North State Voices: Christmas 2010

The seeds of a man’s destruction are planted deeply within his own heart.

This thought has been on my mind for several weeks now. Partly for personal reasons and partly from the experiences I’ve had in my professional life. These experiences have made me focus on the beliefs and mindsets, as well as what I have thought to be, “True” throughout my life. It’s been both affirming, as well as illuminating the things that are of little value in my life.

In large part, I believe that we are born individuals, with inherent personalities. This is modified by the experiences that happen to us, as well as the actions we take in life. It’s these actions that take us along one of many of life’s paths.

I recently spoke with a man who had found the end of his path. He’d called 911 and needed help. As my partner and I spoke with him, we found that he had grown up in an inner city where he began to abuse alcohol and cigarettes. He was raised with a heavy dependence on his racial identity, as well as the belief that the, “good life” lay on the path of money, and perceived power. He lived that life, repeating the same cycles over and over, until in his latter 30’s he found himself addicted, empty, and in despair. 30 plus years of living with a belief system came crashing down when he found that that system was as empty as the packaging it came in.

We spoke as we drove to the councilor’s office and I could sense a change in his heart. This was the turning point in his life and it was apparent that he was now seeing the hope that there was something more to life, as well as a chance to place his feet on another path.

As a Police Officer, I have the unique opportunity to visit numerous families and homes. This affords me the chance to observe family and personal dynamics from a perspective, often times more objectively than the people therein. I watch as child after child is sent off on the same path, never knowing that it leads to nowhere.

On this path, there is no guide but the distant laughter and glittering promises of fun and excitement. It’s as a mirage, just out of grasp. Drawing them further and further into the desert; never knowing until the end that it was empty vapor.

I watch the teenage young men who are fairly advanced on their journey along this path. Theirs is the pathway of “pain management.” Not anger management mind you, as that is what gives them a sense of power and control over their situations.

These are the young men, whom as children lived in homes full of anger, dysfunctional communication and violence. These were the children to whom Santa rarely came.

I thought for my last piece in this column, I could write a nice fluffy piece about Santa and Christmas memories and the like, but that wasn’t what was in my heart. I believe in Christmas. I believe in Christ. And during this holiday season, I’m choosing to do my little part, whenever I get a call to deal with someone on that path, to do my best to help them see another way.

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North State Voices: Dear Rookie...

North State Voices: Dear Rookie: Get ready for a challenge
Chico Enterprise-Record (Chico, CA) - Thursday, September 23, 2010

Dear Officer:

Congratulations on your new career. You're only one of 12 or so graduates from your police academy who actually got a job as a law enforcement officer.

You've passed a physical test, a background check and a psychological screening. Those are no easy feats.

As you enter this new field though, there are a few things I thought you should know.

Your first five years will be the most exciting of your life. You will look forward every day to going to work. You will show up early and you will go home late because the job is so much fun. What could be better than this?

Come about four to five years, though, something will start to change. It will be subtle and very difficult to understand. What's changing is you. More specifically, what is changing is your ability to deal with what you see. As psychologist Bobby Smith teaches, your cup will become full and there will be no room for anything else. Each new drop causes the cup to overflow.

You see, you are entering a field where approximately 52 bad guys kill officers in America every year. While this is a terrible number, the amount of officers who die by their own hand every year is on average 482.

You are entering a career field that is great at teaching you to defend yourself from violent encounters, but lousy at teaching its own officers to deal with the stresses caused by what they encounter.

The public you have sworn to protect and serve has no idea of what things you deal with. They have no clue that "those" types of things happen in "their town." The truth is they don't want to know. That's what makes them feel safe. And that's OK.

When you tell people what you do, they will assume they know everything about you. Their idea of law enforcement is largely gained by watching television and from that "one time" they got pulled over and got a ticket. And I guess that's OK too.

You will go inside "homes" that will make you sick. You will see filth and death and inhumanity in its worst forms. You will be judged by people. You will be yelled at, called a racist, a liar, a thief, a pig and told by people who pay no taxes that they "pay your salary." You will be expected to hold your tongue, stand tall and not let it bother you.

You will maintain a constant state of hyper-vigilance at work. You will crash harder than most others when you get home. You will carry a burden of stress continually from week to week, which eventually comes to feel "normal." This is a wicked cycle that takes a horrible toll.

You are not the only one who will pay for your career choice. Your wife and children will suffer consequences too. Your sons will suffer a greater likelihood of attention deficit disorders and type-2 diabetes. Your family will often not have daddy home for major events and holidays. Your wife will suffer many lonely nights, wondering if she will get the knock at the door, telling her that her world has just been turned upside down. She'll put on a good front, but inside it will tear her heart just a little every time you kiss her goodbye.

So, how do you survive? How do you keep from becoming one of the 482?

Exercise. Eat only good foods. Sleep well (good luck with that). Familiarize yourself with the works of modern police psychologists. They will give you the skills necessary to counteract the constant diet of negativity "the job" feeds you.

Perhaps the best thing you could do is to serve. Truly serve. The best moments in your career will be the times you show compassion and truly help someone. So many won't accept your help, but those times you connect with someone and make their lives better are the times that bring true satisfaction and make the costs of "the job" worth it.

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North State Voices: Remembering Randy Jennings

REMEMBERING RANDY

He stood in his green and tan uniform, filling the hallway with his large frame. He’d missed SWAT training due to scheduling issues and was noticeably disappointed. I don’t know why I stopped to look back, as the team was leaving, but as I did, the thought came to my mind, “What a tall, handsome man.” It was the last time I saw him, for in a matter of days he would be dead.

Randy Jennings was a Deputy with the Butte County Sheriff’s Department for 9 years. During his career, he’d worked in the jail, the courts, the civil division and in the special enforcement unit. He taught arrest and control techniques at Butte College and was a team member on the Special Incident Response Team. It was his dream and he worked hard to get on the team.

It was the night of May 21, 1997 Randy was working an overtime shift, covering south county. The call was for a domestic violence incident in Thermalito. A distraught wife who had fled the residence and a husband who was possessed by an, “evil spirit” having gone out after her. He’s left the residence. Does he have any guns? No? Alright.

Within a few minutes, Randy spotted the suspect at 10th and Grand. A short foot pursuit ensued into the field adjacent to a church. Without warning, the man who supposedly didn’t have a gun, spun and fired at Randy. He was hit.

Now, from a simple domestic violence call, Randy was in the fight for his life. He drew his sidearm and returned fire. The suspect now too was mortally hit. With reasoning only known to the unreasonable, the suspect turned his gun towards his heart and ended his own life.

“County 30, “ This was Randy’s last earthly transmission. The cup was broken. It would hold his life no more.

The funeral and its proceedings are a vague memory now. The members of the Special Incident Response Team were the pall bearers during the funeral. The dignitaries took our seats, so we sat in a side room of the church and told stories about Randy. It was about the best thing we could have done.

As he was laid to rest, the contingent of helicopters flew the missing man formation. It was so appropriate, as Randy loved flying in the helicopters for the Special Enforcement Unit. In my mind, it was then that his soul left and was free to go home.

Today, hundreds of people drive over the Randy Jennings memorial bridge separating Oroville and Thermalito. I wonder how many know the man to whom it was dedicated when they look at the plaque that features Randy’s image.

Many people have come and gone since that time and may not have any idea the complete sacrifice that one man gave to protect his community.

I have a copy of the memorial service in my locker, alongside of a rubbing from the National Peace Officer’s Memorial in Washington D.C. with Randy’s name. It’s the first thing I see every day I go to work and the last thing I see before I close the door on my work day.

