I appreciate the well-wishes & concern everyone, thanks... starting to adjust to things so hopefully past the worst of it. Plus, got up early this morning & went for a nice run before along day of work, so hopefully that will help with the sleep thing tonight. Still haven't had a chance to talk with the docs about an acceptable alternative, so just going to have to wait for a bit & get by with OTC stuff.
Other than that I'm a bit short on useful stories tonight, but wanted to let the world know I am still alive & relatively sane.
Just a few ramblings from a confused guy. Former military, former cop. Husband. Father. Student. Role playing gamer, on intermittent weeks. Avid reader. Internet addict. Small "l" libertarian. Too many others to mention. The views and opinions expressed herein are my own, and do not reflect those of any official agency or government or species. Names have been changed to protect the guilty; God protects the innocent as a matter of course.
“May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one.”
"This report is maybe 12-years-old. Parliament buried it, and it stayed buried till River dug it up. This is what they feared she knew. And they were right to fear because there's a whole universe of folk who are gonna know it, too. They're gonna see it. Somebody has to speak for these people. You all got on this boat for different reasons, but you all come to the same place. So now I'm asking more of you than I have before. Maybe all. Sure as I know anything I know this, they will try again. Maybe on another world, maybe on this very ground swept clean. A year from now, 10, they'll swing back to the belief that they can make people . . . better. And I do not hold to that. So no more running. I aim to misbehave." ~ Captain Malcom Reynolds
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Concept of the night
Does anyone else think that "Operation: Mindcrime" would still be awesome if fleshed out as a story/game setting to match the musical tale?
Side effect of detox #3
Raging insomnia, no matter how tired I am...
Isn't it nice to find these things out when you're already in the process?
Isn't it nice to find these things out when you're already in the process?
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Memo to the minions
From: Your Evil Overlord
Having watched yet another movie tonight, wherein you spray endless amounts of ammunition throughout the town without hitting a single thing but the walls and street...
Seriously guys, it's starting to get embarrassing... Sure, we all miss a couple of shots here & there, but whole magazines worth? People are starting to talk. I mean, here the good guys are, not even trying to hide, and all you guys do is send up puffs of dirt and concrete all around them as they run away? How are we ever going to complete my plans on schedule when you guys can't even manage simple tasks like this?
You are hereby all directed to attend mandatory marksmanship training starting this week.
Those who fail to improve will be the targets for next week's session.
That is all.
Having watched yet another movie tonight, wherein you spray endless amounts of ammunition throughout the town without hitting a single thing but the walls and street...
Seriously guys, it's starting to get embarrassing... Sure, we all miss a couple of shots here & there, but whole magazines worth? People are starting to talk. I mean, here the good guys are, not even trying to hide, and all you guys do is send up puffs of dirt and concrete all around them as they run away? How are we ever going to complete my plans on schedule when you guys can't even manage simple tasks like this?
You are hereby all directed to attend mandatory marksmanship training starting this week.
Those who fail to improve will be the targets for next week's session.
That is all.
Roadblocks
I usually don't have to worry too much about cases from the Supremes... most of what I do when working & arresting people is pretty straightforward, and I don't work near any of the lines they tend to make legal judgments on. Unfortunately though they do every now & then make rulings which affect us all across the board in a negative way... I don't often disagree with our judiciary publicly, but this one I think they called wrong.
This term's choice is the Melendez-Diaz v. Massachusetts ruling handed down recently... In a nutshell the court has ruled that for a defendant at trial to be afforded his right to confront witnesses, that has to include the technicians, analysts, etc who may have been involved in the case. Now, for a long time, most of this stuff has been "stipulated" in court - the attorneys, judges etc. all basically agreed that the tests and documents of the results weren't something that had to be contested each and every time in trial. The technician performing the test, or providing the document or whatever was an outside party merely performing an duty & had no personal interest in the case, so was in theory not biased one way or another.
Now, however, that's going to all change. The lab technician analyzing the drugs from the bust is going to have to show up in court to be available for cross-examination. The guy who ran the breath test on your drunk is going to have to show up on his day off. Potentially it could lead as far as the guy who calibrated your radar system might be called to court to discuss his work.
Along with the fact that these people are going to be inconvenienced, the courts themselves are going to get hurt by this. Because that's just another layer of people that they have to coordinate dates & times for during a trial. Another layer of people that testify, slowing down the day.
Now, I'm not saying that defendants shouldn't be able to challenge things in question, and I'm all for the whole "confront your accuser" thing. But, seriously - do we really have people completely uninvolved in these cases just making up the results? I'm at a loss to even think of one instance where that has happened...
So yes, I think they made the wrong call on this one... We will have to see how the lawyers decide to work with it, but I think it's going to slow things down a lot.
This term's choice is the Melendez-Diaz v. Massachusetts ruling handed down recently... In a nutshell the court has ruled that for a defendant at trial to be afforded his right to confront witnesses, that has to include the technicians, analysts, etc who may have been involved in the case. Now, for a long time, most of this stuff has been "stipulated" in court - the attorneys, judges etc. all basically agreed that the tests and documents of the results weren't something that had to be contested each and every time in trial. The technician performing the test, or providing the document or whatever was an outside party merely performing an duty & had no personal interest in the case, so was in theory not biased one way or another.
Now, however, that's going to all change. The lab technician analyzing the drugs from the bust is going to have to show up in court to be available for cross-examination. The guy who ran the breath test on your drunk is going to have to show up on his day off. Potentially it could lead as far as the guy who calibrated your radar system might be called to court to discuss his work.
Along with the fact that these people are going to be inconvenienced, the courts themselves are going to get hurt by this. Because that's just another layer of people that they have to coordinate dates & times for during a trial. Another layer of people that testify, slowing down the day.
