* * *
Photos courtesy of Paul Beecroft
Paul Beecroft has spent a good deal of his life in law enforcement, in England. He’s worked Foot Patrol, Area Car, Instant Response Car and also as a Police Motorcyclist. He currently serves as a coroner’s investigator and has traveled all over England, Wales, Scotland and even Germany to investigate crimes.
The Graveyard Shift extends our condolences to the families of the officers who sacrificed everything to keep us safe.
Deputy Sheriff Christopher Schaub, 47
Broward County Florida Sheriff’s Office
9-26-12 – Deputy Christopher Schaub was killed when his motorcycle collided with a car at an intersection. He is survived by his son and daughter.
Sergeant Mary K. Ricard, 55
Colorado Department of Corrections
9-24-12 – Sergeant Mary Ricard was killed when she and another female officer were attacked in the prison kitchen during the preparation of the morning meal. Sergeant Ricard was stabbed in the neck by a convicted child rapist. The other officer received serious wounds during the attack, but survived.
Detective Sergeant James G. Hoopes III, 40
New Jersey State Police
9-12-12 – Detective Sergeant James G. Hoopes III suffered a fatal heart attack while participating in his department’s annual physical training exercises. He is survived by his wife and two children.
Officer Jason Edward Gresko, 32
Willoughby Ohio Police Department
9-21-12 – Officer Jason Gresko was killed in an automobile crash while responding to an emergency call. He is survived by his wife, a 2-year-old daughter, parents, three brothers, and a sister.
The Golden Donut Short Story Contest is a real test for writers. Not only do the authors have to write a complete story about the photo we post, they must tell their story in exactly 200 words, including the title. We received a mountain of stories this year, and I understand that all were superb, which made judging extremely difficult.
Still, a top tale had to be chosen. So, it gives me great pleasure to announce the winner of the 2012 Golden Donut Award….Ann Kellett, for her story, “Closure.”
Ann Kellett with the 2012 Golden Donut Award
Closure
by Ann Kellett
“Frankly, we were surprised at how low your bid was,” the woman said.
“Tearing down this old place will be our easiest job all month,” the man said. “And it’s the neighborly thing to do, after all you’ve been through.”
“We’re definitely ready to move on. Closure, you know. Bob’s already started his new job in Chicago.”
“We’ll be back tomorrow to haul off the debris and car.”
“She got that the day she turned 16,” she said. “Would’ve been 18 last Wednesday. Cops say there’s always hope, but not much since she’s been missing for a year.”
The woman sighed and blinked several times. “Should’ve done this years ago. It’s a real eyesore.” She managed half a smile. “At least your property values will go up.”
The man smiled back. “Guess I’ll get to work. Good luck to you both. The neighborhood won’t be the same without you.” They shook hands.
The man counted to fifty before entering the shack and unlatching the door to the thick walled crawlspace. The young woman, bound and gagged, looked up with dead eyes and shifted slightly on the sleeping bag.
He got the knife. “This shouldn’t take long. Closure, you know.”
*
First runner up
ALONE
by Bob Doerr
“Come out and get what’s coming to ya! I know you’re there!”
Nothing stirred in the old ramshackle cabin. Even the fat crow devouring a large beetle a few steps away ignored me. I considered throwing something at it, but I wanted to conserve strength, and I didn’t want to let the pistol out of my grip. The bullet wound didn’t hurt anymore. Propped up against a fence post, I stared at the cabin waiting for their ugly faces to appear.
The broken door swung open, and two men emerged.
“Take this, suckers!” I yelled and tried to lift the pistol. My arm didn’t respond.
Grisler, the fatter of the two, stared at me and spit.
“Leave him there?” Johnny asked.
“Yeah, he ain’t going nowhere.”
They gunned the dark sedan and left in a whirlwind of dust and flying pebbles.
“Fools! I’ll track you down!”
Maybe the cabin had a phone, but before I could get up, I heard an approaching car. Did they forget something? No, a police car appeared.
“Get lost, coppers!”
They looked at me and then each other. I kept my mouth shut.
“Been dead for at least a day,” the older one said.
*
Second runner up
Reminiscing
by Cynthia Barwin
It wasn’t supposed to end like this. Not as a rundown, sagging eyesore.
I was a home. Mary planted flowers to brighten my yard. My windows were whole, and clean, letting in the sunshine. Children played here, laughing, running up and down the stairs, into the yard and back. My floors were traipsed and worn with love.
Love and laughter filled my walls.
That was before he came.
The laughter was the first to leave. He called it noise, and stopped it.
There was still love, for a while. Quiet love, but love nonetheless. When he was gone, Mary encouraged the children to laugh, and sing. But when he came home, when the lights from his metal carriage swept across my walls, it stopped.
Love died away too. Because truly, how can love survive where happiness has disappeared?
My walls still stood, solid and proud, but sorrow filled the space within.
The pain came next. Pain for Mary, and the children. Tears stained my floors, and scrubbing could not erase the blemishes.
It all stopped one night, after angry words, broken hearts and a shattered banister. Rivulets of red, sticky and warm, covered my white walls.
And then, silence.
*
Honorable Mentions
Old Partners
by David Swords
The old man teetered as he walked through the tall grass and, approaching the ramshackle old cottage, spoke to his old partner.
“This one always bothered me, George. That sweet little girl, covered in blood. Since I retired, it still haunts me.”
“I don’t know why you brought me back to Morgan’s old shack. We know he did it, but we couldn’t prove it. We never could find that one piece of evidence to link him. I wish we had. I saw him three weeks ago. The bastard smiled at me.”
“Why’d you bring me here, George?”
He felt George’s hand on his shoulder, urging him toward the old space heater. “What? I thought you looked in there.”
The old detective reached in and felt the handle.
“Don’t tell me. It couldn’t be.”
His hand trembled as he withdrew the blood stained knife; partly from age, partly from twenty years of wondering.
“My God. We can take this in. With DNA nowadays, maybe we’ll finally know. That sweet little girl,” he whispered as the tears began.
He turned and looked into the empty room.
“Thanks, George. Ten years you been dead, but you’re still showing me the way.”
*
Turn of the Key
by Andrew Italia
Both the car and the battered shack behind it looked murky through the scope of my rifle. The squeal of brakes, followed by opening car doors and heavy footsteps, shattered my trance.
