A look at the sex offender registry....

One of the recent events to anger the populace is Brock Turner, the college student who raped a classmate and got all of six months punishment because the judge was worried about the "long prison term " would have on Harris.

Now one thing Harris cannot avoid is registering on the local sex offender registry. From this month's Reason magazine, a look at the issue:

Brock Turner Should Still Be in Prison, Not on the Sex Offender Registry

Brock Turner, the former Stanford University swimmer who was convicted of sexually assaulting an unconscious female student, was released from prison today after serving just three months of his six-month sentence.

Most people are outraged—and for good reason. Turner's sentence was incredibly lenient to begin with. Prosecutors had sought a six-year sentence, and there's good reason to believe that Judge Aaron Persky went easy on Turner for reasons of privilege: he was concerned about the "impact" a long prison sentence would have on Turner, a young white male.

But those in the media who assert that Turner got off with a mere slap on the wrist are only telling half the story. Now that Turner is out of prison, he will have to register as a sex offender—perhaps for the rest of his life.

Turner is not a victim, obviously: he did commit a very serious sex crime, one that could haunt the young woman he assaulted for the rest of her life. It's understandable why she would feel like she was deprived of justice—the man convicted of sexually assaulting her got to walk out prison, three months later, as if the judge cared more about Turner's well-being than her own.

But while Turner's light prison sentence was ill-fitting given the nature of his crime, sex offender registration is similarly misguided. The sex offender registry wasn't designed to be an ongoing punishment, in any case. Rather, it's supposed to be a public safety tool—informing citizens that they live in the vicinity of a sex offender. In theory, the registry protects kids by making it difficult or impossible for sex offenders to live near schools and public parks: not to punish them, but to make it harder for them to commit additional crimes. There are strict limitations on where they can live, they have to inform local officials whenever they move, and they must check-in frequently in order to re-register...

...There's no reason to believe Turner is a danger to kids, though. And being on the sex offender list won't stop him from engaging in the kind of behavior that got him into trouble: registered sex offenders can still attend college parties and drink alcohol. His status will make it difficult for him to find a place to live or hold a job, but it won't really make anyone safer.

Certainly, a lot of people will respond, who cares? Turner got off easy, anyway, they will say, and the sex offender registry is a relatively small price to pay for not being in prison years longer. All true.

But the purpose of the criminal justice system should be to keep the public safe from people who are truly dangerous, and to work toward rehabilitating everyone else. The sex offender registry utterly fails on both counts. There is no evidence that it reduces the recidivism rates of sex offenders (sex offenders are unlikely to re-offend, at least in comparison to other groups of criminals), and plenty of evidence that it makes it much harder for ex-convicts who no longer pose any danger to re-integrate into society.

Turner's prison sentence was too lenient—a symptom of a justice system that fails to take rape seriously—and yet his subsequent punishment is too harsh, as well as completely disconnected from the crime he committed.

Even Stanford University's Michelle Dauber, a leader of the effort to recall Persky for going easy on Turner, thinks so, according to The Mercury News:

But California and South Carolina are the only states that require all sex offenders to register for life. Even one of the judge's harshest critics, Stanford professor and recall leader Michele Dauber, who maintains Turner should have served time in prison, said lifetime registration is too long in his case. She noted there's no registry for murder.

"I'd say he should get off after 10 years, if he is a Boy Scout and stays out of trouble," Dauber said. "No one should be defined for the rest of their life by their worst moment."...

Legitimate point, if he has done the crime and done the time, that should be it. There is an legitimate issue here, if the purpose of the registry is keep child rapist aways from schools, etc where kids stay, then it's useful. If Tuner is not a threat to kids, then he should not be forced to let a buerocrat know his whereabouts like that. A parole officer, yes, but will this help anyone? Turner didn't commit statuary rape, where the young lady cannot consent because she is too young. He raped a woman because she could't consent because she was drunk.

Perhaps another way to reform our punishment system?

A review of the first attack on the World Trade Center.

As the nation paused to note the Fifteenth Anniversary of the 9/11 Attack, Mr. Burton reviews the previous attack in 1993.

Osama bin Laden has harbored a goal of destroying the Twin Towers for ages, seeing them as a great sign of American power. He tired and failed in 1993, but the man did go at it again and unfortunately succeed.

Good read.

Learning From the Other Twin Towers Attack

Analysis

Editor's Note: Today, on the 15th anniversary of the attack that brought down the World Trade Center, Stratfor remembers all who lost their lives and acknowledges those whose lives were forever changed on Sept. 11, 2001 — including the people working diligently to ensure that the United States never has to endure another tragedy of the same magnitude. In fact, their preventive work started some eight years before 9/11 after a bombing at the towers killed six people and injured more than 1,000 others. Stratfor Chief Security Officer Fred Burton reflects on his work with the State Department in the wake of that first attack.

By Fred Burton

On Feb. 26, 1993, a massive explosion rocked the World Trade Center, killing six people and injuring more than 1,000 others. Terrified schoolchildren were trapped in smoke-filled elevators for hours before rescuers could finally reach them. Following the bombing, law enforcement officials gathered evidence that led to the indictments and arrests of several suspected terrorists, including the plot's mastermind, Abdul Basit, better known by his alias, Ramzi Yousef. He was added to the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, and our office at the State Department offered a $2 million reward for his capture.

An Imperfect Plan

Yousef had been associated with al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden since before the terrorist organization had even been founded. He left the Khaldan training camp run by bin Laden in September 1992 and traveled to New York, where he made contact with the al-Kifah Refugee Center — so infamous for its ties to terrorism that it was often called the Brooklyn Jihad Office. From that base of support, Yousef formed the terrorist cell that would eventually bomb the World Trade Center. An attack on the towers, which were a powerful symbol of U.S. economic power and Jewish wealth, would make a strong media statement to the world.

