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Welcome to the Coastal Bend Peace Officers Association

Serving the Coastal Bend and it's Officers Since 1966.

Hosted by the 79th Judicial District Attorney's office

June 7-8 8a-5p Each Day

In 2006, the Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS) determined a need to train front-line officers to recognize indicators that a child may be a victim, at-risk of victimization, or missing. In response, the TXDPS developed the Interdiction for the Protection of Children (IPC) program. The training sessions will be held from 8a-5p on June 7-8 at Coastal Bend College, 704 Coyote Trail, Alice, Texas 78332.

To register for this FREE training, go to:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/IPC_Alice_Registration

Part one

NEW LEGISLATION FROM THE 87TH LEGISLATURE RELATED TO LAW ENFORCEMENT

Constitutional Carry

HB 1927: Signed June 16

Starting September 1, Texans over age 21 will be able to carry a handgun in public without license or training. House Bill 1927 eliminated the requirement for Texans to obtain a license to carry as long as they are not prohibited from possessing a gun by state or federal law. This legislation also makes a number of other changes and additions to the Penal Code concerning firearms, including:

· Making it a crime to carry a firearm while intoxicated. This offense is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and a maximum $4,000 fine.

· Making it a crime for a gang member to carry a firearm in a vehicle. This offense is a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a maximum $10,000 fine.

· Allowing a peace officer to disarm a citizen at any time if he or she believes it is necessary to protect the person, the officer or another individual. The officer, however, must return the person’s handgun before leaving the scene if the officer determines the person was not a threat and didn’t commit a violation.

· Allows for the expungement of records for those who have been previously convicted of unlawfully carrying a weapon before September 1, 2021.

Obstructing Emergency Vehicles

HB 9: Signed June 1

House Bill 9 makes it a state jail felony to knowingly block an emergency vehicle with its lights and sirens on or to obstruct access to a hospital or health care facility. A state jail felony is punishable by six months to two years behind bars and a maximum $10,000 fine. Individuals convicted of this offense are required to spend at least 10 days in jail, even if they are sentenced to probation. This legislation was passed in response to protestors blocking roadways during last year’s nationwide protests against police brutality.

Impersonating a Private Investigator

HB 1400: Signed June 15

It is now illegal in Texas to impersonate a private investigator, who are licensed by the state and deal with personal and sensitive matters. Impersonating or purporting to be a private investigator is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and a maximum $4,000 fine.

Unlawful Use of Fireworks: Endangering Law Enforcement

HB 2366, Signed June 1

It is now a felony to explode or ignite fireworks to interfere with or flee from official police activity. It’s a state jail felony (punishable by six months to two years in state jail) to use fireworks that are sold to consumers, and it’s a second degree felony (punishable by two to 20 years in prison) if explosive fireworks, such as those used in public displays, are fired at an officer. It is also a third-degree felony to direct laser pointers at a uniformed safety officer, rising to a first-degree felony if the conduct causes bodily injury to the officer. Prior to House Bill 2366, using a laser pointer at officers was only a misdemeanor offense.

87th Legislative session

A long and controversial legislative session resulted in a mixed bag of new criminal laws in Texas. Here is a roundup of some of the new criminal laws and the biggest changes to existing criminal laws stemming from the 87th legislative session in this multi-part report.

part two

NEW LEGISLATION FROM THE 87TH SESSION RELATED TO LAW ENFORCEMENT

Homeless Camping Ban

HB 1925: Signed June 15

Camping in an unauthorized public place is now a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by up to a $500 fine. The bill effectively criminalizes homelessness. However, the bill states that an officer must make a reasonable effort to redirect homeless people to available resources, such as non-profit agencies, “before or at the time” a citation is issued. If the person is arrested or detained solely for this offense, law enforcement must also ensure all of the person’s property is preserved.