In the poem, “In Flanders fields” the author calls out with the voice of those who have died. “To you from failing hands we throw the torch; be yours to hold it high.” For those who worked alongside Randy, these things will ride with us for the remainder of our lives. And despite the darkness, or perhaps in the face of such darkness, the best we can do is to keep the torches taken from those failing hands held high for all to see.

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North State Voices: Remembering Inskip

During the year of 2010, I had the unique opportunity to write for the local newspaper (The Chico Enterprise Record). I used this as a chance to help people understand the impacts of working in the law enforcement have on those who step up to the challenge.

The next several posts are articles relating to law enforcement. I hope you enjoy.

James Dimmitt


REMEMBERING INSKIP

Remembering is a way of honoring. Remembering is a way of tying ourselves and our children to our history and our culture.

This 4th of July season is a time to remember those who gave so much to make us a free people. This season, I choose to remember two local men who gave their lives attempting to maintain the law and order so necessary in a free society.

It was a quiet, warm summer afternoon, perfect for a family trip to Barnes and Noble. I was working as a Deputy with the Butte County Sheriff’s Department. My work pager went off while we were in the children’s book section, indicating that there was a SWAT call out.

I called in and the dispatcher’s voice quietly said, “Larry Estes and Bill Hunter went into a cabin in Inskip and we can’t reach them.” “What?” was all I could reply, trying to wrap my mind around what she was saying. She repeated herself and I hung up the phone. “This can’t be happening again.”

It was July 26, 2001 and that phone call began one of the darkest nights of my life. After dropping my family off, I was transported along with the other members of the Sheriff’s Department Special Incident Response Team (S.I.R.T.) to the Inskip Inn via helicopter.

We were briefed, finding that the Magalia resident Deputy, Bill Hunter had been dispatched to a disturbance call involving firearms. Lieutenant Larry Estes, finishing up administrative work in the area responded to back the lone Deputy. The two made entry into the small red two-story cabin and had not responded since.

Our information was that the suspect was in the cabin, reportedly with an AK-47 and likely other firearms. Going into the cabin that night, everyone on S.I.R.T. truly believed that they were going to be shot, if not killed.

A rescue was devised after which there were a few minutes to make final preparations. One of my team mates caught my shoulder as I walked past. He held tight and would not let go. It was then that I realized that he was praying. Here in the middle of the road, my friend whom I’d never known to be particularly spiritual was calling to his Heavenly Father for us to make it through the night.

The entry was made and we found the worst had occurred. Our friends were dead, ambushed upon entering the tiny cabin. In an act of pure courage, Lieutenant Estes stood barrel to barrel with the suspect, exchanging gunfire. Both men found their mark.

Even now, I can close my eyes and see that awful scene. Somehow, with time I suppose, those visions have faded somewhat into the background of my mind.

There are five law enforcement Officers who have given their lives protecting our communities in Butte County. CHP Officer William R. McDaniel (1934), Chico Police Officer Carleton J. Bruce (1938), Deputy Randy E. Jennings (1997), Deputy Bill Hunter and Lieutenant Larry Estes (2001). These are the men who have given everything to protect our citizens.

Their names and the lives they lived should always be remembered. In your July 4th celebrations, would you spend some time telling your children their stories?

Teaching them that there are those who stood against all odds to keep us free.

Published May 2010 Chico Enterprise Record

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"A Cop's Christmas"

I've held this story in my files for many years now. It's a story by a Long Island Officer's experience several years ago. I found it when I was a Deputy and haven't had the heart to throw it out, as every time I read it, it gets to me. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from us at the Chico Blue Review.

"A Cop's Christmas"

Sgt. Stan R. Kid of Long Island

One of the first things a new police officer learns is that cops work on holidays. It's a fact of life. Crime never takes a holiday. In 1974, when I first joined the police department, I knew there would be special occasions my family would spend without me. Knowing that didn't make the task any easier. The celebrations I missed during those first years depressed me and sometimes made me feel bitter. Working on Christmas Eve was always the worst. It felt like a thankless job. On Christmas Eve in 1977, I learned that blessings can come disguised as misfortune, and honor is more than just a word.

I was riding one-man patrol on the 4:00 p.m. to midnight shift. The night was cold. Everywhere I drove I saw reminders of the holidays. Families were packing their cars with presents. Beautifully decorated Christmas trees in living room windows and roofs adorned with tiny sleighs made me feel even more sorry for myself.

The evening had been relatively quiet. There were calls for a barking dog, a minor auto accident, a false burglar alarm. There was nothing to make the night go faster. I thought of my own family and sank more deeply into depression.

Shortly after 10:00 p.m., I got a radio call to the home of an elderly cancer patient. I stopped in front of a simple Cape Cod style house. First-aid kit in hand, I walked up the path to the front door. As I approached, a woman who seemed about 80 years old opened the door. "He's in here, " she said, leading me into the back bedroom.

We passed through a living room furnished in a style I had come to associate with older people. The sofa had an afghan blanket draped over its back and a dark, solid colored Queen Anne chair sat next to an unused fireplace. The mantle was cluttered with an eclectic mix of several photos, some porcelain figurines and an antique clock. A floor lamp provided soft lighting.

We entered a small back bedroom where a frail looking old man lay in the bed with a blanket pulled up to his chin. He wore a blank stare on his ashen, skeletal face. His breathing was shallow; he was barely alive.

The trappings of illness were all around the bed. The nightstand was littered with a large number of pill vials. An oxygen bottle stood nearby, its thin plastic hose, with facemask attached, rested on the blanket.

I asked the woman why she called for the police. She simply shrugged and nodded sadly toward her husband, indicating it was his request. I looked at him and he stared intently into my eyes. He seemed relaxed now. I didn't understand the suddenly-calm expression on his face.

I looked around the room again. A dresser stood along the wall to the left of the bed. On it were the usual memorabilia-ornate perfume bottles, a white porcelain case and a wooden jewelry tray. There were also several photos in simple frames. One caught my eye and I walked to the dresser for a closer look. The picture showed a young man wearing a police uniform. It was unmistakably a photo of the man in the bed. I knew then why I was there.

I looked at the old man and he motioned with his head toward the side of his bed. I walked over and stood beside him. He slid a thin arm from under the covers and took my hand. Soon, I felt his hand go limp. I looked at his face. There was no fear there. I only saw peace.

He knew he was dying; he was aware his time was very near. I know now that he was afraid of what was about to happen and he wanted the protection of a fellow cop on his journey.

A caring God had seen to it that His child would be delivered safely to Him. The honor of being his escort fell to me.

Since that night, I have considered it a high honor to be present at the moment of a person's death. As a cop, I have had that honor many times and feel I have been given a very special responsibility: ensuring someone's safe passage home to his or her Father.

I no longer feel sorry for myself for having to work on Christmas Eve. I have chosen an honorable profession. I pray that when my time comes to leave this world that there will be a cop there to hold my hand and let me know I have nothing to fear.

I wish all my brothers and sisters who have to work this Christmas Eve all the Joy of the Season.

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The people in your neighborhood...Traffic Officer

I recently had the opportunity to speak with Officer Travis Johnson. Officer Johnson is currently assigned to the traffic division and answered some questions about his enforcement activities:

CBR: How long have you been in law enforcement?

Officer Johnson: 8 years.

CBR: How long have you been assigned as a traffic Officer?

Officer Johnson: 3 years.

CBR: What does your typical day entail?

