Cops: damned if they do

The NYPD uses a tactic called “Broken Windows,” the aggressive cracking down on minor offenses which, in turn, creates a ripple effect that reduces the number of major crimes such as murder, robbery, and rape.

Since the tactic was utilized the city has seen a huge decrease in its crime rate. For example, according to the New York Times, homicides are down by 82%. The number of rapes dropped 77%. Robberies are down 84%.

In 1990 (prior to Broken Windows), New York City saw 2272 murders. In 2013 there were 335. To add a bit of perspective to those figures, the last year I served as a police detective, Richmond, Va. recorded 333 murders. The population of Richmond is just over 200,000. New York City…nearly 8.5 million. Yes, that’s 8.5 MILLION.

New York’s prison population has also decreased accordingly…by 28%, meaning that more people were released than were entering the system.

So the Broken Windows policy works, and it works well. As a result, NYC is the safest large city in the U.S.

So what’s the problem? Well, let’s again visit the New York Times (post the murders and violent attacks on police officers), a paper that only five short months ago published the initial Broken Windows article that basically touted its successes.

According to a NY Times article published one month apart from the one mentioned above, in spite of the enormous payoff many are adamant that Broken Windows unfairly targets people of color, and they’ve called for an end to it. Communities United For Police Reform director Joo-Hyun Kang was quoted saying, “The continuation of broken-windows policing will only deepen the divide between police and community.” This statement comes after the report that NYC is the safest city in the country.

I’m sorry that race and emotions have to enter the picture, but when crimes occur more often in some areas than it does in others, well, that’s where the cops are forced to focus their attentions. That’s how it works. Think rationally for a minute, please. Violent crime (hypothetically) occurs in one neighborhood every single night of the year, but you want police to stop going there and instead patrol over on the next block, where the crime rate stands at practically zero?

Suppose your job is to troubleshoot problematic ice cream freezers. So you drive to a nearby grocery store whose manager has complained about all sorts of trouble that’s wreaking havoc on all flavors in the box. It’s no secret that every brand and tasty treat is suffering because of those problems.

So you enter the store, totally aware that the frozen desserts are located on aisle 14, but you avoid 14 by repeatedly walking up and down aisle 9—birthday cards and scented candles—knowing full well you’ll never see a single spoonful of Rocky Road. It’s a fact that the troubles within the freezer will never be addressed by avoiding them. Not ever. Nor will they mend on their own. In fact, things will only grow worse without intervention. The same is true in areas where the majority of crimes take place.

Law enforcement cannot be proactive by avoiding areas where crimes frequently occur. Even reaction times can be slowed to a crawl when officers are forced to remain on the outside of known crime areas. After all, you can’t catch fish if you’re fishing in the middle of a parking lot.

Anyway, back to the New York Times…

NYT Headline today – When New York City Police Walk Off the Job

This headline falsely insinuates that officers are refusing to work and that’s not the case at all. Instead, they are erring on the side of caution by not placing themselves in situations where they could be attacked and/or killed. And their concern and fears are just, considering the recent murders, violent assaults, and ambush attempts of police officers across the country. NYC officers are simply not setting themselves up as targets by making arrests for minor offenses—basically, the very crimes that fall under the Broken Windows tactic/policy.

The article reports traffic citations are down by 94%, summonses for public drinking and urination are down 94 %, parking violations are down 92%, and drug arrests are down 84%.

Dangerous and deplorable are the reporter’s words to describe the lack of enforcement of petty and minor crimes.

The ill-informed author of the NYT article concludes with a demand for officers to “Do your jobs.”

But…when the police did their jobs the NY Times practically condemned and blasted them for doing it, even when the numbers showed a safer New York City. Now they’re angry because officers not doing what you wanted them to stop doing?

So which is it, New York Times? Should cops enforce the law, or not. Should they stay out of certain neighborhoods, or patrol them? Which do you want? A safe city, or a city where criminals, by intimidation, get to pick and choose which laws the cops are allowed to enforce?