Now, I'm not saying that defendants shouldn't be able to challenge things in question, and I'm all for the whole "confront your accuser" thing. But, seriously - do we really have people completely uninvolved in these cases just making up the results? I'm at a loss to even think of one instance where that has happened...
So yes, I think they made the wrong call on this one... We will have to see how the lawyers decide to work with it, but I think it's going to slow things down a lot.
Back to on-topic...
In an effort to #1, actually do a bit of police blogging & #2, not be a whiner, here's a little catch-up...
and yes, I know most people don't read blogs on Sunday, but it will be here for later.
So, for the last bits of real police work I mentioned recently - as I've discussed before, I still get out a few times a month working some of our DUI specials & hunting for drunks. It's something I enjoy doing - not being tied to the radio answering calls like the road guys, and taking a break from my other bits of stuff on the bomb squad; just getting to drive around and find folks who need a trip to jail. Plus, obviously, I like getting drunks off the road before they (hopefully) hurt anyone.
Well, last week's adventure was a two-fer. Started out with a find nice & early that night... guy driving around on his moped. Why on his moped - because his license is already suspended for DUI #1... Well, I pulled him over & was immediately struck by three things. #1 being the fact his breath was enough to almost make ME drunk five feet away, and #2 & 3 being the large, open bottles in the little carrying area of his moped that he's sipping from as he freaking drives down the road. In police work we call this a "clue." So, we go through the rest of or normal pre-arrest fun & yep this guy is over the limit easily. The amusing part came when it was time to put the bracelets on him... it turned into the full collection of excuses as to WHY he couldn't be arrested for driving drunk on a moped, and it just wasn't fair...
Yep - well, a fair is something with rides & pig contests... don't drive drunk, ride drunk, etc. & we won't have to worry about it!
Anyway, that took a few hours of processing & everything else. Then, it was back on the road - I had a couple of hours left working the special, so I wanted to at least put some effort into things. My "normal" lucky spots weren't panning out, so I headed down & was hitting one of the main streets when I saw one in front of me - one of those times that right away I knew this would be a drunk. Weaving all over the road, confused at stoplights, etc. - all the stuff they teach you during those first DUI classes. Of course, this is also the moment that everyone is telling their life story on the radio, so I'm stuck just following him for a couple of miles before I can even get a chance to call it in and pull him over. Fortunately, this just continues to give me more stuff that will help in the court case for how his driving was.
So we finally get pulled over, and then the fun games begin. The whole "not answering questions, redirecting statements and can't pay attention to his own answers" stuff that just gives me more, even when he thinks he's being clever. Plus, he's making the mistake of thinking that just because I'm a cop, I must be dumb. It starts with the whole "I have a college degree and a good job, you just don't understand." and continues with him trying to tell me how all the tests and everything are going to work, and what I do and don't have to let him do... Anyone care to guess how well that worked out for him?
Well, the tests only make things worse for him & soon enough my handcuffs are getting their second customer of the night. Which leads to the fun that every cop has experienced - the complete 180 degree attitude shift. We've gone from talking down to the "dumb cop" to crying, begging for mercy, I'm going to lose my job, my life, etc. etc. etc. Oh, did I forget to mention he had weed on him too? Yeah, that's suddenly a big deal as well - because that's just going to make it worse, he can't keep working with a drug conviction, and all that.... Of course, I ask him how often he smokes & he says "A couple of times a week." But apparently the thought that he could get caught at a work pee-test never crossed his mind - it was just my whole "picking on" him thing that is ruining his little world... And I had to listen to him crying like this for the rest of the processing.
Anyway, that was the night of fun, just wanted to finally get the story of sorts up.
and yes, I know most people don't read blogs on Sunday, but it will be here for later.
So, for the last bits of real police work I mentioned recently - as I've discussed before, I still get out a few times a month working some of our DUI specials & hunting for drunks. It's something I enjoy doing - not being tied to the radio answering calls like the road guys, and taking a break from my other bits of stuff on the bomb squad; just getting to drive around and find folks who need a trip to jail. Plus, obviously, I like getting drunks off the road before they (hopefully) hurt anyone.
Well, last week's adventure was a two-fer. Started out with a find nice & early that night... guy driving around on his moped. Why on his moped - because his license is already suspended for DUI #1... Well, I pulled him over & was immediately struck by three things. #1 being the fact his breath was enough to almost make ME drunk five feet away, and #2 & 3 being the large, open bottles in the little carrying area of his moped that he's sipping from as he freaking drives down the road. In police work we call this a "clue." So, we go through the rest of or normal pre-arrest fun & yep this guy is over the limit easily. The amusing part came when it was time to put the bracelets on him... it turned into the full collection of excuses as to WHY he couldn't be arrested for driving drunk on a moped, and it just wasn't fair...
Yep - well, a fair is something with rides & pig contests... don't drive drunk, ride drunk, etc. & we won't have to worry about it!
Anyway, that took a few hours of processing & everything else. Then, it was back on the road - I had a couple of hours left working the special, so I wanted to at least put some effort into things. My "normal" lucky spots weren't panning out, so I headed down & was hitting one of the main streets when I saw one in front of me - one of those times that right away I knew this would be a drunk. Weaving all over the road, confused at stoplights, etc. - all the stuff they teach you during those first DUI classes. Of course, this is also the moment that everyone is telling their life story on the radio, so I'm stuck just following him for a couple of miles before I can even get a chance to call it in and pull him over. Fortunately, this just continues to give me more stuff that will help in the court case for how his driving was.