Officer Johnson: I usually start my day with traffic enforcement during the busy evening commute hours. After the traffic slows down, I return to the police station to complete reports and other office duties. In the late evening hours and early morning hours, I concentrate my efforts to the detection of DUI violators.

CBR: What type of enforcement do you do?

Officer Johnson: Enforce the vehicle code by issuing citations, investigate traffic collisions and DUI enforcement.

CBR: Why is it important to work traffic?

Officer Johnson: Multiple studies by organizations such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Office of Traffic Safety show that when traffic enforcement by law enforcement is increased, traffic collisions are decreased.

CBR: Are there other benefits to working traffic?

Officer Johnson: Another benefit of stopping vehicles is the ability to detect other types of crimes. An occupant may be wanted or be in possession of illegal items. Additionally, if criminals see Officers stopping a large amount of vehicles, they may chose to leave the areas in favor of one that does not have a high level of enforcement.

CBR: Do most people complain at the time of their tickets?

Officer Johnson: Actually, the far majority of citizens that I issue citations to do not complain and take responsibility for their driving.

CBR: There is a popular myth about quotas. Do you have quotas on tickets?

Officer Johnson: The Chico Police Department does not have any quotas for issuing citations.

CBR: Where do you think those myths came from?

Officer Johnson: Some departments do have quotas, but more than that, I think most citizens believe that citations are issued as a way of generating money for the department.

CBR: Do you get paid any extra for writing tickets?

Officer Johnson: I do not get paid any extra for writing citations. If fact, the issuing agency receives only a very small portion of the cost of the citation. The majority of the money received from issuing a citation goes to the State.

CBR: You have turned in some very impressive DUI arrests over the last years. Why do you focus on DUI’s so much?

Officer Johnson: Year after year, more American Citizens are killed in DUI related collisions than by all violent crimes put together. On average, a little more then 17,000 people are killed each year. This is a tragedy that is so easily prevented, yet it continues to destroy families every year.

CBR: What recognition have you received recently regarding your DUI enforcement?

Officer Johnson: I have been honored both locally and at the state level for the high number of DUI arrests I have made. However, these awards have nothing to do with my determination to remove impaired drivers from the road. I simply want our roads to be safe for the innocent people that are responsibly driving.

CBR: If there was one thing you could let the public know about your job, what would it be?

Officer Johnson: If we all slowed down a little bit and drove in a courteous manner, the road would be a safer and more enjoyable place for us all to be on.

Additionally, to those who may chose to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol - If you are stopped and you are impaired, don't bother asking for a "break" or a "warning." I do not care if your livelihood depends on your ability to drive. You will be arrested. You will go to jail.

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The people in your neighborhood...Public Safety Dispatcher

For the first interview in this line of posts, I interviewed public safety dispatcher (A.K.A. 911 Operator) Wendy Gebicke. I have known Wendy for about 4 years and really like her insights into the job. She is an interresting person who has a GREAT deal of patience on the job. For those who don't know, Public Safety Dispatchers are the first line in dealing with emergencies and often have to help calm and sort through the problems of both hostile and hysterical callers.

It takes a very special person to be a successful Public Safety Dispatcher. I have seen several people try their hand at the job and quit soon thereafter. They have a very hectic job and are constantly juggling information.

Chico Blue Review (CBR): How long have you been a public safety dispatcher?

PSD Gebicke: 15 years.

CBR: What does your typical day entail?

PSD Gebicke: Answering 911 & business calls. Dispatching fire & police calls on the radio.

CBR: What type of calls do you take in a day?

PSD Gebicke: Shootings, stabbings, robberies, assaults, brandishing weapons calls, domestic violence, fights, dui's, stolen vehicles, welfare checks...the list goes on.

CBR: What type of training do you have to take part in to become a PSD?

PSD Gebicke: 3 weeks of schooling but the most important training is on the job & that can take years. I still learn something new almost every day.

CBR: What type of personality does it take to be a successful PSD?

PSD Gebicke: I think first and foremost you have to want to help people. That is really what this job is all about. You have to keep a good attitude and try to treat people like you would want to be treated.

CBR: What was one of the funniest 911 calls you've taken?

PSD Gebicke: Just recently, I took a call where the male caller thought "wildlife" was after him. I asked what kind of wildlife "bears, coyotes, deer?" Due to his intoxicated state, he couldn't understand WHAT it was that was after him. His roommate then got on the phone and said he had seen a raccoon in their yard & was concerned for his safety...

CBR: What is one of the most annoying reasons people call 911 for?

PSD Gebicke: Noise complaints. People need to understand that 911 is for life-threatening emergencies.

CBR: Are there any calls that stick with you, and why?

PSD Gebicke: Anything to do with children is hard. I think it is sometimes hard to be a dispatcher in general, because we never hear what happens as the end result. We are helping people with what is probably one of the worst days of their lives. We send help to them but rarely ever hear what happened at the end of that call.

CBR: What other responsibilities do you have at the Chico Police Department?

PSD Gebicke: I am also a tactical assistant on the SWAT team. I help the lieutenant run the command post on most critical incidents. As a tactical assistant I am responsible for all radio traffic between the SWAT team & the command post. I am also responsible for mapping the area, keeping track of the officers locations and making sure the communications are clear, consise & understood.

CBR: Is there anything you would like the public to know about being a PSD?

PSD Gebicke: One of the biggest misconceptions that people on the other side of the phone have is that if they are answering our questions, it is somehow delaying a response to their problem. This is not true. The person talking to them on the phone has given the call over the person who is dispatching it on the radio. This is all happening while we are asking you questions. So...answer our questions, it helps us to help you. Remember we are human too and are doing our best to help you.

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The people in your neighborhood...

When I first became a Law Enforcement Officer, I didn't realize that I would be inheriting so many stereotypes. I found myself suddenly being accused of being a racist, a pig (still don't know where that one came from or how farm animals figure into this), a doughnut eating lazy jerk, and various other things that I can't say on a rated PG / PG-13 forum. Most were boring and got old fairly quickly, but occasionally I'd get one that would make me laugh. I recall, for instance an older drunk guy calling me, "Johnny Law" all the way from Chico to the Oroville jail. Maybe it's not the name, but the way he said it, "Is that what you think, Johnny Laaaaaaaaaaaawah?" I'm still not sure who "Johnny Law" is, but it apparently was this guy's best attempt at an insult.

My point being, we are often judged by the stereotypes presented in entertainment media. I have been in law enforcement for about 12 years or so at this point. While I have worked with a few people who might fit the negative stereotypes, MOST are nothing like the Officers portrayed on fictional television shows.

The next few posts are going to be dedicated to the fine men and women I work with. They are good people who live interesting lives and have good hearts. True, sometimes they have bad days and might occasionally say something untoward, but then again, who the heck doesn't?

Please stay tuned...

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The law of Social Proof...

The papers have been abuzz for some time now regarding the multiple gang rape of a 15 year old girl at a high school dance in Richmond California. This is a horrible crime and is completely inexcusable. Local Chicoans may recall that this occurred right here in our fair town in 2002. The Sheriff's Department investigated the repeated sexual assault of a drunken, unconscious 16 year old teenager at a party, utilizing various objects, such as a pool cue. Again, an inhuman assault which has no place in civilized society.

One might wonder how such things can happen. How can so many people (20+ in the Richmond case and 20-30 in the Chico case) stand around and do nothing? Surely SOMEBODY must have done SOMETHING.