“FBI!”, the swarming agents screamed with commands I had used back when I carried the badge, “drop the weapon!”
Before I knew it, there were hands on me and I was staring Ned, my old supervisor, in his forlorn face.
“Sarah, it’s over.”
“Ned, you don’t understand; I’ve finally got him! He’s in that house!”
“Sarah, you’ve been running for three years. It’s time for you to get some help.”
“He murdered my children! I’ve been chasing that car-”
“To Chicago? New Orleans? Pittsburgh? I know.”
He shook his head sadly.
“Sarah…that’s your car. You’ve been driving it around this country shooting people ever since you lost your family.”
It couldn’t be; the person driving that car had killed my kids.
I snorted in derision. Damn bureau, always thinking it was omnipresent.
Ned pulled unfamiliar keys from my pocket.
“I’ll show you”, he said, walking to the vehicle.
I’d been tracking that car for years…
I heard the ignition start –
And began to cry.
*
The judge for the Golden Donut contest is Kristen Weber.
Kristen most recently worked as a senior editor for Penguin’s New American Library (NAL), where she helped launch Obsidian, their dedicated mystery imprint. Besides running the day-to-day operations of Obsidian, Kristen edited approximately 30 original titles per year. She was also in charge of NAL’s movie/television tie-in program and edited numerous original novels based on TV programs such as Burn Notice, The Unit, Criminal Minds, and Psych.
Kristen now works as a freelance editor, helping authors prepare their books for the marketplace.
Sure, our classrooms sometimes get a bit warm…
…so we open the sunroof, allowing the gentle southern breezes to flow freely.
Always accommodating, our staff opens the window of your choosing.
Our uniform dress code makes it easy to spot staff members.
The pursuit of knowledge is the quest of all WPA attendees.
Our staff takes pride in their clear and concise instructions…
…that are quite easy to understand, and follow.
Some, however, require a bit of one-on-one tutoring…
…but they eventually get the point.
Some WPA instructors utilize a “show and tell” method of instruction.
While others encourage meditation.
Sometimes, a “swift kick” approach works best.
Most instructors, however, prefer a more hands-on method.
Workshop spaces are large and airy.
Quiet times are available for those who wish to stretch out and relax.
Outer wear is provided for those chilly North Carolina mornings.
Special accommodations are provided upon request.
Our lost and found department is second to none.
Instructors always welcome applause for a job well-done.
Recess is always a fun time.
Games, such as the ever popular, “Find The Gun On The Pool Bottom,” can stimulate the mind.
Now, don’t you wish you’d joined us last weekend?
*Photos by Julie Goyette and Patti Phillips
Well, IT finally happened. And, from the looks of things in last night’s episode, we could be in store for a few good laughs due to the newly-added twist (hiding Castle and Beckett’s steamy-hot relationship).
The season opener also delivered closure (sort of) to the never-ending “who killed my mother” saga, another storyline that had been beaten to death by the writers.
This season, though, has the potential to be fresh and exciting, and I hope the writers take full advantage of the situation they’ve created. And, speaking of excitement… I sensed Melanie’s squeals of delight as each scene played out last night. Now, there’s no holding her back after five full days joy (four at the Writers’ Police Academy and Castle on Monday night). So let the season of our good cop/bad cop reviews begin. Melanie, the floor is all yours…
This has been a l-o-o-o-n-g summer for me. A long, hot summer with no new Castle episodes after that delicious scene near the end of Always, last season’s bittersweet finale. I lost count of how many times I watched Kate and Rick kiss against that door. Not only did I almost wear out my Tivo, but I also read many wonderful post-Always fan-fiction stories. The Castle fandom has a plethora of excellent writers, and I think all of them wrote at least one.
Finally, however, the first day of season five arrived, and I was not disappointed in the new episode. Andrew Marlowe treated us to the morning after that riveting scene from last year… complete with proof that Beckett and Castle spending the night together was not a dream. They did indeed sleep together in Rick’s bed, and they made love. Not just once, but… how many times? And can you say “hair porn”? Kate’s hair looked darn good after she showed up so wet the night before at Rick’s door. I had to grin at that.
Kate is confidant, yet tentative about their new relationship, and Rick is cautious but ecstatic. Yes, they’re a couple now, but during that first scene they abruptly decide to keep their union under wraps — for a while, at least — a difficult task, even though it’s fun for viewers. I cracked up as Kate tried to sneak out of the loft without Alexis or Martha catching her. Too funny. Keeping the secret from Ryan and Esposito will be even more difficult, I fear. Difficult, but fun.
I enjoyed this fast moving episode — the morning after scene, the race to find the file, Ryan’s desperation, Esposito’s anger, and Kate’s kickass moment with the senator — but I also wanted Rick and Kate to kiss. I mean, seriously. We were treated to lots of heated looks and small, intimate moments between them, including a sweet hug when Rick offers to take Kate away somewhere to keep her safe and Rick waking up alone in her bed the morning she goes after the senator, but we didn’t see them share a single kiss. Bah, humbug.
At least kickass Kate came up with a solution of sorts to neutralize the threat against her — a jerk senator who wields power like a club to get what he wants. I call it “a deal with the devil”, but hopefully it’ll work… and will allow Kate and Rick to concentrate on each other instead of the case.
Kate also made a deal with Gates to allow Kate to return to the precinct after she finishes serving her suspension. We knew, of course, she’d eventually go back to the 12th. I mean, after all, the show is about a writer shadowing a detective… and Kate has such drive and derives so much pleasure from giving victims closure, I can’t see her doing anything else. Although I’m sure Rick would be happy even if she sold magazine subscriptions, because they’re together now.
I’m reeling with happiness, too. Finally, after years and years of being disappointed, a show is giving me what I want. A true romance. The previews of next week include a kiss, too. Wahoo!
Is it Monday yet?
Sure, the lovey-dovey, mushy-gushy stuff was great. And it worked well, I thought, for the show. After all, those two have been in a “I love you, do you love me, check yes or no” junior high relationship for so long… Well, long enough that I’d begun to pray for Lanie to make an appearance on screen just to give me a different pain in my…um…side to worry about. And you all know how I feel about the Voodoo M.E.
