So that if a disturbed individual happens to purchase a knife at a grocery store and then begins randomly stabbing multiple people with it we will be able to intervene and protect those victims, just like a legally armed Good Samaritan did last Thursday evening in Salt Lake City, Utah:
"Then, before the suspect could find another victim - a citizen with a gun stopped the madness. 'A guy pulled gun on him and told him to drop his weapon or he would shoot him. So, he dropped his weapon and the people from Smith's grabbed him.'"
Armed citizens can and really do regularly make a vital difference in these sorts of situations, despite the evermore-ludicrous claims to the contrary from groups such as the Brady Campaign and the Violence Policy Center. Even the local police agree that the citizen did exactly the right thing:
"By the time officers arrived the suspect had been subdued by employees and shoppers. Police had high praise for gun carrying man who ended the hysteria. Lt. Brian Purvis said, 'This was a volatile situation that could have gotten worse. We can only assume from what we saw it could have gotten worse. He [the permit holder] was definitely in the right place at the right time.'"
Congratulations and thanks are due to that brave individual for putting his personal safety on the line to protect innocent people from mortal danger, and to the police for recognizing and appreciating that effort.
Showing posts with label good police work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label good police work. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Monday, July 16, 2012
Heartwarming
This is how cops should handle animal calls - with common sense and compassion rather than bluster and force. Bo the pit bull is indeed one lucky dog.
Very well done, Officer Waskiewicz.
Very well done, Officer Waskiewicz.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
What a brave kid
A 14-year-old boy in Laveen, Arizona was home alone with his three younger siblings (ages 8-12) yesterday afternoon when a strange woman started pounding on the door. Things rapidly went south from there:
"The boy went upstairs and got a handgun, police said. A man with a rifle had forced his way into the home. He aimed the gun at the boy, and the boy shot him, police said.
The boy and his three siblings left the house and went to a neighbor's house, where the boy called police and his father, [Phoenix Police spokesman James] Holmes said."
Make no mistake - this situation only turned out OK because this heroic young man had the proper tools and training available for repelling an apparent random home invasion. This event otherwise may have turned out very differently indeed. The cops agree:
"He took an action that no police officer, certainly no one in our community, wants a 14-year-old to have to take," Holmes said. "And yet he's safe, his siblings are safe, and so now we have to figure out why this happened and why these people were there."
It really doesn't matter, as far as we're concerned. The alleged perpetrator is in the hospital in critical condition instead of the innocent kids. Case closed.
"The boy went upstairs and got a handgun, police said. A man with a rifle had forced his way into the home. He aimed the gun at the boy, and the boy shot him, police said.
The boy and his three siblings left the house and went to a neighbor's house, where the boy called police and his father, [Phoenix Police spokesman James] Holmes said."
Make no mistake - this situation only turned out OK because this heroic young man had the proper tools and training available for repelling an apparent random home invasion. This event otherwise may have turned out very differently indeed. The cops agree:
"He took an action that no police officer, certainly no one in our community, wants a 14-year-old to have to take," Holmes said. "And yet he's safe, his siblings are safe, and so now we have to figure out why this happened and why these people were there."
It really doesn't matter, as far as we're concerned. The alleged perpetrator is in the hospital in critical condition instead of the innocent kids. Case closed.
Friday, July 01, 2011
Why I carry a handgun for protection, Vol. 55
Because there aren't nearly enough professional, service-oriented and informative police officers around who consider it their duty to sensibly notify the people they swore to serve and protect about the very real dangers lurking in their own communities, which would then allow those residents to make informed decisions about which areas are safe for them to visit.
Case in point - veteran St. Petersburg, Florida police officer Thad "Stu" Crisco is being investigated by his department and could be suspended fortelling a local resident the truth about a local hangout "making disparaging comments against the city":
"[Crisco] allegedly warned St. Petersburg father Bob Esposito about letting his 16-year-old daughter hang around the Northshore Pool at night. Esposito's daughter was one of five teens robbed by a group of armed men there about 10:30 p.m. on a recent weeknight."
Gee whiz, a well-meaning officer warning a concerned father to not permit his daughter to loiter around somewhere very dangerous. What's wrong with that? Sounds like Crisco (who has a sparkling record, according to the story) was merely doing his job. Mayor Bill "Nothing Wrong Here" Foster disagrees:
"'I always want to know my officers are representing this city in a very positive light,' Foster said."
Which apparently includes purposely allowing residents to remain blissfully clueless about which parts of their community are provably dangerous. What an incredible disservice to your constituents, Mayor.
Case in point - veteran St. Petersburg, Florida police officer Thad "Stu" Crisco is being investigated by his department and could be suspended for
"[Crisco] allegedly warned St. Petersburg father Bob Esposito about letting his 16-year-old daughter hang around the Northshore Pool at night. Esposito's daughter was one of five teens robbed by a group of armed men there about 10:30 p.m. on a recent weeknight."
