Updates and bad drivers

- The biscuit survived her MRI ok, though she let everyone know the parts she was upset with. Unfortunately no definitive results yet, so we have to wait a few more weeks for the next appointment to figure out hopefully what is going on. And thanks to the good wishes from the Chinese porn spammers - always nice to know Beijing cares....

- Got the grill fired up tonight and did some lovely steaks. This also gave both munchkins a chance to run around and play in the mud and run around the yard, and then spend some time roasting and enjoying marshmallows. Always nice to have spring and warmth back in the area.

- Today at work had the fun of another mid-day drunk driver right in front of me. Always amazes me the number of drunks who are out there that early in the day, and the number of people who think they can mix medications and everything else & somehow still drive. Fortunately I got him stopped before he hit anyone else, but it definitely cut into everything else I had planned.

- That's it for today's fun. Mythbusters is blowing stuff up and shooting things in the same episode, so I'm going to enjoy TV for once.

a few bits

- Long call-out last night for a device - we're still working on some ID issues, but it sure did make a nice BOOM when we got rid of it. Seems a great many of my calls lately are for old military stuff popping up...

- Along with very little sleep I had to suffer today through one of those training sessions that could have been done in an hour, but take all day. They're trying to move us away from paper reports now that it's 2010 and all, but they taught the class at the level of your average mollusk.

- Apparently the masses I attend school with didn't bring their backbones or free thought - at least based on willingness to debate subjects. When I responded to the discussion group with a statement to the effect of "If you accept 100% of what your are told by the world around you as gospel than you are a fool," then proceeded to back my points up with facts, logic etc. a deathly silence fell across the board... Hopefully someone at least responds soon - the whole point is learning and sharing ideas after all.

- The youngest has another doctor's appointment early tomorrow to hopefully figure out what's wrong with her. Positive thoughts would be appreciated.

Pursuits & prejudgment

We had a pursuit in this area this week which unfortunately resulted in the death of an uninvolved bystander when they were hit by the suspect who was fleeing. The whole event from start to finish was over in less time than it took to type this paragraph, with the bad guy captured, an innocent dead, and lots of public attention. Drugs & guns involved, as is frequently the case, and not too much other information available yet.

The bad side of it is that the usual suspects for the region are up in arms about things - pursuits are dangerous, the police should have just run the plates and magically known that was the driver for later arrest, it was all racially based somehow, etc. Even some of the local politicians and media are weighing in with very accusatory statements before all the facts are even in - just doing their best to make it all look like the fault of police, and that we are somehow out of control cowboys. I also like the contingent that says the whole "oh the police are blaming marijuana just to push their agenda, weed wouldn't have made him do all this."

The good side is that some of the public commentary has been very much in support of the police - sharing the sadness that someone died, but expressing the fact that it is the role society has given us to catch offenders, even when they run. Even some pointing out the double standard we are faced with - if he runs & someone is hurt it's our fault; if we let him go & someone is hurt then why didn't we chase him? I've even been impressed by our Chief's very public statements - he normally doesn't get into these fights, letting the facts support themselves - but he went on record right away pointing out that the bad guy made the decision to run & put people at risk, not us. Well done sir.

Fortunately I'm not involved in it at all - I don't even know more than the public details of the case, but no matter what comes out it will be an ugly mess in the media and community. I'm certainly not judging either way without the facts either - I wasn't there. I've chased & caught, chased & lost, and canceled pursuits when I knew it was too risky for what was going on - and no matter which you choose it's full of "what ifs?"

Just hoping the end result isn't a knee-jerk reaction which limits our ability to keep the bad people locked up.

Please take a moment

A young lady and her daughter recently lost a husband and father in Afghanistan.

Please take a moment to go by A Little Pink in a World of Camo and offer your condolences.

It's nowhere near the debt we owe such families, but it is something.

Follow-up

Wow - appreciate all the replies folks, and it amazes me the variety of folks who drop by to read here.

For which I will say thanks - for taking the time to read my various scribbles, to comment on my thoughts and to hopefully get a bit of a glimpse into at least one cops life. I'm certainly not the most prolific writer and far from the best, but I'm glad to know some folks seem to like it.

Back to movie-night with my lovely wife, regular drivel to resume manana.

Question for the readers

Since I'm working on school stuff, and have no real content to post I will ask a question of my readers.

Drop me a comment - I'm curious as to how people found me and what brought them here. Also, if there is anyone who I've neglected on the blogroll please let me know & I'll fix it.

Late night

Just got home from a late bomb call - some old ordnance someone had brought home from overseas, which still had some explosives in it. And yet somehow the family was upset that we wouldn't let them keep it...

Truism

Having spent the past hour fixing the factory edge on a blade whilst I read schoolwork, I was reminded of the following:

Sharp beats pretty.

Just sharing the thought.

ugh

Today ended up being six hours longer than planned, thanks to the efforts of a pair of overly drunk individuals who I stopped before they killed anyone, then continued to deal with throughout the drama...

More blog later, after I get some time with my family and school.