So we finally get pulled over, and then the fun games begin. The whole "not answering questions, redirecting statements and can't pay attention to his own answers" stuff that just gives me more, even when he thinks he's being clever. Plus, he's making the mistake of thinking that just because I'm a cop, I must be dumb. It starts with the whole "I have a college degree and a good job, you just don't understand." and continues with him trying to tell me how all the tests and everything are going to work, and what I do and don't have to let him do... Anyone care to guess how well that worked out for him?
Well, the tests only make things worse for him & soon enough my handcuffs are getting their second customer of the night. Which leads to the fun that every cop has experienced - the complete 180 degree attitude shift. We've gone from talking down to the "dumb cop" to crying, begging for mercy, I'm going to lose my job, my life, etc. etc. etc. Oh, did I forget to mention he had weed on him too? Yeah, that's suddenly a big deal as well - because that's just going to make it worse, he can't keep working with a drug conviction, and all that.... Of course, I ask him how often he smokes & he says "A couple of times a week." But apparently the thought that he could get caught at a work pee-test never crossed his mind - it was just my whole "picking on" him thing that is ruining his little world... And I had to listen to him crying like this for the rest of the processing.
Anyway, that was the night of fun, just wanted to finally get the story of sorts up.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
More fun
and for anyone who's curious, yes going cold turkey after three years of low-level painkillers for some medical issues does make for a not-fun few days...
Friday, June 26, 2009
Still breathing
Sorry for the absence - it's been a long week. Busy with normal work stuff, plus dealing with spending some grant money coming our way (though buying work stuff that costs more than my house IS fun...) plus trying to actually spend time with my family and get ready for Jacob's birthday tomorrow after work. So, stories are on hold...
(Oh, and by "getting ready for Jacob's birthday" I mean my wife has done all this incredible stuff, and I mowed the yard and said yes I'd have the grill ready for s'more's....)
(Oh, and by "getting ready for Jacob's birthday" I mean my wife has done all this incredible stuff, and I mowed the yard and said yes I'd have the grill ready for s'more's....)
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Father's Day
It is much easier to become a father than to be one. ~ Kent Nerburn
Most people are taking today to thank all of us fathers, which is appreciated. My post though will be a thanks for the opportunity to try to be a good father to my own children.
My parents divorced when I was young, and I never saw my father again after that point - he had his reasons for the distance; I can't say I approve of them but I understand them. Be that as it may, I was one of many children raised by a single mother. Someone who worked hard and sacrificed in ways I never even imagined til years later in order that my brother and I had a home and a good example in life. So, my male role models were older family friends and I was never afforded those opportunities which a lot take for granted.
Then, after my wife and I were married, we eventually decided to have children - something I had wanted, but we had to reach the "right" time for (is it EVER really the right time? Because people have no idea what they are getting into!) Which led to the next drama - between my wife and I both having a few medical issues, after a couple of years of unsuccessful effort we were told the odds of us having children were about zero. Talk about killing that dream. This of course led to the discussions - fertility treatments, adoption, foster care etc... and we pretty much just were going along with what life gave us at that point and stopped even worrying about it.
Until one day, after a long night at work, my wife rushes in with a home pregnancy test, shoving it in my face & asking me "What do you see?" The worry over the next few months as the doctor's continued to assure us the baby was still there, was healthy and growing. The completely unexpected miracle of Jacob being born on a summer's morning. This little boy who is brilliant, with a wonderful imagination and loving heart.
Fast-forward two years later and another unexpected wonder as Kyleigh arrived - apparently Dori's and my plumbing just had to wait to work on their own! A beautiful, smart, stubborn girl to compliment her brother.
Although I had gotten to the point that I never expected to actually "be" a father, I have found myself with not one, but two incredible opportunities to do my best at it. There are no words to describe the joy in my heart in helping them grow and learn; the way that their faces light up and they run to the door when I get home, or how they can go from laughing and playing to just wanting to snuggle and hug and trust me to protect their world.
There are plenty of people out there who have fathered children, and a lot that don't give a damn about it once that moment is done. But I cherish and am grateful every single day for the opportunity God has presented me, and the wife that I get to do this with - the two incredible children I have been given the chance to guide and watch grow.
I hope your Father's Day is just as blessed.
Brief nightly comment
Last night was educational for a couple of people:
- Yes, I really am going to arrest you for DUI on a moped, and I don't care that you are just coming from your mom's house...
- Trust me, the LAST thing you want to do when I'm on my way home & you get pulled over is start talking down to me because I'm "just a dumb cop," particularly when I'm twice your age, and you're three times the legal limit and carrying a chunk of weed in the car with you... your attitude adjustment will not end well.
Heading to bed, stories later.
- Yes, I really am going to arrest you for DUI on a moped, and I don't care that you are just coming from your mom's house...
- Trust me, the LAST thing you want to do when I'm on my way home & you get pulled over is start talking down to me because I'm "just a dumb cop," particularly when I'm twice your age, and you're three times the legal limit and carrying a chunk of weed in the car with you... your attitude adjustment will not end well.
Heading to bed, stories later.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Well said miss!
Link from The Smallest Minority - read the whole thing.
I'm a home grown American citizen, 53, registered Democrat all my life. Before the last presidential election I registered as a Republican because I no longer felt the Democratic Party represents my views or works to pursue issues important to me. Now I no longer feel the Republican Party represents my views or works to pursue issues important to me. The fact is I no longer feel any political party or representative in Washington represents my views or works to pursue the issues important to me. There must be someone. Please tell me who you are. Please stand up and tell me that you are there and that you're willing to fight for our Constitution as it was written. Please stand up now. You might ask yourself what my views and issues are that I would horribly feel so disenfranchised by both major political parties. What kind of nut job am I? Will you please tell me?When will politicians on both sides wake up and realize this feeling is growing more and more among the populace?