Gee whiz, a well-meaning officer warning a concerned father to not permit his daughter to loiter around somewhere very dangerous. What's wrong with that? Sounds like Crisco (who has a sparkling record, according to the story) was merely doing his job. Mayor Bill "Nothing Wrong Here" Foster disagrees:
"'I always want to know my officers are representing this city in a very positive light,' Foster said."
Which apparently includes purposely allowing residents to remain blissfully clueless about which parts of their community are provably dangerous. What an incredible disservice to your constituents, Mayor.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Why I carry a handgun for protection, Vol. 50
UPDATE: Blogger had a hiccup and lost this post for a few days. It is once again visible so we are reposting it for completeness purposes.
So that if we happen to become the latest victims of a gang of vicious thugs on a multi-day violent mugging spree in an upscale neighborhood (crime can happen anywhere at any time, you know) we will be able to successfully defend ourselves, just like a 61-year-old former Marine did last night in Uptown Minneapolis, Minnesota:
"'He had just parked his car in the parking lot,' said [Minneapolis Police Lt. Mike] Fossum. 'These guys blitzed him. They just started kicking his ass. He managed to get off three rounds.'
The suspects, one a heavyset Hispanic man and another a thinner Hispanic man, ran off but may have been injured, police said."
One would certainly suspect that to be true. Marines don't often miss.
We are especially heartened to see the Minneapolis police tacitly approve of the victim's obvious justified use of deadly force in this incident. Things are indeed beginning to improve up there for law-abiding gun carriers.
So that if we happen to become the latest victims of a gang of vicious thugs on a multi-day violent mugging spree in an upscale neighborhood (crime can happen anywhere at any time, you know) we will be able to successfully defend ourselves, just like a 61-year-old former Marine did last night in Uptown Minneapolis, Minnesota:
"'He had just parked his car in the parking lot,' said [Minneapolis Police Lt. Mike] Fossum. 'These guys blitzed him. They just started kicking his ass. He managed to get off three rounds.'
The suspects, one a heavyset Hispanic man and another a thinner Hispanic man, ran off but may have been injured, police said."
One would certainly suspect that to be true. Marines don't often miss.
We are especially heartened to see the Minneapolis police tacitly approve of the victim's obvious justified use of deadly force in this incident. Things are indeed beginning to improve up there for law-abiding gun carriers.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Why I carry a handgun for protection, Vol. 51
A 53-year-old Duluth, Georgia woman was taking a shower in her home early Wednesday morning when she stepped out to find a knife-wielding stranger menacing her in her bathroom. The intruder overpowered the woman and dragged her into the bedroom and threw her onto the bed, presumably to rape her or worse.
The woman (who apparently lives alone) alertly managed to reach into her nightstand and grab her unlocked and loaded .22 caliber pistol, which she used to shoot her attacker nine times. The man then ran out into the home's backyard where he collapsed and subsequently expired. Police are calling it a clear case of self-defense and the woman is not expected to face any charges.
If Sarah Brady, Paul Helmke and other anti-gun activists had their way this woman would be raped, maimed or dead right now, because in Ms. Brady's fantasy world these types of random home invasions by violent thugs simply don't happen, and thus there is never a single reason for a person to have a high-capacity handgun loaded and ready for instant use. She's quite mistaken, as one can plainly observe from the outcome of this incident.
Firearms are very useful and efficient self-defense tools, especially when they are successfully used by women, the disabled, the elderly and others who are at a physical disadvantage when preyed upon by hulking thugs like this fortunately deceased example. Please consider acquiring one and getting properly trained in its use and carry. The life you save may be your own.
The woman (who apparently lives alone) alertly managed to reach into her nightstand and grab her unlocked and loaded .22 caliber pistol, which she used to shoot her attacker nine times. The man then ran out into the home's backyard where he collapsed and subsequently expired. Police are calling it a clear case of self-defense and the woman is not expected to face any charges.
If Sarah Brady, Paul Helmke and other anti-gun activists had their way this woman would be raped, maimed or dead right now, because in Ms. Brady's fantasy world these types of random home invasions by violent thugs simply don't happen, and thus there is never a single reason for a person to have a high-capacity handgun loaded and ready for instant use. She's quite mistaken, as one can plainly observe from the outcome of this incident.
Firearms are very useful and efficient self-defense tools, especially when they are successfully used by women, the disabled, the elderly and others who are at a physical disadvantage when preyed upon by hulking thugs like this fortunately deceased example. Please consider acquiring one and getting properly trained in its use and carry. The life you save may be your own.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Of particular interest to Minnesota residents
Minnesota Republican State Representative Tony Cornish (who is also police chief of the city of Lake Crystal, so he has a good working knowledge of public safety issues) has introduced a bill that will update and greatly improve the ability of Minnesota residents to carry and use firearms in defense of themselves and others.