The answer lies inside of our psyches. In his book "Influence" Robert B. Cialdini Ph.D describes the brutal rape and murder of a woman (Cathryn Genovese) in New York City in 1964. While this type of crime certainly happens in such a big city, the real shocker, was that the assault occurred in broad daylight, with 38bystanders watching. Worse yet, the assault lasted for over an hour and a half.

When interviewed later, the witnesses couldn't seem to explain why they didn't intercede, or even call the Police. Statements such as, "I just didn't want to get involved" and "I was afraid" were the only explanations they could come up with.

Cialdini clarifies what is going on (quoting Psychologists Latane and Darley), "With several potential helpers around, the personal responsibility of each individual is reduced: 'Perhaps someone else will give or call for aid, perhaps someone else already has.' So with everyone thinking that someone else will help or has helped, no one does."

When life brings us new and confusing experiences, such as in an emergency, our minds begin looking around at how others are responding, in an effort to gauge our own response. Imagine for instance, two toddlers. One is born to "helicopter" parents who are always hovering over their little precious pumpkin, waiting to scoop him up at the slightest perception of danger. The other is born to parents who are a little more realistic and realize that bumps are a part of life. When the first falls, he watches as his parents freak out and make a major ordeal out of it. His response? He cries. The second, when he falls, his parents either make no big deal out of it, or laugh and joke with the child. His response? "Oh, well." He gets up and moves on. Here you have the same injury, but those around help dictate the child's response, by their responses.

Cialdini concludes, "The fascinating upshot of Latane and Darley's reasoning is that, for the emergency victim, the idea of "safety in numbers" may often be completely wrong."

The law of "Social proof" sells. It is one of the powerful tools in a salesman's arsenal. It's seen in every commercial you see where there are lots of people sitting in the advertised restaurant, laughing and having a grand old time. It's "Proof" to your subconscious that the restaurant is good and you know what? You should go and have a good time too.

The problem is, is that nobody in any restaurant I've ever been in, is having THAT much fun. If they are, then I'm DEFINITELY going. Do you remember these commercials? #1 #2 They're both total crap...and they sold TONS of soda.

Something disturbing has been going on in the "entertainment" industry. There have always been "slasher" type movies and those who like them. I guess that's o.k. I personally don't like them and can't imagine what parent would be proud of their little princess as they watch her butchered by a psychotic killer on the big screen.

The thing that bothers me is the extreme realism and completely graphic torture that is displayed on the big screen. I don't know what kind of person thinks that this is fun to watch. I've been to murder scenes and smelled the gagging scent of rotten human bodies. There is nothing "exciting" or "neat" about it. CSI and other crime shows are on every night, with the associated murder being portrayed in various degrees of realism.

The major problem with this, in my estimation comes down to the law of Social Proof. Remember, we look to others in many instances to gauge our responses. When we see someone do something, it makes it just a little more "o.k." to do that too.

The thought was driven home to me as I watched a movie trailer in the theater. It was based on the true story of a man who killed 8 people in a small town. The difference was, that this movie was shot from the perspective of the killer. So not only are you witnessing the butchering of eight different people, you are watching it as if from your own eyes. This is wrong.

Imagine the people who go into that theater and thrill in those visual images. Could it not be, that this type of thing is one of the final things preventing them from acting out their delusions?

So, what is it in us that causes us to stand by when something bad is happening? It's that little thing called Social Proof. In our uncertainty, we stand by, watching others, waiting for SOMEBODY to do SOMETHING.

One note. The cure for inaction is action. Social Proof works for our good too. When we are standing there, wondering if somebody is going to act, the law of Social Proof will kick in if YOU take the first action. Then others will see "Proof" that action is the right thing to do.

This was the case in Richmond. When one girl (18 year old Margarita Vargas) who was at home heard of the tale, she immediately called for help. In this world of, "Stop snitchin" here is a young woman who stood up and broke the silence. Who can say enough good about Margarita Vargas?

Martha Vargas...hero.

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." Edmund Burke

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The first weeks back...

"The students are back." A quote oft repeated at this time of the year by Officers, administrators and Chicoans alike. I have been assigned to a team of Officers dedicated to helping deal with the influx of so many students in such a short period of time.

Traditionally, the major impacts are felt the week prior to school starting and the first week back. There are new students who are freshly graduated from high school and perhaps aren't aware of the laws concerning alcohol use, or the powerful effects alcohol can have on the body.

The last shift of this last weekend seemed as if it was "alcohol poisoning" night. My partner and I found and sought medical attention for at least three students who were overcome by alcohol poisoning.

In the first two cases, the poisoned person's "friends" were "helping" them by getting them a cab ("It's O.K. we called him a taxi"). I'm not sure what the cabbie is going to do with them, but the potential for this person to die was significant. In one case, the "friends" were people who were also intoxicated and had "just met" the person at a bar. Tell me, what emotional ties do these "friends" have to this person? If they dump him off in a bathroom or bedroom and leave him, will it matter to them? Here are intoxicated and apparently immature people making life altering decisions for someone they barely know. It may not matter to them, but I'll bet it will matter to the families and loved ones who's son or daughter this is.

The last one of the night for my partner and I was a young adult who had drunk himself into a complete stupor. Bystanders found him under the back tires of a vehicle parked near a favorite downtown bar. Luckily, they pulled him out from underneath the vehicle and placed him on his side, propped against a parking meter. While this is the correct position to prevent asphyxiation on his own vomit, it left him completely vulnerable to the whims of whatever person walked by. Again, luckily for this man, we came by and were waved over by another set of bystanders.

My blog partner Jim Parrott came across a similar situation the same night while he was patrolling on his horse in the South Campus Neighborhood. He and his partner were flagged over by a student who said there was a drunk girl passed out in the alley behind his house, and he was concerned she would become a victim. Jim and his partner rode into the alley and found the female pictured below. She was alone, seated on a curb in the dark alley, bloody from an apparent fall, and her feet resting in a pile of her own vomit. She was able to tell Jim that she was a student who lived in an on-campus dorm. She was so intoxicated that she could not stand. Jim and his partner summoned an ambulance and she was taken to Enloe Hospital to detox.

Last year, two minors died of alcohol poisoning within a few weeks of each other. This was a huge loss for the families and unfortunately one that is repeated annually. With the influx of students unfamiliar with alcohol and the ready availability of mass amounts of beer and other forms of alcohol, the health of the students becomes a significant concern.

Chico State CADEC Alcohol Poisoning card

I personally like working with the college students. While it gets old hearing, "F*** the Police" repeatedly, most are reasonable people who are here to have a good time. We have worked hard this year at educating and building trust with the students at the regular hotspots around the south campus neighborhoods. This has worked well in helping deal with out of control parties.

While we'd rather people didn't host parties that could quickly rage out of control, most residents have realized that they can call us to help them settle the situation. We explain that there are several consequences to hosting large parties, including:

· Alcohol poisoning
· Underage drinking
· Narcotics sales
· Assault and battery
· Stabbings
· Sexual Assaults
· Vandalism
· Thefts
· DUI’s

Other potentialities include the possibility that the residents could be civilly liable for the bad things that happen to victims at their parties. This along with the fact that now hundreds of people know what nice stuff is in the house. These same residents are frequently calling us the next day to report the theft of laptop computers, IPOD's, purses and other valuables.

I am personally glad to help people who are taking the responsibility for their homes and parties. I am more than happy to let these types of calls take precedence over general noise complaints where the reporting party refuses to provide their information.