Well, these are briefly my views and issues for which I seek representation:
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
For the writers out there
I have previously mentioned Chris & Mel - fellow bloggers who are self-publishing a cookbook to help them with some legal expenses.
Well, along with this they have formed a small-press publisher which will be a great asset to those not looking to or able to reach the major markets. Affordable prices & yet again helping those in our community. From their site:
Give Crispen Press some consideration if this fits your needs.
Well, along with this they have formed a small-press publisher which will be a great asset to those not looking to or able to reach the major markets. Affordable prices & yet again helping those in our community. From their site:
These markets include:Color or black and white, talk with them about what you are looking for & I'm sure they would love the chance to prove their business plan works.
- Fundraisers and non-profits
- Small-audience non academic, and non-religious publications (the academic and religious presses do a good job)
- Home schooling textbooks, workbooks, and other instructional and training materials
- Gaming materials and manuals
- Hobby materials and manuals
- Firearms manuals, training materials, and books
- Shooting manuals, training materials, and books
- Hunting manuals, training materials, and books
- Manuals and training materials for specialty markets
- Political and philosophical materials on the libertarian and conservative side
- Family History Books
- Printed and bound family albums
Give Crispen Press some consideration if this fits your needs.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Today's legal tip
Just remember, you get what you pay for around here :D
Anyway - telling the judge "Can't you cut me a break on my sentence?" thirty seconds after you told him "Well I didn't show up for court the last two times because I knew you'd probably send me to jail." is not likely to result in less time to serve.
Just something to keep in mind.
Anyway - telling the judge "Can't you cut me a break on my sentence?" thirty seconds after you told him "Well I didn't show up for court the last two times because I knew you'd probably send me to jail." is not likely to result in less time to serve.
Just something to keep in mind.
Follow up
Wow, ok that one got a few comments going.
Just to share some of my thoughts...
No, my wife and I are not currently what I consider "preppers" and certainly are not a part of any groups! We don't socialize that well in packs or something ;)
Be that as it may however, we do have some things put away and have set goals for more things we would like to be self-sufficient on. This comes less from a "paranoia" side of things, than from both of us having experienced countries and events in our lives where having certain things like food & medicine on hand made a difference because shortages could easily happen; or things like water rationing, fuel quotas and all that... So in our books it is just being wise. Plus, being able to do things like grow your own herbs and some veggies just helps in saving money & in health - you control what you and your family are eating a bit more that way. Another plus in these economic times. I just know I've seen too many instances every year of some big storm coming and the run on bread and milk and everything else at the stores by people who never seem to think beyond the next day...
No, neither of us is doing it for religious reasons either. But - to answer something FPS said, I also am a firm believer in "God helps those who help themselves" - preparing for things that may happen is no more showing a weakness of faith than is wearing my vest to work, putting on a seatbelt or locking the doors at night. It's like the old story that runs:
Anyway, while I am not a prepper by any means, I do a bit of reading of a few blogs who are & some books here & there, which is where my comment came from. When talking this over with my wife earlier tonight though she brought up another view - from her background growing up overseas: one other common trait that seems to show up on a lot of prepper/survival sites is the element of American patriotism and belief in this country's system among most of the adherants. Which then raises a question - how much "prepper" activity is occuring in other nations and locations? I don't mean the old Soviet civil defense system, or anything on a government scale; are there any other countries where this is commonly occurring, and if so how does it differ from the U.S. model?
Curiouser and curiouser...
Just to share some of my thoughts...
No, my wife and I are not currently what I consider "preppers" and certainly are not a part of any groups! We don't socialize that well in packs or something ;)
Be that as it may however, we do have some things put away and have set goals for more things we would like to be self-sufficient on. This comes less from a "paranoia" side of things, than from both of us having experienced countries and events in our lives where having certain things like food & medicine on hand made a difference because shortages could easily happen; or things like water rationing, fuel quotas and all that... So in our books it is just being wise. Plus, being able to do things like grow your own herbs and some veggies just helps in saving money & in health - you control what you and your family are eating a bit more that way. Another plus in these economic times. I just know I've seen too many instances every year of some big storm coming and the run on bread and milk and everything else at the stores by people who never seem to think beyond the next day...
No, neither of us is doing it for religious reasons either. But - to answer something FPS said, I also am a firm believer in "God helps those who help themselves" - preparing for things that may happen is no more showing a weakness of faith than is wearing my vest to work, putting on a seatbelt or locking the doors at night. It's like the old story that runs:
A man has been notified that his house is going to be flooded and he needs to get out of the house. He says no I don't have to, God is going to take care of me. Then the flood starts to rise and a sheriff comes along and tells him to get out. The man says no, God is going to save me. So, the floods continue to rise, and he climbs on top of the house. A boat comes along and he's told to climb into the boat. He says, no, no , God is going to save me. Finally, a helicopter comes along and they lower the net to rescue him. The man says, no, no, God is going to save me! Well, the man drowns and goes to heaven. When he gets to heaven he says to God, "why didn't you save me?" God says, "I sent the sheriff, I sent a boat, I sent a helicopter, what more did you want me to do?"Part of what God or your choice of higher power expects of us is to exercise the free will and intelligence we have - not doing so is a waste and that is not what blind faith is all about.
Anyway, while I am not a prepper by any means, I do a bit of reading of a few blogs who are & some books here & there, which is where my comment came from. When talking this over with my wife earlier tonight though she brought up another view - from her background growing up overseas: one other common trait that seems to show up on a lot of prepper/survival sites is the element of American patriotism and belief in this country's system among most of the adherants. Which then raises a question - how much "prepper" activity is occuring in other nations and locations? I don't mean the old Soviet civil defense system, or anything on a government scale; are there any other countries where this is commonly occurring, and if so how does it differ from the U.S. model?