Some of the provisions of Cornish's bill include:
1. Allowing law-abiding residents to "stand their ground" when attacked by violent criminals by removing the requirement that such victims must attempt to retreat before using deadly force in defense of themselves or others. Far from being controversial, this would bring Minnesota into line with the majority of states.
2. Strengthening the "Castle Doctrine" by creating a presumption that a law-abiding resident may legally use deadly force to counter an invasion of their home or vehicle by an unwanted intruder.
3. Preventing law enforcement from confiscating firearms from law-abiding citizens, closing gun stores or revoking carry permits during a Hurricane Katrina-like civil emergency.
4. Adding universal reciprocity with other states, so that anyone possessing a valid carry permit from another state may lawfully carry a handgun in Minnesota (subject to Minnesota carry rules and regulations, of course). This will have the added effect of more easily fostering reciprocity with other states, greatly increasing the number that Minnesotans will be allowed to carry in under their home permit.
This is a solid bill authored by a good, service-oriented cop who understands and appreciates the right of citizens to defend themselves from threats to their safety. All freedom-minded Minnesota residents should immediately contact their senators and representatives (info at the above link) to urge that it be passed as is. They should also consider joining GOCRA, (the Gun Owners Civil Rights Alliance), the organization that worked with Cornish in crafting this legislation.
For those who desire more information, GOCRA VP Andrew Rothman will be talking about the bill tonight on The Late Debate with Jack & Ben from 10 to midnight on WLKX-FM (95.9 FM). The podcast, for those not in the local listening area, will be available here.
Some of the provisions of Cornish's bill include:
1. Allowing law-abiding residents to "stand their ground" when attacked by violent criminals by removing the requirement that such victims must attempt to retreat before using deadly force in defense of themselves or others. Far from being controversial, this would bring Minnesota into line with the majority of states.
2. Strengthening the "Castle Doctrine" by creating a presumption that a law-abiding resident may legally use deadly force to counter an invasion of their home or vehicle by an unwanted intruder.
3. Preventing law enforcement from confiscating firearms from law-abiding citizens, closing gun stores or revoking carry permits during a Hurricane Katrina-like civil emergency.
4. Adding universal reciprocity with other states, so that anyone possessing a valid carry permit from another state may lawfully carry a handgun in Minnesota (subject to Minnesota carry rules and regulations, of course). This will have the added effect of more easily fostering reciprocity with other states, greatly increasing the number that Minnesotans will be allowed to carry in under their home permit.
This is a solid bill authored by a good, service-oriented cop who understands and appreciates the right of citizens to defend themselves from threats to their safety. All freedom-minded Minnesota residents should immediately contact their senators and representatives (info at the above link) to urge that it be passed as is. They should also consider joining GOCRA, (the Gun Owners Civil Rights Alliance), the organization that worked with Cornish in crafting this legislation.
For those who desire more information, GOCRA VP Andrew Rothman will be talking about the bill tonight on The Late Debate with Jack & Ben from 10 to midnight on WLKX-FM (95.9 FM). The podcast, for those not in the local listening area, will be available here.
Sunday, April 03, 2011
From the Department of Glaringly Obvious Headlines
"No charges for Laurel [MD] gas station clerk in shooting"
The State's Attorney's Office there has made the (correct, in our view) decision that the store clerk, who successfully used a firearm provided by his employer to thwart an attempted armed robbery and which resulted in the death of the suspect, was justified in his actions and therefore will not face any criminal charges:
"Deputy State’s Attorney William Roessler said at the time that it is legal for a store owner to be armed for protection at his or her place of business.
'It was self defense. He did not create this situation. The robber did.'"
Absolutely.
Now all the local cops have to do is return the firearm to its rightful owner, which has yet to happen even though more than three months have elapsed since the incident, presumably leaving the business defenseless during that period.
We eagerly look forward to the time, hopefully in the near future, when a legal outcome such as this will no longer qualify as "news", even in a virulently anti-gun rights state such as Maryland.
The State's Attorney's Office there has made the (correct, in our view) decision that the store clerk, who successfully used a firearm provided by his employer to thwart an attempted armed robbery and which resulted in the death of the suspect, was justified in his actions and therefore will not face any criminal charges:
"Deputy State’s Attorney William Roessler said at the time that it is legal for a store owner to be armed for protection at his or her place of business.
'It was self defense. He did not create this situation. The robber did.'"
Absolutely.