Yeah, cops: damned if they do and damned if they don’t…

 

Christmas day with the Loflands

We have a standing Christmas Day tradition—a trip to the beach. So, after presents, a hearty breakfast, twice-checking whatever lists need to be examined, we head out for the coast (which coast, of course, depends upon where we may be living at the time). This year we’re back on the West Coast, and our 2014 beach du jour was Dillon Beach, a few minutes south of Bodega Bay. The journey to the sea was a very brief but scenic excursion through the winding roads and hills of wine country.

So, without further ado, this is the scenery in our neck of the woods. It wasn’t a white Christmas (I do not like snow), but it certainly was gorgeous.

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Hey, it’s not my “fault.”

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crop cows

Himalayan Cattle. Yes, those cows do indeed have bangs. A closer look and you’d swear, according to Denene, they look like Muppets.

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With Thanksgiving clearly out of the picture, this big guy (below) stepped out to great us as we drove into the seaside town of Dillon Beach.

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Denene, weary of all my stops to take photos, decided to take a photo of me taking a picture of the turkey.

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And then we arrived at the beach.

Ho, Ho, Ho!

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Here’s a quick video from the same location. Thought you might enjoy seeing and hearing the waves and sea breeze.

Friday's Heroes - Remembering the fallen officers

 

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Officer Rafael Ramos, 40

New York City Police Department

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Officer Wenjian Liu, 32

New York City Police Department

December 20, 2014 – Officer Wenjian Liu and Officer Rafael Ramos were shot and killed from ambush while sitting in their patrol car.

The man who murdered the two officers traveled to New York City with the intention of killing police officers.

Officer Ramos had served with the New York City Police Department for two years. He is survived by his wife and two sons. Officer Liu, a 7-1/2-year veteran of the NYPD, is survived by his wife of two months.

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Officer Charles Kondek, 45

Tarpon Springs Florida Police Department

December 21, 2014 – Officer Charles Kondek, a 17-year veteran, was shot and killed after responding to a noise complaint. The suspect, a man who had been was recently released from prison—a parolee—shot Officer Kondek as soon as he arrived. The shooter then drove over the officer’s body as he fled the scene.

Officer Kondek is survived by his wife and six children.

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Patrolman First Class Jamel Clagett, 30

Charles County Maryland Sheriff’s Office

December 21, 2014 – Patrolman First Class Jamel Clagett, a 10-year veteran, was killed in a vehicle crash while on his way home after working the overnight shift. Before heading home he’d gone out of his way to deliver breakfast to dispatchers, his final act of kindness to people he considered as part of his family.

Patrolman Clagett is survived by his mother, sister, and two brothers.

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Friday's Heroes - Remembering the fallen officers

 

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Officer Richard Anthony Champion, 36

Perryopolis Borough Pennsylvania Police Department

December 14, 2014 – Officer Richard Anthony Champion was killed in a vehicle crash during a pursuit. A car turned in front of Officer Champion’s patrol car causing a crash that set the police vehicle on fire. Officer Champion was trapped inside the burning car. Although several bystanders attempted to free the officer, their attempts were unsuccessful. The driver being pursued continued to flee and is still at large.

Officer Champion is survived by his wife and 16-month-old child.

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Deputy Sheriff John Robert Street, 24

George County Mississippi Sheriff’s Office

December 16, 2014 – Deputy John Robert Street was killed in a vehicle crash while responding to the scene of an accident. He was found during a search of the area after dispatchers and other deputies were unable to reach him by radio.

Deputy Street leaves behind his wife and two small children.

*     *     *

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Please remember to wear blue today in support for all police officers. Thank you’s are also very much appreciated.

But, but he was...unarmed

How much physical abuse, pain, bleeding, and/or threat to life must police officers endure before defending themselves? How about when the attacker/suspect/person resisting arrest is much stronger than the arresting officer? Does it matter that the suspect/attacker/person resisting arrest has no weapon other than his hands?

Well, cops quite often encounter suspects who are extremely strong, and many possess top-notch fighting skills.