Curiouser and curiouser...
Monday, June 15, 2009
Question time
So, doing some reading earlier and was struck by something which I have noticed both in print and on the internet. Why does it seem that so much of the prepper network is composed of active Christians - seemingly mainly either the various Protestant flavors, or the Mormon contingent? (Note, not starting a debate as to membership in groups just a question!) Which just a couple of exceptions it seems to me that other faiths, or the agnostic/atheist crowd seems underrepresented. Is this due to a lack of presence, or a fact that such members tend to keep their beliefs a bit quieter?
Just curious as to other folks thoughts and experiences...
Just curious as to other folks thoughts and experiences...
Sunday, June 14, 2009
So there I was...
One of the things I don't talk about with everyone at work is my military service... Most people know I served for a while, but with the exception of folks with similar backgrounds who I work with I don't go into much details. Generally it's one of those things I just don't care to get into tons of "war stories" about, or try to find common ground with folks who haven't done anything beyond school and police work. There are a few coworkers who know a bit more, which has led to tonight's story...
Please note, I am not the one responsible for these events, merely sharing the tale of what was done with me as an element in the joke!
As I've mentioned before one of my road assignments for the last several years was that of a field training officer. This involved taking officers who had just graduated the academy and getting them ready for solo duty on the road. A very challenging job, in that not only are you helping someone in that "make or break" part of their career, helping teach them skills to stay alive and making sure they are a good officer; but you are also part of their first real exposure to road officers and the community. Quite reasonably these new officers tend to be a bit nervous and unsure when they first come into your car - they've spent the past seven months getting through the academy, they know the spotlight is on their performance, and they are worried constantly about the impression they are making on you and other officers.
So, one of the things I would try to do early in the first night was take a few minutes and sit down and put them at ease; I would ask a bit about their background, go over expectations and just try to get them relax some and in a learning mode. Since this was their time to shine & not mine I would tell them enough about me to remind them I was just another guy, but certainly didn't put the spotlight on myself or my background.
Well, now that you have the background, we can get on with the story... I was about halfway through the second officer I trained, and things were going so-so - he wasn't doing horribly, but wasn't shining by any stretch. Part of the problem had been that he seemed to me to be just a bit casual in some of his outlooks towards things, and I had relayed this in a private conversation with one of the senior officers who had helped trained me several years ago. The conversation in question happened at the tail end of a shift (on the last day of our week) while we were sitting at the headquarters doing paperwork, and I made the mistake of forgetting their sense of humor...
Three nights later we are back at work, and boy is their an attitude change. Not only is he taking everything very seriously, but the young man isn't even really talking as we drive around. This goes on for a little bit and I even ask if everything is ok, and he quickly answers oh yes, he's just thinking about work stuff, don't worry about it; so I let it rest. But the same thing happens the next night - it seems that all he wants to do is go from call to call, and anything I point out that could have done better he's like a scared, jumpy little rabbit. I think and think, wondering what I may be missing that has him upset, making sure there isn't something else going on in his life and all that - not only does it make for a long night stuck in a car with someone who won't talk, but I really am curious as to what has happened. Unfortunately, the whole week rolls by without me figuring anything out.
Then, when the last night rolls around again, we are at the jail taking care of a domestic assault arrest. While he's taking care of the paperwork and the prisoner I end up spending a little time talking with one of the nighttime magistrates to occupy my time. During this chat we get onto the topic of how my partner is doing, and I mention the complete change in behavior, and how I wonder what has happened to make him so quiet all of a sudden. Well, she starts laughing hilariously, and as I wonder what I missed somewhere she says obviously our mutual friend (the other officer) hasn't told me yet. This leads to a further confused look on my face as she explains, then a dawning realization...
You see, after I left the prior week, my friend had just "casually" started talking with the young man about how things were going. Then, in an effort to combine a little chance to "re-focus" him with a practical joke on me, he started embellishing a bit. You see, my fellow training officer didn't think just saying "Oh, Sean's a little frustrated with how seriously you are taking things, you might want to straighten out." would accomplish the task with quite the level of skill that he thought was capable. Instead, he worked it around in terms of a casual conversation about each other's backgrounds, then slipped in a subtle "Oh, didn't Sean tell you about himself?" Upon my young trainee saying no, not really, my friend then started a nice little bit of exageration... hinting at all the hush-hush stuff I had apparently done in the military, talking about my time overseas, and discussing how I had "never really adapted to being back in civilian life." All the while watching eyes get wider and wider, and just talking like it's all common knowledge... Then he starts sharing stories about my bomb squad time here at the department, with tales (made up, trust me!) of me assembling explosive devices from things I bought at convenience stores on slow nights when I got frustrated with things... and closing it off with tales about how I would get certain looks in my eyes at times, and people would go out of their way to avoid me... Through this all just giving more and more of these little hints that gee I had looked kind of upset lately and been making comments, and he sure hoped that my partner wasn't having problems...
Like I said, my own realization was growing as the magistrate relayed the story - because apparently my young partner had spent the whole week on edge, afraid I was about to snap on him - and telling his own classmates about it, and how he was going to honest-to-goodness try to do better, and gee he hadn't realized and all that. Along with the fact my coworker had thought it humorous to let everyone on the shift BUT me know a little bit about the tale, just to ensure they got to share in the laugh.