Now all the local cops have to do is return the firearm to its rightful owner, which has yet to happen even though more than three months have elapsed since the incident, presumably leaving the business defenseless during that period.
We eagerly look forward to the time, hopefully in the near future, when a legal outcome such as this will no longer qualify as "news", even in a virulently anti-gun rights state such as Maryland.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
The dominoes are falling "faster and furiouser"
A second brave and conscientious ATF agent named Rene Jaquez has come forward and confirmed to CBS News that his agency indeed not only sat back and did nothing, but in fact actively enabled thousands of straw-purchased firearms to be smuggled across the border into Mexico as part of something named "Operation Fast and Furious" but which writer David Codrea, who along with blogger Mike Vanderboegh first broke the story, more accurately termed "Project Gunwalker". Some of those very weapons were later found at the murder scenes of both a U.S. Border Patrol officer as well as an ICE agent operating in that country.
This "operation" apparently was some sort of hare-brained scheme from incompetent government bureaucrats to track the weapons all the way to their supposed delivery to Mexican drug cartels, allegedly in order for the Obama Administration to have something to point at when agitating for more gun control for law-abiding Americans, who of course have nothing to do with such illegal acts.
The only problem with this crazy plan (besides getting their own colleagues killed by their utter negligence, of course) is that gunrunning, or being an accomplice to gunrunning, happens to be against the law, even for imperial Federal agencies. We won't even mention the fact that the the American people tend to frown on their "authorities" sparking an international diplomatic incident with a neighboring country, as Mexico is quite rightly hopping mad at not being informed of this Three Stooges operation, which has no doubt contributed to untold thousands of their citizens being killed and wounded because of the ATF's passive arming of the drug lords down there.
Agent Jaquez, who is based in El Paso, Texas and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico (a completely different ATF office from John Dodson, the other whistleblower in Phoenix, by the way, yet their stories are identical. This tends to lend credence to both their accounts), also links more government offices to the breaking scandal:
"But ATF wasn't working alone on the case known as "Fast and Furious." Documents show ATF had conference calls with "DHS" (Homeland Security). "USMS" (U.S. Marshals) and DEA. An "ICE," or Customs agent, was on ATF's Fast and Furious team. They were advised by an "AUSA," or Assistant U.S. Attorney under the Justice Department."
It would seem that Janet Napolitano and Eric "Neutral, leaning toward favorable" Holder have some serious 'splaining to do. Perhaps we should let Mexico extradite them in order for that nation to get to the bottom of the story?
This "operation" apparently was some sort of hare-brained scheme from incompetent government bureaucrats to track the weapons all the way to their supposed delivery to Mexican drug cartels, allegedly in order for the Obama Administration to have something to point at when agitating for more gun control for law-abiding Americans, who of course have nothing to do with such illegal acts.
The only problem with this crazy plan (besides getting their own colleagues killed by their utter negligence, of course) is that gunrunning, or being an accomplice to gunrunning, happens to be against the law, even for imperial Federal agencies. We won't even mention the fact that the the American people tend to frown on their "authorities" sparking an international diplomatic incident with a neighboring country, as Mexico is quite rightly hopping mad at not being informed of this Three Stooges operation, which has no doubt contributed to untold thousands of their citizens being killed and wounded because of the ATF's passive arming of the drug lords down there.
Agent Jaquez, who is based in El Paso, Texas and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico (a completely different ATF office from John Dodson, the other whistleblower in Phoenix, by the way, yet their stories are identical. This tends to lend credence to both their accounts), also links more government offices to the breaking scandal:
"But ATF wasn't working alone on the case known as "Fast and Furious." Documents show ATF had conference calls with "DHS" (Homeland Security). "USMS" (U.S. Marshals) and DEA. An "ICE," or Customs agent, was on ATF's Fast and Furious team. They were advised by an "AUSA," or Assistant U.S. Attorney under the Justice Department."
It would seem that Janet Napolitano and Eric "Neutral, leaning toward favorable" Holder have some serious 'splaining to do. Perhaps we should let Mexico extradite them in order for that nation to get to the bottom of the story?
Monday, March 07, 2011
Successfully dealing with a nest of snakes
At least one stand-up Federal law-enforcement administrator has finally had enough of the unconstitutional shenanigans being perpetrated in the name of our "security", as reported by TRAINS magazine:
"WASHINGTON — In late February, the Transportation Security Administration took over the Amtrak station in Savannah, Ga., and thoroughly searched every person who entered. None of the passengers got into trouble, but the TSA certainly did — big time."
The story actually has it slightly wrong - the facts are much worse than that. The goons not only searched everyone who entered the station, but also passengers who had already arrived on trains and were merely trying to exit and go about their business:
A complete farce. What were those screeners going to do if someone quite reasonably (and legally) refused to be searched, stick them back on a train?