But the improvised explosive device placed in the parking garage of the north tower failed to destroy the two towers. What it did do, however, was raise awareness of domestic terrorist threats among U.S. security officials. The investigation of the incident uncovered many other plots, including one to assassinate then-Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York.

Behind the Scenes

Because of the work that began in 1993 and continued after 9/11, a plan like Yousef's would be nearly impossible to execute today. Close cooperation among law enforcement at all levels — especially the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force — and local Muslim communities has led to the identification and weeding out of Muslim leaders with radical views, resulting in either their deportation or close surveillance.

For me and many of my colleagues, the gritty task of combating terrorism in the United States became our lives. At the time of the 1993 attack, Scott Stewart, my colleague here at Stratfor, was a special agent with the U.S. Diplomatic Security Services (DSS). Scott left our office in Washington with a sophisticated explosives detector that he used at the World Trade Center to help the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the New York City Police Department investigate the scene of the bombing. He subsequently worked on countless document fraud cases connected with many of the bombing's suspects, including with Omar Abdel Rahman, better known as the Blind Sheikh. Scott's work was persistent and tireless.

While Scott chased down the criminal rings that helped facilitate the attack, I worked to capture the suspects still at large. As I narrated in my memoir, Ghost: Confessions of a Counterterrorism Agent, I was directly involved in Yousef's capture in 1995, but I've always said that I received much more credit then I deserve for my role in that capture. Yousef's arrest was really due to the establishment of the Rewards for Justice program, which doled out cash for information leading to arrests. Yousef's capture was a testament to the strength of that program and to the heroism of the agents who made the arrest, more than to a sign of any great competency on my part.

After receiving a tip from a very good informant, DSS special agents nabbed Yousef in a hotel room in Islamabad, Pakistan. Afterward, the informant was relocated to the United States for his safety and was granted his reward in crisp hundred-dollar bills stacked neatly inside a black General Services Administration-issued Samsonite briefcase. The man who risked his life to help bring Yousef to justice was also required to sign a form obliging him to pay taxes on his windfall — though there was no oversight to make sure he complied.

Paying informants large cash rewards became standard practice for special agents with the Counterterrorism Division of the DSS. Another of my Stratfor colleagues, Mike Parks, played a critical role in the Rewards for Justice program. To help advertise its existence, we designed matchbooks with pictures of notorious terrorists and eye-catching wanted posters (an original Ramzi Yousef matchbook and poster are among my most prized possessions). We organized public service announcements by Hollywood celebrities and formed a public-private partnership to help fund reward offers.

Yet our best efforts were not enough to prevent the attack eight years later that destroyed the twin towers and thousands of lives. Today, as I remember the victims and heroes who died in that savage attack, I also remember those affected by the first tower bombing. I commemorate all of the painstaking and often tedious work my colleagues did to prevent another bombing. I'm cognizant of and grateful for their efforts, sure that though we couldn't guarantee the complete and enduring safety of every American, we undoubtedly made our country and all of our lives more secure. Today, I rest more easily knowing that the 9/11 attack would be virtually impossible to replicate in today's United States.

I've wondered if this attack in some way inspired another American based terrorist, Timothy McVeigh. While McVeigh wanted to attack American as revenge for the Rudy Ridge and Waco TX raids, he may have seen this as a method for the revenge for enacting his vengeance. Hopefully all the instigators are resting in hell.

Learning From the Other Twin Towers Attack is republished with permission of Stratfor.

Officer Down

Deputy Sheriff Michael Arthur Winter
Branch County Sheriff's Office, Michigan
End of Watch: Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Age: 39
Tour: 5 years
Badge # 565
Incident Date: 5/30/2016

Deputy Sheriff Michael Winter succumbed to injuries sustained the previous day when he was thrown from his horse while on a special detail at the Memorial Day Parade along West Chicago Street in Quincy, Michigan.

He suffered a severe head injury when something spooked the horse near the intersection of West Chicago Street and West Street, causing it to buck and throw him. He was flown to a hospital in Indiana where he was taken off of life support the following day so his organs could be donated.

Deputy Winter was a U.S. Navy veteran and had served with the Branch County Sheriff's Office for five years. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.

Rest in Peace Bro…We Got The Watch

Nemo me impune lacessit

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh. 

K9 Down

K9 Credo
Long Beach Police Department, California
End of Watch: Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Breed: Belgian Malinois
Age: 4
Gender: M
Tour: 2 years

K9 Credo was shot and killed while deployed at a barricade situation involving a man wanted in connection with shooting several other people.

Credo was assisting the agency's SWAT team in the 2800 block of East 15th Street when the subject came out of the apartment and aggressively charged at officers. Credo was deployed to stop the man, at which point he pulled out a knife. Officers on scene fire at the subject, fatally wounding him and Credo.

Credo was transported to a nearby veterinary clinic where he died a short time later.

K9 Credo had served with the Long Beach Police Department for two years as a patrol and narcotics detection canine.

Rest in Peace Credo…till our next roll call at the Rainbow Bridge!