Anyway, on with the show, as they say.
– Beckett resigned, therefore she was no longer a police officer. So…when she kicked in the door of a private apartment she had committed breaking and entering, a felony. Next, I’m assuming it was Beckett or Castle who called EMS to attend to the badly beaten Mr. Smith. But where were the cops? EMS would have immediately called them to the scene, fearing for their own safety—door kicked in with patient badly beaten and tied to a chair…
The good thing about the scene was that someone had taken the time to be sure the doorjamb broke in all the right places when Beckett kicked it.
– Beckett and Castle paw through Mr. Smith’s files. I guess they weren’t concerned about leaving fingerprints in the apartment of a badly beaten man. You know, since they were there when EMS arrived, which would probably be a red flag to the first responders…like maybe those two were the people who inflicted the wounds on their patient.
– Some things never change. Beckett got kidnapped again, losing her gun to the same guy she lost it to last season. At what point does she become a liability to the department? Losing your gun ten times in a few weeks? Getting kidnapped the same number of times? Placing a civilian in the same dangerous situations? Of course, it’s the civilian (Castle) who usually gets her out of the tight spots.
– One thing has already changed this season. Someone, Espo I think, used the term BOLO in lieu APB, as they’ve said for the past four seasons. BOLO is the acronym for Be On the Lookout, the term that is most often used by today’s law enforcement officers. APB = All Point Bulletin. I haven’t heard that one used in many, many years, well, except on Castle.
– So Mr. Smith, in pain and agony and on the verge of slipping into either death or coma, utters an address to Castle. And we all know what happened when the dynamic duo arrived there. Yep, Maddox, after taking Beckett’s gun, triggered a bomb hidden in the floor, a bomb I’m guessing that Mr. Smith had placed there. So why, then, did Mr. Smith send Castle and Beckett there? Did he want them to blown to bits like the file?
– The file. Blown into a thousands of pieces. Scattered everywhere, among tons of debris that included body parts. And what about the huge fireball that came with the explosion? Yet, in spite of all of the above, Beckett and crew were able to piece together just the parts of the file they needed to nail the Senator, the guy who killed Beckett’s mother. Puhleeze….
– How and where did Beckett get all the stuff one the whiteboard she so conveniently had at home. Remember? Montgomery’s photo, photos of the other players, etc.
– How did Beckett get by the police guard stationed at the hospital. Don’t you think the officers might have at least asked for her name and/or ID?
– Why were the bad guys (the Senator and his evil sidekicks) only after Beckett? After all, Castle and crew also knew everything Beckett knew.
Still, the show was okay. And I’m truly glad that Beckett and Castle finally got together for a little “quality time.” Maybe, just maybe, we’ll see the show get back to its roots, with the funny and quick banter. After all, that’s what this show does best.
We’ll see…
What’s the secret to a successful Writers’ Police Academy? Actually, the formula is quite simple…Place 200 writers in large bowl bowl. Add dozens of police officers, firefighters, EMS folks, Sirchie Fingerprint Laboratories, and other experts. Stir in Lee Child, Marcia Clark, Dr. Beth Murray, and Dr. Katherine Ramsland. Sprinkle in a few generous sponsors. Add a very large dollop of SinC, and then mix ingredients well. Place entire concoction into a pre-heated police academy and wait for the excitement to boil over. Works every time!
Marcia Clark receiving briefing from WPA instructor Stan Lawhorne
Kathy Isaaics, Lee Child, and forensic anthropologist Dr. Beth Murray ready for a possible shootout with armed thugs.
The surprise mystery guest at the 2012 WPA was none other than The Mayberry Deputy along with his famous “one bullet.”
Lt. Randy Shepherd led WPA entry teams on building searches, looking for desperate criminals.
Joy waiting for her time in the limelight.
Lee Child in the driving simulator.
Lee Child and Marcia Clark with the “star” of the Shallow Grave workshop.
*More to come!
*The WPA thanks everyone who participated in the 2012 event. You guys are the greatest!
The Graveyard Shift extends our condolences to the families of the officers who sacrificed everything to keep us safe.
Officer Mark Allen Taulbee, 43
Hodgenville Kentucky Police Department
September 16, 2012 – Officer Mark Allen Taulbee was killed in an automobile crash while in pursuit of a person who’d been involved in a domestic dispute and had taken a car without the owner’s permission. The wanted suspect turned himself in the following day.
Officer Taulbee is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
THURSDAY
3 p.m. – 9 p.m. – Registration at the hotel
5:30 p.m. – Ride-a-long and Jail Tour Orientation- Embassy Suites hotel – Lee Lofland and Cpl. Dee Jackson, Guilford County Sheriff’s Office
6 p.m.
Agent pitch sessions with agents from Sullivan Maxx Literary Agency (hotel)
Sign up sheets for the agent pitch sessions will be available in the lobby near registration. You MUST sign up in advance!!
6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Patrol ride-a-longs with police and deputy sheriffs – Guilford County Sheriff’s Office, High Point Police, Greensboro Police.
All riders MUST sign a waiver and submit to a brief non-intrusive background check that simply looks to see if you’re a wanted person or a threat to the country and/or police and others. It does not delve into your criminal or civil history. Ride-a-longs are selected by lottery (the name of every registered attendee is placed in the lottery drawing). Lottery winners will be notified within the two weeks preceding the WPA. Waiver forms and background check information will accompany the winning notifications.
*Photography during the WPA is permitted, and encouraged. However, due to the sensitive nature and content of some workshops and other sessions, we request that you ask individual instructors before taking pictures. Those of you participating in the ride-a-longs must ask each officer about his/her department’s policy on photography. You may NOT photograph civilians engaged by the officers. Also, you may NOT video/record any interaction between the officer and civilians/suspects.
Jail Tour at one of the Guilford County Jails
*You may NOT bring your cameras or cell phones on the jail tour. Please leave them at the hotel. You may only bring a pen/pencil, notepad, and photo ID.
***VIDEOTAPING/AUDIOTAPING WPA WORKSHOPS IS NOT PERMITTED. Absolutely No exceptions!!***
8:00 p.m.