A Sort of Homecoming

And you know it's time to go
Through the sleet and driving snow
Across the fields of mourning
Light in the distance

And you hunger for the time
Time to heal, desire, time
And your earth moves beneath
Your own dream landscape

As I've discussed, I recently took a trip out west for some training. Back to the part of the country I grew up in, where my roots and family come from.

Oh, oh, oh...
On borderland we run...

I'll be there
I'll be there...
Tonight
A high road
A high road out from here

The last time I was even in this part of the country was ten years ago - career, family & life have led me to where I am now, and I just don't make it back to a place where all my acquaintances have moved on. Still, I was very interested in visiting - both for a chance to see things again - my mountains, the landscape and all - as well as for the fact that it's a place that my wife and I have discussed as a possible "someday."

The city walls are all pulled down
The dust, a smoke screen all around
See faces ploughed like fields that once
Gave no resistance

And we live by the side of the road
On the side of a hill
As the valley explode
Dislocated, suffocated
The land grows weary of its own

This was the view out my window every morning for the first week - mountains in the high desert, a scattering of snow and just that bit of altitude. For those not familiar with the southwest it's like that - clear skies horizon to horizon, with mountains rising straight from the land below. It honestly took a bit to get used to again; very much different from the rolling hills and green trees of Virginia where I am now, from the urban sprawl and interstates where I work most of the time. But, as the tropics call to my lovely wife, the mountains call to me...



I was lucky enough to have the weekend to myself - no classes, no obligations, and a free rental car. So, I had two goals in mind. For the first part I went up to visit Albuquerque and Santa Fe for a bit. I haven't been to either town since about 1987, but had fond memories of visiting both - and I wasn't disappointed this time either. Santa Fe was by far my favorite of the two -

Oh, oh, oh...on borderland we run...
And still we run
We run and don't look back
I'll be there
I'll be there
Tonight
Tonight

I'll be there tonight...I believe
I'll be there...somehow
I'll be there...tonight
Tonight

I love the architecture, the diverse cultures which have blended together, and the shops and plazas and everything. All of it nestled in the mountains, winter or summer both surrounding the town with a feel I have always associated with growing up in places like this. I spent the day just wandering around, poking my head into anyplace that seemed interesting, and soaking it all in. Had a good lunch and a great dinner, bought souvenirs for myself and my family, and did the whole "tourist coming home" thing.



The second part of the weekend was going to be the more important for me.

For those unaware, I'm half Native - through my father's side. Due to an early divorce, plenty of moving around when I was growing up, and my own travels, I have unfortunately not been able to spend as much time with that side of my family as I would wish. Sure, I know the culture, bits of language, etc. - but I've never gotten the prolonged time around certain parts that I would like. In fact, the last time I'd been anywhere near had been 15 years go, to say goodbye to the father I hadn't seen in longer than that. So, part of the plan was to drive the extra few hours up to the reservation and visit. See the cultural center, talk with some people maybe, just look around. While I certainly couldn't fit years into a day, it would be something.

Unfortunately, reality conspired against me.

I called to make some plans and contacts pre-arrival. A wonderfully nice young lady answered the phone, listened to my questions and answered with a mixture of sorrow and almost shame.

"No, the museum is closed - it's in a two-year renovation, and we don't have anything taking it's place. No, all the tribal offices are closed because of weather and the weekend. Yes, we'd love to help you track down some relatives, but unfortunately the folks who could do that won't be around."

"But, um, we've opened a really nice casino with a spa, if you'd like to come see that. No? Well, I understand, I'm sorry."

It embarrassed me too - there's something wrong with the fact that across this country those who have been here longest have nothing to offer a prodigal son on his return but a trip to a blackjack table, and maybe a floor show... A people who once ruled the mountains of five states are reduced to yet another entertainment in order to make ends meet - where once we were allowed our rodeos and sideshows we now can entertain the conquerors with billboards for the best house odds around...

The wind will crack in winter time
This bomb-blast lightning waltz
No spoken words, just a scream...

Tonight we'll build a bridge
Across the sea and land
See the sky, the burning rain
She will die and live again
Tonight

So... instead of a cultural trip with people, I took one on my own. I spent about 9 hours driving through Indian country - deep in the reservations of several tribes, highways and back roads. Past the pueblos and the trailer parks, the small communities and the lonely ranches. Routes full of travelers, and others where I saw no cars but plenty of elk and coyote. Alone with the wind, my thoughts, and maybe the whispers of the past...

There is plenty more I could say in this post - judging my people and others, discussing the paths that history and the world have taken, or just my musings in general.

But I won't.

I am home now - because where the family and life I have made IS my home. The west still calls to me, as Africa does to her. And, someday, we will be in a position for one or the other, or someplace new - a whole lot can happen between now and then.

I'm glad I went though - for, while the trip wasn't all that was planned, it was still something I needed.

