What I’ve learned from being a cop for 25 yearsBy K.E. Johnson
1) Many Mothers would lie to Jesus Christ himself to keep their sons out of jail.
2) Thugs will always use their momma’s address no matter where they live. (See above)
3) A thug will always be a thug unless they have some divine intervention.
4) Spouses are proud of their cop spouse but they don’t like the fact that they have to work nights, weekends, and holidays. I guess they think we do.
5) Marijuana is the drug of choice for the majority of drug users.
6) Many indigent people have no problem raising bail money.
7) Women that are receiving government assistance are very fertile.
8) A cop in uniform can make the most innocent person nervous.
9) The worst drivers are the ones whose license is already suspended for failing to pay traffic tickets.
10) Kids want attention and they need a daddy.
11) Bad kids normally don’t have a daddy in their life.
12) People tie dogs up to a tree in the backyard and forget about them.
13) You can find out just about anything about somebody if you just ask them.
14) Young cops use their physical skills to solve problems.
15) Seasoned cops use their knowledge and wisdom to solve problems.
16) Just about anybody will cooperate if you just treat them with respect.
17) Some people refuse to let you treat them with respect.
18) Cops are some of the most interesting people I know.
19) Criminals are more interesting.
20) Cops are injured more playing church softball than on duty.
21) Knees are the first thing to go.
22) Many people will marry a cop and then try to talk them into getting out of law enforcement.
23) Most cops who leave the job eventually come back, but without the spouse that talked them into getting out of law enforcement.
24) Hamburgers are awesome when you haven’t had anything to eat for most of your shift.
25) Fast food puts on the pounds quick … and cause heartburn … but it taste awesome.
26) Riding in a patrol car with all that gear on wreaks havoc on your lower back.
27) Chiropractors really do help back pain … and headaches.
28) Female cops do not get the respect they deserve.
29) Cops really do want to make a difference when they become a cop but soon become jaded and cynical.
30) Judges will start court when they get damn well ready to.
31) People don’t mind staring at a cop.
32) People will walk up to a cop that’s eating lunch and say “I don’t mean to interrupt your lunch, but can I ask you a question?”
33) Most cops don’t mind being interrupted while they are eating lunch if the person asking the question is good looking.
34) It’s easy for sorry people to get disability benefits.
35) Genuinely disabled people have a tough time getting benefits.
36) You cannot reason with a drunk person.
37) Drunk people will ask you repeatedly, “What are you charging me with?”
38) No matter how fair you are, cops will always be viewed as racist.
39) Some people hate cops simply because they wear a uniform.
40) Some people love cops simply because they wear a uniform.
41) Detectives think patrol officers are stupid.
42) Patrol officers think detectives are (expletive deleted).
43) People will leave anything in their car while it’s running parked at a convenience store, including babies.
44) People that leave their cars running while they go inside convenience stores are always shocked when their cars get stolen.
45) Men will beat their wives and when they are being hauled off to jail they’ll say, “I would never do anything to hurt you baby.”
46) Abused women often feel like they did something wrong.
47) Controlling men seek out women that always feel like they did something wrong.
48) People don’t mind coming to a cop’s house to ask them question.
49) Cop’s kids love the fact that their Dad/Mom is a cop until they reach their teen years.
50) Sometimes, parents do everything right when raising their kids, but their kids turn out bad anyway.
51) You can show someone a video of them committing a crime, match their prints and DNA to the scene, and they will still deny it.
52) Pepper spray works on just about everybody.
53) If you have used pepper spray on somebody and it didn’t work, be ready for one helluva fight.
54) If you just tell somebody that you have a Taser, they will usually comply.
55) When the fight is on, all of the techniques you learned with a PR-24 go out the window and you use it like the old fashion billy club anyway.
56) Most thugs will answer “Where do you live?” with “Up da skreet.”
57) A mad woman will tell you where their baby’s daddy’s weed/guns/stolen stuff is to get them arrested and then will bail them out the next day.
58) When some cops make sergeant they feel that they shouldn’t have to do anymore police work because they need to “be ready” if something big happens that requires their supervision.