In Memory of all Police Dogs

They handled themselves with beauty & grace

And who could ever forget that beautiful face

Whether at work; or at home; whatever the test

They always worked hard; and did their best

They were real champions; at work or at play

But their lives were cut short; suddenly one day

While working on the job with their partner one day

They put themselves out on a limb; out into harms way

They gave the ultimate sacrifice; any dog can give

They gave up their life; so someone could live

The best of their breed; as his partner and anyone would say

Many hearts are now broken; that he had to prove it this way

Now as the trees are blowing in the gentle breeze

The sun is shining; thru the leaves on the trees

The meadows are green; and the grass grows tall

Off in the distance they can see a waterfall

As they look over the falls; down through the creek

The water flows gently; as a rabbit sneaks a peek

Far up above; in the deep blue sky

They see the birds soar high; as they fly by

They see animals playing; at the bridge by a waterfall

Chasing each other; and just having a ball

They play all day; from morning to night

There's no more rain; just warm sunlight

Off in the distance; they hear trumpets blow

Then all the animals look up; and notice a bright glow

The harps would play and the angels would sing

As they know they've come home; they've earned their wings

We remember that they died; in the line of duty

And are now with the Lord; sharing in heaven's beauty

Off to the meadows now; where they can play and roam free

With an occasional rest stop; under a tall oak tree

No more bad guys to chase; or bullets to take

Just a run through the meadow; down to the lake

A quick splash in the water; then back to the shore

Then it's off to the forest; to go play some more

These special dogs are back home; up in heaven above

They're cradled in God's arm's; and covered with His love

We'll light a candle for all of them; in the dark of night

In loving memory of all; these very special knights

By John Quealy

Officer Down

Police Officer Ronald Tarentino, Jr.
Auburn Police Department, Massachusetts
End of Watch: Sunday, May 22, 2016
Age: 42
Tour: 9 years
Badge # 74

Police Officer Ronald Tarentino was shot and killed while conducting a traffic stop on Rochdale Street, near Zabelle Avenue, at approximately 12:30 am.

An occupant of the vehicle opened fire on him during as he approached the car, striking him multiple times. He was transported to UMass Memorial Medical Center where he succumbed to his wounds.

The subject who shot him fled the scene, but was later located at an Oxford apartment building. As officers searched the apartment he was believed to have been hiding in they discovered a secret passage into an adjoining apartment. When the officers made entry into the second apartment the subject exited a closet and opened fire, wounding one Massachusetts State Police tactical team trooper before being killed.

Officer Tarentino had served with the Auburn Police Department for two years and had previously served with the Leicester Police Department for seven years. He is survived by his wife and three children.

Rest in Peace Bro…We Got The Watch

Nemo me impune lacessit

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh. 

A good overall look at the changes in immediate trauma care since 9/11

I've let my US News and World Report subscription lapse for multiple reasons, but I've been taking a look at them recently. I may have to drop a few bucks on them. Good article on how immediate trauma care has changed in the years since 9/11.

Better Training and Techniques Since 9/11 Save Lives

War abroad and carnage at home since 9/11 have taught Americans much about saving lives after violent tragedies. Whether they were hurt in mass shootings or gruesome car accidents, it's not uncommon for victims to bleed to death on the scene because trained assistance didn't arrive in time to help them.

But one of the most powerful initiatives in trauma care in the past 15 years might make a difference.

Across the country, a public safety campaign is underway to teach both first responders, such as police officers, and average citizens how to stop trauma victims from bleeding to death. United under the banner of a White House-led public safety campaign called "Stop The Bleed," federal agencies, major health care and law enforcement trade associations, local governments and some companies are backing the effort.

The national push for broader training is "a direct descendant of the 9/11 experience," said Oscar Guillamondegui, medical director of the trauma intensive care unit at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Better medical supplies and devices – perfected under combat conditions by the military since 2001 – combined with a first-aid technique once done only in hospitals, are playing leading roles in helping grievously wounded people when time matters most.

Here are three 21st century advances that are making U.S. trauma care better:

Training

Groups such as National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians and the American College of Surgeons make instructional materials available free online so qualified instructors can train police officers and the public in bleeding control. Trauma departments across the country are offering similar programs.

In Boston, trauma surgeons are instructing teachers at schools run by the Archdiocese of Boston how to stop bleeding. Cities also are teaching police officers how to apply tourniquets and arming them with bleeding control kits – more than 36,000 officers from Phoenix to Philadelphia had taken such training by 2014, according to the American College of Surgeons.

In Denver, at least six citizens and five police officers have been saved the past five years because officers at the scene were trained in bleeding control, said Dr. Peter Pons, an emergency physician who created that city's program. He is also professor emeritus at the School of Medicine at the University of Colorado.

Tourniquets

Tourniquets were rarely used in civilian accident scenes even 10 years ago because it was assumed that applying one would lead to amputation of the injured arm or leg.

When a tourniquet did need to be applied, paramedics and emergency medical technicians often created their own, using triangular fabric bandages and other materials carried in their vehicles. While tourniquets could not have helped the many 9/11 victims who died when hijacked airplanes crashed into the Twin Towers and the Pentagon, their usefulness has been proven in other circumstances.

Today, commercially designed tourniquets, called combat tourniquets, can be found in nearly every ambulance and emergency response unit in the country, and that's due in part to years of successful military use in Iraq and Afghanistan...

And in my body armor pocket, and in my emergency bag (with a couple of tampons, don't laugh, they will stop blood dead!)

...Wound Packing

When a tourniquet can't be applied to staunch profuse bleeding – such as gunshot wounds in shoulders or chests – another technique comes into play. It's called wound packing – literally, stuffing a wound with gauze and applying pressure to keep blood in the victim's body. Traditionally, only physicians were taught this technique, according to Denver's Dr. Pons. Now, ambulance personnel all over the U.S. are using wound packing, aided by special gauze treated with chemicals that make blood clot faster.

These "hemostatic dressings," with names like Combat Gauze and QuickClot, were developed and originally used by the military.

