Anger – Keeping It In Check
Remember last December when there was so much hope and optimism about the new you in the new year? There was something magical about 2020!
March Madness: Day 8 | Had I Only Known…
March Madness: Day 8 Had I only known… Have you ever been thrust into a situation and figured, what the heck? Well, […]
25 Days of 31: Broken and Blue
There are a lot of great cops doing almost impossible things under the most dire of circumstances. And that’s even before they go on duty. When I was led by God to retire from law enforcement, I just knew He was going to give me something special in return. He did. It’s my life.
Freedom From Pain? Broken And Blue Is Required Reading For LEO & Family
Broken and Blue: A Policeman’s Guide to Health, Healing and Hope This is possibly the most important project I’ve ever worked on. […]
Sex In Marriage: Yes, How About You?
God’s plan for sexual fulfillment works… God wants you to enjoy sex in marriage and to have that enjoyment for the rest of your married life.
Jesus: Team Maker – Team Breaker
Part of being a good team maker, is also knowing when to make your break from the team. We get comfortable, and the members grow complacent resting on your image, efforts and activity.
Understanding Police: My PhD Research
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, […]
Change Responsibly – Stretching the Police:
The occupational dichotomy between the enforcer and guardian ethos is a powerful pendulum swing in either direction.
FIT@50 / week 66
FIT@50 / week 66 True Power: “When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace.” – Jimi Hendrix This week I received two notices about Chief of Police positions in Louisiana. My immediate thoughts were “No thanks.” It was about this time last year that I’d announced my August 28th retirement date. I would’ve never in a million years thought retirement from the only job I’d known would’ve been a reality. To be honest, […]
FIT@50 / week 62
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.
Game Changers
Overnight, SWAT took a back seat to the Patrol Officer, as rapid response required immediate deployment to neutralize the threat.
Hug a Police Dispatcher – Do it today
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
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
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 […]
It’s My Anniversary:
the sacrifices are noble when offered with a sincere heart.
Why are police funerals good for the profession?
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
“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?
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?”
“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
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)
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.
Police K-9 Interview | Part 2
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
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 […]
The basis for a right relationship
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
Looking forward to this summer’s Big Fun Day for Thibodaux Jr Police and families.
Always Training
Officers regularly endure mental, physical and emotional challenges to better prepare us to serve you.
Do you have what it takes?
Adrian Rogers told the story of a man who was going to be made CEO of a major company. The Board of Directors talked about it, and it was decided. In the company cafeteria one day, the existing CEO was behind this man in line. Unbeknownst to the man, the CEO saw him take a pat of butter that cost about 3 cents, then put a slice of bread over the butter so that no one would see it. The CEO […]
Five Things
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
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 […]
Swat or Not | Got what it takes?
Nine ways to increase your chances of making SWAT by: Lt. Dan Marcou 1.) You Must Possesses Excellent Work Ethic Most SWAT teams are part-time jobs. This means their members maintain full-time positions elsewhere on their departments and join their SWAT team whenever it is called into action. When this is the case, it is imperative that members of the team be reliable, exemplary workers in both venues.A team member who is a supervisory problem in their daily assignment will reflect badly […]
Different Ideas for Developing Future Leaders
By the16percent on April 3, 2014 Even though the recent recession postponed retirement for many Baby Boomers, it didn’t eliminate it; and now many of them are exiting the workforce stage left. Because of this reality, many innovative organizations in both the private and public sectors are developing creative ways to develop effective leaders. Here’s a quick look at three unique approaches that could help prepare your team for the future: Leader-Lend Toyota has modeled this with great success. They created a diverse team of […]
Be an Oak
It was around 1981-1982 that I decided to quit my job and pursue the full-time ministry of an Evangelist. I had been taught by my Pastor that you never make major changes without prayer and fasting. I had a wife and two children at this time (my youngest was not yet born), and making this decision was serious because it would affect their lives greatly. I had to know it was God directing me. I took a few days off from […]
The Christian Police Officer
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
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, […]
Dreaming in Blue
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 […]
My Friend, Jules | DV Survivor and Champion
This moving account of pain, punishment, and perseverance inspires me! It will bless you too. Her story of victory is meant to be shared. Please, I ask you to bless others with her open optimism. I came to know Jules as someone I enjoy kidding with. Mostly about our law enforcement jobs, and US v. UK jabs. She shared her story, and I grew to know Jules as someone I deeply respect and admire. Jules recently joined the London’s Metropolitan Police, and trained to […]
Can a Christian be a Cop?
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
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 […]
Personal Sacrifice | What’s “IMPORTANT”
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 […]
Remembered
God Bless America
If you had just one bullet
Amazing what common sense and compassion accomplish. Keep it in your pocket.
Valor | Strength of Mind & Spirit
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.
Code 9 | Officer Needs Assistance
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 […]
Counting the Cost
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)
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 […]
National Police Week: What is a Police Officer?
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
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 […]
Chief Scott Silverii, Ph.D. Named Executive Fellow | Police Foundation
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 […]
Diary of a Mad Dispatcher; Interview
I was fortunate to have interviewed Kristin Kitchen, aka “Diary of a Mad Dispatcher” for The Badge Guys in preparation for last week’s Telecommunications Appreciation Week. I’m honored to feature the entire interview here at the Bright Blue Line. I’d like to thank Kristin once again for leading the way for Emergency Dispatchers and for hosting a wildly popular Facebook site – Diary of a Mad Dispatcher. Original post Click Here This week at The Badge Guys, we focus on the “Role […]
Police Dispatchers: Unsung Heroes and Lifelines
Wrapping up our week of honoring Dispatchers is this piece posted by one of my favorite sites, Law Enforcement Today Dispatchers; we truly appreciate you. Dispatchers: Unsung Heroes and Lifelines by Niki Tallent March 14, 2013 According to the LA Police Protective League in discussing the shoot out with disgraced former Los Angeles police officer Christopher Dorner, “The chilling audiotape makes one thing clear: the civilian dispatcher did an outstanding job. She performed flawlessly during this critical tactical incident. Her calm and […]