Friday, September 28, 2018

AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
U.S. Air Force Capt. Andrew “Dojo” Olson, F-35 Heritage Flight Team pilot and commander, performs a tactical pitch maneuver in an F-35A Lightning II during the California Capital Airshow, Sept. 23, 2018, in Sacramento, Calif. During the performance, Olson performed numerous aerial maneuvers showcasing the F-35s raw power and maneuverability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alexander Cook)
https://ift.tt/2N7L0N6 DoD News September 28, 2018 at 09:45PM

Showing how family strengthens service

Col. David Mineau, director of Joint and National Security Council Matters, Headquarters Air Force, and his wife, Amy, received the 2017 General and Mrs. Jerome F. O'Malley Award from Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. David L. Goldfein during a ceremony at the Pentagon, Sept. 26, 2018.
O
https://ift.tt/2NMsBuk Tech. Sgt. Robert Barnett September 28, 2018 at 09:45PM

Mattis Plans Trip to Meet With French Leaders, Attend NATO Conference

Defense Secretary James N. Mattis embarks Oct.1 on a trip that includes stops in France and Belgium where he plans to meet with leaders, reaffirm partnerships and discuss key NATO matters.
Defense Secretary James N. Mattis speaks at the National Guard Association of the United States
https://ift.tt/2NP3erZ DoD News September 28, 2018 at 06:45PM

Air Force, Navy Officials Describe Need for C-130 Aircraft

The Air Force would like to “do more and go faster” in modernizing its C-130 Hercules aircraft fleet, the service’s deputy chief of staff for strategic plans and requirements told a House Armed Services Committee panel.
Crew chief prepares C-130 for takeoff.
https://ift.tt/2Na5ll1 Terri Moon Cronk September 28, 2018 at 06:45PM

OpticsPlanet, Inc Adds Rosco Manufacturing

September 27th, 2018: Rosco Manufacturing; an American manufacturer of high quality gun barrels is proud to announce that OpticsPlanet, Inc. will now be offering the Bloodline and Purebred barrel families available for purchase directly on their website www.OpticsPlanet.com. Founded in 2000, OpticsPlanet, Inc. is the leading online destination for technical and high-performance gear. OpticsPlanet, Inc. […] https://ift.tt/2NLVGGm SSD September 28, 2018 at 06:46PM

New Hampshire Department Completes Transition to SIG Sauer P320

SIG Sauer, Inc. announced that the City of Manchester, NH, has completed the transition to the SIG Sauer P320 pistol as their official duty firearm. The Manchester Police Department is the largest city in the State of New Hampshire with a complement of more than 225 sworn officers protecting over 110,000 citizens.

"When it comes to our official duty firearm safety, reliability, and accuracy is paramount – the SIG Sauer P320 delivers on all fronts. Our officers also appreciate the modularity of the pistol, and having the ability to choose the grip size that is the most comfortable for them," said Chief Carlo Capano, City of Manchester Police Department. "The Manchester Police Department's transition to the P320 has been absolutely seamless from start to finish, and we are very proud to carry a sidearm that was made right here in New Hampshire."

The P320 is a modular, striker-fired pistol available in full-size, carry, compact, and subcompact sizing. The serialized trigger group makes the P320 adaptable to multiple caliber, size, and grip options. The P320 is available in 9mm, .357SIG, 40S&W, and .45ACP, with a choice of contrast, or SIGLITE Night Sights. The intuitive 3-point takedown requires no trigger pull for disassembly, and safety features include a striker safety, disconnect safety, and optional manual safety.

"We are honored that the Manchester Police Department has chosen the P320 as their official duty firearm for its full complement of officers," said Tom Jankiewicz, Executive Vice President, Law Enforcement Sales, SIG Sauer, Inc. "It's especially humbling, and rewarding, to know that the men and women of the Manchester Police Department who protect and serve the largest city in the State of New Hampshire, where our operations are based, have entrusted SIG Sauer to carry out their mission."

For more information about the company and product line, visit www.sigsauer.com.

 

Like this story? Want to know why tens of thousands of law enforcement people receive stories like this in their email twice a week?