OK, another Star Trek video..

OK, I admit, I'm overdoing it a bit...but it is the 50th anniversary this week. And this is a great commercial

K9 Down

K9 Tyson
Fountain County Sheriff's Office, Indiana
End of Watch: Monday, June 27, 2016
Breed: Belgian Malinois
Age: 5
Gender: M
Tour: 4 years
Cause: Heat exhaustion
Incident Date: 6/26/2016

K9 Tyson passed away as the result of heat exhaustion he suffered while tracking three subjects wanted for robbing a pharmacy in Danville, Illinois, the previous day. The suspects fled to a wooded area south of Covington, Indiana, where Tyson began tracking them.

Tyson was taken to a local veteranary clinic after showing signs of heat exhaustion. He was initially thought to be improving but his condition suddenly became worse and he passed away on June 27th, 2016.

The subjects that Tyson was tracking were apprehended during the search.

Tyson had served with the Fountain County Sheriff's Office for four years.

Rest in Peace Tyson…till our next roll call at the Rainbow Bridge!

In Memory of all Police Dogs

They handled themselves with beauty & grace

And who could ever forget that beautiful face

Whether at work; or at home; whatever the test

They always worked hard; and did their best

They were real champions; at work or at play

But their lives were cut short; suddenly one day

While working on the job with their partner one day

They put themselves out on a limb; out into harms way

They gave the ultimate sacrifice; any dog can give

They gave up their life; so someone could live

The best of their breed; as his partner and anyone would say

Many hearts are now broken; that he had to prove it this way

Now as the trees are blowing in the gentle breeze

The sun is shining; thru the leaves on the trees

The meadows are green; and the grass grows tall

Off in the distance they can see a waterfall

As they look over the falls; down through the creek

The water flows gently; as a rabbit sneaks a peek

Far up above; in the deep blue sky

They see the birds soar high; as they fly by

They see animals playing; at the bridge by a waterfall

Chasing each other; and just having a ball

They play all day; from morning to night

There's no more rain; just warm sunlight

Off in the distance; they hear trumpets blow

Then all the animals look up; and notice a bright glow

The harps would play and the angels would sing

As they know they've come home; they've earned their wings

We remember that they died; in the line of duty

And are now with the Lord; sharing in heaven's beauty

Off to the meadows now; where they can play and roam free

With an occasional rest stop; under a tall oak tree

No more bad guys to chase; or bullets to take

Just a run through the meadow; down to the lake

A quick splash in the water; then back to the shore

Then it's off to the forest; to go play some more

These special dogs are back home; up in heaven above

They're cradled in God's arm's; and covered with His love

We'll light a candle for all of them; in the dark of night

In loving memory of all; these very special knights

By John Quealy

For guys at the End of Watch...

I have to say I'm a little confused on carrying concealed in other states, even as an active peace officer. Hopefully this makes it a little more clear.

Carrying while retired: 7 things cops need to know

Now that you are retired, or preparing to retire, there are a number of considerations that you should be aware of because of your retired status.

In the wake of attacks against officers across the country, remember that to those who would harm us and our families, you are still the police. Before carrying under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) make sure to check the requirements under federal law and applicable state statutes.

Here are seven things you need to think about as you begin to carry as a retired officer.

1. Proper ID: A department issued photo ID indicating that you are retired is required and a state-issued certification that you have met the firearms qualification must be in your possession whenever you are carrying under LEOSA. My home state makes it easy by providing the form online, along with the state qualification course that needs to be fired to meet the requirement. My department was also kind enough to provide me a badge that says retired, but it isn’t required by federal law. There are also LEOSA badges available online.

Well, again, "DA!" You need to show you can carry a weapon concealed no matter where you are.

2. Understanding where you can and can’t carry: Things have changed with your retired status. If there is a sign on a business saying, "Firearms Prohibited" that now applies to you. For instance, federal property like the post office is now a no-carry zone for you. Under the influence of alcohol? Illegal carry.

Now that you have met the criteria for lawful carry under LEOSA how should you respond if you are placed in a situation that requires you to draw your weapon and/or discharge it.

3. You are no longer a cop, but you are still a protector: Years of training have probably ingrained a verbal challenge in conjunction to drawing your weapon. “Stop! Police! You are under arrest!” is no longer authorized and could potentially place you in jeopardy of being charged with impersonating a police officer. The courts will probably be very understanding about your years of training in issuing this type of verbal challenge, but better safe than sorry. Pulling out your retired ID and showing your badge prior to the officers responding to the scene could also get you charged.

I think they would be understanding...unless you were in New York or LA.

4. Your use of deadly force is no longer sanctioned under the 4th Amendment: As a police officer you were authorized to use deadly force under a variety of circumstance, including using it to stop fleeing dangerous felons. As a retired police officer you are only authorized to use deadly force under the restrictions of the statutes of the state you are in when forced to use it. Study the laws that apply to the use of deadly force by civilians, because that’s what you are now and how you will be judged.

Very good point to make. Basically, as a retired cop you are a civilian with a different type of concealed carry permit.

5. You only have the powers of citizen’s arrest: Seriously consider what that means. Decide beforehand what situations you are willing to interject yourself into as a private citizen. You have no back up, radio, body armor, and no badge. The advice I give to cops is that there is a time to be a good cop and a time to be a good witness. Unless someone is being seriously injured or killed, be a good witness. You can no longer be a cop — you’re retired.

So you have been forced by the suspect’s actions to draw your weapon and/or discharge your weapon. Now what?