This has been an interesting and exhausting week for law enforcement. The sheer amount of calls and types of calls have taxed our reserves. Despite this, the Officers and Supervisors I work with have handled it well. I congratulate them for their patience and congratulate the student body for doing a good job (for the most part) assimilating into our community.

*For more ideas regarding alcohol intoxication, please refer to the Shelby's Rules website. This is a wonderful movement borne of sorrow and loss. Perhaps it will help to prevent such tragedy.

**More alcohol related resources include:

Chico State's alcohol policy

Chico State's alcohol and drug education center

Chico State's alcohol poisoning tips

Chico Safe Rides

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Where is the public outcry?

In 1934, CHP Officer William R. McDaniel and a local auto mechanic were shot and killed while investigating an auto collision. The suspect hid in an orchard across the street and shot the men while they were examining the vehicle. A possee quickly rallied and headed for the foothills east of Chico. The possee located the suspect and they were engaged in a gunfight. The suspect was killed.

In 1938, Chico Police Officer Carleton J. Bruce was shot and killed during a disturbance call at a business near Main St. and 1st St. The suspect was apprehended and taken to the Police Department (now the downtown Police sub-station). A mob formed outside of the Department in response to the killing. The suspect later hung himself in the jail cell.

In each case the citizens rallied to see that justice was done.

In the last few weeks, Chico has had several violent crimes. The worst in my estimation is the reported rape of the former Chico State Student on the bike path near W. Sacramento. Yes, again with the bike path. The night following, myself along with several other Officers patrolled that area heavily. My partner and I found no less than four girls walking drunk and alone in that area. The responses to our warnings ranged from fear to denial (i.e. "I know, I'll be alright. I've only got a few blocks to go.")

Add two bank robberies at Tri Counties Bank, two armed robberies at a 7-11 convenience store in north Chico, two armed robberies of taxi cab drivers on the same day and a man shot in the face and chest on Floral Ave.

Pile on top of it all, school season is starting and it's already been a busy start. With last year's out of control parties (riots, or whatever you call it), it will be interresting to see what the student's attitudes are. One Officer has already been hit in the head with a beer can while trying to deal with an out of control party. Not a good start.

And for the cherry on top of it all, add the pending release of 40,000 inmates from the California Prison system. Butte County will not go untouched with this release. All this at a time when the Chico Police Department is apparently at it's lowest staffing ever. I hate the word "Unsustainable." It's widely overused to exagerate people's positions. In this case, I will use the word. Cutting law enforcement at a time such as this is in my opinion, unsustainable.

It seems, that despite all of these events, there is no public outcry. I'm not sure if it's a lack of interest, a lack of a united front, or some other thing. The question is, where does this lack of interest come from? I'd frankly like some comments on this one, so I can form a better opinion.

Is it that Law Enforcement is not doing enough to notify the public?

Is it that people just don't care anymore because their world is centered in front of their living room television and their internet?

Is it because it's not in "their" neighborhood?

I don't have the answers on this one. Please comment and share your opinion.

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Death.

Her once bright and vibrant red hair had thinned and faded. Her breathing was shallow and would occasionally break into short fits of coughing. Her pupils were constricted from the morphine given to ease the pain. The cancer had taken hold and her time to leave this world was near.

I sat this afternoon for a few minutes with a woman I have known for almost all of my life. The mother of the man who married my oldest sister. I met her when I was five years old. I swam in her pool and she made me peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and Koolaid.

I left the care facility and rode away on a motorcycle I'd borrowed. I stopped by my own father's grave and cleared some weeds from around the headstone. I rode for some time thinking about these events. I realized that I was not wearing any of the usual protective gear that I make a habit of using. I thought of the road as it passed by and saw mental glimpses of what a crash at these speeds would do. I've seen enough riders injured and killed to know what that's like. For a moment, death seemed everywhere.

I caught a glimpse of my shadow on the roadside. I looked up at the beautiful hills and quickly cleared my head. Life was beautiful and life went on.

Law Officers deal with death on a regular basis. Whether it is in investigating natural death, suicide, homicide, or the thought that you may be required to cause the death of another in order to protect yourself or others.

One of the less enjoyable things in Law Enforcement is notifying families that their loved one has died. Despite the difficulty and unpleasantness of this task, it's always interresting seeing the different reactions of the group. What is certain is that everyone will be at a different stage of grief.

I was taught the Kubler-ross model of grief in Parmedic school. This model states that there are five stages of grief that people go through when faced with the loss of a loved one. They are as follows:

1) Denial.

2) Anger.

3) Bargaining.

4) Depression.

5) Acceptance.

How fast a person goes through these stages depends in large part on their own environment and psyche. According to some who have gone through the loss of a loved one, sometimes you can cycle back through some of the stages.

Early one morning, while working as a Paramedic, my partner and I received a "man down" call. We responded and found firefighters giving CPR to a male in his 60's. There were several signs indicating that this man was dead. I received an order from the Emergency Room Physician to cancel life saving efforts.

I went outside and met with the wife who was sitting on a chair. I asked her what her husband's name was and told her that he had died. What was intriguing about this woman's response was that she cycled through the stages of grief within about 30 seconds. She said something to the effect of, "No it can't be true. Damnit, why did you have to die? Please, is there anything you can do? I don't know what I'm going to do. Alright, what do we have to do?" Hopefully she didn't notice my jaw, which had dropped as we listened to her going through the stages of grief right before our eyes.

Death makes men human. I sat with a young father recently who's infant had died in it's bassinet. It was a particularly difficult and emotionally draining call. Despite all this man's rough exterior, being raised in a harsh central California city, and past run-ins with Police, we were able to sit and talk as just two people. All of the external veneer had fallen away exposing a person who was hurt and didn't know what to do.

When I was a young Deputy, I was called on to help recover the body of a 12 year old Hmong boy from the river. The boy had drown trying to cross the river while fishing two weeks previous. His body had not been found until that morning. My partner and I responded and recovered the boy's body. I went to the home of the young boy and found his father who was surrounded by approximately 30 to 40 family members. I told him that we had found his son and that he had died. The man held back tears as he thanked me and pulled back into the group. He was literally enveloped in the love of his family.

Our bodies are like a cup holding water. If the cup breaks, then it cannot hold water anymore. So too are our bodies. If disease or trauma damages our bodies enough, then it can no longer hold life.

I don't have a great closing for this post. It's something that's been on my mind for some time. I dedicate this to Donna who made me the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches as a little boy and loved me all of my life.

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What chance do they have?

My partner and I were recently patrolling one of the more crime-ridden apartment complexes on Nord Avenue. As we were pulling out of the complex, I saw a little 6 year old girl riding her cute little pink bicycle. When the little girl saw us, she screamed, “COPS!” then flipped us off. You heard it right, in perfect form, she gave us the finger.

I was shocked. I stopped my car and asked her, “Hey, baby-girl, what was that all about?” The little girl smiled a sweet smile, waved and rode away.

That situation left me with severely mixed emotions. On one hand, it’s kinda funny that we were flipped off by such a little girl. On every other side though, it’s completely disheartening that such a young child has been trained to act in such a way to the Police.

Does she hate us? No. Her smile and wave told me that. She did what she was taught by her parents to do. This incident begs the question, “What chance does she have in life?”

Here is this beautiful little girl with matching pink bike and dress, with her hair done up in neat little cornrows and colorful beads woven in; and she has little chance at success in life. These anti-social attitudes will do nothing but harm in her life. I realize that people can overcome anything in life, but why stack such odds against a little girl?