"Amtrak Police Chief John O’Connor said he first thought a blog posting about the incident was a joke. When he discovered that the TSA’s VIPR team did at least some of what the blog said, he was livid. He ordered the VIPR teams off Amtrak property, at least until a firm agreement can be drawn up to prevent the TSA from taking actions that the chief said were illegal and clearly contrary to Amtrak policy."
"A posting in late February to the Transportation Security Administration’s blog, which serves as a public relations tool of the TSA, tried to explain why TSA agents took over the Amtrak station in Savannah. But O’Connor said the “facts” as posted on the TSA blog were incorrect. He said the blog indicated that Amtrak had approved of the operation, but it had not. He called the TSA’s posting on blog.tsa.gov 'inaccurate and insensitive.'"
In other words, the martinets who run the TSA are liars. Do tell.
Many thanks must go to Chief O'Connor for standing up for what's left of the rule of law in this country.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Special outcomes for "special" people
And, for a change, it's the local prosecutor who is at fault and not the police department (which seemingly has done everything right in this case), which makes the outcome that much more frustrating.
The wife of Glendale, Arizona Police Sergeant Brent Thomas reported last summer to Officer Delores Baumann (his superior in the agency) that Thomas had been physically abusive to her for 7 to 10 years, going so far as to provide photographs of injuries allegedly caused by his actions.
Baumann then promptly sat on the information by failing to investigate, file a report or inform the brass because she "was caught in a predicament that had no beneficial outcome regardless of what she did".
(That's definitely the first time we've ever heard of engaging in the performance of one's sworn duties by investigating a legitimate complaint of domestic assault be described as some sort of no-win situation.)
Someone else finally reported the alleged abuse in an anonymous phone call to the department. Glendale Police, to their great credit, investigated and concluded that "Officer" Thomas should "be charged with felony counts of aggravated domestic violence, aggravated assault, criminal damage and interference with a judicial proceeding, a misdemeanor".
The Maricopa County Attorney's Office, however, announced on Tuesday that Thomas will face no criminal charges in the case, citing a lack of evidence.
We find it awfully hard to believe that there just isn't any proof whatsoever of wrongdoing here, especially given that Thomas's own agency has recommended he be hit with felony-level charges. We're absolutely positive that a simple peasant would certainly be facing some kind of legal trouble, that's for sure.
The story does have a bit of a silver lining, as "Officer" Thomas (as well as "Officer" Heather Opp, a subordinate with whom he was having a sexual relationship, something that investigators claim she lied about to them) both resigned in disgrace a couple of months ago after being informed by Glendale Police Chief Steve Conrad that he was going to can them for their actions. "Officer" Baumann, by the way, was given a written reprimand for her obvious dereliction of duty.
Sincere appreciation must go to Chief Conrad for holding his officers accountable to the same laws they enforce on everyone else.
Shame on the Maricopa County Attorney's Office for punting on this one.
The wife of Glendale, Arizona Police Sergeant Brent Thomas reported last summer to Officer Delores Baumann (his superior in the agency) that Thomas had been physically abusive to her for 7 to 10 years, going so far as to provide photographs of injuries allegedly caused by his actions.
Baumann then promptly sat on the information by failing to investigate, file a report or inform the brass because she "was caught in a predicament that had no beneficial outcome regardless of what she did".
(That's definitely the first time we've ever heard of engaging in the performance of one's sworn duties by investigating a legitimate complaint of domestic assault be described as some sort of no-win situation.)
Someone else finally reported the alleged abuse in an anonymous phone call to the department. Glendale Police, to their great credit, investigated and concluded that "Officer" Thomas should "be charged with felony counts of aggravated domestic violence, aggravated assault, criminal damage and interference with a judicial proceeding, a misdemeanor".
The Maricopa County Attorney's Office, however, announced on Tuesday that Thomas will face no criminal charges in the case, citing a lack of evidence.
We find it awfully hard to believe that there just isn't any proof whatsoever of wrongdoing here, especially given that Thomas's own agency has recommended he be hit with felony-level charges. We're absolutely positive that a simple peasant would certainly be facing some kind of legal trouble, that's for sure.
The story does have a bit of a silver lining, as "Officer" Thomas (as well as "Officer" Heather Opp, a subordinate with whom he was having a sexual relationship, something that investigators claim she lied about to them) both resigned in disgrace a couple of months ago after being informed by Glendale Police Chief Steve Conrad that he was going to can them for their actions. "Officer" Baumann, by the way, was given a written reprimand for her obvious dereliction of duty.
Sincere appreciation must go to Chief Conrad for holding his officers accountable to the same laws they enforce on everyone else.
