Street Cop Training is under fire for offensive tactics and unconstitutional practices

In a recent report, the New Jersey Office of the State Comptroller launched an indictment of Street Cop Training, a private organization offering police training programs. The report paints a concerning picture of a training environment permeated by offensive behavior, discriminatory rhetoric, and the promotion of tactics that could undermine constitutional rights and exacerbate police-community relations.

The report details numerous instances of offensive and discriminatory language used by Street Cop instructors. Trainers allegedly made derogatory remarks towards women, people of color, and other marginalized groups, fostering a hostile and exclusionary atmosphere. This not only raises concerns about professionalism and ethical conduct but also suggests a training culture that could contribute to biased policing practices.

The most alarming aspect of the report is the revelation that Street Cop may be instructing officers in tactics that violate constitutional rights. The report cites instances where instructors encouraged insubordination, endorsed questionable traffic stop practices, and promoted techniques that could lead to unlawful and discriminatory law enforcement actions. This has sparked outrage and concerns about the potential consequences for both officers and the communities they serve.

The New Jersey report has triggered a wave of public criticism. The organization has faced intense pressure from the public and advocacy groups demanding accountability and reform.

Street Cop has of course denied the allegations in the report. They claim the report is based on misrepresentations and exaggerations and maintain that their training programs are ethical and compliant with all legal requirements. 

My former employer, Washington County Sheriff's Office, may no longer support sending deputies to their training sessions. That's what my former sergeant, who has long been skeptical of their training, told me recently.

For my part, I've found the organization courses expensive and prefer my $100/year Police One Academy subscription instead of a 300 to $500 single course. I do like, however, to listen to their podcast. 

Wasting no time, I'm signing up for grad-level courses

 Almost three weeks after starting at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) as a police officer, I'm signing up for classes for a master's degree in criminal justice management.  This decision was not only driven by my lifelong passion for furthering my education but also by the unique opportunity to enroll tuition-free as a state employee. Additionally, this benefit extends to my children, ensuring that they have access to higher education.

I've chosen to pursue my master's degree through the University of Maryland Global Campus, renowned for its extensive online programs catering to a global audience. The flexibility of online learning will allow me to seamlessly integrate my studies into my demanding work schedule. I'm particularly excited about the prospect of earning a master's degree without incurring significant financial burden. While the application fee and other associated costs are not waived, the overall savings are substantial.

I elected to pursue a degree in criminal justice management because I would like to lead and make it easy for me to promote to a supervisory role, such as a sergeant or lieutenant with my current department.

I'm ready to be very busy next year as I anticipate to start in January 2024. I'll do my best to complete the program within two years amid overtime assignments I plan on picking up as well.

Police corruption in Berkeley County, WV

In a recent news article, it was reported that a petition has been filed to remove the sheriff of Berkeley County, West Virginia from office. The sheriff, Nathan Harmon , whom I voted for, is accused of misusing public funds and property, obstructing justice, and pressuring witnesses. The petition was filed by the Berkeley County prosecutor and county commissioners.

This is not the first time that a sheriff has been accused of corruption. In fact, there have been a number of high-profile cases in recent years. For example, in June 2023, two lawyers pleaded guilty to conspiracy stemming from efforts to get the former sheriff of Milwaukee County, David Clarke, to run for US Senate back in 2017. In 2018, the sheriff of Los Angeles County, California, Lee Baca, was indicted on charges of corruption and obstruction of justice. More recently, Sheriff Charles Jenkins of Frederick County, Maryland, was indicted with weapon charges related to alleged backdoor dealings with a private firearms business.

Police corruption is a serious problem that can have a devastating impact on communities. When law enforcement officers abuse their power, it can lead to a loss of trust in the police, an increase in crime, and a decline in public safety.

Berkeley County where I reside is located in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, in the United States. It is the second-most populous county in the state, with a population of 126,069 as of 2021. The county seat is Martinsburg. Its Sheriff's Office has improved operations under Sheriff Harmon despite the scandal he's involved in. Deputies drive better cars and the agency has a special unit to help combat the drug epidemic in the county.