I recently spoke with a couple in downtown Chico, who were arguing in front of their children. The children shied away from my partner and I when we spoke with them. The father told us, “They’re scared of Cops.” Really. "And why is that?" I wondered. The father’s negative attitude, anti-social tattoos and dress spoke volumes about his previous encounters with law enforcement.

I tried to explain to the father that fear of Police is taught. I tried to explain that if he wanted to change their attitudes towards law enforcement, then it was up to him to change it. I further told him that he should start refering to us as “Police” rather than “Cops”, a word they associate with negatively. I saw the father a few weeks later and he said, “Look kids, it’s the Cops.”

The final story I’ll share is best illustrated by the following photo:

I took this photo in an apartment where domestic violence was prevalent. I looked at the sweet little faces of these children and was struck with sadness. They have no idea what they are doing, and what destruction this lifestyle is going to cause them. They only know that it makes their parents happy when they pose like that. These innocent little boys have no idea that this lifestyle that they are being taught will almost guarantee them that they will never be financially successful, or lead happy and violence-free lives. They only know that their parents are not yelling at them right now.

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Chico Police Department Business Support Team...

On 05-08-2009, Chico Enterprise Record reporter Greg Welter posted a story regarding the newly formed "Chico Police Department Business Support Team" (CPDBST).

By GREG WELTER -Staff Writer Posted: 05/08/2009 12:00:00 AM PDTCHICO — A group of citizens calling itself the Chico Police Department Business Support Team has been placing signs around Chico to express their admiration for the work of local police agencies.

They read: "We appreciate our local law enforcement."

Acting Chico Police Chief Mike Maloney said the group was formed by local business people who didn't believe officers and others involved in law enforcement were getting the recognition they deserve.

Member Chris DiGiovanna said 120 of the small black and white signs were produced, and about half of them have been placed around businesses that have joined the group.

Some of them line Cohasset Road near the Chico Nissan-Hyundai dealership. Rory Rottschalk, one of the founders of the group, said it became a more or less formal organization about a year ago, but some members have been supporting police recognition for several years.

Member businesses pay annual dues of $20 to support activities like placing the signs. Last year, DiGiovanna said, funding went to help send a group of Chico police to a memorial for fallen officers in Washington, D.C., and also recognized the work done by animal control, community services officers and police volunteers with $60 gift certificates to restaurants.

"These people do tough jobs, and get little recognition," he said.

Maloney said the group was seeking to quietly promote awareness and appreciation for law enforcement. "If there's one thing we'd like to get across it's the idea that public safety is a community responsibility," said DiGiovanna.

"We're very serious about doing this," Rottschalk said, noting that police get little recognition for activities outside their usual law enforcement roles, like saving property and helping to evacuate residents during last summer's fires.

About 60 Chico area businesses currently belong to the group. Information about the CPDBST may be obtained by calling 410-6867.

To start with, I have to say that I do not know the originator of the program Mr. Rottschalk or the other member quoted, Mr. DiGiovanna. To those men and the other members of their organization, I’d like to offer my appreciation.

There’s a saying in Police work. It goes something like this, "You didn’t get into this job to make friends." I suppose this is somewhat of a self-soothing consolation, seeing as we get to meet all sorts who REALLY don’t like us. Trips to the jail often include verbal tirades insulting our mothers, families, children, and threats to do unimaginable things to them all. You can imagine that it’s really fun hearing people berate those you hold most dear. People wonder why Police Officers sometimes get a little jaded or cynical.

Law Enforcement Officers tend to face a lot of prejudice. The other night, I found a Swastika drawn on the sidewalk, with an arrow pointing to one of our patrol cars. Obviously, the "artist" intended to show that the Police Officer was some sort of Nazi. The funny thing was, was that the Officer whose vehicle the swastika was directed towards, was of mainly Filipino descent. Not your typical Hitler loving "Aryan Brother". When questioned, the Officer assured me that he was in no way affiliated with the Nazis or any of their subsidiaries. I guess I shouldn't pre-judge. Perhaps they were only insinuating that the Officer was a member of the Finnish womens union Lotta Svard.

Friday night, I was almost hit with a large rock (approximately 4-5 inches in diameter). This could have been a career, if not life ending injury should it have hit me in the head. This is the second time this year that I have almost been hit by flying rocks. I wonder if the people who do violent things towards Officers, or chant, "(Blank) the Police!" (heard ad nauseam on weekend nights) ever consider the fact that there would be whole families devastated at the loss of their loved one, including and most importantly the little children who have to wonder why their mommy or daddy isn’t coming home.

Despite the negatives, occasionally something comes along which helps break the cynical attitude. Seeing a 15 year old boy hugging his mother shortly after you respond to deal with his violent outbursts. Watching a sweet little 4 year old girl who is living in squalor, running out to give you a colored picture she quickly drew to make your day better. Saturday night, for me was the article Mr. Welter wrote. I hope someday to meet the members of the CPDBST and thank them for their efforts and their concern for their community.

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"Victims..."

Look at this picture. What do you see? It seems like a fairly well lit stretch of bicycle path, yet on this path there have been several strong armed and armed robberies in the last few weeks. The victimology is consistent, single males or females (can you see the guy walking alone on the path?) who are approached by multiple persons demanding their wallets, cell phones, etc. If any resistance is perceived, a swift and severe beating follow suit. The last beating was so severe, that the Officer relating the incident said that the victim looked nothing like the photo on his driver’s license. To date, no one has been shot, but that is only a few pounds of pressure away during a time when emotions and adrenaline are high.

I have had the opportunity lately to work a shift that allows us to patrol this particular stretch of bike path. We are constantly running into people walking alone on the bike path late at night. When we stop and warn them of the dangers, we are frequently met with, “I’m alright.” Really.

Apparently, these people have never seen or been a victim of violent crime. Perhaps the thought of violence has been dimmed by constant exposure on television and in theaters. Who knows the reason for their blindness, but if they were deer, I’m pretty sure that they’d have their heads mounted on someone’s mantle by now.

When I see these people wandering around in the dark by themselves, I have started thinking the phrase, “Victims.” This is not a disparaging comment, per se, but a statement of disappointment, disbelief, and disgust. Disappointment and disbelief, because it’s very sad that there are so many people who have no sense that very bad things REALLY CAN happen to them, and disgust, because there is a high likelihood that we will be taking another robbery or rape report shortly.

Partying in Chico is a longtime pastime. Waves of students wandering to the downtown area in order to find the big party, is a common weekend sight. Waves of the same students staggering back to their homes on the outskirts around 2:30 am is also common. Unfortunately, there are a few who become so inebriated that they have no control of what happens to them. They are often found staggering down the bike path and other dark alleys where predators wait.

Students often get angry that they are being arrested for public intoxication. Trust me it would be much more enjoyable NOT to have to place someone in the back of your nice clean patrol car where they proceed to lose their evenings cheap beer, shots and burritos (by the way, we don’t have service personnel to clean that up). They’ve placed us in a position where we have to take action to protect them from their own actions. The alternative is for them to be assaulted / robbed, wander into the roadway or worse yet drown in their own vomit.

The majority of people who come to Chico to party are good people who are there to just have a good time. I enjoy talking and joking with them. It’s one of my personal missions to help break down the negative stereotypes that are taught by the media regarding law enforcement. It’s angering when one of these good people who’ve just come for a good time, fall victim to these cowardly robbers who hunt in packs.

Please help us to protect you by staying away from those situations and places where bad things are likely to happen. Situational awareness is one of the keys to personal safety.