Orientation and brief Q&A – WPA Do’s and Don’t’s – What to expect and when to expect it. The WPA is quite different than the events normally attended by writers, so please bring your questions to this informal gathering at the Embassy Suites Hotel ~ Lee Lofland and Nancy Metzner
*Please remember to bring rain gear. WPA is a rain or shine event! (The weather forecast for the weekend is wonderful. Sunny and warm – don’t forget sunscreen)
FRIDAY
7:30 am – Buses depart Embassy Suites Hotel for academy. Please be on time. The buses cannot wait for anyone! They will pull away at precisely 7:30. Our schedule is extremely tight.
** Dress casually and comfortably! (sweats, jeans, shorts, etc.) The building is air conditioned, but the outdoors is not**
8am – Registration continues (Fire Station classroom across from Public Safety Building)
8:30 FATS (Firearms Training Simulator) and Driving Simulator – ONGOING. Please be at the FATS room and the Driving Simulator room at your designated time. The schedule is extremely tight with absolutely no wiggle room for tardiness, and there are no extra slots. Not even one. If you are not on-deck outside the FATS room when it is your time to shoot, you will forfeit your shoot time. No refunds.
FATS and Driving Simulator schedules will be sent to you via email sometime within the two weeks prior to the WPA. A copy of the schedule will also be available at the event. BE EARLY, if possible!!
*FATS and the driving simulator are add-on workshops. FATS filled long ago, almost at the start of registration.
FATS – Room 132
Driving Simulator – Room 243
EMS Mini “Crash Course” – Learn what really goes on in the back of the ambulance during emergency calls. IV’s, O2, CPR, and more. Hands-on! Instructors on hand at various stations. Ongoing in Room 253
8:45 – 1:00 p.m.
Live police, fire, EMS equipment display and demos K-9’s, SWAT teams, Bomb Squad, robots, Static displays, Mobile Command Posts, Pursuit vehicles, Motorcycles, Fire trucks, Ambulances, Crime Scene Investigation, Dive Teams, and much, much, more. (Driving Track) – local emergency responders and law enforcement (city, state, and county).
**Demos located on the driving track behind the fire station.**
This is a hands-on event. Experts will be available for “show and tell” with the various equipment. However, please ask before touching!
Agent pitch sessions – check posted schedule at the academy (in the lobby area at the police academy/Public Safety Building)
*Please take a moment to visit the volunteers at the Sisters in Crime table to learn more about the organization and to say thanks for helping SinC members attend the WPA at such an attractive discount!
9:00 – 1:30 p.m.
DWI/Texting While Driving (ongoing session. walk up at any time)
How alcohol effects the body, and the dangers of texting and driving. See how well you can drive while under the influence, or while texting. WPA recruits driving on controlled course. ~ North Carolina State Trooper Ingram (Driving track)
***All workshops are on a first-come, first-served basis. Classrooms fill quickly, so please have 2nd and 3rd choices in mind. In fact, it’s a good idea to plan your day in advance. Most sessions are repeated, so if you miss your favorite you’ll have a 2nd opportunity. This is a fast-paced, exciting, packed-to-the-brim event. You will not be able to see and do everything!!***
***VIDEOTAPING/AUDIOTAPING WPA WORKSHOPS IS NOT PERMITTED. Absolutely No exceptions!!***
9:00 – 10:15
Human Trafficking – Instructor Tommy Sluder (Room 127)
Gangs – the life of a gang member, signs, tagging, and colors. ~ Instructor – Culbertson (Room 114)
Making A Lasting Impression – Footwear, tire, and other impression evidence. Hands-on ~ Instructors Robert Skiff and Dave Pauly (Sirchie Fingerprint Laboratory) (Room 241)
10:30 – 11:00
JAWS of Life – Instructors demonstrate how emergency responders use the JAWS of Life tool(s) to extricate crash victims trapped inside automobiles. Actual tools, procedures, and crashed vehicles will be utilized in this real-life exercise. Don’t forget your cameras! ~ Instructor – Tim Fitts (GTCC Fire Department) Driving track
11:00 – 12:00
Fire Station Tour and Equipment Demo ~ Instructor Tim Fitts (Fire station) immediately following JAWS demo (GTCC Fire Department)
10:30 – 12:00
Fingerprinting – The significance of latent fingerprints and how to locate and lift them from a variety of surfaces. ~ Instructor Susan Powell (hands-on) (Room 209)
Cold Cases and the Realities of Investigations ~ Dave Pauly and Dr. Katherine Ramsland (Room 225)
Making A Lasting Impression – Footwear, tire, and other impression evidence. Hands-on ~ Instructor Robert Skiff (Training manager at Sirchie Fingerprint Laboratory) (Room 241)
Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs: Free-wheeling modern renegades or organized crime on two-wheels? An American invention, Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMGS) have been exported across the globe, with a presence on almost every continent. This will be an overview of the history, structure and criminal activities of OMGs.~ Instructor ATF Special Agent Rick McMahan (114)
Jail Searches (All new course!) ~ Instructor Sgt. Catherine Netter (Scenario room – jail cells)
12 – 1 p.m.