6. If it is safe, stay on the scene and make notification to law enforcement as soon as practical: In most people’s minds, flight equals guilt. If you must leave, only go a short distance to safety and call 911. I’ve been teaching Massad Ayoob’s "3 Rings of Safety" to cops for years and it applies to you as well.

a. The call: Get someone else, if possible, to dial 911 and report the situation. Provide your physical and clothing description and your retired LE status to dispatch.

b. The welcoming committee: If possible, have someone you trust outside the building (if you are inside) to repeat the message to the responding officers.

c. Your demeanor: If the situation allows for it, holster your weapon. You’re just a (wo) man with a gun to the responding officers until proven otherwise. Remember, officers are responding to a person with a gun, not you. Do exactly as you are told. If possible, face the direction that the police will arrive so that you aren’t startled by their verbal commands and instinctively and perhaps fatally, turn toward them with a gun in your hand.

7. Protect yourself with an insurance policy: There are a number of companies providing insurance for civilians and retired cops who may find themselves in need of legal representation after a shooting. How do you want to spend your retirement years? By having to work to pay off an attorney? That probably isn’t how you planned things. You may want to protect that retirement fund or pension with an insurance policy.

Conclusion

LEOSA provides us with a unique opportunity to provide protection for ourselves and communities. You need to prepare your mind and body for that moment by understanding the new set of rules that you are required to follow to legally act in your capacity as a retired LEO. This is one step forward on the road to your long, healthy, and hard-earned retirement.

A special thanks to Jeff Chudwin and Massad Ayoob for their input and counsel for this article and for all that they have done for law enforcement over the years.

About the author

In February 2014, Duane Wolfe retired from his career as a Minnesota Peace Officer after more than 25 years of service (beginning in 1988). During his career he served as patrolman, sergeant, S.R.T., Use of Force and Firearms Instructor, and is currently employed by the Parkers Prairie Police Department....

Officer Down

Police Officer Sean Richard Johnson
Hilliard Division of Police, Ohio
End of Watch: Thursday, May 19, 2016
Age: 46
Tour: 16 years
Badge # 637

Police Officer Sean Johnson was killed in a motorcycle accident while taking part in a department motorcycle training program.

He had recently transferred from the Patrol Bureau to the Traffic Safety Unit. Officer Johnson and three other members of the unit were participating in a two-week-long training program with the motorcycles. As Officer Johnson traveled on the ramp from I-270 south to S.R. 161 east he was involved in a collision and died as a result of the injuries he sustained.

Officer Johnson served with the Hilliard Division of Police for 16 years and had previously served with the Ohio Investigative Unit, the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Air Force. He is survived by his daughter, son, and mother.

Rest in Peace Bro…We Got The Watch

Nemo me impune lacessit

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh. 

K9 Down

K9 Totti
Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, Pennsylvania
End of Watch: Thursday, July 7, 2016
Breed: Labrador Retriever
Age: 2

K9 Totti died after accidentally being left inside of a vehicle following a training exercise at State Correctional Institute Rockview in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania.

Totti's handler had placed training items inside the vehicle. Approximately two hours later he realized that Totti was still int he car and returned to it. He attempted to cool Totti and then took the dog to a veterinary clinic, where Totti died several hours later.

Totti was assigned to the Pennsylvania Department Correction's Drug Interdiction Unit.

Rest in Peace Totti…till our next roll call at the Rainbow Bridge!

In Memory of all Police Dogs

They handled themselves with beauty & grace

And who could ever forget that beautiful face

Whether at work; or at home; whatever the test

They always worked hard; and did their best

They were real champions; at work or at play

But their lives were cut short; suddenly one day

While working on the job with their partner one day

They put themselves out on a limb; out into harms way

They gave the ultimate sacrifice; any dog can give

They gave up their life; so someone could live

The best of their breed; as his partner and anyone would say

Many hearts are now broken; that he had to prove it this way

Now as the trees are blowing in the gentle breeze

The sun is shining; thru the leaves on the trees

The meadows are green; and the grass grows tall

Off in the distance they can see a waterfall

As they look over the falls; down through the creek

The water flows gently; as a rabbit sneaks a peek

Far up above; in the deep blue sky

They see the birds soar high; as they fly by

They see animals playing; at the bridge by a waterfall

Chasing each other; and just having a ball

They play all day; from morning to night

There's no more rain; just warm sunlight

Off in the distance; they hear trumpets blow

Then all the animals look up; and notice a bright glow

The harps would play and the angels would sing

As they know they've come home; they've earned their wings

We remember that they died; in the line of duty

And are now with the Lord; sharing in heaven's beauty

Off to the meadows now; where they can play and roam free

With an occasional rest stop; under a tall oak tree

No more bad guys to chase; or bullets to take

Just a run through the meadow; down to the lake

A quick splash in the water; then back to the shore

Then it's off to the forest; to go play some more

These special dogs are back home; up in heaven above

They're cradled in God's arm's; and covered with His love

We'll light a candle for all of them; in the dark of night

In loving memory of all; these very special knights

By John Quealy

K9 Down

K9 Lazer
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - United States Border Patrol, U.S. Government
End of Watch: Monday, June 20, 2016
Gender: M
Cause: Heat exhaustion

K9 Lazer died as the result of heat exhaustion while attempting to locate a group of illegal aliens on a ranch near Falfurrias, Brooks County, Texas.

Lazer's immediately transported him to a veterinary hospital when he started showing signs of heat exhaustion.

Lazer is credited with 93 apprehensions while serving with the United States Border Patrol.

Rest in Peace Lazer …till our next roll call at the Rainbow Bridge!