Contrary to what many people believe, the average police officer is NOT trained to fight anyone. Their training is based on defending themselves and others, and to make arrests. A uniform does not provide extra strength, nor does it enhance an officer’s ability to fight. Instead, it’s merely a fancy place to hang a badge, patches, and a couple of ink pens.

A portion of an officers job is to arrest and to restrain criminal suspects. However, when those suspects become violent and the officer’s defensive tactics training is failing against the larger, stronger, and/or skilled fighter, well, officers must resort to a means—an elevated use of force—that will enable them to take the suspect into custody. And, if the encounter reaches the level where the suspect’s actions threaten the life of the officer, the officer must defend himself with whatever means is available, including the use of deadly force.

Please take the time to seriously consider this scenario.

You’re an officer who responds to a rape call where the suspect attacks you and/or he physically resists arrest. What would you do? Keep in mind that more often than not, these situations erupt suddenly, as you’ll see in the videos below. You’ll also see there’s no time to grab the pepper spray or TASER.

So, do you stand there and beg little Junior to stop punching you in the head with his ham-size fists? Would you turn and run, allowing Junior to continue raping innocent women? Would you sprint back to your police car to lock the door and sit shivering and shaking and crying until someone arrives to help you? Or would you do your job, no matter how unpleasant it may be?

Let’s take this one step further. What if the rapist decided to brutally attack you, the police officer. And suppose that suspect was someone as skilled in fighting techniques as this guy…

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How much damage to your body could someone like him inflict before you decided to defend your life with whatever means it took to survive? Think someone as skilled as Bruce Lee couldn’t kill you with his bare hands and/or feet?

Yes, cops run up against many, many bad guys who’s strength and fighting skills match or exceed those possessed by the “Bruce Lee’s” of the world. Again, there are many.

Okay, not buying the martial arts aspect? Then suppose the suspect you’re there to arrest is someone like this guy…

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Think you alone could get the cuffs on those wrists if he didn’t want them there? How badly could he hurt you if he pounded those fists against your head?

And, of course, there are always the natural powerhouses out there who could practically rip the doors from your patrol car. For example, strongmen like Lee Haney, and I have run into many “Lee Haney’s” in the streets.

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In fact, it was Lee Haney who brought me to my senses, convincing me that strength training is a must if your job involves arresting people who don’t want to be arrested. So I worked and worked and worked until I was bench-pressing a little under 400lbs (along with all the other goodies—curls, triceps work, legs, back, etc.). That, combined with my background in martial arts, helped me get through some pretty tough situations. However, there’s always somebody bigger and stronger. ALWAYS.

I ask you to watch these brief videos so you can see for yourself what can and often does happen when officers encounter “unarmed” criminals who do not want to go to jail for their crimes.

Please remember that not having a firearm or knife in your possession does not mean you can’t kill someone, even with your bare hands. And, by the way, it is not a cop’s job to take a beating, or to die for you. Even though many will, and have done so in the past.

*I am not pushing an agenda with post. Instead, I’m offering the article to show what officers could and do face during the course of their everyday duties. To assume anything else is totally incorrect. Remember, the purpose of this blog it present facts for writers, and for anyone else who wants to learn.

A call for dead cops

I have a real problem understanding how rioting, burning, looting, assaults, threats, beatings, vandalism, destruction of property, etc., are considered means of peaceful protests. They’re not. Far from it, actually.

But I do, even though I’m mostly white, understand racism. No, not because my mother’s side of the family has deep Native American roots. Nor is my understanding because other family members owned a house that Harriott Tubman used as part of the Underground Railroad, helping people escape slavery (something, by the way, I had absolutely nothing to do with, ever).

Yes, I remember the signs above business doors—“White Only” at the front entrances, and “Coloreds Only” above side or rear entrances. The same was so at a local movie theater. Main Floor – Whites Only

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And let’s not forget the segregated drinking fountains with signs above to direct “Coloreds” to the typical not-so-clean fountain that was often in disrepair. The doctors’ offices with separate waiting rooms. Restaurants that wouldn’t serve “the darkies.”