I'll be curious to see where this goes: will Sheriff Harmon, a former West Virginia state trooper, keep his job, or will he be ousted. 

Sworn-in at UMBC with an unexpected big raise on the side

The excitement and anticipation I felt on my swearing-in ceremony on Friday, November 17, 2023, were palpable. It was a momentous occasion, marking the official beginning of my career as a police officer first class with the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) Police Department.

As I embarked on this new chapter, I was filled with gratitude for the opportunity to serve the Catonsville community and make a positive impact. However, amidst the thrill of starting anew, there was also a lingering concern about financial stability, especially given the rising cost of living and my hour+ long commute to work.

To my immense delight, I received news of a significant pay bump, effective next month. To be clear, this wasn't a total surprise. I was aware there were ongoing negotiations to increase my pay as that was communicated to me prior to my hiring. The surprise was the increase amount. My salary, which was initially set at $57,000 per year, was increased to a figure that has significantly improved my financial outlook, allowing me to focus on my new role without worrying about financial strain.

This pay bump was not just a personal victory; it was a testament to UMBC Police Department's commitment to valuing its officers and ensuring their financial well-being. This gesture of appreciation served as a powerful motivator, further fueling my determination to excel in my role and contribute meaningfully to the department.

I was not the only officer to receive a raise. Several of my colleagues also experienced a similar increase in their compensation, highlighting the department's commitment to fair and equitable compensation practices. This collective pay bump boosted morale within the department, creating a sense of camaraderie and shared success.

As a newly sworn-in police officer, receiving a pay bump right after my swearing-in ceremony was an unexpected and incredibly rewarding experience. It not only alleviated my financial concerns but also served as a powerful affirmation of UMBC Police Department's commitment to its officers.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve the Catonsville community, particularly the UMBC campus, and the support I have thus far received from my colleagues and the UMBC Police Department. I am eager to continue learning, growing, and making a positive impact in my new role.

Photo credit: Major Dan Sexton/UMBC Police.

Photo caption: Me getting sworn-in by Chief Bruce Perry on Friday, November 17, 2023 at UMBC Police headquarters in Catonsville, Maryland.

Officer Coly leaves Washington County with a past he can't forget

As the sun begins to rise over the horizon, casting a warm glow over the Hagerstown Community College (HCC) campus, I reflect on my last day as a member of the campus police force. A bittersweet emotion fills my heart, a mixture of pride for the 1.7 years of service I had on this 319 acres rural small campus, and a tinge of sadness as I prepare to embark on a new chapter in my life.

The day unfolds with me patrolling the near-empty campus grounds on this Saturday morning, passing one of many HCC deer on Scholar Drive, but quickly return to the office as I try to avoid a last-minute police scandal that could delay my start date with the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) Police Department. Around 0830 hours, a professor at one of the buildings calls me to unlock her classroom. Easy enough.

This week, I engaged in friendly conversations with staff, offered a listening ear and a helping hand whenever needed as I announced my departure to college departments I regularly interacted with.

As the afternoon progresses, I find myself retreating to the police department offices in a lonely shift as the radio scanner keeps going with calls elsewhere in Washington County. Computer Aided Dispatch is down, a dispatcher announces over the air. So is Police Mobile that all law enforcement officers use to conduct police business.

The final hours of the day pass with no police activity for me. As I make a second round of patrol checks, I stop by the Kepler Theater and interact with a couple of staff members working a rehearsal for an upcoming play. One of them ask me if we could provide security because the play deals with Jews and anti-Semitism, and the current war between Israel and Palestine is on everyone's mind.

Towards the end of my shift, around 1500 hours, my supervisor, Lieutenant Murray, comes in to collect the rest of my equipment: my firearm, my vest, my duty belt and other accessories.