Shame on the Maricopa County Attorney's Office for punting on this one.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Looks like a good cop is getting unfairly smeared
Our close friend and fellow activist Joel Rosenberg tips us to the fact that Rogers, Minnesota Police Chief Jeff Luther, as well as a sergeant in that department, have been placed on leave "pending an investigation whose nature was not made public."
Chief Luther is a career law-enforcement officer and the respected former head of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension's firearm carry permit program. He has always treated the gun-rights community with the utmost professionalism, civility and fairness, and many people who are aware of his outstanding reputation are simply in disbelief that he could be guilty of any sort of official wrongdoing. Former Rogers City Councilmember Jamie Davis concurs:
"[Davis] commended Luther for turning what had been a 'good-old boy network' within the police department into a more professional body.
'Jeff set the tone from the top,' Davis said. 'He brought a new work ethic. He was on the streets regularly.'"
Does that behavior seem indicative of a corrupt law-enforcement officer?
Mr. Davis unfortunately also holds the opinion that Luther's apparently long-overdue cleanup of that incestuous agency is the primary factor spurring this suspension, which smells awfully like back-room buddy-buddy politics at its worst:
"Early Friday night, after the moves involving the two were made public, Davis said he feared the probe could be part of an effort to elevate the newly named acting chief -- Rogers police Capt. Mike Miller -- into the chief's job permanently.
Davis noted that Miller is the godfather of the mayor's 2-year-old daughter and a friend of two other council members. Not to disrespect Miller, he said, 'but it's fishy. There's no other way to put it.'"
We fervently hope that once the Sherburne County Sheriff's Office clears Chief Luther of these sham charges he washes his hands of Rogers and its jerk administrators for good and quickly moves on to lead the next department that is fortunate enough to land him.
UPDATE: Corrected Luther's role at the BCA.
Chief Luther is a career law-enforcement officer and the respected former head of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension's firearm carry permit program. He has always treated the gun-rights community with the utmost professionalism, civility and fairness, and many people who are aware of his outstanding reputation are simply in disbelief that he could be guilty of any sort of official wrongdoing. Former Rogers City Councilmember Jamie Davis concurs:
"[Davis] commended Luther for turning what had been a 'good-old boy network' within the police department into a more professional body.
'Jeff set the tone from the top,' Davis said. 'He brought a new work ethic. He was on the streets regularly.'"
Does that behavior seem indicative of a corrupt law-enforcement officer?
Mr. Davis unfortunately also holds the opinion that Luther's apparently long-overdue cleanup of that incestuous agency is the primary factor spurring this suspension, which smells awfully like back-room buddy-buddy politics at its worst:
"Early Friday night, after the moves involving the two were made public, Davis said he feared the probe could be part of an effort to elevate the newly named acting chief -- Rogers police Capt. Mike Miller -- into the chief's job permanently.
Davis noted that Miller is the godfather of the mayor's 2-year-old daughter and a friend of two other council members. Not to disrespect Miller, he said, 'but it's fishy. There's no other way to put it.'"
We fervently hope that once the Sherburne County Sheriff's Office clears Chief Luther of these sham charges he washes his hands of Rogers and its jerk administrators for good and quickly moves on to lead the next department that is fortunate enough to land him.
UPDATE: Corrected Luther's role at the BCA.
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
Today's TASER Travesty/The Jack-Booted Thug of the Week...
... double winner is Toronto, Ontario Constable Sgt. Christopher Hominuk, who was caught on police cruiser interior cam footage threatening to torture TASER not one but two different handcuffed burglary suspects, one in the neck and one in the genitals, if they didn't immediately provide information on another suspect who was still on the loose:
"Hominuk replied: 'I’ll f---ing Taser you. If you are lying to me, when I get back to the station, I’m Tasering you in the f---ing n-ts.'"
Exactly the kind of misuse that the TASER is specifically not designed for, yet here's clear proof that such undeserved shocking sessions still get handed out with disturbing regularity by out-of-control cops like this one.
We have to give credit where it's due to the unnamed officer with integrity (and guts to boot) who noticed the video footage while researching another case and notified the professional standards branch (presumably the Canadian version of Internal Affairs), who then investigated the incident and referred the cop for prosecution.
Wannabe-Jack Bauer Hominuk pleaded guilty to one count of threatening bodily harm and will be sentenced on June 14, yet oddly enough "He remains suspended from the force with pay."
We don't think we're going out on a limb to speculate that the department is probably on fairly solid legal ground should it decide to can that convicted bully without further delay.
"Hominuk replied: 'I’ll f---ing Taser you. If you are lying to me, when I get back to the station, I’m Tasering you in the f---ing n-ts.'"
Exactly the kind of misuse that the TASER is specifically not designed for, yet here's clear proof that such undeserved shocking sessions still get handed out with disturbing regularity by out-of-control cops like this one.