And then came the integration of schools. The South went nuts, with many white parents sending their kids to private schools to avoid having their children associating with black children. Yet, many of those parents employed black maids who cooked, cleaned, ironed, and raised the white children until they went to school. Now that’s a head-scratcher if ever there was one.

I was born in the North, having moved to the South with my parents (job transfer) when I was young. What a culture shock that was, especially seeing the rising flames and smoke in the distance from the Friday night cross-burnings in the field behind the old drive-in movie theater. I had no idea what that was all about at the time because way up north that just didn’t happen. At least not that I’d seen.

I sometimes caught glimpses of those white sheets and hoods. In fact, I once saw a man remove his hood to speak with a friend…in public, smack dab on the sidewalk in the city. I would see him again many years later, and I was shocked to learn that he held a job of great importance.

I get it. This was horrible. I despised it as a child and I despise it now.

But back to my understanding of racism. You see, it’s a two-way street. I’m hated, yes hated, merely because of the color of my skin, and because of the uniform I once wore.

So these next words are to those people who hate me for what I am.

You may not know me, but I’ve been to your house to stop your nephews, nieces, husbands, wives, friends, lovers, neighbors, and children from killing you and your family.

I pulled you from a burning house while you were too high to get out on your own.

When you overdosed on cocaine and alcohol, I placed my lips on yours to give you the breath that allowed you to live another day.

I bought Christmas presents for your kids because you didn’t have a dime to your name, even though I was struggling financially as a single parent.

I helped you find a job so you could stop selling crack cocaine as a means to feed your kids.

I brought groceries for you when your cabinets were bare.

I bought kerosene for your heaters when you were cold.

I stopped gang members from abusing the elderly on your street.

When it was raining, I gave you a ride to the store, or to work.

I got your kid into rehab when you did nothing to help.

When the school year rolled around I bought your kids pencils, paper, books, lunch boxes, and even clothing and shoes, because you spent your money on drugs, alcohol, and prostitutes.

I gave up my hard-earned money (I worked three jobs at once) so your kid could go on a school trip with her friends, a group that included my daughter.

You and your kids have been welcome in my home.

I stepped between you and a knife-wielding attacker. I bled. You did not.

Still, I’ve been stabbed, by you, while you spit at me and called me a “white mother f****r. Your wives, mothers, and girlfriends have spit on me. You’ve punched me, kicked me, slapped me, and bit me. You and your kids have shot at me. You even shot through a window in my home, endangering my family.

I tracked down the men and women (of all races) who killed your children (of all races), and I sometimes took a beating while arresting them. Yet, you call me a racist? Me, the officer who’s been stabbed, beaten, cut, punched, slapped, kicked, spit on, and shot at…by people of all races?

But I was still there, wasn’t I? Day in and day out, working through it all to protect you and your property. And you’re angry at me? Me?

But you were my friend when your friends weren’t around. And you never hesitated to call on me when you needed me or something I had. You knew that if you were hungry you could show up at my doorstep, or stop me when I passed through your neighborhood, and I would feed you, or slip you a few dollars so you could feed your hungry kids.

Again, I get it. You’re still being treated unfairly in too many instances. And that needs to change. It really does.

But this…to march down the street destroying property, attacking police officers simply because they’re police officers, especially white police officers, is wrong, my friends. Do the protestors not understand that this is simply another form of racism/discrimination?

And to see hundreds of people marching while chanting, “What do we want? Dead Cops.” Followed by, “When do we want it? Now?

Well, that’s no different than burning cross in someone’s front yard, or draping a rope across a big, fat tree limb. No different at all. Don’t you see that?

By the way, this chanting about wanting dead cops took place during Sharpton’s organized, “peaceful” march where police officers were attacked and beaten. Remember, Sharpton is an adviser on race relations to the president of the United States.

 

 

This post is solely an opinion based on my own experiences, and it does not reflect the views of anyone other than me. So NO cop-bashing, kill whitey, etc. I will delete those comments. However, an honest, thoughtful DISCUSSION is welcome.