In Memory of all Police Dogs

They handled themselves with beauty & grace

And who could ever forget that beautiful face

Whether at work; or at home; whatever the test

They always worked hard; and did their best

They were real champions; at work or at play

But their lives were cut short; suddenly one day

While working on the job with their partner one day

They put themselves out on a limb; out into harms way

They gave the ultimate sacrifice; any dog can give

They gave up their life; so someone could live

The best of their breed; as his partner and anyone would say

Many hearts are now broken; that he had to prove it this way

Now as the trees are blowing in the gentle breeze

The sun is shining; thru the leaves on the trees

The meadows are green; and the grass grows tall

Off in the distance they can see a waterfall

As they look over the falls; down through the creek

The water flows gently; as a rabbit sneaks a peek

Far up above; in the deep blue sky

They see the birds soar high; as they fly by

They see animals playing; at the bridge by a waterfall

Chasing each other; and just having a ball

They play all day; from morning to night

There's no more rain; just warm sunlight

Off in the distance; they hear trumpets blow

Then all the animals look up; and notice a bright glow

The harps would play and the angels would sing

As they know they've come home; they've earned their wings

We remember that they died; in the line of duty

And are now with the Lord; sharing in heaven's beauty

Off to the meadows now; where they can play and roam free

With an occasional rest stop; under a tall oak tree

No more bad guys to chase; or bullets to take

Just a run through the meadow; down to the lake

A quick splash in the water; then back to the shore

Then it's off to the forest; to go play some more

These special dogs are back home; up in heaven above

They're cradled in God's arm's; and covered with His love

We'll light a candle for all of them; in the dark of night

In loving memory of all; these very special knights

By John Quealy

Star Trek 50....

Way too good to not pass on. Enjoy!

Officer Down

Police Officer David Van Glasser
Phoenix Police Department, Arizona
End of Watch: Thursday, May 19, 2016
Age: 34
Tour: 12 years
Badge # 8144
Incident Date: 5/18/2016

Police Officer David Glasser succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained the previous day after responding to a burglary in progress at a home near the intersection of 51st Avenue and Baseline Road.

The homeowner had called 911 to report that his son was stealing items from the home. As officers arrived on the scene they encountered the son sitting in a van in the driveway. The subject immediately opened fire on the officers, striking Officer Glasser. Other officers returned fire and killed the subject.

Officer Glasser was transported to a local hospital where he remained in critical condition until succumbing to his wounds the following day.

Officer Glasser had served with the Phoenix Police Department for 12 years and was assigned to the Neighborhood Enforcement Team. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Rest in Peace Bro…We Got The Watch

Nemo me impune lacessit

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh. 

Date night...again...

Last weekend Beth and I had to occasion to go to see Blazing Saddles in the theater. AMC put out Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein in selected locations. And after Gene Wilder passes, I posted a documentary on the making of Blazing Saddles. Well here are some great bloopers from Young Frankenstein. Enjoy.



RIP Gene Wilder...you are missed.

K9 Down

K9 Bruno
Amarillo Police Department, Texas
End of Watch: Sunday, June 12, 2016
Breed: Dutch Shepherd
Age: 5
Gender: M

K9 Bruno died from an injury sustained during a training exercise with his handler.

His handler threw a training aid as an award and while Bruno was retrieving it he ran into a tree, which fractured a vertebrae in his neck.

Bruno had served with the Amarillo Police Department for two years.

Rest in Peace Bruno…till our next roll call at the Rainbow Bridge!

In Memory of all Police Dogs

They handled themselves with beauty & grace

And who could ever forget that beautiful face

Whether at work; or at home; whatever the test

They always worked hard; and did their best

They were real champions; at work or at play

But their lives were cut short; suddenly one day

While working on the job with their partner one day

They put themselves out on a limb; out into harms way

They gave the ultimate sacrifice; any dog can give

They gave up their life; so someone could live

The best of their breed; as his partner and anyone would say

Many hearts are now broken; that he had to prove it this way

Now as the trees are blowing in the gentle breeze

The sun is shining; thru the leaves on the trees

The meadows are green; and the grass grows tall

Off in the distance they can see a waterfall

As they look over the falls; down through the creek

The water flows gently; as a rabbit sneaks a peek

Far up above; in the deep blue sky

They see the birds soar high; as they fly by

They see animals playing; at the bridge by a waterfall

Chasing each other; and just having a ball

They play all day; from morning to night

There's no more rain; just warm sunlight

Off in the distance; they hear trumpets blow

Then all the animals look up; and notice a bright glow

The harps would play and the angels would sing

As they know they've come home; they've earned their wings

We remember that they died; in the line of duty

And are now with the Lord; sharing in heaven's beauty

Off to the meadows now; where they can play and roam free

With an occasional rest stop; under a tall oak tree

No more bad guys to chase; or bullets to take

Just a run through the meadow; down to the lake

A quick splash in the water; then back to the shore

Then it's off to the forest; to go play some more

These special dogs are back home; up in heaven above

They're cradled in God's arm's; and covered with His love

We'll light a candle for all of them; in the dark of night

In loving memory of all; these very special knights

By John Quealy

You gotta love it when a black man tell a leftist black mayor where to get off....

To borrow the word from the brother in 16 Candles, "Classic"

Are you ready for some football! :)

And soem charred animal flesh to go with it!

Here's to a great season. Geaux Saints! Go Texans! Screw Atlanta! Screw Seattle!

Officer Down

Detective Brad D. Lancaster
Kansas City Police Department, Kansas
End of Watch: Monday, May 9, 2016
Age: 39
Tour: 20 years
Badge # 1912

Detective Brad Lancaster was shot and killed while assisting patrol officers who had responded to a suspicious person call at the Hollywood Casino at approximately 12:20 pm.