We have to give credit where it's due to the unnamed officer with integrity (and guts to boot) who noticed the video footage while researching another case and notified the professional standards branch (presumably the Canadian version of Internal Affairs), who then investigated the incident and referred the cop for prosecution.
We don't think we're going out on a limb to speculate that the department is probably on fairly solid legal ground should it decide to can that convicted bully without further delay.
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
Caught playing hooky
"Two Las Vegas police officers are under investigation after they were caught speeding in northern Arizona when they were supposed to be patrolling the streets of Sin City."
100 miles away.
No wonder law-abiding people fight so hard to be able to use their Second Amendment right to possess and carry a firearm for self-protection, as we can only imagine what the response time for these idiots would be to an emergency call for service in their assigned patrol area.
Another shining example of the stellar judgment that can be demonstrated by people that groups such as the Brady Campaign and Violence Policy Center claim with a straight face are the only ones "professional" enough to carry firearms in public.
(Praise and sincere thanks must go to the Mohave County, Arizona sheriff's deputy who noticed the joyriding pair and put an abrupt end to their stupid shenanigans without giving them a "blue pass".)
100 miles away.
No wonder law-abiding people fight so hard to be able to use their Second Amendment right to possess and carry a firearm for self-protection, as we can only imagine what the response time for these idiots would be to an emergency call for service in their assigned patrol area.
Another shining example of the stellar judgment that can be demonstrated by people that groups such as the Brady Campaign and Violence Policy Center claim with a straight face are the only ones "professional" enough to carry firearms in public.
(Praise and sincere thanks must go to the Mohave County, Arizona sheriff's deputy who noticed the joyriding pair and put an abrupt end to their stupid shenanigans without giving them a "blue pass".)
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
The Jack-Booted Thug of the Week...
... is Donna, Texas police sergeant George Novelo, for his unbelievably cruel multiple pepper-spraying of an unresisting 17-year-old boy, who was already confined in a jail cell, in apparent retaliation for the suspect doing nothing more than mouthing off to the officer.
"A probable cause affidavit shows Hidalgo County Sheriff's investigators believe Novelo had no just cause to spray Donna high school student Jonathan Morales three times while he sat in jail last week."
That's patently obvious from even a casual glance at the footage.
To make matters worse, Novelo further tortured the boy (and violated police policy) by shirking his responsibility to help wash away the irritant once a suspect is under control, according to Hidalgo County Sheriff Lupe Trevino, to whose office the case was referred for investigation:
"'In my opinion, that is probably one of the most egregious forms of police brutality I have ever witnessed,' the sheriff said."
"Officer" Novelo has appropriately now himself been arrested and charged with assault, oppression and violating the youth's civil rights, all misdemeanors carrying a potential sentence of one year in jail and $4,000 fine each. We trust this will be enough to bring his career in law enforcement to an abrupt and well-deserved end.
Thanks and sincere appreciation must go to Sheriff Trevino for recognizing the seriousness of this case and investigating it promptly and thoroughly, with no whitewashing of the details just because the suspect wears a badge for a living.
"A probable cause affidavit shows Hidalgo County Sheriff's investigators believe Novelo had no just cause to spray Donna high school student Jonathan Morales three times while he sat in jail last week."
That's patently obvious from even a casual glance at the footage.
To make matters worse, Novelo further tortured the boy (and violated police policy) by shirking his responsibility to help wash away the irritant once a suspect is under control, according to Hidalgo County Sheriff Lupe Trevino, to whose office the case was referred for investigation:
"'In my opinion, that is probably one of the most egregious forms of police brutality I have ever witnessed,' the sheriff said."
"Officer" Novelo has appropriately now himself been arrested and charged with assault, oppression and violating the youth's civil rights, all misdemeanors carrying a potential sentence of one year in jail and $4,000 fine each. We trust this will be enough to bring his career in law enforcement to an abrupt and well-deserved end.
Thanks and sincere appreciation must go to Sheriff Trevino for recognizing the seriousness of this case and investigating it promptly and thoroughly, with no whitewashing of the details just because the suspect wears a badge for a living.
Friday, January 21, 2011
A few of the very good ones
We regularly point out on this site when police officers and their supervisors commit wrongdoing with no official repercussions (as well as cynically abuse their authority and positions of power), so it's only fair to note when some of those same individuals do a professional and unbiased job of policing their own.
Winter Park, Florida police officer Ricardo Flores was watching detectives from that same agency unload a large amount of marijuana into the department's secured evidence area when he helped himself to a bud of the sticky icky, concealing it in his motorcycle helmet. Another officer observed Flores's theft and reported it to Chief Gary Hester (no relation to us), who confirmed the theft with surveillance camera footage and immediately called Flores back to the station to confront him. Flores then resigned right before Hester had him carted off to jail on burglary, theft and pot possession charges.