 *One final thought, and this is in case some are not aware that police officers have absolutely nothing to do with a Grand Jury decision.

Law enforcement officers do not have even a tiny speck of control over what the Grand Jury does or how they reach their conclusion(s), which, by the way, is based on FACT, not emotion. So to fault every cop in the country for a decision reached by your very own friends, family, and/or neighbors is blame misplaced. After all, it is they, the Grand Jury, who choose to indict, or not. Not the police.

Friday's Heroes - Remembering the fallen officers

 

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Officer Ernest Montoya, 54

Navajo Tribal Police – Division of Public Safety

November 30, 2014 – Officer Ernest Montoya suffered a fatal heart attack while transporting a prisoner to jail. He’d arrested the suspect moments earlier.

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Deputy Sheriff Grant William Whitaker, 25

Ingham County Michigan Sheriff’s Office

December 7, 2014 – Deputy Sheriff Grant William Whitaker was killed in a vehicle crash during a pursuit. The driver of the vehicle he was pursuing continued to flee.

Breaking News: Our new home

 

Breaking News!

APPLETON, Wisconsin—The National Criminal Justice Training Center (NCJTC)/Public Safety Training Center at Fox Valley Technical College is the new location for the Writers’ Police Academy! We are extremely pleased, honored, and excited about the move.

Here’s a little about the state of the art facility, which, by the way, is brand new! And, of course, this means we’ll be offering even more hands-on workshops, sessions, and live-action scenarios than ever before. This is a one of a kind opportunity for writers.

Dates for the 2015 WPA will be announced soon. In the meantime, you may want to consider marking August 20 – 23rd on your calendars. Yes, that’s a big hint. But DO NOT make travel/flight plans until we set those dates in stone (we’re 99% sure, though).

*Registration for the 2015 Writers’ Police Academy will open in early 2015, and we fully expect the event to sell out quickly. Watch this site closely for details.

“As always, Sisters in Crime is offering a special deal for their members – old and new. And they’ve got a sweet something-extra in store for you if you’re a WPA newbie.”

So, welcome to the new home of the WPA – The National Criminal Justice Training Center (NCJTC)/Public Safety Training Center at Fox Valley Technical College.

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Classroom/Tactical Lab Building

This 96,000 square-foot building houses classrooms, a well-equipped forensic laboratory, two 25-yard indoor firing ranges, defensive tactics and fitness rooms, a jail training area, indoor technical rescue training area, and a 6-bay apparatus room, as well as staff offices. Other spaces include a conference room, break area, and a large parking lot.

Classrooms

The building has fifteen standard smart classrooms. Seven rooms have a capacity of 24 students and the remaining eight can hold up to 40. A computer lab containing 40 work stations can be separated into two. Adjoining the computer lab is space for a future telecommunications training area. A large multipurpose room can hold 224 people. This room can be split into two, with a movable partition wall. An adjacent catering kitchen can serve meals in the multipurpose room (in either configuration).

Forensic Laboratory

The forensic laboratory is a complete lab with all appropriate equipment for forensic analysis, including fume hoods. The college owns a variety of state-of-the art forensic equipment, including a Leica ScanStation C10 3-D laser scanner.

Firing Ranges (Indoor)

Two ten-lane indoor firing ranges are located at the PSTC. Each indoor range is 75 feet long, and can handle any standard pistol round, as well as .223 and 308 caliber ammunition. Each range is fully baffled, allowing the shooters to move up and down the range rather than being limited to a fixed firing line. Large side doors allow for bringing a vehicle into the range for training. Both ranges have programmable turning target systems. Each range has a control room, and the two ranges are served by a twenty-position weapons cleaning room, an armorer’s room, and secure storage for weapons and ammunition.

Defensive Tactics and Fitness Area

Two 1,600 square-foot defensive and arrest tactics (DAAT) rooms are coupled by a common DAAT equipment storage area. An additional 1,500 square-foot fitness room contains various weight machines and cardio equipment. Men’s and women’s locker and showering facilities adjoin the fitness facility, and are located just down the hall from the DAAT rooms.