A female walks alone late at night in a parking lot

with LOTS of bushes to hide in and nobody around.

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In Memoriam...our brothers in arms.

Sergeant Fonseca of the Chico Police Department recently provided me with some information regarding two Officers that were killed in Chico in the 1930's. I had only heard of one (Officer Carleton J. Bruce) because of a memorial placard positioned in the front of the Police Department. The second, (California Highway Patrol Officer W.R. McDaniel) was killed in 1934. Both Officers were murdered by gunfire.

It was really interresting reading the newspapers rendition of events. The paper was apparently the "Chico Record" at that time. The news doesn't read like that anymore. For instance, the reporter refers to the killer of Officer Bruce as "his German assassin." I suppose ethnicity held a different weight in that day.

There were two things that struck me as I read the articles. In Officer Bruce's case, an "ANGRY MOB FORMS - The shooting attracted hundreds, and an angry crowd gathered outside the police station during investigation of the killing." In Officer McDaniel's case, the suspect, "died before the flaming guns of an avenging posse that tracked him to the foothills east of Chico and ended his flight shortly after the sun broke over the hills."

What took me aback, was the way the public responded to the loss of their protectors. In one instance, an angry mob of citizens gathered (most likely to see that justice was done), and in the other, average citizens mounted up and hunted down the wolf that had entered the flock. While I have my pessimistic days (usually coinciding with an irate citizen railing my very existance), I think that many would react today, the same way our fellow citizens did over seventy years ago. Having gone through too many Officer's funerals and seeing people lining the streets, I know that there are still many who would step up and help in any way possible.

Please take a moment to read these Officer's stories. These and many more of our local heros are listed in the, "In Memoriam" section on the bottom left hand side of the Blue Review. Their stories are presented for a reason. These are our friends and brothers who went the full distance in order to uphold civility and protect us throughout the years. May God bless them and their families.

Again, special thanks to Sergeant Fonseca and Brett Vosika of the Chico Police Department for the information.

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No good deed…

I would like to take a moment and thank the Chico Police Department traffic enforcement unit.  In particular, I would like to congratulate two particular Officers, Travis Johnsen and Tony Ferreira.  Between the two of them in 2008, they made 448 DUI arrests (208 and 240 respectively).  Think of that.  Here are two very hard working Police Officers who were able to take 448 drunk drivers safely off the street where they could do no harm. 

At a recent MADD awards presentation, these Officers were given honors for their efforts.  The nearest any other agency got to their arrests by an individual Officer, was an Officer with approximately 150 arrests from the Redding area. 

According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), in 2007 there were 12,998 people killed in drunk driving “accidents”.  Think of that.  Nearly thirteen thousand people died from a completely preventable incident.  Where else can you get such a guarantee?  100% of the people killed in those drunk driving “accidents” could have been saved should one or more drivers chosen not to drive impaired by alcohol. 

How many people are killed by handguns, compared to automobile collisions?  Can you guess?  What does “Lifetime” the channel for victims tell us?  The reality is quite the opposite of what is often presented in the media. 

In 2005, 788 people were killed accidentally by handguns.  In that same year, 16,885 people were killed in automobile collisions.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2005 (the latest year tallied), in their WISQARS unintentional death statistics site, firearms are involved in 0.6% of accidental deaths nationally. Most accidental deaths involve, or are due to, motor vehicles (39%), poisoning (18%), falls (16%), suffocation (5%), drowning (2.9%), fires (2.8%), medical mistakes (2.2%), environmental factors (1.2%), and bicycles and tricycles (0.7%). Among children: motor vehicles (45%), suffocation (18%), drowning (14%), fires (9%), bicycles and tricycles (2.4%), falls (2%), poisoning (1.6%),environmental factors (1.5%), and medical mistakes 0.8%). 

 

For more, the CDC has a really good DUI Factsheet. 

So, while firearms are vilified, DUI’s are defended, which brings me to my next point and to the title of the story.  Despite the tremendous effort that these two dedicated Police Officers put forth, some in the community seek to challenge their efforts and make disparaging remarks about their success.  I recently opened a copy of the Chico News and Review and found an advertisement for a local attorney’s office.  The add loudly displayed the following: “CHICO POLICE MISCONDUCT INVESTIGATED”.  Really.  The advertisement hints that this attorney (who gets his money by defending drunk drivers) is investigating “misconduct, manufactured or exaggerated evidence, stake out of bars, gender bias, etc.”  Really.

Apparently the Chico Police Department has Officers out there “mis-conducting” themselves (I know it’s not a real word), making up evidence, staking out bars (what’s illegal about that?), and being biased towards people because of their gender (uh, what?). Apparently in our zeal to uphold the law we are going to place our lives, our livelihood, and our freedom on the line so we can “frame” a few extra citizens.  Let’s think about that.  What in the world would it benefit the Officers?  Extra pay?  No.  Prestige?  Beyond the occasional write up in an obscure blog…no. 

In fact, what it does do for the Officer, is bury them in endless paperwork, days away from home working overtime going to court, and apparently being lambasted by ads in local papers. 

No, I propose a different theory.  One that will not please the masses who have been proverbially spanked by the Po-lice.  How about this?  Maybe the Officers in question are extremely dedicated individuals.  Maybe they have character that goes far beyond the average person (myself included).  Maybe they have found their particular niche in the department and are running full bore to get as many people who are breaking the law (placing in danger every other responsible citizen who chose not to drink and drive), off the streets.  Maybe they’ve felt the pain of all those MADD mothers and caught the vision that they can do some good to lessen the tragedy of these preventable deaths.  Yeah, maybe that. 

I suppose I’ll never understand what it is that makes some blame law enforcement for doing their job.  Often times, when I meet new people and they find out what I do, they regale me with tales of an Officer with nothing better to do than to harass them for speeding.  This gets pretty old, pretty fast and I usually ask them, “And what law weren’t you breaking?”  Zinger! 

Please don’t get me wrong.  I believe in defense attorneys.  I truly do.  If it were not for men and women willing to keep the government in check, our country would have fallen to total governmental control a long time ago.  Ever increasing control seems to be in the nature of governments.  What I do not believe in, however, are lawyers who conjure up nonsense in order to defend their clients.  Worse yet, are the semi-delusional ones who disregard basic decency in order to do so. 

This ad is a huge boon for the attorney in question.  Here are two benefits to placing such a disparaging ad:  1) Increased business from those “wronged” by the “lying cops.”  2) Well, I guess that’s about it. 

Whether the “allegations” are true or not, he makes money.  Dab a little sprinkling of sensationalism and watch the money roll in.  That’s the benefit of making accusations, whether it be allegations of dishonesty, racism, or whatever.  In our “Jerry Springer” society, the onus is placed on the accused to prove that they are not whatever it is they are being accused of.  The irony, is that this attorney is biting the proverbial hand that feeds him.  If it were not for Law Enforcement Officers arresting drunk drivers, he would be out of business (this one at least). 

I have no personal agenda against this lawyer.  I have heard frankly that he is a pretty good defense attorney.  I do however feel that his add is in poor taste and only serves to disparage the department as a whole and to bring him more paying customers.  I’m sure it has worked on both points. 

So, despite the tremendous success of these Officers, the Chico Police Department traffic enforcement unit is once again being reduced.  Due to budgetary constraints placed on the department, one of the Officers is going back to patrol.  This from a unit that has already lost two motorcycle Officer positions.  This new move leaves the traffic unit with one motorcycle Officer and one auto based traffic Officer plus a supervisor to deal with the tremendous traffic problem in Chico. 