Subscribe to award winning OnTarget newsletter!

https://ift.tt/2N91swK PoliceMag September 28, 2018 at 06:45PM

XTech Tactical Responds to Frivolous Lawsuit brought by Century Arms

September 27th, 2018 Mesa, AZ – In response to the frivolous lawsuit, Civil Action No. 9:18cv-81295 (S.D. FL), brought by Century International Arms, Inc. XTech Tactical® will not relent its inherent and obvious rights to sell what is known to the market as the MAG47â„¢. The complaint filed against XTech Tactical® contains a baseless claim […] https://ift.tt/2NL9i4C SSD September 28, 2018 at 06:46PM

Man Charged With Murder in Fatal Shooting of California Deputy

<p>Deputy Mark Stasyuk was shot and killed. Photo: Sacramento County Sheriff's Department.</p>

A 38-year-old man on probation for a gun crime has been accused of killing a sheriff's deputy and wounding another in a shootout that started with an argument at an auto parts store in the Sacramento area of California, authorities said Tuesday.

Deputies responded to a report of a dispute between a customer and an employee at a Pep Boys in Rancho Cordova in a "routine call" that gave no indication the customer had a gun, Sheriff Scott Jones said.

"As soon as they arrived and engaged the subject, he turned as if to run or flee and then immediately turned around and started firing without warning," the sheriff said.

Deputy Mark Stasyuk, 27, was shot in the upper body and killed. Deputy Julie Robertson, 28, was hit in the arm but shot back as the attacker fled, reports the Associated Press.

Robertson and a bystander who was hit in the crossfire were released from the hospital Tuesday, sheriff's Sgt. Shaun Hampton said.

Anton Lemon Moore, who is also known as Anton Lemon Paris, was taken into custody by other officers after a second shootout, Jones said.

 

Like this story? Want to know why tens of thousands of law enforcement people receive stories like this in their email twice a week?

Subscribe to award winning OnTarget newsletter!

https://ift.tt/2N8ejPF PoliceMag September 28, 2018 at 06:45PM

Wounded MD Officer's Body Cam Shot, Footage Can't Be Retrieved

Baltimore police are unable to retrieve the body camera footage of an officer who was injured during a shootout Sunday because his camera was struck by a bullet, a department spokesman said.

<p>Photo: Baltimore PD/Facebook</p>

The department requested that Axon—the body camera manufacturer—attempt to recover the footage from the incident in which Officers Phillip Lippe and his partner, Steven Foster, exchanged gunfire with 29-year-old Nathaniel Sassafras, who was fatally wounded.

Police said Lippe was shot and injured, and his camera was damaged, reports the Baltimore Sun.

"The damage to the camera, which was struck by a bullet, was damaged to a point where the data could not be saved," police spokesman T.J. Smith said in a statement Thursday.

Police said footage from Foster's camera also captured the incident. Smith said the department has not yet determined when and how it will release the footage from Foster's camera.

Lippe was released from University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center earlier this week. Foster was not injured.

Police said the shooting remains under investigation. It also is being reviewed by the independent monitoring team that is overseeing a federal consent decree between the city and the U.S. Justice Department. The head of the monitoring team said the team will release its findings publicly at a later date.

 

Like this story? Want to know why tens of thousands of law enforcement people receive stories like this in their email twice a week?

Subscribe to award winning OnTarget newsletter!

https://ift.tt/2NQdG2c PoliceMag September 28, 2018 at 06:45PM

Miami Police Department Unveils Head-Turning 3-Wheel Police Vehicle

<p>Miami PD's new three-wheel Polaris Slingshot was donated by the company to be used as a head-turning vehicle for community outreach. Photo: Miami PD</p>

The Miami Police Department's latest car isn't a car at all. It's a three-wheel Polaris Slingshot that was donated by the company to be used as a head-turning vehicle for community outreach, reports Fox News.

"This is going to be an icebreaker for us. Kids are going to want to walk up to this car, see it, sit in it, talk to the policemen, the policemen get to talk to the kids. I mean, it's going to be perfect, man, I'm super excited about it," Miami Police Chief Emilio Gonzalez said at the unveiling Thursday.