59) Police agencies don’t communicate enough with each other to solve crime.
60) A very small percentage of people take up a large percentage of the police’s time.
61) Cops and nurses like each other.
62) Husbands of women cops normally can’t handle the fact that their wife is a cop, so a woman cop would be better off to just marry another cop.
63) People will ask a cop for his/her opinion on a legal issue and then want to argue with them about their opinion.
64) People will call 911 for ANYTHING.
65) I never bothered to learn how much time a suspect could get for a certain crime because they almost never get sentenced to the full amount anyway.
66) I’m always suspicious of a stranger that suddenly wants to be my friend.
67) Your average person is extremely complacent and very vulnerable to being victimized.
68) Law enforcement has one of the highest rates of divorce, but that’s who people call to handle their domestic disputes. IRONIC!
69) Nothing brings production in the investigator cubicle area to a screeching halt quicker than the mention of last night’s sporting event.
70) You shouldn’t make light of another man’s misfortune.
71) I’ve asked every parent of good kids what they did to keep them out of trouble and got the same answer every time: “Keep them busy.”
72) A cop that writes a ticket to everybody he stops usually has some self-esteem issues.
73) Fear keeps people from doing the right thing.
74) The “mob mentality” will make otherwise law-abiding people behave as thugs.
75) Apathy is way too common in our society.
76) If cops only knew what other cops know, we could reduce crime better than what we are doing. We DO NOT communicate well with each other, and some believe that knowledge is power if it’s withheld. Knowledge is only powerful when disseminated.
77) There is nothing more exciting than hunting for a fugitive on the run.
78) There are THREE sides to every story. One side, then the other side, then there’s the whole truth.
79) The only thing that shocks me anymore is ELECTRICITY!
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
His Judgment Day
His Judgment Day:
The officer stood and faced his God, Which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shinning, Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, Officer, How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek To my church have you been true?"
The officer squared his shoulder and said, "No, Lord, I guess I aint, Because those of us who carry badges can't alwa...
The officer stood and faced his God, Which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shinning, Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, Officer, How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek To my church have you been true?"
The officer squared his shoulder and said, "No, Lord, I guess I aint, Because those of us who carry badges can't alwa...
ys be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays, And at times my talk was rough, And sometimes I've been violent Because the streets are tough.
But I never took a penny That wasn't mine to keep.. Though I worked a lot of overtime, when the bills got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help Though at times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept an unmanly tear.
I know I don't deserve a place among the people here. They never wanted me around except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand. I never expected or had too much, But if you don't...I'll understand.
There was silence all around the throne, where the saints often trod. As the officer waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, Officer. You've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on heaven's streets, You've done your time in hell"
Author unknown
I've had to work most Sundays, And at times my talk was rough, And sometimes I've been violent Because the streets are tough.
But I never took a penny That wasn't mine to keep.. Though I worked a lot of overtime, when the bills got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help Though at times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept an unmanly tear.
I know I don't deserve a place among the people here. They never wanted me around except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand. I never expected or had too much, But if you don't...I'll understand.
There was silence all around the throne, where the saints often trod. As the officer waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, Officer. You've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on heaven's streets, You've done your time in hell"
Author unknown
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
R.I.P. Officer Tom Decker
COLD SPRING, Minn. — Even for those who didn't know him, the fatal ambush of a local police officer provoked tears Friday for residents of the small central Minnesota community where he was killed while trying to help a man believed to be suicidal.
Officer Tom Decker, a six-year veteran and father of four, had gone to check on a man's welfare when he was fatally shot after getting out of his squad car near a bar in Cold Springs late Thursday. Investigators said Friday that several guns were found, and the man who was reported to be suicidal was taken into custody.
"He was a policeman trying to help someone. He was called there to help and he went there and was shot doing his job," said Donna Knaus, a manager at Cold Spring Bakery not far from the crime scene. "It's horrible."