As the shift ends, I stand at the entrance to the police department offices with hallway security cameras rolling. Having no badge to flash or blue card, I'm technically no longer a law enforcement officer for the time being until new credentials are issued to me by UMBC Police. I take a deep breath, then slowly walk away from room 115 with my now former lieutenant, heading to the exit of the Learning Resources Center building. This place has been my second chance at a law enforcement career since May 2022 -- when so many others rejected my applications -- after such career came to an abrupt end with the Washington County Sheriff's Office in April 2021. I was involuntarily transferred to its Detention Division after a lackluster performance in the Patrol Division. I will always remember this ordeal as it happened just prior to me facing another challenge: a very difficult divorce that would eventually bankrupt me, forcing me to sell my house and one of my cars.

With a final glance at the campus that has been my second home, even if briefly, I walk away, my footsteps echoing in the quiet afternoon air. I carry with me a trove of memories, each one a testament to the small impact I have made on this campus during my career stint.

As I drive away, I start feeling a profound sense of gratitude. I am grateful for the opportunity to have served my community, for the friendships I have forged, and for the lessons I have learned. Washington County and HCC have had some challenges for me. But I look forward to the new adventures that await me in Baltimore County, I know that the indelible mark I have left at HCC will forever be etched in my heart. 

Photo caption: my equipment and uniforms laying in the conference room table at HCC Police offices. 

UMBC-bound

I was recently hired by the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) as a Police Officer II, despite receiving a rejection from the Prince George's County Sheriff's Office (PGSO). This was a difficult experience because I gave it my best with PGSO, but I am grateful for the opportunity to work at such a prestigious educational institution.

Starting a new job is always an exciting time, and I am especially looking forward to starting at the UMBC Police Department. The university is known for its academic excellence and its commitment to diversity and inclusion. I am confident that I will find many opportunities to learn and grow.

In my new role as a police officer, I will have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of students, faculty, staff and visitors by keeping them safe in an educational environment. I am also excited to collaborate with other talented and dedicated fellow police officers, many of them with backgrounds from the Baltimore Police Department and Baltimore School Police Department.

While I was disappointed to be rejected by PGSO, I am now grateful for the opportunity to work for the UMBC Police Department. I believe that this is a better fit for my skills and interests, and I am excited to start this new chapter in my career. A huge benefit I'm excited about is potentially getting my master's degree for free and having my kids enrolled in college for free as well.

I start later this month.

Paris sous les bombes: France is having its George Floyd moment

France has been rocked by a wave of protests since June 27, 2023, following the shooting of a 17-year-old youth, Nahel Merzouk, by police near Paris. It feels like Paris, the capital, is sous les bombes (under bomb attacks), a reference to old school French rap group NTM's album of the same name. The protests have been largely peaceful, but there have been some instances of violence, including the burning of cars and buildings.

The protests have been sparked by anger over police violence and discrimination against people of color in France. Nahel Merzouk's death has also tapped into a wider sense of frustration among young people in France, especially those with immigration background.

Demonstrators running as French police officers use tear gas in Paris on Sunday, July 2, 2023. Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

The protests have been met with a mixed response from the French government. President Emmanuel Macron has condemned the violence, but he has also said that he understands the protesters' anger. The government has also announced a number of measures to address police violence, including the creation of a new independent body to investigate allegations of police misconduct.

The protests are still ongoing as of this weekend, and it is unclear how they will be resolved. However, they have already had a significant impact on French society, and they are likely to continue to be a source of tension in the months to come.

Additional details about the protests as I know them from reading French media:

* The protests have been largely concentrated in the suburbs of Paris and other major cities.

* The protesters have been calling for an end to police violence, an independent investigation into Nahel Merzouk's death, and more opportunities for young people in France.

* The French government has deployed thousands of police officers to try to contain the protests.

* The protests have caused millions of euros in damage to property.

* There have been some reports of injuries to protesters and police officers.

The protests in France are a reminder of the deep-seated problems of police violence and discrimination in the country, mirroring the United States 2020 George Floyd 's protests. It remains to be seen how the government will address these issues, but the protests have already had a significant impact on French society.

Sheriff Jenkins federal indictment

Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins was indicted by a federal grand jury on five counts of conspiracy and making false statements on April 7, 2023. The indictment alleges that Jenkins and a gun dealer, Robert Justin Krop, conspired to provide false documentation to the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to acquire machine guns that were later rented out to patrons of the gun range.