The subject had fled from the responding officers on foot, but was located by Detective Lancaster in a nearby field. The man opened fire on Detective Lancaster, striking him twice before stealing his unmarked vehicle and fleeing the scene. He carjacked another vehicle a short distance away and abducted two children who were in the backseat. The man then carjacked a second vehicle and fled into Kansas City, Missouri, where he was located by officers.

He shot a citizen while attempting to carjack a third vehicle after crashing the car he was in during a pursuit. A Kansas City, Missouri, police officer shot the subject and then took him into custody.

Detective Lancaster was a U.S Air Force veteran. He had served with the Kansas City Police Department for 10 years and had previously served with the Platte County Sheriff's Office for 10 years.

Rest in Peace Bro…We Got The Watch

Nemo me impune lacessit

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh. 

K9 Down

K9 Inca
Cherokee County School District Police Department, Georgia
End of Watch: Friday, June 10, 2016
Breed: Belgian Malinois
Age: 4
Gender: M

K9 Inca died after being accidentally left in his handler's cruiser at the end of their shift.

The handler had lent his regular canine-equipped cruiser to another officer who was having mechanical issued and drove a different cruiser home that was not equipped with a heat alarm. When he arrived home he went inside to tend to another dog. He discovered Inca deceased in the cruiser approximately three hours later.

Rest in Peace Inca…till our next roll call at the Rainbow Bridge!

In Memory of all Police Dogs

They handled themselves with beauty & grace

And who could ever forget that beautiful face

Whether at work; or at home; whatever the test

They always worked hard; and did their best

They were real champions; at work or at play

But their lives were cut short; suddenly one day

While working on the job with their partner one day

They put themselves out on a limb; out into harms way

They gave the ultimate sacrifice; any dog can give

They gave up their life; so someone could live

The best of their breed; as his partner and anyone would say

Many hearts are now broken; that he had to prove it this way

Now as the trees are blowing in the gentle breeze

The sun is shining; thru the leaves on the trees

The meadows are green; and the grass grows tall

Off in the distance they can see a waterfall

As they look over the falls; down through the creek

The water flows gently; as a rabbit sneaks a peek

Far up above; in the deep blue sky

They see the birds soar high; as they fly by

They see animals playing; at the bridge by a waterfall

Chasing each other; and just having a ball

They play all day; from morning to night

There's no more rain; just warm sunlight

Off in the distance; they hear trumpets blow

Then all the animals look up; and notice a bright glow

The harps would play and the angels would sing

As they know they've come home; they've earned their wings

We remember that they died; in the line of duty

And are now with the Lord; sharing in heaven's beauty

Off to the meadows now; where they can play and roam free

With an occasional rest stop; under a tall oak tree

No more bad guys to chase; or bullets to take

Just a run through the meadow; down to the lake

A quick splash in the water; then back to the shore

Then it's off to the forest; to go play some more

These special dogs are back home; up in heaven above

They're cradled in God's arm's; and covered with His love

We'll light a candle for all of them; in the dark of night

In loving memory of all; these very special knights

By John Quealy

Officer Down

Investigator Anthony "TJ" Freeman
Bibb County Sheriff's Office, Georgia
End of Watch: Thursday, May 5, 2016
Age: 29
Tour: 7 years

Investigator TJ Freeman was killed when his patrol vehicle was rammed by a suspect vehicle during a pursuit at approximately 3:00 am.

Another deputy had initiated the pursuit after encountering the suspicious vehicle that contained a wanted subject. The pursuit traveled down Columbus Road where the fleeing vehicle drove into Investigator Freeman's vehicle at the intersection with Buena Vista Drive.

Investigator Freeman was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. His canine partner was in the vehicle at the time but was not injured.

The wanted subject was taken into custody with minor injuries from the collision.

Investigator Freeman had served with the Macon Police Department and the Bibb County Sheriff's Office for a total of seven years and was assigned to the Narcotics Division. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Rest in Peace Bro…We Got The Watch

Nemo me impune lacessit

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh. 

Again, knives are deadly weapons....

And in the right hands they can be used in a deadly fashion.

I've posted before on how a man with a knife can injury a man with a firearm. Now we can see how they are to the cops South of the Border.

I could hear Brown Lives Matter, "Why didn't they just shoot the knife out of his hand?" Pardon me while I puke. One man with a knife, taking advantage of the officer's not taking the threat as seriously as they should have, murdered one cop armed with a rifle and injured three other armed men. Yes, a knife is a deadly weapon and yes, we can shoot you if you have them and are advancing.

K9 Down

K9 Inca
Cherokee County School District Police Department, Georgia
End of Watch: Friday, June 10, 2016
Breed: Belgian Malinois
Age: 4
Gender: M

K9 Inca died after being accidentally left in his handler's cruiser at the end of their shift.

The handler had lent his regular canine-equipped cruiser to another officer who was having mechanical issued and drove a different cruiser home that was not equipped with a heat alarm. When he arrived home he went inside to tend to another dog. He discovered Inca deceased in the cruiser approximately three hours later.

Rest in Peace Rex…till our next roll call at the Rainbow Bridge!

