile rides through beautiful bayous and endless acres of sweeping sugarcane fields. My cycling club, Bayou Country Cyclists held the regular Saturday ride. The club president, Christy J. e-mailed me Friday and said just show up. 75 miles and 4 hours later, […]

I’m Shaping Up | Week 19

July 8, 2013

I’m Shaping Up; Week 19 This 4th of July holiday provided great opportunities for family, fun, food and showing my siblings who is boss. OK, actually I over ate at a family BBQ, chased kiddo down at a Veteran’s celebration in the park, and blamed the mysterious disappearance of about 6 homemade brownies on my youngest niece. Yes, I was out of character but we all need a break sometimes. As for exercise, it was another great week to include running, walking and […]

Code 9 | Officer Needs Assistance

June 18, 2013

Code 9 | Officer Needs Assistance; these words strike at our deepest fear. There is nothing in this life that can prevent fellow officers from getting to an officer in need. All I am asking is that you watch this video. Yes, it’s that important. I watched this video sent to me by Deborah Ortiz and was moved with emotion as I listened to children speak the words that Police Officers never will. Please get involved; no more silent suffering. Deborah’s FB message: hello […]

I’m Shaping Up | Week 16

June 17, 2013

I’m Shaping Up; Week 16 This week was awesome for so many more reasons than 2-a-day workouts. By regaining a level of fitness, this weekend’s searing heat was much more tolerable while spending time outdoors. I trust you Dads enjoyed your day, and today is a great opportunity to join us in Shaping UP! Week 16 Here’s to holding each other accountable when the couch looks inviting and the snacks endless. Weight – Don’t know. Still not worrying about these numbers. Exercise […]