Jail Training Area

The jail training area includes a sally port with observation window, booking counter, cells, interrogation room, and an interview room.

Fire Training Area

The fire training area within the PSTC building includes a 6-bay apparatus room for storage of fire engines, ladder trucks, technical rescue vehicles, wildland firefighting vehicles and equipment, an ambulance, and other apparatus as needed. The area houses the Candidate Physical Ability Testing (CPAT) equipment, which is used for testing firefighter candidates.

The facility has a fully functional sprinkler systems lab, which is independent from the actual building system. The sprinkler lab has multiple risers, the most common alarm and detection system equipment, and a fully functional sprinkler head which can be activated behind a glass wall.

The fire area includes storage lockers and racks for firefighting personal protective equipment, an air compressor-supplied cascade system for filling self-contained breathing apparatus, and a cleaning room. Firefighter survival training venues like the Denver Drill and rope and ladders bails have been built into the structure. Additionally, indoor facilities support technician level confined-space, operations level trench rescue, and technician level rope recue training, which is supported by a 32-foot high indoor rappelling and ascending platform.

Offices

The administrative area of the building contains a reception area, two large conference rooms, thirteen offices for full- and part-time staff, a work room and storage room, and nine cubicles for support staff personnel. Additionally, there are twelve workstation for adjunct staff including an area for collaboration and a faculty break room.

Outdoor Training Grounds

Firing Ranges (Outdoor)

The PSTC boasts four outdoor firing ranges. Completely enclosed with precast concrete panels and overhead baffles to prevent escaping rounds, each range can accommodate six shooters on the line and can handle any standard pistol round, as well as .223 and 308 caliber ammunition. The two 50 yard ranges are fully baffled, allowing the shooters to move up and down range rather than being limited to a fixed firing line. Large side doors allow for bringing a vehicle into the range for training. The 100-yard and 300-yard ranges range allow medium and long-range rifle training from a fixed shooting position. The 300-yard range has a five-foot tall sniper platform. All ranges have programmable turning target systems, and the 50-yard ranges have programmable “running man” target systems.

Emergency Vehicle Operations Course

The emergency Vehicle Operations Course consist of three major elements:

– Pursuit track measuring approximately 5/8 of a mile

– Skid pad roughly 350’ X 600’ with an irrigation system to flood it

– Skills pad for training maneuvers such as the serpentine, straight line backing, etc.,

The skills pad measures 350’ X 600’ and is rated for a 120,000 lb. vehicle.

The track includes corner/smooth curve options, divided highway, simulated construction

area, recovery zone, and a staging area. The course is designed to teach safe driving and maneuvering of police, fire, and emergency medical vehicles, emergency maneuvers, skids and off-road recovery, pursuit driving and other standard operations. It will be used to teach emergency stopping techniques such as Pursuit Immobilization Technique (PIT), deploying “stop sticks,” and setting up road blocks.

“River City” Simulated Village

The simulated village contains streets, intersections, and residential and commercial buildings. Current buildings include a one-story residence with a full basement, a two-story residence, a branch bank, a hotel/motel and bar, and a gas station. Additional buildings will be constructed in the coming years.

These structures can be used by fire, law enforcement, hazardous materials, and emergency medical agencies for simulated incidents. They are the perfect venue for crime scene investigations of a staged incident, search and rescue for firefighters, and

medical emergencies. Note that the village can be used by multiple agencies and multiple discipline simultaneously. For example, one structure could be used by a training group for clearing the building, EMS could respond to a medical incident occurring at the bank, another group could be making a vehicle contact, while an OWI simulation takes place down the street, and a staged meth lab or growing operation can be processed by investigators.

Decommissioned 727Aircraft

The Boeing 727 airplane offers an array of training opportunities. With a passenger-style configuration in the front half and a cargo configuration in the back, the airplane can support air marshal, firefighter, emergency medical, and K9 training. The non-burnable training venue can be used by airport rescue firefighting (ARFF) vehicles to practice tactical approaches and water and foam application. (Future plans include building an FAA-approved live-burn ARFF simulator.)