Well, I made sure that night to put my partner at ease - explaining that he wasn't about to get blown up, that I didn't have a case of PTSD to make the movie-of-the-week specials, and all that other fun. He went on to finish up nicely a few weeks later, and has become a good officer. Unfortunately, along with the original culprit, he took great pleasure in relaying at some point to a couple other recruits as they rode with me a tale about "One night I saw him take some duct tape and batteries, and you wouldn't believe..."
Please note, I am not the one responsible for these events, merely sharing the tale of what was done with me as an element in the joke!
As I've mentioned before one of my road assignments for the last several years was that of a field training officer. This involved taking officers who had just graduated the academy and getting them ready for solo duty on the road. A very challenging job, in that not only are you helping someone in that "make or break" part of their career, helping teach them skills to stay alive and making sure they are a good officer; but you are also part of their first real exposure to road officers and the community. Quite reasonably these new officers tend to be a bit nervous and unsure when they first come into your car - they've spent the past seven months getting through the academy, they know the spotlight is on their performance, and they are worried constantly about the impression they are making on you and other officers.
So, one of the things I would try to do early in the first night was take a few minutes and sit down and put them at ease; I would ask a bit about their background, go over expectations and just try to get them relax some and in a learning mode. Since this was their time to shine & not mine I would tell them enough about me to remind them I was just another guy, but certainly didn't put the spotlight on myself or my background.
Well, now that you have the background, we can get on with the story... I was about halfway through the second officer I trained, and things were going so-so - he wasn't doing horribly, but wasn't shining by any stretch. Part of the problem had been that he seemed to me to be just a bit casual in some of his outlooks towards things, and I had relayed this in a private conversation with one of the senior officers who had helped trained me several years ago. The conversation in question happened at the tail end of a shift (on the last day of our week) while we were sitting at the headquarters doing paperwork, and I made the mistake of forgetting their sense of humor...
Three nights later we are back at work, and boy is their an attitude change. Not only is he taking everything very seriously, but the young man isn't even really talking as we drive around. This goes on for a little bit and I even ask if everything is ok, and he quickly answers oh yes, he's just thinking about work stuff, don't worry about it; so I let it rest. But the same thing happens the next night - it seems that all he wants to do is go from call to call, and anything I point out that could have done better he's like a scared, jumpy little rabbit. I think and think, wondering what I may be missing that has him upset, making sure there isn't something else going on in his life and all that - not only does it make for a long night stuck in a car with someone who won't talk, but I really am curious as to what has happened. Unfortunately, the whole week rolls by without me figuring anything out.
Then, when the last night rolls around again, we are at the jail taking care of a domestic assault arrest. While he's taking care of the paperwork and the prisoner I end up spending a little time talking with one of the nighttime magistrates to occupy my time. During this chat we get onto the topic of how my partner is doing, and I mention the complete change in behavior, and how I wonder what has happened to make him so quiet all of a sudden. Well, she starts laughing hilariously, and as I wonder what I missed somewhere she says obviously our mutual friend (the other officer) hasn't told me yet. This leads to a further confused look on my face as she explains, then a dawning realization...
You see, after I left the prior week, my friend had just "casually" started talking with the young man about how things were going. Then, in an effort to combine a little chance to "re-focus" him with a practical joke on me, he started embellishing a bit. You see, my fellow training officer didn't think just saying "Oh, Sean's a little frustrated with how seriously you are taking things, you might want to straighten out." would accomplish the task with quite the level of skill that he thought was capable. Instead, he worked it around in terms of a casual conversation about each other's backgrounds, then slipped in a subtle "Oh, didn't Sean tell you about himself?" Upon my young trainee saying no, not really, my friend then started a nice little bit of exageration... hinting at all the hush-hush stuff I had apparently done in the military, talking about my time overseas, and discussing how I had "never really adapted to being back in civilian life." All the while watching eyes get wider and wider, and just talking like it's all common knowledge... Then he starts sharing stories about my bomb squad time here at the department, with tales (made up, trust me!) of me assembling explosive devices from things I bought at convenience stores on slow nights when I got frustrated with things... and closing it off with tales about how I would get certain looks in my eyes at times, and people would go out of their way to avoid me... Through this all just giving more and more of these little hints that gee I had looked kind of upset lately and been making comments, and he sure hoped that my partner wasn't having problems...
Like I said, my own realization was growing as the magistrate relayed the story - because apparently my young partner had spent the whole week on edge, afraid I was about to snap on him - and telling his own classmates about it, and how he was going to honest-to-goodness try to do better, and gee he hadn't realized and all that. Along with the fact my coworker had thought it humorous to let everyone on the shift BUT me know a little bit about the tale, just to ensure they got to share in the laugh.
Well, I made sure that night to put my partner at ease - explaining that he wasn't about to get blown up, that I didn't have a case of PTSD to make the movie-of-the-week specials, and all that other fun. He went on to finish up nicely a few weeks later, and has become a good officer. Unfortunately, along with the original culprit, he took great pleasure in relaying at some point to a couple other recruits as they rode with me a tale about "One night I saw him take some duct tape and batteries, and you wouldn't believe..."
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Funny links
In lieu of any of my writing, I'll share a few links.
If you're ever in need of a laugh, the Best of Craigslist is always good for some - warning, may have NSFW language with it.
Here's the choices I found in a few minutes last night:
Magic Wand to Solve Life's Problems (wish I could find out if they got one - I'd like to T&E a version as well)
Some Advice from your Public Defender (should be required reading for defendants everywhere)
To the guy who checked out all the books I need for my final papers (apparently the colleges in Salt Lake City have loosened up some)
and, my personal favorite:
Wanted: Manual for 1996 Model Male Child
If you're ever in need of a laugh, the Best of Craigslist is always good for some - warning, may have NSFW language with it.