Lunch – on your own (available for purchase on academy grounds – proceeds benefit the EMS program) Location – EMS bay
12:45 – Building Searches – recruits will “suit-up” as part of a raid team on a high-risk entry into an actual residence. ~ Instructor Lt. Randy Shepherd (Jamestown Annex) transportation by Guilford County Sheriff’s Office – Meet at academy entrance to board SO vans. First Come First Served! This is not a sit-down workshop! **LIMITED TO 15 PARTICIPANTS! First come, first served** Session will repeat at 2:30
1:00 – 2:15
Suicides, Hangings, and Auto Erotic Death Investigations ~ Instructor Professor Bill Lanning (Room 127)
EMS and the Crime Scene – What are the responsibilities of EMS workers when they must enter a crime scene to treat a patient? Which has the highest priority, the patient or the evidence? Homicide crime scene and gunshot victim(s). Extremely realistic! ~ Instructor Randy Yow (EMS Bay)
Personal Protection for Women – an exciting and fun workshop with instruction on self-defense tactics especially for women. Learn how to avoid being the victim. ~ Instructor Cpl. Dee Jackson (Room 17 – Mat room)
Human Trafficking ~ Instructor Tommy Sluder (Room 127)
Interview and Interrogation – Learn how the pros get the bad guys to confess. Do officers really play “Good cop, Bad Cop?” See an actual interview room complete with recording equipment and “the mirror.” ~ Instructor Andy Russell (Room 109)
Cold Cases and the Realities of Investigations ~ Dave Pauly and Dr. Katherine Ramsland (Room 225)
The First Five Minutes of a Code Blue – The role of the emergency room crash team. ~ Instructor Sarah Clark (Room 253)
2:30 – 3:40
Microscopic Murder – An overview of methods for bioterrorism agent dissemination and detection in the environment. Learn the signs and symptoms of infection and how laboratories identify the causative agent. This workshop is an actual behind-the-scenes perspective on these bad bugs! ~ Instructor Dr. Denene Lofland (Room 127)
Bloodstain Patterns and Presumptive Testing ~ Instructor Dave Pauly (METHODIST UNIVERSITY)/Sirchie Fingerprint Labs/TruForensics, LLC. (Room 241)
Building Searches – recruits will “suit-up” as part of a raid team on a high-risk entry into an actual residence. ~ Instructor Lt. Randy Shepherd (Jamestown Annex) transportation by Guilford County Sheriff’s Office – Meet at academy entrance to board SO vans. First Come First Served! This is not a sit-down workshop! **LIMITED TO 15 PARTICIPANTS! First come, first served**
Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs: Free-wheeling modern renegades or organized crime on two-wheels? An American invention, Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMGS) have been exported across the globe, with a presence on almost every continent. This will be an overview of the history, structure and criminal activities of OMGs.~ Instructor ATF Special Agent Rick McMahan (Room 114)
Interview and Interrogation – Learn how the pros get the bad guys to confess. Do officers really play “Good cop, Bad Cop?” See an actual interview room complete with recording equipment and “the mirror.” ~ Instructor Andy Russell (Room 109)
Fingerprinting – The significance of latent fingerprints and how to locate and lift them from a variety of surfaces. ~ Instructor Susan Powell (hands-on) (Room 209)
NEW! – EMS Patient Transport – An actual ride in the back of an ambulance during a patient transport from the academy to the “ER.” Learn how patients are loaded and transported, IV use, and more! ~ Instructor Joe Yow (hands-on – first come, first served). (EMS bay)
The First Five Minutes of a Code Blue – The role of the emergency room crash team. ~ Instructor Sarah Clark (Room 253)
3:55 p.m.
Announcements
Auditorium (Everyone)
***VIDEOTAPING/AUDIOTAPING WPA WORKSHOPS IS NOT PERMITTED. Absolutely No exceptions!!***
4:00 – 5:25 p.m.
Forensic Identification – World-renowned forensic anthropologist Dr. Elizabeth Murray will discuss skeletal remains and the tools associated with identification. Dr. Murray will also present information about NamUs (the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System) and some of its success stories. (AT Auditorium)
Dr. Murray is known world-wide for her expertise in the field of forensic anthropology. As an expert, she often appears on television programs such as National Geographic, Forensic Files, Unsolved Mysteries, and she was featured in several episodes of Skeleton Stories on Discovery Health Channel.
Dr. Murray is the expert who discovered key evidence needed to solve the murder featured in the true crime tale, “Murder on Minor Avenue,” written by Lee Lofland.
5:35 – buses depart for hotel
6:30 – cash bar
7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Reception at event hotel (Embassy Suites)
*The reception is sponsored by Sisters in Crime National. Please be sure to send your notes of appreciation to the SinC board of directors!
***VIDEOTAPING/AUDIOTAPING WPA WORKSHOPS IS NOT PERMITTED. Absolutely No exceptions!!***
8:00 p.m. – until
Night Owl Presentation
“Mindful Investigations: How to Think Like Sherlock Holmes.” ~ Special guest speaker – Dr. Katherine Ramsland
You absolutely will not want to miss this fascinating interactive presentation!
Dr. Katherine Ramsland has published 44 books and over 1,000 articles, and recently had a #1 bestseller on the Wall Street Journal’s nonfiction list.
Dr. Ramsland speaks widely on serial killers and psychopaths, and is a frequent commentator on crime documentaries. She has appeared on 20/20, 48 Hours, Larry King Live, and numerous cable programs.
SATURDAY
7:30 a.m. – buses depart for academy
8 – 8:05 – Announcements and important safety instructions for the day – Mandatory attendance by all WPA recruits. Assemble in the grass at the driving track. DO NOT ENTER THE TRACK/ASPHALT!! ~ Lee Lofland and Jay Goodnight, GCSO
9:00 – FATS and Driving Simulator – ongoing
EMS Mini “Crash Course – Learn what really goes on in the back of the ambulance during emergency calls. IV’s, O2, CPR, and more. Hands-on! Instructors on hand at various stations. Ongoing in Room 253. Walk in any time.