Jenkins has pleaded not guilty to the charges. He is currently on leave from his position as sheriff. A trial is scheduled to begin in January 2024.

The indictment alleges that Jenkins and Krop conspired to acquire machine guns by submitting false paperwork to the ATF. The paperwork claimed that the machine guns were being acquired for the purpose of training law enforcement officers, when in fact they were being rented out to customers at the gun range.

The indictment also alleges that Jenkins and Krop made false statements to the ATF about the ownership of the machine guns. The men claimed that the machine guns were owned by the sheriff's office, when in fact they were owned by Krop.

If convicted, Jenkins faces up to 20 years in prison on each count of conspiracy and making false statements.

Photo credit: Facebook/Sheriff Jenkins 

How can AI help police departments in the United States

 Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform many industries, including law enforcement. In recent years, police departments in the United States have been exploring the use of AI to help them carry out their duties more effectively and efficiently. In this essay, we will discuss some ways that AI can help police departments in the United States.

One of the most significant ways AI can help police departments is by improving their ability to analyze data. Police departments generate vast amounts of data every day, from crime reports to surveillance footage. By using AI algorithms, police departments can process this data much more quickly and accurately than humans can. AI can help identify patterns in crime data, predict where crimes are likely to occur, and even identify potential suspects based on their behavior patterns.

Another way AI can assist police departments is through the use of facial recognition technology. This technology can analyze CCTV footage and match faces to a database of known criminals or suspects. This can help police departments track down individuals who are wanted for crimes, as well as identify potential witnesses to crimes.

AI can also assist police departments in their efforts to prevent crime. By analyzing data on crime patterns and trends, AI can help police departments identify high-risk areas and take preventive measures to deter criminal activity. For example, AI can analyze data on previous break-ins to identify common entry points and methods, which can then be used to secure those areas and prevent future break-ins.

Another potential application of AI in law enforcement is the use of predictive policing. By analyzing data on crime patterns and trends, AI can help police departments identify areas that are at high risk of criminal activity. This information can be used to deploy officers to those areas proactively and prevent crimes before they occur.

Despite the potential benefits of AI in law enforcement, there are also concerns about privacy and bias. Some worry that the use of facial recognition technology could lead to false identifications, while others are concerned about the use of predictive policing algorithms, which could disproportionately target certain communities.

In conclusion, AI has the potential to transform law enforcement in the United States in many ways. By helping police departments analyze data more quickly and accurately, identify suspects, prevent crime, and deploy officers more efficiently, AI can help make communities safer. However, it is essential to address concerns about privacy and bias and ensure that the use of AI is done in an ethical and responsible manner.

Image credit: Pexels via ThisIsEngineering: https://www.pexels.com/photo/code-projected-over-woman-3861969/

Guide to applying for other law enforcement agencies

Applying for a law enforcement agency can be a challenging and time-consuming process. However, with some preparation and knowledge of the application process, you can increase your chances of success. In this blog post, we will discuss the steps you can take to apply for other law enforcement agencies.

Step 1: Research the agencies you are interested in

Before you start applying for law enforcement agencies, you should research the agencies you are interested in to determine if you meet their requirements. Look for information on the agency's website or contact the agency directly to learn about their eligibility criteria and application process.

Step 2: Prepare your application materials

Once you have identified the agencies you want to apply for, start gathering your application materials. This may include your resume, cover letter, transcripts, and any relevant certifications or training documents. Make sure your application materials are up to date, professional, and tailored to the specific agency you are applying for.

Step 3: Complete the application

After you have gathered your application materials, it's time to start filling out the application. Make sure you provide all the required information. Some agencies may require you to take a written test or physical fitness test as part of the application process. Be prepared to complete these tests if necessary.

Step 4: Attend the interview

If your application is successful, you will be invited to attend an interview. This is your chance to demonstrate your skills, experience, and suitability for the agency. Prepare for the interview by researching the agency, reviewing your application materials, and practicing your responses to common interview questions.

Step 5: Complete the background check

If you pass the interview stage, you will be required to undergo a background check. This may include a criminal record check, credit check, and reference checks. Make sure you provide accurate and honest information during the background check process.

