cop culture

Counting the Cost

June 16, 2013

Horatio G. Spafford was a Chicago Presbyterian layman. He was born in North Troy, New York on October 20, 1828. After graduating from college and passing the bar exam, he established a successful legal practice in Chicago. He enjoyed a very lucrative law practice, yet always maintained a keen interest in Christian activities. He was personally acquainted with D. L. Moody, and the other evangelical leaders of that era. George Stebbins, a noted Gospel musician of the day, described H. G. Spafford as “a man of […]

A Response to Rt. Hon. Keith Vaz MP | Nathan Constable (UK)

May 30, 2013

NOTE: I follow the work of Nathan Constable, who regularly posts about the conditions of policing in the UK. This recent event involving the brutal murder of a British soldier on the streets of London, solicited an unusual response from a high-ranking official. You think the U.S. has issues?? Stay Strong UK Blue  Reposted from my Friend & Brother in Blue from the UK; Nathan Constable This morning, the Rt. Hon. Keith Vaz MP, Chair of the Home Affairs Select Committee has […]

The Christian Police Officer

May 23, 2013

The Christian Police Officer – By: Officer Johnathan Fontenot 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, […]

National Police Week: What is a Police Officer?

May 13, 2013

In Honor of National Police Week, I will dedicate each day to a personal friend lost in the line of duty. Each loved their country, their community, their agency and mostly their families. Please join us in celebrating not how they died, but how they lived their heroic lives.

Police Chief Scott Silverii: Sheepdogs in the Fringe

May 8, 2013

Editor’s NOTE: Originally posted at The Graveyard Shift as a contributing guest of Lee Lofland. Police Chief Scott Silverii: Sheepdogs in the Fringe I was recently asked to speak at a book reading for the local library to discuss my latest work on cop culture, “A Darker Shade of Blue; From Public Servant to Professional Deviant.” Unsure of what was expected, I looked for key sections or excerpts that might appeal to the civilian public. One of the selections discussed why cops […]

I’m Shaping Up; Week 9

April 29, 2013

I’m Shaping Up; Week 9 Though I’m not a big fan of this word, it describes last week’s shaping up efforts; NO. No weight training. No cardio exercises. No adherence to Lt. Lane’s diet. Have I fallen off the health wagon? No. Times like last week can come out of nowhere, and rob us of the luxury of time we thought was ours to schedule. What does it mean for me personally? Well, it does not good beating myself up over it. […]

Chief Scott Silverii, Ph.D. Named Executive Fellow | Police Foundation

April 25, 2013

Police Foundation President Jim Bueermann approved the appointment for City of Thibodaux Chief of Police, Dr. Scott Silverii as an Executive Fellow and member of its Research Advisory Committee. The Police Foundation also sponsors the Cambridge Police Executive Program Executive Fellowship Program Executive Fellows at the Police Foundation are current or retired executive-level members of criminal justice organizations whose knowledge, experience and skills help advance the Foundation’s mission. They serve as members of the President’s Practitioner Advisory Board to help ensure the Foundation is […]

HONESTY IS NOT THE BEST POLICY…

April 14, 2013

Editor’s Note: I loved this the first time I read it. Speaking with friends this weekend made me want to share it again. God bless them & you. By: Chaplain Ronnie Melancon: Years ago I went to a Christian school training, and I never forgot what one of the speakers said – “Honesty is not the best policy. It is the only policy.” If we allow ourselves an option, we will always find certain situations produce a convenience to be dishonest. Jesus […]

I’m Shaping Up; Week 6

April 8, 2013

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 […]

Building Momentum For Your Life

April 7, 2013

Building Momentum For Your Life It is said that you can take a 4”x4” block of wood and place it in front of a steam engine train and it cannot move. Let that same train build up its speed to 50 mph, and it can blow through a 10’x10’ steel reinforced block of concrete. That is the power of momentum.  Obstacles are a part of life; we all deal with them, but those that are successful in life are people who keep […]

Honoring Police Radio Dispatchers Week; Thank You to Allie Hansell

March 23, 2013

By: Allie Hansell @Alliehans1 Well, this is my very first experience blogging, so please be patient with me 🙂 I was asked to write a little about my job and why I love it. I work as a Police 911 Call Taker and Dispatcher for a small suburb of Vancouver, British Columbia.  I started in this field about 3 years ago and it has been a pretty interesting experience. Volunteering Leads to Finding Her Passion My previous job was that of office […]

Honoring Police Radio Dispatchers; Thank You to Katie Marnoch

March 21, 2013

I’ve been a dispatcher with the Metropolitan Police Service in London for eight years, and I can honestly say that no two days have ever been the same. Making a Difference I love my job for a number of reasons: the people I work with, the opportunities it has given me and for knowing that every day I have made a difference to someone’s life. In the past 18 months, I have dealt with the London Riots, held the Olympic torch, worked […]

Honoring Police Radio Dispatchers Week – Thank You to Candace Gray

March 20, 2013

By: Candace Gray 911 Emergency Dispatcher When you tell someone you answer 911 for a living, their first question is usually something like “Oh my gosh, isn’t it stressful?” or “What’s the craziest call you have ever gotten?”. What they typically DON’T ask is “Why do you do it?”, so I’m definitely happy to answer this one! I have been doing this profession for the last 12 yrs, starting at the young age of 20yo. I work for a small department in […]

Honoring Police Radio Dispatchers Week – Thank You to Reycca Dotson-Middleton

March 19, 2013

By: Radio Communications Dispatcher – Reycca Dotson-Middleton Dickenson County, Virginia Coming up on my seventh year as a dispatcher for police, fire and rescue in our small county in Virginia, approximate population of sixteen thousand citizens, we are tiny compared to some. We have three town police agencies, three EMS agencies, four fire agencies as well as our county deputies we dispatch for. Some days I come in and/or leave feeling like there’s nothing I love about this job. I chock that […]

I’m Fat; Week 3

March 18, 2013

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 […]

Why Care?

March 17, 2013

   By: Chaplain Ronnie Melancon Thibodaux Police Department Louisiana, USA Years ago I went to a John Maxwell Leadership Seminar. I was a young preacher looking to be more effective in helping people and leading the Church I pastor. From what I had heard, Maxwell was the man who could help me. On my arrival to the seminar, one of his opening remarks went like this: Methods are many, Principles are few. Methods always change, Principles never do. He then taught 10 […]

Rookie Cop; The Stand-Up Guy

March 15, 2013

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, […]

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

March 11, 2013

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

March 8, 2013

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

March 4, 2013

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

March 3, 2013

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

March 3, 2013

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

February 28, 2013

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 […]