***VIDEOTAPING/AUDIOTAPING WPA WORKSHOPS IS NOT PERMITTED. Absolutely No exceptions!!***
9:00 – 10:15
Suicides, Hangings, and Auto Erotic Death Investigations – Professor Bill Lanning (Room 127)
Training New Recruits – A look at life as a new police officer. Introduction of mandates to become a police officer. Hands-on with police equipment—gun belt, vest, weapons, shields, etc. Instructor Lieutenant Rick Brewer (GTCC Police Academy Coordinator) (Room 225)
The Anatomy of an Undercover Cop, and How It Can Help Your Novel ~ Instructor NYPD Detective Marco Conelli (Room 209)
Drug Interdiction – “Hidden Compartments” is an in-depth look at how officers locate concealed narcotics. Hands-on exercises and lecture taught by nationally-renowned expert in the field. . Instructor Tim Cardwell (Room 109)
Fire Scene Investigation – Learn how the pros locate the point of origin of a structure fire. How they investigate arson. What happens when a body is discovered inside a burning building?Are arson investigators sworn police officers? ~ Instructor Jerry Coble – Asst. Fire Marshal (Room 114)
Viewing the Crime Scene in a Different Light – Alternate light sources used by crime scene investigators, including the remarkable Krimesite Imager. Hands on workshop – Dave Pauly/Sirchie Fingerprint Labs/TruForensic, LLC. (Room 241)
10:30 – 11:45
Fire Scene Investigation – Learn how the pros locate the point of origin of a structure fire. How they investigate arson. What happens when a body is discovered inside a burning building?Are arson investigators sworn police officers? ~ Instructor Jerry Coble – Asst. Fire Marshal (Room 241)
Drug Interdiction – “Hidden Compartments” is an in-depth look at how officers locate concealed narcotics. Hands-on exercises and lecture taught by a nationally-renowned expert in the field. ~ Instructor Sergeant Tim Cardwell, N.C. Highway Patrol (Room 127). (repeat of morning session)
Handcuffing and Arrest Techniques – Learn how the pros gain control of violent suspects and then place them under arrest. Hands-on. This wildly popular workshop is back by popular demand. ~ Instructor Field Training Officer and Subject Control and Arrest Technique Expert Stan Lawhorne (repeat session) (Mat Room 117)
Jail Searches (All new course!) ~ Instructor Sgt. Catherine Netter (Scenario room jail cells)
Drug Interdiction – “Hidden Compartments” is an in-depth look at how officers locate concealed narcotics. Hands-on exercises and lecture. ~ Instructor Tim Cardwell (repeat of morning session)
Police Gunfighting–Techniques, tactics, and training of law enforcement shooters. ~ Instructor ATF Special Agent Rick McMahan
Bloodstain Interpretations and Presumptive Tests ~ Instructors Dave Pauly and Robert Skiff (Sirchie Fingerprint Laboratory)
12 – 12:45pm – Lunch
***VIDEOTAPING/AUDIOTAPING WPA WORKSHOPS IS NOT PERMITTED. Absolutely No exceptions!!***
1:00 – 2:15 p.m.
Underwater Evidence Recovery: Session One – Guilford County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team demonstrates the equipment and techniques used in locating and recovering underwater evidence, including bodies. ~ YMCA pool (Sheriff’s office vans to pick up at front entrance. first come, first served!) Session will repeat at 2:30.
Shallow Grave Investigation – the untold story from the grave. Be prepared for a short walk in the woods. Sights, sounds, and smells are all activated in this all-to-realistic crime scene. Don’t forget your cameras! ~ Instructor Bill Lanning (class will meet outside)
K-9 Demo – Watch the police dogs in action. Narcotics search and suspect apprehension. Q&A. Bring your cameras! Please follow all instruction by the officers! (class will meet outside – location TBA)
Mock Riot – (use of smoke and mock gas) – Crowd hostility along with crowd disbursement ~ Instructor Andy Russell (class will meet at the front entrance to academy)
Handcuffing and Arrest Techniques – Learn how the pros gain control of violent suspects and then place them under arrest. Hands-on. This wildly popular workshop is back by popular demand. ~ Instructor Field Training Officer and Subject Control and Arrest Technique Expert Stan Lawhorne (repeat session) (Mat Room 117)
EMS and the Crime Scene – What are the responsibilities of EMS workers when they must enter a crime scene to treat a patient? Which has the highest priority, the patient or the evidence? Homicide crime scene and gunshot victim(s). Extremely realistic! ~ Instructor Randy Yow (EMS Bay)
Bloodstain Interpretations and Presumptive Tests ~ Instructors Dave Pauly and Robert Skiff (Sirchie Fingerprint Laboratory) (Room 241)
Women In Law Enforcement – What special challenges do women face when they decide to pin on a badge? Are the uniforms the same as those worn by their male counterparts? Do they carry the same weapons? Are promotions handed out fairly? How about arresting those big, burly men? So, exactly how bad is the sexual harassment? Do prisoners really say those things to you? – Instructor Sgt. Catherine Netter (Room 114)
2:30 – 3:40
Underwater Evidence Recovery: Session Two – Guilford County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team demonstrates the equipment and techniques used in locating and recovering underwater evidence, including bodies. ~ YMCA pool (Sheriff’s office vans to pick up at front entrance. first come, first served!)
Personal Protection for Women – an exciting and fun workshop with instruction on self-defense tactics especially for women. Learn how to avoid being the victim. Instructor Cpl. Dee Jackson. Location – mat room. Please remove your shoes before stepping onto the mats! (Mat room 117)
Police Gunfighting–Techniques, tactics, and training of law enforcement shooters (repeat session). ~ Instructor ATF Special Agent Rick McMahan (Room 127)
Microscopic Murder – An overview of methods for bioterrorism agent dissemination and detection in the environment. Learn the signs and symptoms of infection and how laboratories identify the causative agent. This workshop is an actual behind-the-scenes perspective on these bad bugs! (repeat session) ~ Instructor Dr. Denene Lofland (Room 225)
The Anatomy of an Undercover Cop, and How It Can Help Your Novel ~ Instructor NYPD Detective Marco Conelli (Room 209)
Crime Scene to Court: Evidence Handling and Chain-of-Custody – See actual materials and process used to package various evidence items ~ Instructors Robert Skiff, Dave Pauly, and Dr. Katherine Ramsland (Room 113)
The First Five Minutes of a Code Blue – The role of the emergency room crash team ~ Instructor Sarah Clark (Room 253)
3:55 – Announcements
***VIDEOTAPING/AUDIOTAPING WPA WORKSHOPS IS NOT PERMITTED. Absolutely No exceptions!!***
4:00 – 5:25 p.m. Marcia Clark – “The Truth in Fiction – Delivering Your World Without Boring Them to Death.”
Presentation and Q&A (main auditorium)
Marcia’s presentation will delve into her role as a Special Trials prosecutor and how her work alongside police investigators inspired her Rachel Knight series.
Marcia Clark, one of the most recognized figures in the legal world, is a former Los Angeles deputy district attorney who was the lead prosecutor on the O.J. Simpson murder case. She co-wrote a bestselling nonfiction book about the trial, Without a Doubt, and is a frequent media commentator and columnist on legal issues. Marcia current release, Guilt By Degrees, a thriller, is the follow up to her bestselling novel Guilt By Association.
“It’s no big surprise that Marcia Clark knows her way around a courtroom, and a murder mystery—but she’s also a terrific writer and storyteller.”
—James Patterson
5:35 – buses depart for hotel
6:30 – book store opens
* Suggested banquet attire is business casual
* You absolutely must present your WPA name tag to gain admittance to the banquet and book-signing.