Here's the choices I found in a few minutes last night:
Magic Wand to Solve Life's Problems (wish I could find out if they got one - I'd like to T&E a version as well)
Some Advice from your Public Defender (should be required reading for defendants everywhere)
To the guy who checked out all the books I need for my final papers (apparently the colleges in Salt Lake City have loosened up some)
and, my personal favorite:
Wanted: Manual for 1996 Model Male Child
Friday, June 12, 2009
Bumper sticker of the week
Saw this on a Jeep while driving to work yesterday...
"OK, joke's over, bring back the Constitution."
Brilliant!
"OK, joke's over, bring back the Constitution."
Brilliant!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Thanks all!
Appreciate the birthday wishes from everyone - always nice to hear from friends, even if only on the interwebs!
As I said, last night was another DUI hunting expedition. Can't recall if I've mentioned it, but one of the freedoms I have been lucky to get at work is being part of a small group who gets to go out on these specials. Basically they looked at a group of us they know like doing DUIs, are competent at it (not always the same thing, like anything else), and asked us to take a few nights each month and just concentrate on that. It's separate from my normal duties, but it's also overtime money which is always helpful. It's nice as well as I'm not tied to the radio, answering calls or doing stuff like that - and I'm also not stuck in an office doing paperwork or any of that joy. Just get to ride around & hunt & play the game when I find them.
So yes, last night was successful yet again. I always find it humorous doing these, in that it is the epitome of much of police work from the patrol standpoint - hours of nothing, punctuated by an unexpected moment of excitement. I spent the first 3 1/2 hours just looking - a few simple stops but nothing that developed into anything. One of those things which is very frustrating to my type of personality, as I start feeling like I'm wasting my time and not getting anywhere, and not accomplishing anything... Sure, some nights you don't find anything, it's just the nature of the job - but I hate those, as I like to think I can at least get a few tickets and maybe some sort of arrest, even if I can't find a drunk.
Of course, right around the time I'd gotten to my maximum frustration level and was just going to take a break & get a drink to clear my head, I see the car in front of me. They're having trouble figuring out what lane they are in, can't figure out a consistent speed and just giving me all those little hints. Nothing huge - not running off the road, driving the wrong way or anything like that but definitely enough for my experience to say "This is the one." Even enough that when I do the initial stop I go ahead and call for my backup before I even talk to the driver, because I can see what is coming.
Yep, she was drunk. Fortunately for me and my evening she was a happy drunk as well - not one to gripe, curse or do any of that. In fact, she was madder at herself for being behind the wheel, saying "I should have just stayed where I was." than mad at me - always a nice change from some of the others I have dealt with over the years.
I won't bore everyone with the details of the arrest or any of that tonight. Suffice it to say that I earned my money, kept this person from hurting herself or someone else, and did it all in a way to keep both the citizens and my work happy with me. Just another of those reminders that I am very blessed to have found a job that I not only love doing, but am good at doing - a combination to be thankful for.
As I said, last night was another DUI hunting expedition. Can't recall if I've mentioned it, but one of the freedoms I have been lucky to get at work is being part of a small group who gets to go out on these specials. Basically they looked at a group of us they know like doing DUIs, are competent at it (not always the same thing, like anything else), and asked us to take a few nights each month and just concentrate on that. It's separate from my normal duties, but it's also overtime money which is always helpful. It's nice as well as I'm not tied to the radio, answering calls or doing stuff like that - and I'm also not stuck in an office doing paperwork or any of that joy. Just get to ride around & hunt & play the game when I find them.
So yes, last night was successful yet again. I always find it humorous doing these, in that it is the epitome of much of police work from the patrol standpoint - hours of nothing, punctuated by an unexpected moment of excitement. I spent the first 3 1/2 hours just looking - a few simple stops but nothing that developed into anything. One of those things which is very frustrating to my type of personality, as I start feeling like I'm wasting my time and not getting anywhere, and not accomplishing anything... Sure, some nights you don't find anything, it's just the nature of the job - but I hate those, as I like to think I can at least get a few tickets and maybe some sort of arrest, even if I can't find a drunk.
Of course, right around the time I'd gotten to my maximum frustration level and was just going to take a break & get a drink to clear my head, I see the car in front of me. They're having trouble figuring out what lane they are in, can't figure out a consistent speed and just giving me all those little hints. Nothing huge - not running off the road, driving the wrong way or anything like that but definitely enough for my experience to say "This is the one." Even enough that when I do the initial stop I go ahead and call for my backup before I even talk to the driver, because I can see what is coming.
Yep, she was drunk. Fortunately for me and my evening she was a happy drunk as well - not one to gripe, curse or do any of that. In fact, she was madder at herself for being behind the wheel, saying "I should have just stayed where I was." than mad at me - always a nice change from some of the others I have dealt with over the years.
I won't bore everyone with the details of the arrest or any of that tonight. Suffice it to say that I earned my money, kept this person from hurting herself or someone else, and did it all in a way to keep both the citizens and my work happy with me. Just another of those reminders that I am very blessed to have found a job that I not only love doing, but am good at doing - a combination to be thankful for.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Another rotation begins
The birthday went well yesterday - got to spend time with my wife and children, I cooked a big meal for everyone (as her sister & family came over for the evening) and just generally got to enjoy life.
This morning started with a bomb call, which fortunately was easily dealt with. Now I'm getting to enjoy some much-needed quiet time in the house for a couple of hours and catch up on a few things. Then tonight I'll be on an overtime-DUI hunt again.
I hope all of your days go as well.