Considered an 'autocycle' under motor vehicle laws, the Slingshot was modified with a black and white paint job, lights, and sirens by Miami custom car shop The Auto Firm, which works with many of the city's celebrities.

 

Like this story? Want to know why tens of thousands of law enforcement people receive stories like this in their email twice a week?

Subscribe to award winning OnTarget newsletter!

https://ift.tt/2Nb8jFQ PoliceMag September 28, 2018 at 06:45PM

Canadian Department to Ban Cannabis Use for Officers, Even Off-Duty

Calgary police are taking a strict approach to cannabis consumption, and will entirely ban officers from using recreational cannabis after legalization in Canada, reports the Star.

Supt. Darren Leggatt said that under the new HR policy, any Calgary Police Service members qualified to carry firearms who are capable of being operationally deployed—in other words, called to a scene—will not be allowed to use recreational cannabis in any form.

That means any officers beyond those restricted to desk duty or in strictly administrative roles won't be able to consume, even off duty, after Oct. 17. The ban also applies to sworn police recruits.

Leggatt, who leads the Calgary Police Service cannabis legalization project, said that because there isn't enough research on how a body metabolizes cannabis and how long impairment can last, the service is proceeding with caution.

 

Like this story? Want to know why tens of thousands of law enforcement people receive stories like this in their email twice a week?

Subscribe to award winning OnTarget newsletter!

https://ift.tt/2NRPtIX PoliceMag September 28, 2018 at 06:45PM

Mattis Plans Trip to Meet With French Leaders, Attend NATO Conference

Defense Secretary James N. Mattis embarks Oct.1 on a trip that includes stops in France and Belgium where he plans to meet with leaders, reaffirm partnerships and discuss key NATO matters.
Defense Secretary James N. Mattis speaks at the National Guard Association of the United States
https://ift.tt/2xYCevo DoD News September 28, 2018 at 03:45PM

Air Force, Navy Officials Describe Need for C-130 Aircraft

The Air Force would like to “do more and go faster” in modernizing its C-130 Hercules aircraft fleet, the service’s deputy chief of staff for strategic plans and requirements told a House Armed Services Committee panel.
Crew chief prepares C-130 for takeoff.
https://ift.tt/2R90unp Terri Moon Cronk September 28, 2018 at 03:45PM

AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
U.S. Air Force Capt. Andrew “Dojo” Olson, F-35 Heritage Flight Team pilot and commander, performs a tactical pitch maneuver in an F-35A Lightning II during the California Capital Airshow, Sept. 23, 2018, in Sacramento, Calif. During the performance, Olson performed numerous aerial maneuvers showcasing the F-35s raw power and maneuverability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alexander Cook)
https://ift.tt/2xXiGrk DoD News September 28, 2018 at 03:45PM

Showing how family strengthens service

Col. David Mineau, director of Joint and National Security Council Matters, Headquarters Air Force, and his wife, Amy, received the 2017 General and Mrs. Jerome F. O'Malley Award from Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. David L. Goldfein during a ceremony at the Pentagon, Sept. 26, 2018.
O
https://ift.tt/2RaQ7iC Tech. Sgt. Robert Barnett September 28, 2018 at 03:45PM

RailScales PEQ – LEAF Fixed Iron Sight In-Stock at Milspec Retail

The all-new RailScales PEQ – LEAF® Fixed Iron Sight just arrived in-stock at Milspec Retail. The PEQ – LEAF® is a fixed adjustable front sight that attaches to picatinny rail systems. It was specifically designed to decrease the mounting footprint of the AN/PEQ15 ATPIAL series laser on the MK18 Mod 1/CQBR weapon system using the […] https://ift.tt/2xY0IoF SSD September 28, 2018 at 03:46PM

Marine Corps F-35B Conducts Combat Strikes in Afghanistan

The Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II conducted its first combat strikes in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel in Afghanistan.
An F-35B Lightning II joint strike fighter.
https://ift.tt/2R9wt70 DoD News September 28, 2018 at 03:45PM