6:30 – cash bar
7:00 – 8:30 banquet, awards, silent auction and raffle, and announcements
SPECIAL MYSTERY GUEST! You won’t believe your eyes!
8:35 – Book-signing immediately following the banquet
*The list of items to be raffled and auctioned at the 2012 WPA is OUTSTANDING!
To name a few:
– Fender guitar signed especially for the WPA. Donated by Kathy Harris, author and marketing manager for the Oak Ridge Boys – signatures include The Oak Ridge Boys, Vince Gill, Brad Paisley, Lady Antebellum, and Keith Urban. This item is priceless! Also, a signed book by Kathy Harris.
– Opposite of Fate – Hardcover signed by Amy Tan
– Greatest Moments in LSU College Football – signed by 5 players Ltd. Ed. # 478/500
– “One Hundred Seasons” Duke University Basketball- # 352/500
– Patti LaBelle Cookbook – signed by singer Patti LaBelle
– Madam Secretary – Madeleine Albright memior – signed
– Life Beyond Measure (Letters to My great Granddaughter) – 1st print HC signed by actor Sidney Poitier
– Meditations from the Joint -Hardcover signed by Tommy Chong (w/ a photo of him signing the book)
– A grocery bag made of crime scene tape fabric
-The Talisman and Black House by Stephen King& Peter Straub Ltd. Ed. Hardcover set. Set is signed by Peter Straub and Rick Berry
– “A Remarkable Mother” HC 1st Printing signed by former US President Jimmy Carter
– Official equipment from Sirchie Fingerprint Laboratories
– New York Yankees encyclopedia Signed by 9 former Yankee’s Players it is a Ltd. Edition
– A character in Stuart Woods’ next novel named after the auction winner
TV and Movie Scripts
South Park – Signed by Trey Parker
Family Guy- Signed by Seth MacFarlane
10 Things I Hate About You- Signed by Julia Stiles
The Cider House Rules- Signed by Charlize Theron
Nightmare On Elm Street- Signed by Robert England (Freddy Krueger)
Pirates of the Caribbean- Signed by Johnny Depp
Ghost- Signed by Whoopi Goldberg
Young Frankenstein- Signed by Mel Brooks
And dozens of books signed by your favorite authors, such as Joseph Wambaugh, Faye Kellerman, Tess Gerritsen, Joseph Finder, and many, many other items too numerous to mention in this small space!
8:30 – keynote address with Lee Child
Book signing immediately following banquet
*Singer songwriter Stacy Allen will entertain and host sing-a-longs immediately following the book-signing. Bring your acoustic guitars and voices and join in. It’s a lot of fun.
SUNDAY
10am – noon – Debriefing Panel with instructors. This session is rated one of the best of the academy! (bring paper, pens, questions, and a fantastic sense of humor)
Notes of interest:
*Due to the highly unpredictable world of law enforcement, the schedule and workshop topics may change at any time. Remember, many workshops are taught by active-duty police and forensics experts.
* No personal weapons of any type are permitted on the WPA/GTCC grounds. No exceptions! (this includes any firearm, ammunition, chemical sprays, stun guns, edged weapons – knives, daggers, etc., and martial arts weapons. If it’s a weapon, leave it at home or in your hotel room). We supply all training equipment. Any violations of this rule will result in immediate dismissal from the WPA program. Remember, this is a college campus/police academy.
*Armed law enforcement officers must have proper department ID and badge. Please, for your safety and the safety of others, alert academy/WPA staff if you are carrying concealed. This is extremely important due to the active scenarios that may “pop up” unexpectedly throughout the event.
* WPA recruits may only bring a pencil, ID, and notepad on the jail tours. No other items will be permitted inside the jail. This is a working jail that houses prisoners who’ve committed crimes that range from minor misdemeanors to murder. Weapons, purses, car keys, cell phones, and/or cameras are NOT permitted.
***VIDEOTAPING/AUDIOTAPING WPA WORKSHOPS IS NOT PERMITTED. Absolutely No exceptions!!***
Circumstances of Officers Feloniously Killed: Some Were Ambushed
By Jerry P. Cooper, Use-Of-Force Trainer / Consultant
On October 18, 2010, the FBI released the 2009 statistics on law enforcement officers killed and assaulted. There were 48 officers feloniously killed last year. These officers were “feloniously killed” in that they were intentionally slain by an assailant. There are the usual circumstances. At the time of assault, these 48 officers were handling prisoners, investigating suspicious persons, performing high-risk entries, answering disturbance calls, performing traffic stops, or arresting suspects. Some were ambushed.
In recent years, I have observed an upward trend in deaths of officers resulting from ambush.
As a use-of-force instructor, I have struggled to make officers aware of the fact that officers are killed every year as a result of ambush situations. Only occasionally do I think I succeed in gaining their attention to this problem. The other predicament I have is coming up with ideas on how to survive under these circumstances.
As I read this latest report, my heart skipped a beat. For the first time that I can recall, more officers died in 2009 from ambush situations than from any other circumstance. Fifteen officers died last year after being ambushed. In fact, twice as many officers died as a result of ambush than from any other circumstance. I read the narrative of each of these incidents. They reveal an interesting story.
The first thing that jumped out at me was the fact that most of the ambushed officers were killed by the assailant shooting them with a rifle. Most officers feloniously killed are shot with handguns. Most of the rifles were semiautomatic, assault-type weapons.
Another interesting fact is that there were three incidents in which multiple officers were killed. This fact certainly helps to explain why the number of officer deaths resulting from ambush was much higher in 2009. In Oklahoma, two officers were killed in a single incident, and in Pennsylvania, three were killed. The most tragic of these incidents occurred in Lakewood, Washington, when four officers were murdered in a coffee shop.
The ages of victim officers ranged from 23 to 45. Their years of experience spanned from one to 26 years. Offender’s ages ranged from 21 to 53.
All but one of the assailants had prior criminal records. Most had previously been involved in violent crimes involving weapons. Most were either drug users or drug dealers. Some had previously assaulted law enforcement officers. Two of the offenders had previously been convicted of murder, including the one who killed four officers in Lakewood, Washington.
Many of them were on probation, parole, or some type of conditional release at the time they ambushed and killed the officers.