"Chief Hester said he wants to make sure Flores never wears a badge again.
'He forfeited that right last night,' said Hester."
Outstanding work by you and the honest and ethical officers under your command, Chief Hester (Nice name, by the way). Thank you for providing such a stellar example that departments around the country should strive to emulate.
Winter Park, Florida police officer Ricardo Flores was watching detectives from that same agency unload a large amount of marijuana into the department's secured evidence area when he helped himself to a bud of the sticky icky, concealing it in his motorcycle helmet. Another officer observed Flores's theft and reported it to Chief Gary Hester (no relation to us), who confirmed the theft with surveillance camera footage and immediately called Flores back to the station to confront him. Flores then resigned right before Hester had him carted off to jail on burglary, theft and pot possession charges.
"Chief Hester said he wants to make sure Flores never wears a badge again.
'He forfeited that right last night,' said Hester."
Outstanding work by you and the honest and ethical officers under your command, Chief Hester (Nice name, by the way). Thank you for providing such a stellar example that departments around the country should strive to emulate.
Friday, January 07, 2011
That can't be good
The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department has asked the FBI to assist with a criminal investigation of its SCORE Unit, which is that agency's version of the masked tactical ninja squad:
"Police Chief Rick Armstrong initiated the investigation and, in addition to the FBI, requested help from the Wyandotte County district attorney’s office and the U.S. attorney’s office."
Good for Chief Armstrong for being so proactive in rooting out and quickly dealing with the bad apples in his department.
"According to KCTV 5 reporter Jeanene Kiesling, several members of that unit were being questioned after conducting a search of a home in Kansas City, Kan., on Tuesday. As many as six officers were taken into custody, the station reported."
Members of these sorts of units are usually touted as being "cream of the crop" officers, which is why they are touted as the only ones "professional" enough to be equipped with weapons that ordinary peasants are barred from owning. Gee, what a surprise to find out they're no better or worse than the rest of us.
It'll be very interesting to find out just what these particular cops were up to that necessitated such drastic action on the part of the chief.
"Police Chief Rick Armstrong initiated the investigation and, in addition to the FBI, requested help from the Wyandotte County district attorney’s office and the U.S. attorney’s office."
Good for Chief Armstrong for being so proactive in rooting out and quickly dealing with the bad apples in his department.
"According to KCTV 5 reporter Jeanene Kiesling, several members of that unit were being questioned after conducting a search of a home in Kansas City, Kan., on Tuesday. As many as six officers were taken into custody, the station reported."
Members of these sorts of units are usually touted as being "cream of the crop" officers, which is why they are touted as the only ones "professional" enough to be equipped with weapons that ordinary peasants are barred from owning. Gee, what a surprise to find out they're no better or worse than the rest of us.
It'll be very interesting to find out just what these particular cops were up to that necessitated such drastic action on the part of the chief.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Nope
(click to enlarge)
The odious practice of interrogating neighbors to scare up the flimsiest of reasons to justify a denial of a lawful firearm carry permit that was pretty much standard procedure under the dictatorial reign of Bob Fletcher will very soon be but a distant bad memory, along with all of the many other scandals that occurred under his watch.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Taking back their neighborhood
Twice in the last five days long-term business owners in the East End section of Houston have fatally shot armed gangbangers with long criminal records who had attacked them and their families while attempting to rob their stores:
What's even more heartening is that reluctant heroes such as Mr. Castillo, who were only defending the lives and livelihoods of themselves and their loved ones, appear to have the full support of the local police:
"Robbers shot the owner, 52-year-old [jewelry store owner] Ramon Castillo, in the abdomen, shoulder and legs, leaving him in critical condition Sunday. Castillo shot and killed the three armed robbers, who had tied up his wife of 30 years."
What a brave individual. Seems to be a pretty fair marksman under stress as well. We salute Mr. Castillo's saving of his wife's life and wish him a speedy recovery.
What's even more heartening is that reluctant heroes such as Mr. Castillo, who were only defending the lives and livelihoods of themselves and their loved ones, appear to have the full support of the local police:
"These business people are fighters and survivors," [Harris County Precinct 6 Constable Victor] Trevino said. 'They will fight, do whatever it takes. If it means using deadly force for some of them, it wasn't their choice.'
'The one who made the choice are those suspects who robbed them. I think the ones who should be worried are the crooks. You've got to do what you've got to do, to stay alive. This time, the business people got the upper hand.'"
What a refreshing attitude for law enforcement to have. Well, this incident happened in Texas, after all.
(h/t to John Pierce at OpenCarry.org for the heads-up)
Monday, December 06, 2010
A good one passes on
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