Ellen Pucciarelli Appointed As VP Of Operational Medicine Consultants

Richmond, Virginia – Friday, 28 September 2018 Operational Medicine Consultants officially announced today the appointment of Ellen Pucciarelli to the role of vice president, effective 1 October 2018. Ms. Pucciarelli advances to this position after serving as the company’s operations manager since January, 2018. Ellen joined OMC from Graham Combat Training Company of Stanwood, WA, […] https://ift.tt/2xW3Lh5 SSD September 28, 2018 at 03:46PM

TSSI Customer Appreciation Day – October 4th in Harrisonburg, Virginia

This is a free event and is open to members of Law Enforcement, Military, Fire, Emergency Services, and DoD/Federal agencies with a valid agency or military I.D. They’ve most recently added a Las Vegas Incident Debrief presented the Assistant Team Leader for Las Vegas SWAT to our event’s lineup. This is a presentation about the […] https://ift.tt/2R6mGhT SSD September 28, 2018 at 03:46PM

Texas Deputy Dies of Heart Attack During K-9 Training

<p>Deputy Mark Cox died of a heart attack. Image courtesy of ODMP. </p>

Deputy Sheriff Mark Cox of the Real County (TX) Sheriff's Office suffered a fatal heart attack while conducting canine training on Tuesday, according to ODMP.

Sheriff Nathan Johnson said in a statement on Facebook, "I want to say how very much Deputy Mark Cox will be missed in our community. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones who grieve. Mark was an excellent peace officer, a patriot, a man of his word, and a friend…… he will be deeply missed by his brothers in arms." 

Deputy Cox was a U.S. Navy veteran and had served with the Real County Sheriff's Office for three years and had previously served with the Edwards County Sheriff's Office for five years. He had also previously served with a law enforcement agency in Florida.

He is survived by his wife and two children.

 

Like this story? Want to know why tens of thousands of law enforcement people receive stories like this in their email twice a week?

Subscribe to award winning OnTarget newsletter!

https://ift.tt/2xYUHIh PoliceMag September 28, 2018 at 03:46PM

Illinois Officer Diagnosed with Brain Cancer Returns to Duty

According to Fox News, a police officer with the Dixon (IL) Police Department made his triumphant return to the force—just seven months after being diagnosed with brain cancer.

The department welcomed Officer P.J. Ginn back on duty with a surprise party at a local gymnasium.

The department posted a video of the event on its Twitter page.

 

Like this story? Want to know why tens of thousands of law enforcement people receive stories like this in their email twice a week?

Subscribe to award winning OnTarget newsletter!

https://ift.tt/2R6mEXj PoliceMag September 28, 2018 at 03:46PM

Two Ohio Deputies Injured in Head-on Collision with Allegedly Impaired Driver

Two deputies with the Darke County (OH) Sheriff’s Office were injured when a pickup truck collided head on with their patrol vehicle on Thursday afternoon.

According to WDTN-TV, the deputies were responding to a call of a possibly impaired driver in a white pickup truck that had swiped several vehicles before swerving off the road and into a ditch.

The driver reportedly re-entered the roadway and struck the squad car head-on.

The deputies were able to get out of their vehicle and pursue the pickup truck on foot. They secured the driver until more help arrived.

The Sheriff's Office says two people who placed the 911 calls stopped to assist the deputies.

 

Like this story? Want to know why tens of thousands of law enforcement people receive stories like this in their email twice a week?

Subscribe to award winning OnTarget newsletter!

https://ift.tt/2y1aV3l PoliceMag September 28, 2018 at 03:46PM

Dutch Police Arrest 7 in "Major" Terror Plot

Following a months-long investigation, Dutch police have arrested seven men they believe were plotting to carry out a major terrorist attack against "a large event in the Netherlands," according to NPR.

The criminal investigation began in April 2018 with information from the General Intelligence and Security Service.

The plan was presumed to involve an attack with bombs and Kalashnikov AK-47s at an event and detonating a car bomb at another location, according to a statement released by Dutch authorities.

During their arrest, the men were in possession of five small arms, authorities said.

The suspects were to be brought before the judge-commissioner in Rotterdam on Friday.

 

Like this story? Want to know why tens of thousands of law enforcement people receive stories like this in their email twice a week?

