Police 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

It’s My Anniversary:

April 2, 2015

the sacrifices are noble when offered with a sincere heart.

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 […]

Blessed with new friends along the way

August 27, 2014

John Kerry has been a vital volunteer in promoting our Thibodaux Police Department’s social media strategy.

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 […]

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

Not a Police Tactic

June 18, 2014

I was once asked if this picture showed a tactic for launching officers into a crowd. I shook my head then smiled – “No” was all I said. But wouldn’t it be cool?

Teammates

June 11, 2014

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

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

My Friend, Jules | DV Survivor and Champion

October 24, 2013

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?

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 […]

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 […]

I’m Shaping Up | Week 24

August 19, 2013

I’m Shaping Up; Week 24 You just never know. A few weeks back I received an e-mail from my academic mentor and friend, Dr. John Kiefer. He was my master of public administration program’s thesis advisor while I attended the University of New Orleans. We connected immediately, and I admired his career as a professor and his calling as a United States Marine. Satisfied with my graduation from UNO and no intention of continuing my education, Doc encouraged me to pursue a PhD […]

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.                      

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

I’m Shaping Up; Week 12

May 20, 2013

I’m Shaping Up; Week 12 What happened to Week 11 you may be asking? Well, more travel equals less time to write, but well needed rest from most activities. I have also decided to stop obsessing over the scale for a few weeks. My low-end weigh-in of 208 was so welcomed, but it made the slight bounce during travel too stressful. It’s funny that after monitoring your caloric intake and physical output, you can tell where your body falls along the numeric […]

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.

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 […]

I Quit

April 12, 2013

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

April 10, 2013

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 […]

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 […]

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.

Domestic Violence Survivor & Life’s Champion – from the UK; Jules

March 6, 2013

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 came to know Jules as someone I respect and admire. I have been kindly invited by Chief Scott Silverii […]

Domestic Violence Survivor & Life’s Champion – from the UK; Jules

March 5, 2013

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 came to know Jules as someone I respect and admire. I have been kindly invited by Chief Scott Silverii […]

DV Survivor & Life’s Champion – from the UK; Jules

March 4, 2013

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 came to know Jules as someone I truly admire. I have been kindly invited by Chief Scott Silverii to write on […]

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 […]

Discover Our “WHY” Week -Day 5

February 22, 2013

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

February 21, 2013

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

February 20, 2013

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.