When I was browsing the photos on Unsplash trying to decide what illustration best suits this blog, I came across this photo that reminded me of an incident that occurred in the wee hours in a neighborhood under construction. I was patrolling back in the area where the construction company kept their materials, mostly under… Continue reading The Significance of the Third Offense Misdemeanor (In Virginia)
Category: Miscellaneous Information–Not Legal Advice
Knowing Your Rights–And Actually Knowing Your Rights
Throughout my career, I have met some individuals who told me that either they did what they did, or I couldn’t, as a police officer do what I just did, because “I know my rights!!” So, if they are not actually rights they are referring to, where did they get this belief from? Us old-timers… Continue reading Knowing Your Rights–And Actually Knowing Your Rights
The Magical Age of 18
The time has finally arrived. You have been waiting for this for what seemed to be a lifetime (actually it has been for you). It is the day you turn eighteen. Hopefully your parents have raised you the best they know how, and, based upon their training of you, you have to begin making decisions… Continue reading The Magical Age of 18
When Should You Call the Police?
Let’s say you are a convenience store clerk working the late shift and you notice this guy who’s in your store for about 20 minutes “browsing” while you wait on customers. Or let’s suppose he is sitting in his vehicle parked away from the front acting suspiciously, or yet again you spot him standing beside… Continue reading When Should You Call the Police?
What I’ve Learned From Working Domestic Violence Calls
The very first call with my field training officer as a new cop was a domestic violence call. One of the maintenance men at an apartment complex witnessed a tenant outside of the building slap his wife. I was fresh out of the academy and I have been trained by, who I believe to be,… Continue reading What I’ve Learned From Working Domestic Violence Calls
The Dreaded Tone–A Necessary Evil
During our shifts. especially 2nd shift (1445-2300 hours), we officers would expect to hear an audible tone come over our radios at least 2-3 times. It would be loud and would last about three seconds, after which we would get the ten code telling us what type of call it was and the details afterwards. … Continue reading The Dreaded Tone–A Necessary Evil
The Pros of Defunding the Police
THE PROS It would free up some sorely needed funds for programs in an effort to generate social equity in the minority and urban communities. Photo by Nicole De Khors from Burst It is argued that if more funds were reallocated to finance housing for the homeless, vocational training for the unemployed,… Continue reading The Pros of Defunding the Police
Myths of DUI Investigations
The hope is that you never have to experience getting a DUI. Getting arrested for Driving Under the Influence or DWI (Driving while intoxicated) is a pricey activity. Studies show that your first DUI can cost you upwards of $10,000. That is, if you did not hurt anyone in a crash, of course. Most citizens… Continue reading Myths of DUI Investigations
Miranda Warnings (Rights) Exposing the Myths
If you are a fan of shows such as Law and Order, then you are familiar with the following: You have the right to remain silent. If you give up the right to remain silent, anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to… Continue reading Miranda Warnings (Rights) Exposing the Myths
Your Trial in Court
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, your best bet is still in having an attorney to represent you. They will be updated with the new laws and ordinances that may make some of the material obsolete by the time you read this. However, there are some suggestions that are timeless. The first… Continue reading Your Trial in Court