Subscribe to award winning OnTarget newsletter!

https://ift.tt/2R9inlL PoliceMag September 28, 2018 at 03:46PM

California Police Take Fire from Barricaded Suspects in Standoff Situation

Officers with the San Diego Police Department surrounded a home early Friday morning where two men had reportedly been barricaded after police were called to respond to the sounds of breaking glass and a woman screaming.

According to the San Diego Tribune, at least one man opened fire on responding officers.

Officers were outside the house when they heard a single gunshot, then a volley of rounds, including bullets that reportedly went over an officer’s head, according to the Tribune.

Both men were eventually surrendered to SWAT officers and taken into custody. No officers were injured in the incident.

 

Like this story? Want to know why tens of thousands of law enforcement people receive stories like this in their email twice a week?

Subscribe to award winning OnTarget newsletter!

https://ift.tt/2xXbWJL PoliceMag September 28, 2018 at 03:46PM

New Hampshire Sheriff Warns Residents of Phone Scammers Posing as Police

Sheriff David Dubois of the Strafford County (NH) Sheriff's Office is warning residents of a scam in which someone claiming to be a sergeant with his department asks for money orders or pre-paid credit cards as payment for fees related to "missed federal jury duty" or other obligations.

According to Foster's Daily Democrat, Dubois explained that the caller would say something like, "You missed federal jury duty or a criminal obligation. You may resolve the matter by sending money orders or pre-paid credit cards. You can meet the at the Strafford County Sheriff’s Complex to resolve the matter."

Any time that a person receives a call and is asked to in send money you should immediately be suspicious and do not send any money, the sheriff said.

 

Like this story? Want to know why tens of thousands of law enforcement people receive stories like this in their email twice a week?

Subscribe to award winning OnTarget newsletter!

https://ift.tt/2R7D2GU PoliceMag September 28, 2018 at 03:46PM

French Police Chief Fatally Stabbed Over "Dog Ban"

The police chief in Rodez—a small city about 93 miles northeast of Toulouse, France—was fatally stabbed by a man who was banned from owning an unregistered pit bull, according to Fox News.

Chief Pascale Filoe was transported to a nearby hospital but later died from his injuries. He was a father of three.

The unnamed suspect reportedly had threatened police over the dog ban.

"The attacker was known to police. He had defaced the city hall door on 11 April," said the mayor of Rodez, Christian Teyssedre.

 

Like this story? Want to know why tens of thousands of law enforcement people receive stories like this in their email twice a week?

Subscribe to award winning OnTarget newsletter!

https://ift.tt/2y0f4EM PoliceMag September 28, 2018 at 03:45PM

California Officers Hailed as Heroes for Pulling Unconscious Man from Burning Car

<p>Officers with the Citrus Heights (CA) Police Department reportedly pulled an unconscious man from a burning car. Photo: Citrus Heights PD/Facebook</p>

Officers with the Citrus Heights (CA) Police Department reportedly pulled an unconscious man from a burning car early Thursday morning, according to a post on the department's Facebook page.

Officers arrived at a solo vehicle collision to find the car engulfed in flames as the driver lay unconscious in the driver’s seat.

Officers pulled the man to safety and he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. One of the officers sustained minor injuries while removing the unconscious driver from the burning vehicle.

Police Chief Ronald Lawrence said in the Facebook post, "Police Officers all over the world risk their lives every day for the communities they serve. Every call an officer responds to has the potential to become life threatening. This is a risk all officers are subjected to, to protect the innocent."

 

Like this story? Want to know why tens of thousands of law enforcement people receive stories like this in their email twice a week?

Subscribe to award winning OnTarget newsletter!

https://ift.tt/2R90tQn PoliceMag September 28, 2018 at 03:45PM

Texas Judge Declares Mistrial for Officer Who Shot Man He Mistook for Burglar

A Dallas County judge declared a mistrial Thursday in the case of a former police officer who shot a man he mistook for a burglar, according to the Dallas Morning News.

Jurors deliberated for 10 hours before reporting to the judge that they were deadlocked—8-4—in their deliberations.

