"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...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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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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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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"Victims" part 2

Recent press coverage of Acting Chief Maloney and other Law Enforcement personnel has drawn a variety of responses from the public, as read in their commentaries. Some are supportive, some make doughnut jokes (Really, donut jokes? Brilliant.), while others respond as if this is Law Enforcement’s first response to the issue.

Two of the most frustrating issues I have faced in the last 15 or so years in the emergency services, is 1) the media’s apparent inability to get the facts of the story straight, and 2) the public basing their perception on those stories.

Here are a few examples of responses in this latest story as presented in the Chico Enterprise Record:

Chico Resident (if that is your REAL fake name) says:

"Blah Blah. Talk is cheap. It takes three serious robberies before something is done. What about sting operations. Extra patrols during evening hours. The attacks happen from 11pm to 5am Thats when you need extra patrols. Protect the public already.STAY AWAY FROM THE BIKE PATH"

Jesse William Walker says:
"Seventeen attacks in four months and the top cop says ""We do not want to create a hysteria and suggest at all that this is an unsafe area and people should actually avoid it," During all of that time the cops do nothing. It's the same doughnut shop menatality they always have until the media lights a fire under their ****. After the first couple of attacks the cops could have put an undercover decoy and a couple of cops as backup into the act every night until the made arrests but instead they have all of their patrolmen and detectives "cracking down on parole and probation violators". Imagine, all available cops spending entire shifts every day of every week cracking down on parolees. We really do have a problem in Chico, but I think it is with a police force. Our cops don't want to get out of their patrol cars unless it is to get a doughnut."

Cornelius Cakely says:
"These attacks have been going on for a year and a half while the police have sat on their hands and whined that they don't have enough money. And what does the police chief say:"People just need to take a degree of responsibility on their own." Great! What an absurd situation.The Chico police are utterly pathetic. How many more people must be beaten unconscious and robbed on the bike trails around Chico State before they get proactive? Instead they hold press conferences at the scene of the crimes! There is a clear pattern to these attacks. These thugs could be caught in one night with an undercover decoy operation but the Chico police are too busy holding press conferences and writing traffic tickets to do that! Obviously they find that more profitable and less dangerous than protecting the public."

These statements in my opinion are made from people who get their “reality” from the media. It’s interesting to read people’s responses in the Enterprise Record and other media commentaries. So many people base their opinions on partial information (as presented in the press). Additionally, until the blog age, there has been little that Law Enforcement could do to keep the various news sources from editorializing our press releases.

The general public places a great deal of trust in the printed word. It didn’t occur to me until a great man told me that the news media is a private enterprise. I had never considered the fact that there is nothing to ensure that the media source will not present the "facts" of the story in a way that will suit their personal agendas.

People’s choices in large part are based on life’s experiences and perception of facts presented(such as those posed in the media). Our choices as Police Officers are also based on facts and perception. Perception is sometimes all we have to go on. Scenarios presented in seconds, with little to no time to react are responded to with the Officer’s perception of the situation and his/her training.

I recall one situation when I was working as a Cannabis Investigator with the Butte County Sheriff’s Office. My partner was interviewing a suspect in the kitchen and I was conducting a search of the living room. All of a sudden, I heard a loud commotion in the kitchen, consisting of the dogs barking, the table slamming into the wall, chairs sliding back, and the suspect running out into the hallway. My perception of the situation? The suspect assaulted my partner and was making a break for it.

I grabbed the suspect and got ready to punch him (yes, we get to do that sometimes). The suspect saw my actions and I felt him immediately submit. No punch.

When my partner came into the hallway out of breath, he saw my posture and called for me to stop. It seems that the dogs began to fight under the table and both my partner and the suspect were doing all they could to get away.

Lesson learned: things are not always as they seem. Would I have been justified in continuing my actions? Yes, if he would have kept up his “escape.” Perception is sometimes all we have.

Several people are calling for undercover stings and the like regarding these robberies. There are some topical points as well as some grave realities involved in dealing with this situation.

The first is that these robberies happen within minutes, if not less. The general area covers several blocks with numerous areas out of sight of the general public. There is no hope of having all Officers in all places, at all times. This is where the public comes in. Ending the “Stop Snitchin” nonsense that permeates our society and not hiding behind fear of retaliation is a good start. As Acting Chief Maloney says, "We will put resources toward this, and continue to put resources toward it, but we have to believe there are citizens out there with information that might help us solve these crimes."

Some hope that the Police as well as the government will do everything for them, abdicating any responsibility to care for themselves. This is a blind road to follow and can lead to severe consequences. In his book, “The Gift of Fear”, Gavin De Becker indicates that those who accept the fact that bad things (like robberies) can happen to them, deal better psychologically than those who walk around with blinders (condition white).

In one recent case, the victims were beaten 10 minutes after being warned by Officers that the bike path was unsafe at that hour. What do those Officers know? Apparently enough in this case.

Realities: putting an Officer in that situation is placing them in an extremely dangerous and likely will result in a lethal force situation. In general, more than two suspects (as is the general m.o. of these crimes) attempting to assault an Officer is a lethal force situation and the likelihood that someone is going to get shot is high. Add a suspect with a gun in the mix, and the outcome has a likely outcome. Every time an Officer goes to work, the thought is in the back of his mind that he may have to take a life. This not a pleasant thought, but is a necessary realization which will help keep the Officer alive.

The public needs to face this eventuality when they call for undercover operations and the like. There was a time when the majority of the public understood Law Enforcement’s reactions to such danger, but several social factors developed over a long time have worn down people’s resolve, in my opinion. It seems that people in general need to be pushed much further before they will stand for themselves or accept violent responses from Law Enforcement.

I believe in peace, but not at all costs. Not to cower in submission to Fascists and definitely not at the cost of letting myself or my loved ones become a victim. We were not designed to lie down like dogs.

So, again, there are places in this world where one needs to use common sense. Of course there are those who will say, “Well, this is America and I should be able to go where I want to.” To them I say, “You’re right.” But please understand that there are bad people in this world. They are willing to do bad things to you, and maybe a little forethought is in order. As Acting Chief Maloney said, “People just need to take a degree of responsibility on their own."

Public assistance and information is the key to solving this problem.

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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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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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