Step 6: Attend the training academy

If you pass the background check, you will be invited to attend the training academy. This is where you will receive the necessary training and education to become a law enforcement officer. The training academy may last several months or more, depending on the agency.

In conclusion, applying for law enforcement agencies can be a rigorous process, but with the right preparation and dedication, you can increase your chances of success. Research the agencies you are interested in, gather your application materials, complete the application, attend the interview, pass the background check, and attend the training academy. Good luck!

Recruits trying out for the West Virginia State Police in June 2011 / Charleston Gazette via YouTube.

A ride along with the Prince George's County Police Department

Yesterday evening, March 23, 2023, I traveled to Upper Marlboro to the 8th Prince George's County Police District to do a ride-along. I've ridden along with many agencies in the past but this was without any doubt the largest agency I've used for a ride-along. The shift, 3:30 p.m. to 130 a.m., was very busy in a district encompassing Westphalia, Suitland, District Heights, Capital Heights, and Forestville, all part of a larger county with a population of about 967000 with 483 land square miles.

I rode with Officer Bonnacorsky in his Ford Taurus. We first went to put gas in his vehicle at one of the county-owned properties that are exclusive to county vehicles only for gas service. It was a nice day in the Washington region with temperatures around 74 degrees. We then went to wash the car but I have to say, I have no clue where exactly we were. The car wash was busy with citizens also taking advantage of the nice weather. Surprisingly after that, we didn't get any calls and sat in an empty parking lot across from Buffalo Wild Wings for almost an hour. The officer was joined by one of his co-workers from the same beat, Office Deramus. They later explained to me that they were savoring the downtime at the beginning of the shift because they knew too well that the storm was coming. 

We went to our first call of the shift shortly after, to settle a vehicle tow dispute. Right after we cleared that call, it just got busy almost non-stop until the end of the shift. We took a check well-being call that we cleared quickly. Then Officer Bonnacorsky was on his way to another "routine" when he diverted himself to the unavoidable: the type of call I often read about in the news every other day about DC and PG County Police, a shooting. Code authorized! Lights and sirens, please. An individual had just been shot and the suspect fled in a black Lexus. Upon arrival at the scene, I observed a light skin male being cared for by EMS personnel. He was shot in the elbow area. He told responding officers a car approached him and, for reasons unclear to me, there was a semi-tense exchange and the individual in the car called him "lemonade." The victim was upset about the name-calling and the suspect shot him and fled. 

In Prince George's County style, we didn't stay too long at the scene. A detective showed up and there were other officers at the scene too. We cleared this call and got dispatched to a breaking and entering. Lights and sirens on this one too. We found nothing. Clear. 

We later dealt with a homeless man who knew how to play the game. "I want to kill myself," he told Officer Bonnacorsky. But he didn't EP him (emergency petition for mental evaluation). Instead, he called an ambulance to transport him voluntarily. Later into the evening, we stopped by a Hibachi restaurant with other officers: Morris and Beck, both corporals with the department. We all ordered our food. As we were about to start to eat... shots were fired according to an Auto Theft officer who was trying to stop one individual. This sounded serious at the time. I didn't even take a bite of my food, a hibachi with a mix of steak and chicken. Once again, with code, we respond to the area. Details emerge that it was the officer who discharged his weapon accidentally, but a gun was found in the juvenile suspect's vehicle who ended up being arrested. I have no idea what prompted the interaction or if it was even related to auto theft.

The Prince George's County Police Department -- not to be confused with the smaller, less funded Sheriff's Office in the same county, is the fourth largest law enforcement organization in the state, after Baltimore City Police, Baltimore County Police and Maryland State Police. I was glad to have participated in the ride-along as it opened my eyes to "real" police work, not to say we don't do anything out in the country.  I ended the shift around midnight and headed back home. 

District 8 building station photographed at the end of my ride-along shift on March 24, 2023, just after midnight. The police station is housed on the first floor of this building. Other floors have office space for detectives and officers in charge of various training programs. 

I'm finally getting published!

