October 2008

A SWAT officer’s last debrief

Lieutenant Michael Pigott recently responded to a call in New York City of a dangerous emotionally disturbed person. This call was hardly routine for Pigott, but certainly not unique. Nothing was routine about any of Pigott’s calls, other than the fact that up until this one, Lt. Pigott was routinely successful at what he did.Lt. Pigott was what some in law enforcement would describe as an honorable blue knight in black armor. He was a member of the highly acclaimed New York Police Department’s Emergency Services Unit. Pigott was not just a member – he was a unit commander.Pigott arrived on the scene, and …Read more […..]

Continue Reading

Officers at Risk by Resisting Vests

More than one-third of police officers murdered last year were not wearing body armor, and law enforcement analysts estimate that up to half of all officers don’t wear bullet-resistant vests regularly while on duty.Trainers, police officials and equipment dealers say the FBI statistics tracking murdered officers represent only part of a troubling phenomenon at a time when police confront suspects armed with higher-powered weapons. They worry officers will be put at increased risk.The vast majority of the nation’s 700,000 officers own or have access to bullet-resistant vests, says Ed Nowicki, executive director of the International …Read more […..]

Continue Reading

Teen dead following Northlake drive-by shooting

My good old hometown..Getting bad over there now! But, hey, Police Chief Dennis Koletsos still lives 42 miles away, after getting hired 10 years ago and stating that he would move to the area…A 17-year-old boy died Sunday morning, two days after being shot along with two others in a drive-by in west suburban Northlake. Three people were shot while standing outside a home near Roy and Victoria streets about 11:50 p.m. Friday, according to Northlake police. At least ten shots were fired from a passing car, which fled north on Roy St. following the shooting, police said. Rene Murillo-Gomez, who was shot in the head, died Sunday …Read more […..]

Continue Reading

Police prepare for unrest

Police departments in cities across the country are beefing up their ranks for Election Day, preparing for possible civil unrest and riots after the historic presidential contest.Public safety officials said in interviews with The Hill that the election, which will end with either the nation’s first black president or its first female vice president, demanded a stronger police presence.Some worry that if Barack Obama loses and there is suspicion of foul play in the election, violence could ensue in cities with large black populations. Others based the need for enhanced patrols on past riots in urban areas (following …Read more […..]

Continue Reading

Texas police told to cover tattoos

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — There will be a police cover-up in Corpus Christi beginning Nov. 1 — cover-up of officers’ tattoos.The department is implementing a new policy to require officers to cover their tattoos while on duty. Capt. Todd Green said the agency’s rules manual didn’t include guidance on tattoos and more people have them than 15 years ago.”If we didn’t address it, it could become problematic,” Green told the Corpus Christi Caller-Times. “We had some complaints from citizens. Because of the tattoos, they weren’t really sure that the other person in uniform was an actual police officer, and they were …Read more […..]

Continue Reading

"My Feet are Dancing!", "Don't be Silly", "The Baby is Older", "Let me Touch Your Hair", Friends!

We have exposed Emma to music since she was a little baby. Hmmmm, wonder if she will like ’80s music when she is older–ha….. I like to dance with her as often as possible. not only will she see her Daddy having fun dancing at his old age but she will get more practice and enjoy it even more.Sometimes, when the music is on and Emma is listening to it, she will say, “Look, my feet are dancing” and show me how her feet are bouncing to the beat. She loves to dance as it is lots of fun!Another funny saying that she has is “Don’t be silly.” She says this to both Mommy and I and just shows how she is getting smarter and growing …Read more […..]

Continue Reading

Superintendent proposes Chicago PD makeover

CHICAGO — The Chicago Police Department is proposing a major makeover at a time when murder and other crimes are rising. The reorganization comes after Supt. Jody Weis replaced 21 of his 25 district commanders earlier this year.Budget documents presented Tuesday to the City Council show Weis wants to install two assistant superintendents who would answer directly to him. One would be in charge of administration and the other would control daily operations.Currently, there is a first deputy superintendent in charge of operations — but no administrator at the same level. The first deputy would become the assistant superintendent …Read more […..]

Continue Reading