Many other residents of Cold Spring, a city of about 4,000 residents about 75 miles northwest of Minneapolis, became teary-eyed when asked about Decker. The officer grew up on a farm south of town, and after graduating from college, worked at several small Minnesota police departments before coming home for what he called his dream job.
"It's a terrible, terrible thing in a community this size," said Florence Benson, 72, of Rockville, just a few miles down the road. "Just about everybody knows everybody – especially police officers."
The man taken into custody, 34-year-old Ryan Michael Larson of Cold Spring, was being held Friday on suspicion of second-degree murder. The county attorney's office was considering criminal charges.
Larson's relatives either couldn't be reached or declined comment Friday to The Associated Press. One said she wasn't sure whether Larson had an attorney.
Stearns County Sheriff John Sanner said his department got a call around 9 p.m. Thursday reportedly from Larson's family, saying he might be suicidal. Cold Spring police went to his home once and couldn't raise anyone, then returned almost two hours later.
It was during the second trip that Decker was shot. He was wearing a bulletproof vest.
"It's apparent to us the officer was ambushed at the scene," said Drew Evans, assistant superintendent of the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
Investigators wouldn't elaborate on why they believe the shooting was an ambush, saying only that the shooting was still being investigated.
Residents, meanwhile, were focused on the officer's family. One woman who said she didn't know the officer left a flower bouquet for his family at City Hall, where a heart-shaped balloon and candle were also left. A banner made at a local school was filled with dozens of colorful handprints cut out of construction paper and read: "We thank all of you for your service to our community."
When asked about the banner, Cold Spring Mayor Doug Schmitz was moved to tears. "It's tough," he whispered.
"A lot of people woke up this morning in shock, and we're still in shock," he said later. "We're a strong community. We just bind together here. It's going to be a tough few days and weeks to come, but we'll make it."
Blocks surrounding the crime scene were cordoned off with police tape on Friday, and officers – some using dogs, others searching rooftops – canvassed the area.
Several guns were found, according to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, but the agency was searching for additional weapons that may be related to Decker's death. Brian Moen, who lives about a block from the bar, said officers who came to his door told him they were looking for a sawed-off shotgun.
Cold Spring Police Chief Phil Jones said Decker was the "department jokester" on a force with only eight full-time officers. Decker served as the department's instructor on firearms and use of force. Jones said he never had problems with Decker, noting he'd received repeated letters of commendation and appreciation.
Decker leaves behind a wife and four children from a previous marriage – two daughters ages 8 and 7, and two sons ages 6 and 5.
His younger brother, Joe Decker, told The Associated Press that his brother loved to travel and be outdoors. He said his brother was shy and reserved as a youngster but became outgoing and gregarious as an adult.
"He was one of those people who'd be the life of the party," Joe Decker said.
Police attention had been drawn before to Larson, a machine tool student at St. Cloud Technical and Community College, though mostly for traffic-related offenses but once in an abuse case.
In 2009, he reached a plea agreement to settle a misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge for engaging in behavior that could "arouse alarm, anger, or resentment in others." As part of the plea deal, he served a day in jail and agreed to undergo domestic abuse counseling. A no-contact order was issued. Court files indicated he violated his probation in 2010.
"He's a normal person," Jeff Scoles Jr., a friend of Larson's, told the AP late Friday. "He's not a monster."
Scoles said Larson lived in an apartment above his bar and has filled in as a bartender at another bar he owns. Scoles added that Larson was doing his homework at one of the bars Thursday and was in a "good mood" when he left that afternoon.
He added that Larson took a concealed-carry class in January and that Larson owned guns, but "was cautious with them."
Condolences for Decker came from fellow police officers in other Minnesota departments and from elected officials, including Gov. Mark Dayton.
"On behalf of the people of Minnesota, I extend my deepest sympathies to his family and to the Cold Springs Police Department for their tragic loss of an outstanding officer, father and friend," the governor said.
Officer Tom Decker, a six-year veteran and father of four, had gone to check on a man's welfare when he was fatally shot after getting out of his squad car near a bar in Cold Springs late Thursday. Investigators said Friday that several guns were found, and the man who was reported to be suicidal was taken into custody.