Forcible Entry House

At nearly 5,000 square feet, this structure offers a challenging array of rooms and hallways. Coupled with windows and doors that can be breached, multiple entry points, and the ability to use Simunition weapons and flash bangs, along with simulated smoke conditions, this structure has endless potential for all levels of tactical training.

Train Derailment

On the outskirts of the simulated village is a train derailment prop consisting of 150 foot of track, a railroad crossing, and three general service tank cars. One of the tank cars sits upright while the remaining two are configured as they might be found during an actual incident. The cars will be piped to leak water and high pressure air, simulating a hazardous material release. Space is available for additional track and cars, and this prop can be piped for propane to allow live-burn training.

Fire Training Burn Building/Tower

A variety of firefighting and law enforcement activities can take place in the fire training burn building and attached six-story tower. This venue presents several elevations, including a two-story apartment building, a two-story residential home with attached garage, a commercial structure with a flat roof and parapet, and a six-story apartment building. Eight burnable rooms are scattered throughout the structure, including three in the tower portion and a garage with a vehicle inside. A self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) confidence maze is located in the attic; other venues include multiple hallways and doors, large area search area, an operating sprinkler and standpipe system, a six-story elevator shaft with an elevator stuck between floors, and multiple roof ventilation access ports. The facility also incorporates forcible entry doors, a simulated

smoke distribution system, and technical rescue venues.

Technical Rescue

In addition to the indoor Fire Training Area, the PSTC has multiple outdoor locations for

technical rescue training. Many of the firefighting training venues are designed with technical rescue needs in mind. For example, the fire training burn building has multiple anchors set into the floors and ceiling, with self-closing gates and protective stanchions near the rappelling openings. A specific area was designed to support building a high-line. Multiple technicalrescue-specific venues support low-angle and high-angle rope work. A confined space simulator contains approximately 400 feet of piping of various sizes and allows for horizontal, diagonal, and vertical entries or retrievals. A concrete trench rescue venue supports straight, normal operating pressures and contain several built-in wall and lip “failures.”

Flashover Training Container

The flashover simulator consists of two all-metal shipping containers, one being the burn

module and the other an observation module. The flashover simulator teaches firefighters to recognize the warning signs of an impending flashover and understand the limits of their personal protective gear.

Ventilation Training

Roof ventilation techniques can be honed using four simulated roofs at various pitches. A 5:12 pitched roof 18 inches off the ground meets State of Wisconsin Firefighter I Certification requirements. Two other pitched roofs, a 5:12 and 8:12, are situated with the eave a minimum of six feet above ground. The fourth prop is a flat roof 14 feet tall with a four-foot parapet wall.

Each opportunity has one or more cutouts which can hold a standard pallet, allowing repeated ventilation training. Instructors can observe and give directions from an observation deck.

Fire Investigation Burn Pods

Fire investigation training is taken to the next level with the ability to perform an actual investigation as part of the course. Two pods, each containing two 12’ X 12’ rooms can be built out to mimic any type of room (bedroom, living room, etc.). In one of the two pods, a doorway connects the two rooms, allowing an excellent opportunity to show fire transfer though conduction, convection, or other means.

Class B Fueled Training Field

The Class B fueled training area incorporates both propane and natural gas. Repeated fire extinguishment scenarios can be performed on the propane fuel car, forklift, flammable liquids cabinet, industrial pallet racking, and natural-gas-fueled residential and industrial gas meters.

Drafting Pond / Water Rescue

This training venue is 240’ X 300’ and twenty feet deep. A total of five dry hydrants located on two sides of the pond allow motor pump operator training. A boat landing allows for easy access onto the surface of the water. Divers can practice rescue and recovery techniques using the two 20’ X 20’ platforms at the bottom of the pond, one containing a car and the other a future location for a small plane. The venue is a perfect location for water rescue, ice water rescue, both surface and below, along with shore attendant training. It also lends itself to practicing booming to contain a hazardous materials spill.