Derick Wiley—then an officer with the Mesquite (TX) Police department—had responded to a call from a business owner who reported a suspicious person sitting in a parking lot.

Wiley approached the man—31-year-old Lyndo Jones—and ordered him from his vehicle. Wiley then reportedly shot Jones, who suffered four broken ribs and a lacerated lung.

The Dallas County District Attorney's Office has not said if they will retry the case.

 

Like this story? Want to know why tens of thousands of law enforcement people receive stories like this in their email twice a week?

Subscribe to award winning OnTarget newsletter!

https://ift.tt/2xUFdoA PoliceMag September 28, 2018 at 03:45PM

Marine Corps F-35B Conducts Combat Strikes in Afghanistan

The Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II conducted its first combat strikes in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel in Afghanistan.
An F-35B Lightning II joint strike fighter.
https://ift.tt/2OWLCGY DoD News September 28, 2018 at 12:45PM

Face of Defense: Airman Describes Her Journey From Pro Basketball to Service

Air Force 1st Lt. Brittnie Davis has drive and works hard, attributes that have served her well as a former professional basketball player in Australia, and now as a commissioned officer.
Air Force 1st Lt. Brittnie Davis, Air Mobility Command intelligence officer, shares how hard work and determination helped her achieve her goals of playing basketball and becoming an officer. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Tara Stetler
https://ift.tt/2OkVTzR Air Force Airman 1st Class Tara Stetler September 28, 2018 at 12:45PM

S.E.C. Goes After Musk With its ‘Ultimate’ Penalty. Here’s Who Else Has Been Banned.

The Securities and Exchange Commission is seeking to ban Mr. Musk from ever serving as an officer or director of a public company. https://ift.tt/2OWLV4A By AMIE TSANG September 28, 2018 at 12:45PM

S.E.C. Goes After Musk With its ‘Ultimate’ Penalty. Here’s Who Else Has Been Banned.

The Securities and Exchange Commission is seeking to ban Mr. Musk from ever serving as an officer or director of a public company. https://ift.tt/2OiWAJP By AMIE TSANG September 28, 2018 at 12:45PM

FBI Says Crime is Down, So Why Does It Feel Like the Opposite is True?

Embed from Getty Images

The estimated number of violent crimes in the United States decreased 0.2% in 2017 compared to 2016, according to FBI data released on Monday.

Property crimes reportedly dropped 3.0%, according to the FBI.

"The 2017 statistics show the estimated rate of violent crime was 382.9 offenses per 100,000 inhabitants, and the estimated rate of property crime was 2,362.2 offenses per 100,000 inhabitants," the FBI said in a statement.

The FBI said that the estimated number of robbery offenses decreased 4.0%, and the estimated number of murder and non-negligent manslaughter offenses decreased 0.7% when compared with estimates from 2016. Burglaries dropped 7.6%, larceny-thefts decreased 2.2%.

So why does it feel to many cops on the street that the exact opposite is true?

Can two opposing ideas be simultaneously true?

Yes, and here's why.

The Ups and Downs in Crime

In some places, cops have been allowed to do their jobs, keeping crime to a minimum by proactively patrolling their sectors. Crime is down in those places because police are policing.

Also, the underlying causes of crime are being addressed at a fundamental level. Housing issues are being addressed.

The economy in many of these places is improving, so people are finding jobs.

People are getting help. They are getting out from the burden of addiction.

Progress is being made.

Undeniably, progress is being made.

Thanks Be to God and His Servants—progress is being made.

In some cities, however, crime in the past year has not just grown, it has mushroomed out of control where police have been prevented from policing.

In 2017, Baltimore set a new per-capita homicide record with 343 murders, roughly 56 killings per 100,000 residents, according to CBS News. Countless other individuals were shot—but not fatally—in Charm City last year.

Baltimore isn't even the most dangerous city in America—per capita—according to the FBI.

That unenviable distinction goes to St. Louis.

With a population of just over 310,000 souls, the Gateway to the West had 205 murder victims, 289 victims of reported rape, and 1,944 victims of robbery in 2017, according to the FBI report.