As one might expect, some of these murderers had a history of mental problems. At least one was reportedly off his medication at the time of the killing – a theme much too familiar to experienced law enforcement officers.
So, what kind of sense can we make of this? What training do we give law enforcement officers to prepare them for these secret attacks? What laws should be written or changed?
Most officers are shot at a distance of less than 10 feet. Ambushes by their very nature involve officers being shot from greater distances. This certainly helps to explain why ambushed officers are more often than not shot with rifles, as opposed to handguns.
Protective vests seldom adequately protect officers from projectiles fired from rifles. In the 2009 incidents, some of the officers were wearing protective vests at the time of their ambush, but the vests failed to prevent the fatalities. Had these officers been shot with handguns, perhaps many of them would now be reported as “assaulted,” rather than “killed.”
We teach officers to make use of cover in shooting situations, but what cover stops rounds fired from a .280, .30-.30, .223 or 7.62mm rifle? The tree where the officer takes refuge had better be a BIG tree.
Some of these rounds will even penetrate a vehicle’s engine block, what many of us consider as the ultimate cover in most street situations. I instruct officers to close the distance on an assailant who is firing a rifle, rather than trying to create distance.
Most officers train with handguns out to a distance of 25 yards. Closing to within this distance allows the officer’s training to kick-in. When an officer tries to retreat from rifle fire, he or she places themselves in a situation of tactical disadvantage. The assailant can reach out and hit the officer with a round as he or she retreats. At the same time, the officer’s handgun will quickly become less effective when creating distance. (Sorry, Broderick Crawford, but I do not really think you could make those 75-yard between-the-eyes shots with your .38 Chief Special under dynamic conditions.)
An exception to this instruction would be when the officer can quickly and safely move back to better cover. Law Enforcement agencies are increasingly issuing tactical patrol rifles to street officers. This is a great survival weapon for patrol officers. Like cruiser shotguns of past and present, patrol rifles are useful only if the officer has it in his possession. Unless the responding officer possesses criminal activity cues indicating a critical incident is imminent, most patrol officers do not get out of the patrol vehicle with a long-gun in their hand. What would be the response from the general public if this became a standard practice? Should congress revisit the banning of assault weapons for everyone but law enforcement?
I am a big believer in the following survival formula: Time = Cover + Distance + Movement. Most of the time, if an officer can stretch out the time line in a critical incident, the officer is more likely to survive. Ambushes are by their very nature sudden attacks. In ambush situations, therefore, slowing things down becomes a real challenge.
I have already touched on the issue of the officer buying time by creating distance. This is a variable that depends on the environmental conditions of each incident. Movement then, when possible, becomes paramount for officer survival in an ambush situation. In such critical incidents, the officer usually suffers the disadvantage of having to react to the suspect. By moving, especially laterally, the officer becomes the action, and now, the suspect is forced to react to him/her. In ambush situations especially, where the assailant will most likely be using a long gun, a maneuvering officer may cause gun-handling problems for the offender.
All the aforementioned leads me to the topic of most of my sermons involving use-of-force training: an officer should always be looking for cover. Officers must always ask themselves, “Where is my cover?” This concern must be a constant enterprise for officers, even when not responding to a call. Officers will survive a gunfight 95% of the time if they just use cover. Notwithstanding the limitations of use of cover when the assailant has a rifle, I will stick by the idea that cover is an officer’s best friend.
What is to be made of the fact that all but one of the assailants who killed law enforcement officers in ambush situations in 2009 had prior criminal records? What does this say about our judicial system? Are liberal judges who are too soft on violent criminals to blame? What about the judges who are simply extending professional courtesy to defense attorneys, using this practice to mitigate the sentence of a violent criminal? Do you know who these judges are? What about the prosecutors who make deals favorable to the defense over strong objections from law enforcement or families of victims; or even worse, not even advising these parties of deal negations?
Once convicted, why are these violent criminals running around loose? Is anyone supervising these convicted felons? In most states, probation and parole agencies are in shambles. (Once, while investigating a homicide case, I interviewed my suspect’s probation officer, and learned she had “socialized” with the suspect while he was one of her clients. The suspect had already served time in prison from another homicide conviction.) Are you aware that members of parole boards have immunity from lawsuit, even if they flood the street with felons who are known to be violent?
So, what can law enforcement officers do to prepare for ambush situations? I will offer these three suggestions:
1. Train under stress by engaging in scenario training. Training involving Simunitions is probably best. In Simunitions training, officers learn to keep fighting, even after taking rounds themselves. Training with paintball guns may be a possibility, if Simunitions training is not available. Training with a firearms simulator (e.g. FATS or VirTra systems) is credited with saving the lives of officers. Some of the video scenarios depict ambush situations. If agencies cannot afford, or otherwise do not have available to them, such training tools, then they can always use red guns and involve role players in creating stressful scenarios.
2. Officers must mentally prepare for an ambush. They must learn to use positive survival self-talk, especially if they are wounded. There are a lot of great role models out there who have survived critical incidents after suffering major wounds. Blood Lessons: What Cops Learn From Life-Or-Death Encounters, by Charles Remsberg, should be required reading.
3. Officers should take a course in medical self-help. Tactical Combat Casualty Care is a wonderful, potentially life-saving class.
All officers should add a tourniquet to their response gear. There are a number of such devices now available that can be administered with one hand, and therefore, could be used by a wounded officer.
* * *
Jerry Cooper is a law enforcement trainer who has been a continuously sworn law enforcement officer for more than 36 years. The majority of that time was spent with North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE). He currently serves as a reserve officer with the Cleveland, N.C. Police Department. Jerry’s training specialties include Subject Control & Arrest Techniques, FATS (firearms training simulator), and Anti-Terrorism. He earned a B.A. degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Education.
Jerry Cooper is the commander of the Writers’ Police Academy Violent Crimes Task Force, otherwise known as the academy FATS instructor.
*The article above was originally published on The Graveyard Shift in 2011 ~ Jerry Cooper, author
In just two short days, writers from all across the U.S. will put away their laptops and imaginations, and step into a weekend reality of handcuffs, gunfire, SWAT teams, sirens, barking dogs, and things going horribly wrong in a matter of seconds.
And that’s just the first hour…
See you Thursday. In the meantime, get plenty of rest. You’ll need it!