*Please DO NOT contact FVTC directly. Any questions, concerns, thoughts, suggestions, ideas, etc., regarding the Writers’ Police Academy should be sent or directed to Lee Lofland @ lofland32@msn.com.

REMEMBER, there’s only ONE Writers’ Police Academy. If you don’t see our logo or my name attached, well, you’re simply in the wrong place.

*We are actively seeking volunteers in the Wisconsin area. If you are interested in becoming a WPA team member please contact me at lofland32@msn.com. We need assistance with registration, raffle and auction, name tags, event bags, room monitors, event program, sponsors and advertisements, etc.

Castle: Bad Santa

“Solving crimes and catching killers, just like Castle’s famous thrillers.” ~ Beckett

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Melanie Atkins

I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect after seeing promos for this episode. Bad Santa? A mob connection? Rick and Kate visiting a strip club in search of answers? Turned out I had nothing to worry about — and the strip club scene didn’t last too long. I loved the episode, even though I knew a big plot twist that would change the trajectory of the show for a while lurked at the end. The plot twist still took me by surprise.

The first scene with Kate, Martha, and Alexis at the loft made me giggle, mainly because of Kate’s incredulousness at Rick’s expectations about everybody coming up with a six-line holiday rhyme about the past year. Too funny. I especially loved Martha’s line, “Welcome to the family.” Oh, yeah. No telling what other odd Castle family traditions Kate has yet to unearth. I don’t see how life with Rick could ever be boring. Annoying at times, yes… but never boring.

The case of the man found murdered in a holiday display window moved along at a fast clip, with a lot of quirky turns that included Santa with a gun, a Romeo and Juliet-type love story, and enough lies to befuddle a saint. I wasn’t thrilled with the mob theme, but went along for the ride just for fun. Rick’s close involvement with the mob, mainly one mobster in particular, bothered me, however. Turned out it was for good reason, because once the DA got wind of Rick’s relationship with the mob boss, the world as we know it turned on its ear. Didn’t matter that he had helped to solve the case. A blood oath is a blood oath, apparently. Can’t jump in bed with mobsters and come out clean.

Spoiler alert! Stop reading if you haven’t seen the episode. If you have, you know I’m referring to the DA’s knee jerk reaction to Rick’s confluence with the mob. Unfortunately for him, the mayor agrees, and Captain Gates tells Rick he can longer work with the NYPD. This means he is no longer allowed to tag along with Kate. He doesn’t quite know how to tell her, especially in light of the cute little rhyming ditty she came up with for her holiday poem, and I’m sure she’ll be devastated… at least until the new twist promised in the January promo comes about. If you hung around long enough to find out what’s going to happen next, you know what I mean.

Rick as a licensed private investigator? Tee hee! What a great idea. I laughed out loud at that one. Looks like a fun episode. Can’t wait. I have it on good authority that he will eventually be allowed to return to the Twelfth, but not right away. I love the way the writers keep moving the story forward, keeping it fresh, while respecting story continuity (for the most part) and sticking with canon. I love this show.

Merry Christmas! Enjoy the hiatus. Castle returns to ABC on Monday, January 12th at the usual place/time.

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Lee Lofland

This episode left me nearly speechless, simply because there weren’t too many flaws in the procedure and other cop-type stuff.  So I had very little to do other than watch the show.

Of course, Lanie was still Lanie, but not quite as voodooish. Showing the personal side of her character this week was a nice touch, actually. The actor seems so much more open and comfortable when she’s not in her M.E. role, where she’s stiff and unnatural, much like the dead folks who hang out in her morgue.

The major faux pas this week, though, was how easily Beckett and crew located evidence at the crime scene—the bloody bracelet and a completely intact bullet embedded in concrete.

Speaking of that unspoiled round, here’s a photo I took at a firing range to show what really happens when bullets strike hard surfaces head-on.

So that’s it in a nutshell. If I had to assign a grade to this episode, well, it was just middle of the road for me…a C.

Add that to Melanie’s “A” and the show gets a B.