“Johns” in Prostitution Cases Face a Felony Charge

HB 1540: Signed June 16

Texas is the first state to charge “Johns” with a state jail felony (instead of a misdemeanor) for soliciting sex from prostitutes. A state jail felony is punishable by six months to two years in a state jail facility and a maximum $10,000 fine. The new law is part of sweeping legislation aimed at cracking down on human trafficking. In addition to increasing penalties for solicitation of prostitution, House Bill 1540 also implemented numerous other measures. Notably, it also made human trafficking a first-degree felony if the actor recruited, enticed or obtained the victim from a shelter or treatment center for runaways, foster children, and the homeless, among others.

Police Reality Shows

HB 54: Signed May 26

This bill prohibits a law enforcement agency from authorizing a person to accompany and film a peace officer acting in the line of duty for the purpose of producing a reality television show. It is also known as “Javier Ambler’s Law,” stemming from the death of a 40-year-old black man who was tasered by Williamson County deputies. The Javier Ambler Law bans law enforcement agencies from contracting with shows such as “COPS and “Live PD,” the latter of which captured Ambler’s deadly encounter with Williamson deputies but never aired.

Swatting: False Report to Induce Emergency Response

SB 1056: Signed June 18

Senate Bill 1056 makes it a Class A misdemeanor to falsely report a crime or an emergency to elicit an emergency response from law enforcement or other emergency responders. A Class A misdemeanor is punishable by up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine. The punishment is increased to a state jail felony, punishable by six months to two years in state jail, if the defendant has been previously convicted twice of the offense. The punishment is a third-degree felony, punishable by two to 10 years in prison, if a person is seriously injured or killed as a result of the emergency response. A court can also order a defendant to make restitution or reimburse the cost of the emergency response.

Sexual Assault by Coach or Tutor

Senate Bill 1164, Signed June 16

Senate Bill 1664 expands the circumstances that constitute sexual assault by adding provisions to the definition of consent. Sexual assault is without consent if a coach or tutor causes an individual to submit or participate by using influence or power to exploit their dependency on the actor. Additionally, if a person is a caregiver hired to assist a person with daily activities and causes a person to submit or participate by exploiting their dependence, sexual assault is without consent.

Flying a Drone over Airport or Military Facility

SB 149, Signed June 14

It is now a Class B misdemeanor to operate a drone over airports and military institutions. Senate Bill 149 expanded the definition of critical infrastructure facilities to include public or private airports recognized by the FAA and military installations owned or operated by the federal or state government, or another governmental entity. A Class B misdemeanor is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a maximum $2000 fine.

87th Legislative session

part three

NEW LEGISLATION FROM THE 87TH SESSION RELATED TO LAW ENFORCEMENT

Reckless Driving Exhibition, Street Racing

SB 1495, Signed June 1

Senate Bill 1495 enhances the penalty for obstructing a highway or passageway from a Class B misdemeanor to a Class A misdemeanor for an individual who engages in a reckless driving exhibition. The bill enhances the penalty to a state jail felony for person who has previously been convicted of this offense; a person who operates a vehicle while intoxicated; or who causes someone to suffer bodily injury. The bill also creates the Class B misdemeanor offense of interference with a peace officer investigation of a highway racing or reckless driving exhibition. A Class A misdemeanor is punishable by up to a year in jail and a maximum $4,000 fine.

False Statement to Buy a Firearm

SB 162, Signed May 30

Senate Bill 162, also known as the “Lie and Try” bill, makes it a state jail felony for a person prohibited from possessing a firearm to lie on a firearms background check form. A state jail felony is punishable by six months to two years in a state jail facility. The bill was filed in response to the 2019 Walmart Shooting in El Paso, which left 23 people dead. The Texas Safety Action Report that was written after the El Paso mass shooting stated that an estimated 100,000 people lie on firearm background checks each year.

Operating a Boarding Home without a License

SB 500, Signed June 14

This legislation makes it a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a maximum $2,000 fine, for a person to operate a boarding home without a permit in a county or municipality that requires a permit.