In Memory of all Police Dogs

They handled themselves with beauty & grace

And who could ever forget that beautiful face

Whether at work; or at home; whatever the test

They always worked hard; and did their best

They were real champions; at work or at play

But their lives were cut short; suddenly one day

While working on the job with their partner one day

They put themselves out on a limb; out into harms way

They gave the ultimate sacrifice; any dog can give

They gave up their life; so someone could live

The best of their breed; as his partner and anyone would say

Many hearts are now broken; that he had to prove it this way

Now as the trees are blowing in the gentle breeze

The sun is shining; thru the leaves on the trees

The meadows are green; and the grass grows tall

Off in the distance they can see a waterfall

As they look over the falls; down through the creek

The water flows gently; as a rabbit sneaks a peek

Far up above; in the deep blue sky

They see the birds soar high; as they fly by

They see animals playing; at the bridge by a waterfall

Chasing each other; and just having a ball

They play all day; from morning to night

There's no more rain; just warm sunlight

Off in the distance; they hear trumpets blow

Then all the animals look up; and notice a bright glow

The harps would play and the angels would sing

As they know they've come home; they've earned their wings

We remember that they died; in the line of duty

And are now with the Lord; sharing in heaven's beauty

Off to the meadows now; where they can play and roam free

With an occasional rest stop; under a tall oak tree

No more bad guys to chase; or bullets to take

Just a run through the meadow; down to the lake

A quick splash in the water; then back to the shore

Then it's off to the forest; to go play some more

These special dogs are back home; up in heaven above

They're cradled in God's arm's; and covered with His love

We'll light a candle for all of them; in the dark of night

In loving memory of all; these very special knights

By John Quealy

Good news from the Florida elections....

I would call the persecution of the six officers in Baltimore the greater abuse to the cause of justice, but this is a close second.

I'm not calling George Zimmerman a great man, especially with his actions after his trial. If he abuses his wife/girlfriend, I don't want him in my band of friends. That being said, the (now lame duck) state attorney, after receiving a "no-bill" initially, used another technique to bring him to trial on a murder charge. I looked at this case and I said (for what my legal opinion is worth) there is way this rises to murder. Manslaughter, maybe, but in no way does it reach "knowingly or intentionally" killing someone without justification.

Well the voters have had their say, and Angela Corey is preparing a resume. From Legal Insurrection:

Prosecutor of George Zimmerman Loses Bid for Re-Election

Yesterday Angela Corey, the prosecutor who dragged George Zimmerman into a hapless politically-motivated trial for second degree murder for the lawful killing of Trayvon Martin, has soundly lost the GOP primary race for her re-election as 4th Judicial State Attorney in the Jacksonville area of Florida, reports the Florida-Times Union newspaper. Corey was defeated by a relatively late entrant into the primary, former corporate lawyer and prosecutor Melissa Nelson...

...Corey had proven an extremely polarizing figure as prosecutor. Her decisions, while not always legally inappropriate, too often managed to anger sizable and powerful portions of her constituents.

To readers of this blog Corey will be most infamous for her role in bringing George Zimmerman up on second degree murder charges in what would ultimately prove to be, in this writer’s humble opinion, perhaps the cleanest self-defense shooting ever brought to trial. While Zimmerman’s trial always reeked of political motivations, private conversations I had after the trial with attorneys familiar with the case confirmed this to almost certainly have been the case.

When Corey made the decision to prosecute Zimmerman she was also then facing a tough fight for re-election. Of particular concern to political aspirations was the extent to which Corey had angered the black community in the Jacksonville area. Two cases in particular had raised the ire of this demographic among her constituency: the prosecution of Marissa Alexander under Florida’s “10-20-Life” mandatory minimum sentencing statute for firing a “warning shot” at Alexander’s husband, and the 2011 prosecution of 12-year-old Cristian Fernandez as an adult on murder charges. Both Alexander and Fernandez are black.

For what it’s worth, I believe Corey was appropriate in her approach to the Alexander case. Alexander was first offered a three-year plea deal after she fired a shot past her husband’s head, while he stood beside his two young children (they would testify in court that they thought they were going to die). Other than Alexander’s later self-serving testimony there was no evidence whatever that her husband had presented a deadly force threat to Alexander, and her narrative was not helped when Alexander fled the scene and it was her husband who called the police to report the incident. As for the Fernandez case I have no particular opinion, having not followed the case closely. There appears to have been little question, however, that Fernandez had in fact murdered his victim–the only question was whether as a 12-year-old he should have been tried as an adult.

Regardless of the merits of either the Alexander or Fernandez cases, much of the black community in Corey’s electorate was outraged by these decisions, leading to protest marches led by the likes of Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson. The danger to Corey’s re-election was clear and present. What to do, what to do, what to do?

That’s when George Zimmerman popped up on Corey’s radar screen, appearing to her eye as the perfect lever by which she could regain favor with the black community. A “white hispanic” named “Zimmerman” shot and killed Trayvon Martin, a black teenager? Corey grabbed the case with both hands and ran as if her (political) life depended on it, charging Zimmerman with second-degree depraved heart murder in what local prosecutors and police had already correctly concluded was an open-and-shut case of lawful self-defense.

Perhaps no one was more surprised than Corey when the local, national, and even international media decided to come fully on board to help advance her false narrative of second-degree murder. The result was an organized tsunami of false narratives and outright lies intended to railroad George Zimmerman into a wrongful life sentence in prison....

Attorney Andrew Branca and his firm Law of Self Defense have been providing internationally-recognized expertise in American self-defense law for almost 20 years in the form of books, live seminars & online training (both accredited for CLE), public speaking engagements, and individualized legal consultation.

Thank you Mr. Branca, excellent news from Florida. Now if we can bump off Marilyn Mosby, or at least bankrupt her for her abuses of office.

This dog moves at this own speed...

As slow as he wants to!

The English Mastiff was bred as a stationary guard dog. Unlike German Shepherds, mastiffs can't run fast, seeing they are easily over 200 pounds. Now, if he gets his teeth in you...let's just day your day went down. Enjoy and have a great short week! Football in two days!