After months of efforts to try to get some law enforcement websites to publish my work on police books, I had a break yesterday. A representative of Officer.com, owned by Officer Media Group -- the same company that publishes Officer Magazine -- informed me by e-mail yesterday that my interview with Kristen Ziman, a former police chief in Aurora, IL, was published. I read the e-mail while at the Kepler Theater at the Hagerstown Community College, as I was about to go inside the auditorium for a police academy graduation event. I was excited to say the least, considering that the better-known website Police1.com had rejected my submission. I know it's a far fledged comparison but this was like, to me, a doctor getting published in the American Journal of Medicine. Serious law enforcement officers and leaders have articles published and that is something that I wanted to accomplish for a while. 

Obviously, that is not a pre-requisite for a successful career in policing. Some law enforcement officers or leaders take some type of FBI leadership course. Some do nothing. I had my website to fall back on, after all. I wanted, however, a wider reach of my audience. Not only did Officer.com publish my interview, but it was on their front page all day yesterday, Saturday February 3. Unlike Police1.com, Officer.com is allowing me to keep the original interview on my own website, blueredmedia.net, and even promoted my website to its readers at the bottom of the interview (with a picture of me). I don't believe I would have been able to publish my own work on blueredmedia.net had it been picked up by Police1.com, based on my understanding of their terms.

Regardless, this is something to be proud of. I will keep educating myself, reading public safety books and other types of books as well in order to better myself. Both Officer.com and Police1.com do not generally accept book reviews, so that is still going to be a challenge to get my work picked up. I would have to interview or write about someone of the same caliber than Ziman for hopes to get published.

The interview on officer.com can be viewed here. The blueredmedia.net version, which is very similar, can be viewed here.

Desktop view.

Mobile view.

Maryland Police Accountability Act of 2021

New state laws from the Maryland Police Accountability Act of 2021 are slowly going into effect and I learned about new directives yesterday during a meeting, even though such directives have, technically, been in place since July 2022.

What is the Maryland Police Accountability Act?

This law, which was passed in 2021 by the Maryland Legislature, requires all counties to create police oversight boards serving a different function each. The three police oversight boards consist of: a Police Accountability Board, an Administrative Charging Committee, and a Trial Board. In Wicomico County, population 103980, the County Council and the county executives signed into law the creation of the three police oversight boards in April 2022. In Washington County, population 154937, that was done in June 2022, about a month prior to the effective date of such boards. Based on my understanding, two boards -- instead of three -- were created in Washington County, which is also where I currently work. Here, there's the Police Accountability Board and a Charging Committee which, it seems to me, also handles a Trial Board, or oversees it.

How did this bill start?

This was brought up during a police meeting with my agency I had yesterday, where we also discussed the new marijuana laws that went into effect on January 1, 2023. We were reminded to be careful as law enforcement officers in the state of Maryland as we are being more and more scrutinized. As part of the Maryland Accountability Act, most police agencies will be required to have a body camera program by July 2023 (with a few more agencies given an extra deadline of July 2025). All these laws were enacted following the George Floyd incident that occurred in May 2020, and the nationwide protests that followed in June 2020.

What other states have adopted similar bills

Maryland is not the only state to pass police reforms: according to an analysis from the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism at the University of Maryland, College Park, 300 police reform bills were passed nationwide after Floyd's killing in May 2020. California, Utah, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona and Virginia are among those states (there's clearly more). In Maryland, then-governor Larry Hogan tried to veto the bill to no avail. As an opinion writer puts in The Hill, "Maryland police (officers) have a tough road ahead."

Sources: 
Wicomico County Government: https://www.wicomicocounty.org/755/Maryland-Police-Accountability-Act#:~:text=In%202021%2C%20the%20Maryland%20Legislature,which%20serves%20a%20different%20function.
Washington County Government: https://www.washco-md.net/police-accountability-board/
University of Maryland College Park, Howard Center for Investigative Journalism: https://cnsmaryland.org/2022/10/28/states-approved-nearly-300-bills-affecting-policing-in-wake-of-george-floyds-murder/
The Hill: https://thehill.com/opinion/criminal-justice/553683-maryland-police-have-a-tough-road-ahead/