And your heart beats so slow
Through the rain and fallen snow
Across the fields of mourning
Light's in the distance

Oh don't sorrow, no don't weep
For tonight, at last
I am coming home
I am coming home

*Lyrics from U2, back when they were cool and before Bono's ego needed a separate tour bus.
Crappy photography by the author.*

Homeward Bound

After a long two weeks I am headed home. One last night in a hotel (of course, they choose the really nice hotel for the last one - when I can't enjoy it,) an early day of flying and then time with my family at last.

I've enjoyed the trip for the chance to be back around my home for a bit - but it's time to be with the ones I love.

Some longer posts coming soon, once things have returned to abnormal.

New guys

Sitting here the past two days tabletopping scenarios - I have been reminded that I have been doing some of this stuff for 20 years. Very frustrating to watch some of the mistakes folks are making, but doing my best to keep my mouth shut.

A bit of follow-up

I wrote last month about the death of the author Robert B. Parker.

Well, if the measure of a man is in his children, than Mr. Parker is looking down with great pride upon his son.

Here is the eulogy that was read.

I can only hope that someday my children will think as much of me and my wife.

Fatwa news

One interesting thing about some of the training I've been able to attend lately is that it has been very open about the dangers of radical Islam and terrorism. Avoiding the politically correct stuff and all that, just discussing the groups involved worldwide and the connections.

It has also been good about recognizing and discussing that the actions of these fanatics are not the beliefs of all Muslims; and of the growing dissatisfaction with such things in the Muslim world.

A great example of this was shown this week with a Fatwa issued by one of the Pakistani clerics - who completely condemned terrorism in all forms, and stating publicly that those preaching such were themselves evil.

Let us hope the rest of the world eagerly supports men like this in these troubling times.

Grrrr

Apparently I am about to re-visit a level of pissed off I haven't been to in a while, as it appears someone in the hotel staff helped themselves to my ipod charger today...

**UPDATE**

Spoke with the manager first thing this morning, as did another guy who had the same thing happen.

End of the day result - housekeeper involved fired, both chargers replaced, free meal on them, and voluminous apologies.

I can't ask for anything more than that - they aggressively addressed the problem once aware of it, and did their best to make it right. Well done.

Classic cop notes

Not mine but still worth sharing.

Things cops figure out....from experience on the job.


- The running speed of a Belgian Malinois is at least twice that of the
average out of shape tweaker. If you are going to attempt to outrun one, please calculate the "Rate x Time = Distance" formula ahead of time if you want to avoid getting bit.

- If they say they "just met" another person, then they are close friends who just committed a crime and don't want to be implicated with aforementioned friend.

Anyone who goes out of their way to acknowledge you is hiding something. Anyone who goes out of their way to ignore you is hiding something.

- If you get called to a 911 hang-up and a guy answers the door with a 9 month old child in his arms and says "Oh, the baby must have accidentally dialed it", he means he was just involved in a domestic that he doesn't want you to know about. Sometimes the same guy has a $25k felony warrant as well.

- If you borrowed a BMW from a friend it's not unreasonable to expect you to know your friends last name.

- If you rob a gas station you're only going to get $20, but I get to see a large K-9 dog use your arm as a chew toy. For all I care you can keep the $20.

- If I can see a 12 year old in your house finishing a beer bong I don't need a warrant.

- If they tell you they borrowed the jacket from a friend, just before you search it, they've got something, and it's still gonna be their jacket.

- We get coffee breaks too, and sometimes we run into stores and do some shopping during them.

- Any person who absolutely cannot sit still or hold a relevant conversation to pertaining subject, and does not mention desperate need of the lavatory, is either: 1) illegally transporting something 2) under the influence or 3) possessing some felony warrant out for them.

- If I ask you the day or month you were born and you have to think about it I don't believe your answer.

- If the company you entertain includes crack, meth, and/or heroin users I may act like a professional when you call me for the burglary report but I'm secretly laughing my ass off at the poetic justice of the situation.

- Speaking to me and starting your phrase with, "Screw you, you can't do..." will quickly make you the victim of your own ignorance.

- EVERYONE lies. The bad guys lie to try to get out of trouble, the victims lie to make their plight sound worse and/or to make the bad guy look worse. The truth is usually somewhere in between.

- Nobody in the history of the world has ever had "just a couple of beers" and then ended up in contact with law enforcement under circumstances where the amount of alcohol they have consumed is a factor.

- I know ALL my cousin's last names. Especially the ones that I know well enough to borrow their car. So should you. Unless they aren't really your cousin.

- "I get a check" is not the answer that tells me you are a solid citizen when I ask you where you work.

- No bathroom, ANYWHERE, in any house, is large enough to fit everyone who was in the house when the shooting happened. If you tell me you were peeing outside when I point that out, you better be able to show me a wet spot.

- If you look right then left more than once while talking to my face, you are about to wear handcuffs or sit in the back seat of my unit, I do not like foot pursuits.

- If I ask you "is there anything in the car that's illegal" and you say "not that I know of" or "there shouldn't be".....I get very excited. it's like Christmas morning.

Ummmm

Even I couldn't make this up:

A group is seriously petitioning the International Olympic Committee to include pole dancing as an event in the summer games...

When the lightning bolts start flying from Mt. Olympus I promise I am not responsible for it.