That same year, 46 law enforcement officers died from injuries incurred in the line of duty during felonious incidents, according to the FBI's 2017 LEOKA report. At least eight of those deaths were the result of premeditated ambush attacks on police officers.

Then, there are the "non-violent" crimes—property crimes—which can sometimes be disturbingly violent.

San Francisco recorded nearly 30,000 car break-ins in 2017, shattering previous crime records in what local law enforcement officials have called an "epidemic," according to NBC News.

Enforcement of those car burglary calls in the City by the Bay is close to non-existent. There are just too many other calls of higher priority, and that's just how the cookie crumbles for those victims.

Lies, Damned Lies, and Statistics

Mark Twain is credited with popularizing the saying, "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics," but like all good poets, he didn't borrow—he stole that line from British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli (a.k.a. the 1st Earl of Beaconsfield).

This brings me to the central problem with any manner of statistical examination of crime in the United States.

Simply—and importantly—numbers lie.

We don't know what we don't know.

Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) data is voluntarily submitted by local police agencies, and not every city provides information to the FBI. Further, how many crimes are committed that are not even reported to local authorities?

How many DUIs defy all laws of chemistry, physics, and logic—let alone state or local laws—and find their way home without incident?

How many DVs go unreported to police? Those acts of violence and terror are crimes—no doubt about it—but countless victims remain silent.

How many bar fights occur in America every night? Most of those incidents end with the barman or the bouncer ejecting the combatants with the statement, "You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here!"

I know.

I was a barman and a bouncer not too many years ago.

How many sexual assaults? How many of these crimes happen without anyone other than the victim and the violator knowing about the incident? I'm sick to my stomach just thinking about it. One is too many, but there are undoubtedly thousands—every year.

How many times have American police officers—totally disincentivized to conduct proactive police work—simply rolled past a drug deal going down on a well-known hot corner?

So… I don't believe the numbers—not even a little bit.

Crime is down where cops are encouraged by their citizens to enforce the law.

Crime is up in places where the opposite is true.

That's how that works.

Two Mountains, One Sun

Perspective is probably the greatest factor informing a person's perception of a truth.

Indulge me...

Two mountaineers stand atop two peaks on the east and west sides—respectively—of a broad basin. Each climber surveys the vast valley, seeing the gorge full with copses of trees dotting a winding river.

The sun is at a high-noon—due-south in the sky—and long autumn shadows are cast from the high treetops.

The hiker on the eastern peak shouts, "Look at how the shadows are cast so beautifully from left to right with the sunlight!"

The hiker on the western peak replies, "No! Those shadows—agreeably, so beautiful—fall from right to left!"

Both individuals are correct, given their relative position to the valley, the sun, and the shadows.

The fact of the matter is that the shadows are cast from south to north.

How you see things greatly depends on your relative position to what you're seeing.

Same with the UCR Report.

Nationally, crime is down, according to the FBI.

I believe that to be true—nationally, the numbers are good.

Locally, things get a little different—depending on where your "local" might be.

The Winds and the Weather

Above, I mentioned car break-ins in San Francisco.

Fog City, my adopted home town, is a fitting metaphor for how reports like the FBI UCR have become an outmoded measure of crime in America.

A person residing in the Sunset District may look at the weather report (63 degrees and no chance of precipitation) and know that the truth—for them—is that it will be foggy and cold all day.

A person residing just five miles east in the Mission District—reading exactly the same data—may be more worried about getting shot in the crossfire of a gunfight between two rival gangs.

Same location.

Same information.

Different conclusion.

Just like the FBI UCR Report.

All policing—like all politics—is LOCAL.

 

Like this story? Want to know why tens of thousands of law enforcement people receive stories like this in their email twice a week?

Subscribe to award winning OnTarget newsletter!

https://ift.tt/2OW6azr PoliceMag September 28, 2018 at 12:45PM

Elon Musk’s Fans Just Took a Big Hit as Tesla Shares Tank

The stock tumbled more than 12 percent Friday. The S.E.C.’s lawsuit against Mr. Musk is putting the spotlight on a company in turbulence and celebrity C.E.O.s. https://ift.tt/2OiWgek By PETER EAVIS September 28, 2018 at 12:45PM