This morning started with a bomb call, which fortunately was easily dealt with. Now I'm getting to enjoy some much-needed quiet time in the house for a couple of hours and catch up on a few things. Then tonight I'll be on an overtime-DUI hunt again.
I hope all of your days go as well.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
The hits just keep on coming
Guess you could call this a follow-up to yesterday's post, these were the selections from today's stop (during part 1 of 5 attempts to get home on time):
Me - "I understand you don't have the registration to this car, I stopped you because these plates don't belong on it in the first place."
Citizen - "But I just bought it last month, I promise I'm going to DMV this week!"
Me - "And when were you going to get insurance on it?" (This is called playing a hunch, and frequently...)
Citizen - "I had it on the other car, I just need to switch it over. Can't you just cut me a break?"
Which then led to a long tirade as the car was being towed away...
Does anyone else have these conversations in law enforcement, or is it just me?
Me - "I understand you don't have the registration to this car, I stopped you because these plates don't belong on it in the first place."
Citizen - "But I just bought it last month, I promise I'm going to DMV this week!"
Me - "And when were you going to get insurance on it?" (This is called playing a hunch, and frequently...)
Citizen - "I had it on the other car, I just need to switch it over. Can't you just cut me a break?"
Which then led to a long tirade as the car was being towed away...
Does anyone else have these conversations in law enforcement, or is it just me?
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
ABC's
From Meadowlark, just for laughs:
A - Age: Turn 40 this week.
B - Bed size: Queen. It's old too, and squeeky, and due for replacement...
C - Chore you hate: Cleaning the bathroom.
D - Dog's name: Family dog is Dakota, work dog is Helix.
E - Essential start your day item: a hot shower
F - Favorite color: Black, blue or green.
G - Gold or Silver or Platinum: Silver, but I don't wear jewelry.
H - Height: 5'11"
I - Instruments you play: I have ZERO musical talent, and can't sing either.
J - Job title: Police officer.
K - Kid(s): 2 - 4 and 19 months.
L - Living arrangements: Old house in an old neighborhood, which suits us fine with all the character.
M - Mom's name: You mean publicly? Marcia.
N - Nicknames: Don't have any.
O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: Pneumonia when I was three, everything else has been outpatient.
P - Pet Peeve: Stupidity.
Q - Quote from a movie: Ummmm does the blog title and all count?
R - Right handed or left handed: Right
S - Siblings: One younger brother.
T - Time you wake up: Normally right about 7.
U- Underwear: Only when I have to - it's an old diver thing.
V - Vegetable you dislike: The list of ones I like would be shorter! I can be a picky eater.
W - Ways you run late: This is another peeve of mine and I'm like Meadowlark, if I'm late there is something wrong.
X - X-rays you've had: More than I can count, surprised I don't glow!
Y - Yummy food you make: I cook a mean steak, smoke a great brisket and generally do other cooking well - but don't bake well.
Z - Zoo favorite: No favorites, haven't been in years.
A - Age: Turn 40 this week.
B - Bed size: Queen. It's old too, and squeeky, and due for replacement...
C - Chore you hate: Cleaning the bathroom.
D - Dog's name: Family dog is Dakota, work dog is Helix.
E - Essential start your day item: a hot shower
F - Favorite color: Black, blue or green.
G - Gold or Silver or Platinum: Silver, but I don't wear jewelry.
H - Height: 5'11"
I - Instruments you play: I have ZERO musical talent, and can't sing either.
J - Job title: Police officer.
K - Kid(s): 2 - 4 and 19 months.
L - Living arrangements: Old house in an old neighborhood, which suits us fine with all the character.
M - Mom's name: You mean publicly? Marcia.
N - Nicknames: Don't have any.
O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: Pneumonia when I was three, everything else has been outpatient.
P - Pet Peeve: Stupidity.
Q - Quote from a movie: Ummmm does the blog title and all count?
R - Right handed or left handed: Right
S - Siblings: One younger brother.
T - Time you wake up: Normally right about 7.
U- Underwear: Only when I have to - it's an old diver thing.
V - Vegetable you dislike: The list of ones I like would be shorter! I can be a picky eater.
W - Ways you run late: This is another peeve of mine and I'm like Meadowlark, if I'm late there is something wrong.
X - X-rays you've had: More than I can count, surprised I don't glow!
Y - Yummy food you make: I cook a mean steak, smoke a great brisket and generally do other cooking well - but don't bake well.
Z - Zoo favorite: No favorites, haven't been in years.
A conversational moment from today...
- No ma'am, if you'd stopped for the sign we wouldn't be having this conversation.
- Same thing for the seatbelt, if you'd been wearing it I wouldn't be giving you the ticket.
- Yes, I do have better things to do right now, but this is one of those things the taxpayers expect me to do.
- I understand you're in a hurry, but once those blue lights come on we switch over to my schedule, not yours.
The sad part is, I have to repeat variations of it all the time.
- Same thing for the seatbelt, if you'd been wearing it I wouldn't be giving you the ticket.
- Yes, I do have better things to do right now, but this is one of those things the taxpayers expect me to do.
- I understand you're in a hurry, but once those blue lights come on we switch over to my schedule, not yours.
The sad part is, I have to repeat variations of it all the time.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Terrorist attack in Arkansas
Nice to see that they are treating this one seriously early on - although the Feebs saying they "might" have jurisdiction is a laugh.
Not the last time we are going to see this folks. A number of folks have been discussing for years the threat posed by some of the Muslim extremist organizations which recruit in our prisons - be curious to see if this is where this started as well.
Not the last time we are going to see this folks. A number of folks have been discussing for years the threat posed by some of the Muslim extremist organizations which recruit in our prisons - be curious to see if this is where this started as well.
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