So next time you get a citation by a traffic Officer, you should probably go out and buy a lottery ticket, ‘cause this just may be your day playing the odds.  

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Vehicle burgs...

I went to Oroville yesterday to testify in court on a case I worked.  As I got out of my vehicle I glanced at my surroundings, including the vehicle parked next to me.  A wallet positioned on top of the center console caught my eye.  The wallet was well used, and appeared quite full.  I shook my head as I walked to the courthouse.  Here is a victim just waiting for the right criminal to come along.  

Chico has some of the most beautiful recreation places were lots of Chicoans go to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy the scenery.  To the average person, this seems like an innocuous place to spend some quality time.  To the criminal, it is a smorgasboard of purses in vehicles for the taking.  

In my article entitled Identity Theft in Chico, I related a story about my friend's vehicle being broken into.  These types of criminals have their trade down to a science.  The common theme, is for a criminal to smash a window, take the item (purse, wallet, planner, bag, you name it) and be gone within a minute.  Soon the credit cards are tested and if not cancelled yet, the buying spree is on.  Unfortunately, with some companies policies to not check identification, self-cashing lines, etc. it's easier than ever for the criminals.  

The Chico Police Department's website lists 206 vehicle burglaries in the Chico area, in the first three quarters of 2008 (apparently the last quarter hasn't been tallied yet).   Having worked the last quarter of 2008 on patrol, I'm sure the numbers will be significant.  Criminals have to buy Christmas presents for their kids too, and vehicle burglary seemed to be just the ticket for them.  

Churches are another area where Chicoans are being targeted.  Worrying about one's purse when you're trying to herd the kids into church is probably at the end of a long list of concerns for most people.  I've heard the theme more than once, "But I was in church!"  While those attending may have good intentions and a positive grasp on the eighth commandment, the criminal mind thinks of it as a situation where there is a whole parking lot full of cars, who's owners are guaranteed to be away for at least an hour.  

Pastors, Bishops, Priests, Rabbis, Imams, and any other group leaders, please let your congregations know not to leave their purses and other valuables in their cars.  If the supply goes away, the criminals will go somewhere else.  

I was impressed the other day while taking a vehicle burg. report in upper park.  The lady had forgotten to leave her purse at home when she went to take a short hike.  She had the wherewithal to at least take all of her credit cards, driver's license, and checks and put them in her pocket.  She did place her purse under the seat, which was taken by the burglar.  Total loss: a purse, some low value personal stuff, and a window.  

So here are some guidlines to prevent yourself from becoming the victim of a vehicle burglary:

1) NEVER EVER, EVER, EVER leave a purse on top of the seat, on the floor board or anywhere in your vehicle.  Hint: Hiding stuff under the seats is about as obvious as trying to hide your wallet in your shoe at the beach.  That leads to alot of shoes without wallets at the end of the day.  

2) Take your purse with you.  Purses have a really neat design feature, called a "strap."  This ingenious feature allows the transportation of your personal belongings and prevents bad people from breaking your car windows and taking them.  

3) Pass this information along to others and dry up this criminal cash cow.

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Prince Un-charming: Dealing with domestic violence in our town...

In light of the recent holidays, I thought I’d write a little something about domestic violence. Please forgive the correlation between the holidays and domestic discontent, but to Law Enforcement Officers the two seem to go hand in hand. Leading into the holiday seasons, calls for service regarding custody disputes, arguments, out of control family members, suicidal persons, restraining order violations and domestic violence seem to rise exponentially.

This article specifically adresses the perpetrator of physical violence. It should be noted that while women sometimes engage in domestic violence, men are statistically the violators in domestic violence cases. It is with this knowledge that I will approach the topic.

There is one thing that most of the general public correctly understands about law enforcement, and that is that domestic violence calls are some of the most dangerous calls for service we face. Domestic violence has a devastating effect on not only the husbands and wives / boyfriends and girlfriends but also the children that are victims of the stress and emotional damage caused by watching mommy and daddy fighting. Sadly, these are often our reporting parties. Worse yet, these young children statistically become the perpetrators and victims of domestic violence later in life. Monkey see, monkey do.

I’ve spoken with many victims of domestic violence who have never heard of the “Cycle of domestic violence”. This is a general definition of the actions of both parties in a violent relationship. It’s always interesting to watch their faces as they realize that they are neither alone, nor is their situation unique. The following is a chart which depicts the cycle of violence.

As you can see, denial is at the heart of the matter. Both on the part of the suspect and the victim. Breaking through the denial is the first step in breaking the cycle of violence. Domestic violence affects every strata of our society. Teens, adults, and even the elderly are both the perpetrators and victims of domestic violence. Many adults will recognize this pattern in relationships that they have been or are currently in.

I take the opportunity occasionally to talk with groups of teens, teaching them about dating safety, self-defense, etc. It’s to this group that I share the following:

Dating is a time to learn about others, develop mutual respect and to become friends. Dating also can inspire some very powerful emotions. If both parties are not old enough or mature enough to date, many problems can arise. When couples “break-up”, people who are immature, or imbalanced have a difficult time accepting such rejection. Often times they will follow a predictable pattern of manipulation (doing things to get their way), such as:

1) Continuing the unwanted contact (a million phone calls,text messages,calls
to your friends, etc.)

2) Angry accusations, insults, etc.
a. This includes placing insulting comments and ads
on “Myspace”, “Facebook”, “Craigslist”, etc.

3) Threats of self-harm (i.e. “I’ll kill myself if I can’t be with you…if you
don’t call me…whatever).
a. To this, I say, he won’t. If he does, that’s his poor choice, not
yours. So you understand, these threats are MANIPULATION.

4) Threats to you. This is where things really change.
a. Do not let yourself deal with this one alone.

Someone who makes threats toward himself is a sick person. Someone who makes threats to you is someone who needs to be dealt with. TELL YOUR PARENTS. Depending on the person, this can either be an immature temper tantrum, or it can be a very serious situation. This is NOT something to try and handle alone.

“There’s a lesson in real-life stalking cases that young women can benefit from learning: Persistence only proves persistence – it does not prove love. The fact that a romantic pursuer is relentless doesn’t mean you are special – it means he is troubled. We have to teach our young people that NO is a complete sentence.” - Gavin De Becker (The Gift of Fear).

“Do not negotiate. If you tell someone ten times that you don’t want to talk to him, you ARE talking to him – nine times more than you wanted to.” - Gavin De Becker (The Gift of Fear).

If a boyfriend puts you down, or hits you…he will ALWAYS put you down and hit you. He will not change, and you do not deserve to be his punching bag while he “tries”.

In closing, here are a few resources to seek in dealing with dysfunctional relationships:

Catalyst http://www.catalystdvservices.org/

Catalyst: Chico Administrative Office & Drop-In Center
330 Wall Street, Suite 50
Chico, California 95928
530-343-7711

Catalyst domestic violence referral phone number: 895-8476 or 1-800-895-8476

Gavin De Becker and Associates https://www.gavindebecker.com/home.cfm


*Victims of domestic violence should seek professional help, including Law Enforcement and Catalyst services.

** Catalyst is a service where women can learn to break out of their victimhood. Other services are available to men to help break the cycle of violence.

***Disclaimer: The author is expressing opinions based on years of dealing with the enforcement side of domestic violence. The author makes no claim to accuracy in the information provided. The information in this article is not exhaustive, and efforts should be made by the reader to seek further information through professional services, such as Catalyst if they have further questions.

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