Jan 24, 2009

LAPD Doesn’t Want To Offend Anyone – So They Get Hurt Instead

Posted by philosophicalcop under police | Tags: , , , , , |
[4] Comments 

It seems like a disproportionate amount of my writing covers LAPD and NYPD issues.  I used to think that was odd.  Now I know it is absolutely appropriate.  After all, it is those two agencies, more than any others, that continually defy common sense and logic. 

Check out this article about them not wearing helmets at a recent protest.  Really?  How far will the “big city” pendulum have to swing before managers realize that cops, not protesters or criminals of some kind, are their first priority.  I think the cycle has run its course, and I hope  -  and pray  -  that we can start protecting our cops, even at the risk of “offending” the guy with a wooden stick.

 

Feb 7, 2008

LAPD SWAT Officer Killed; Hero Lost

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News here out of Los Angeles that a tactical officer in Los Angeles was killed entering a suspect’s house yesterday.  The first one ever, from the city that invented the SWAT Team.  Thoughts and prayers, if you will, to his family.

I have some experience with tactical entries, and can tell you this:  The officers who choose to be the “first man” in the door are unique and heroic beyond description.  SWAT officers only arrive when the shit has hit the fan.  They only deal with the most dangerous people.  And the only get involved when all the other cops are at a loss.  Truly “dangerous men for a dangerous world.”

I though I might share how other officers feel when a cop is killed.  As you can see here, it happens all too often.  Five officers in the past WEEK.

I suppose since we are programmed from day one at the academy to be “tough” (whatever that means), we try and block these things out almost immediately.  Here are the two things that always enter my mind:

1. I feel guilty and responsible.  It could have, after all, been me there at the door.  It wasn’t, and now someone else is gone. 

2. I feel proud.  Sounds a bit nuts, but just like our women and men in Iraq, I stick with this career because I believe it means something.  I am far from an LAPD SWAT operator, believe me.  However I, and thousands others, do a job that is potentially fatal.  I am proud to stand up for the weak and the victimized.  I am proud to be equipped and willing to dispense with the evil.  And with no disrespect, at moments like this I must admit that I look at the cubicle robots and think, “what did your career mean?” 

No one will ever have to look back and see what Officer Simmons’ life meant.  Rest In Peace.

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Jan 31, 2008

Britney Back In Hospital; Cops Can’t Catch a Break!

Posted by philosophicalcop under police | Tags: , , |
[8] Comments 

So many of the posts here concern the cops getting the shaft, one way or the other.  No profession in history has been so subjected to a “lose – lose” outlook.

Britney went back in the mental ward yesterday.  Recall that last time this happened, everyone was ALL OVER the LAPD folks for the circus at her house.  Accusations that they didn’t protect the ambulance; accusations that the photographers were all over Britney; accusations that by allowing the paparazzi to drive the way the did, lives were put in danger.

Well this time, as you can see here, they did the right thing.  They provided enough protection for the poor girl to make it to the hospital.  So, gracious thanks and kudos from the public, right?

Not a chance.  Criticism abounds once more.  “Would I get an escort like that?” asked one genius.  NO, you wouldn’t, Einstein, because there would never be 100 photographers breaking the law and endangering lives to take your picture!

Alas, the women and men in blue will take it on the cheek once more.  Sometimes I feel like we should all just give up.

 

Jan 30, 2008

LAPD Financial Disclosure; Just a Spoiled Judge

Posted by philosophicalcop under police | Tags: , , |
[3] Comments 

Well, as I predicted, the sabre rattling in LA actually meant nothing.  It looks from this morning’s paper like the disclosure discussed here last month will take place.

But you know, it just hit me.  Not a single person out in Los Angeles has yet to show how on earth the financial disclosure rules would actually end corruption.  Really it is that simple. 

Do they actually think a crooked cop will give up their dope money on a city form? 

The Sheriff of the County and the District Attorney both say no way.  See their comments at the links above.

Assuming politicians are not that dumb (ahem….), then there is only one answer.  Judge Fees (who has spent his life hating the LAPD) is simply taking his latest shot.

Knock it off, your honor.  You are embarrassing yourself and your court.

 

Jan 16, 2008

LAPD Financial Disclosure, Chapter Two

Posted by philosophicalcop under police | Tags: , , |
1 Comment 

If you have been following our adventure for a while, you will remember this post about the geniuses out in Los Angeles and their concept of financial disclosure for officers.  Well, in a rare move of common sense, the city council there has decided to override the decision of the police department commission and put a stop to the disclosure rules. 

That sounds great, except as police chief Bratton points out, it is a federal judge, not the city, that wants this disclosure.  Since those judges are appointed for life (don’t get me started on that issue) there is little hope he will change his mind.  But hey, at least it shows that once in a decade or so politicians do stand up for cops when it counts.  Well done, Los Angeles.

 

Dec 20, 2007

LAPD Financial Disclosure: Another Department Bites The Dust

Posted by philosophicalcop under gang, gangster, police officer | Tags: , , , |
[11] Comments 

I just don’t understand why cities insist on destroying their own police departments.  I just about flipped when I read this article.  LAPD officers who work gang enforcement or narcotics teams will now have to supply all of their financial information to the city.  This will include thier SPOUSE’S information as well.  We are talking credit card, mortgage, bank account  –  all that stuff.

What the *$%*)#&%#(*?

As this press release from their union shows (issued a few months ago), the cops are too smart for this.  They will all quit those task forces.  Then, there are no cops working to fight gangs and take drugs off the street.  The cops’ worries include court motions to expose their personal information, and the fact that records clerks and other non-sworn persons will have access to the information.  These same clerks are periodically arrested for gang crimes, parole violations, drugs, etc…

My two worries?

1.  Identity theft.

2. Gang members bribing clerks to get to the cops’ home addresses.

Well done, Los Angeles…you might actually chase the last few good cops out of that department.