"He was a policeman trying to help someone. He was called there to help and he went there and was shot doing his job," said Donna Knaus, a manager at Cold Spring Bakery not far from the crime scene. "It's horrible."
Many other residents of Cold Spring, a city of about 4,000 residents about 75 miles northwest of Minneapolis, became teary-eyed when asked about Decker. The officer grew up on a farm south of town, and after graduating from college, worked at several small Minnesota police departments before coming home for what he called his dream job.
"It's a terrible, terrible thing in a community this size," said Florence Benson, 72, of Rockville, just a few miles down the road. "Just about everybody knows everybody – especially police officers."
The man taken into custody, 34-year-old Ryan Michael Larson of Cold Spring, was being held Friday on suspicion of second-degree murder. The county attorney's office was considering criminal charges.
Larson's relatives either couldn't be reached or declined comment Friday to The Associated Press. One said she wasn't sure whether Larson had an attorney.
Stearns County Sheriff John Sanner said his department got a call around 9 p.m. Thursday reportedly from Larson's family, saying he might be suicidal. Cold Spring police went to his home once and couldn't raise anyone, then returned almost two hours later.
It was during the second trip that Decker was shot. He was wearing a bulletproof vest.
Investigators wouldn't elaborate on why they believe the shooting was an ambush, saying only that the shooting was still being investigated.
Residents, meanwhile, were focused on the officer's family. One woman who said she didn't know the officer left a flower bouquet for his family at City Hall, where a heart-shaped balloon and candle were also left. A banner made at a local school was filled with dozens of colorful handprints cut out of construction paper and read: "We thank all of you for your service to our community."
When asked about the banner, Cold Spring Mayor Doug Schmitz was moved to tears. "It's tough," he whispered.
"A lot of people woke up this morning in shock, and we're still in shock," he said later. "We're a strong community. We just bind together here. It's going to be a tough few days and weeks to come, but we'll make it."
Blocks surrounding the crime scene were cordoned off with police tape on Friday, and officers – some using dogs, others searching rooftops – canvassed the area.
Several guns were found, according to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, but the agency was searching for additional weapons that may be related to Decker's death. Brian Moen, who lives about a block from the bar, said officers who came to his door told him they were looking for a sawed-off shotgun.
Cold Spring Police Chief Phil Jones said Decker was the "department jokester" on a force with only eight full-time officers. Decker served as the department's instructor on firearms and use of force. Jones said he never had problems with Decker, noting he'd received repeated letters of commendation and appreciation.
Decker leaves behind a wife and four children from a previous marriage – two daughters ages 8 and 7, and two sons ages 6 and 5.
His younger brother, Joe Decker, told The Associated Press that his brother loved to travel and be outdoors. He said his brother was shy and reserved as a youngster but became outgoing and gregarious as an adult.
"He was one of those people who'd be the life of the party," Joe Decker said.
Police attention had been drawn before to Larson, a machine tool student at St. Cloud Technical and Community College, though mostly for traffic-related offenses but once in an abuse case.
In 2009, he reached a plea agreement to settle a misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge for engaging in behavior that could "arouse alarm, anger, or resentment in others." As part of the plea deal, he served a day in jail and agreed to undergo domestic abuse counseling. A no-contact order was issued. Court files indicated he violated his probation in 2010.
"He's a normal person," Jeff Scoles Jr., a friend of Larson's, told the AP late Friday. "He's not a monster."
Scoles said Larson lived in an apartment above his bar and has filled in as a bartender at another bar he owns. Scoles added that Larson was doing his homework at one of the bars Thursday and was in a "good mood" when he left that afternoon.
He added that Larson took a concealed-carry class in January and that Larson owned guns, but "was cautious with them."
Condolences for Decker came from fellow police officers in other Minnesota departments and from elected officials, including Gov. Mark Dayton.
"On behalf of the people of Minnesota, I extend my deepest sympathies to his family and to the Cold Springs Police Department for their tragic loss of an outstanding officer, father and friend," the governor said.
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