Harassment Expands to Social Media Posts

SB 530, Signed May 30

Senate Bill 530 updates the harassment statute and makes it a class B misdemeanor offense to harass another person by publishing repeated electronic communications on a website, including a social media platform, with the intent to harass, annoy, alarm, torment, or embarrass that person. A Class B misdemeanor is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a maximum $2,000 fine. The penalty can go up to a Class A misdemeanor, however, if the actor has been previously convicted of the offense or if it involved a child under age 18 with the intent to cause the child serious bodily injury or to commit suicide.

Slow Down for Toll Vehicles

HB 2048, Signed June 4

Current law requires drivers to move over or slow down for specific types of vehicles. House Bill 2048 adds to that list by requiring drivers to vacate the lane next to, or slow down 20 mph slower than the posted speed limit, when passing a vehicle operated by a toll project that has certain required visual signals.

Medical Marijuana Expansion

HB 1535: Signed June 15

More Texans can now use medical marijuana. House Bill 1534 expanded Texas’ Compassionate Use Program for people suffering from certain conditions, including cancer and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Alcohol-to-Go

HB 1024: Signed May 12

This new law allows restaurants to permanently sell alcohol with pickup and delivery orders. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order to expand alcohol sales during the onset of the pandemic last year in an effort to open up a revenue stream for restaurants. Now, lawmakers have made alcohol-to-go indefinite.

Guns in Hotel Rooms

SB 20: Signed June 18

Hotel guests are now allowed to carry and store firearms and ammunition in their private rooms. This new law prohibits hotels from banning firearms, however the hotel can adopt a policy requiring firearms and ammunition to be carried in a certain manner on the property.

Blood Specimens in DWI Cases

HB 558: Signed June 18

The legislation allows automatic, mandatory blood draws for motorists who are arrested for an intoxicated offense after seriously injuring or causing a death. The legislation stems from the death of a pedestrian, a Denison school teacher, who was struck by a motorist whose blood was never tested. The motorist was later no-billed by a grand jury. This legislation will likely result in government overreach and a significant number of violations of the Fourth Amendment. Additionally HB 558 will result in the unnecessary suppression of evidence and a guarantee of extensive litigation in Texas’ trial and appellate courts. There is a good chance this legislation will likely be found unconstitutional on appeal. For the time being, though, it is the law.

87th Legislative session

part 4

NEW LEGISLATION FROM THE 87TH SESSION RELATED TO LAW ENFORCEMENT

Bo’s Law: Body-Worn Policy Camera Policies

HB 929, Signed June 16

House Bill 929 is also known as the “Botham Jean Act,” named after a black man who was shot and killed in his apartment by Amber Guyer, an off-duty officer who mistook him for a burglar. The new law requires officers to keep their body cameras activated during the entirety of an investigation, unless the camera has been deactivated in compliance with a police department’s specific policy.

Rape Kit Collection

HB 2462: Signed June 16

This law provides that a sexual assault victim is entitled to a forensic medical examination within 120 hours of the alleged offense. Law enforcement does not have the authority to decline a request. The bill also requires DPS to submit an annual report on the number of unanalyzed evidence collection kits in the tracking system to the governor and legislature and to post the report on its website.

Active Shooter Alert System

HB 103, Signed May 24

House Bill 103, also known as the Leilah Hernandez Act, creates an alert system to be activated on the report of an active shooter. The bill requires DPS to develop and implement the Texas Active Shooter Alert System in cooperation with TxDot, the governor’s office, and other appropriate law enforcement agencies. DPS would activate the alert system in a 50-miles radius of an active shooter’s location. The bill is named after Leilah Hernandez, a 15-year-old Odessa High School student who was the youngest victim killed in a mass shooting on Aug. 31, 2019 in Odessa and Midland.

Police Chokeholds

SB 69, Signed June 14

This legislation prohibits law enforcement from intentionally using a chokehold, carotid artery hold, or similar neck restraint when searching or arresting an individual unless the restraint is necessary to prevent serious bodily injury or death of the officer or another person. The bill also establishes an officer’s duty to intervene to stop or prevent another officer from using excessive force and requires officers to promptly report excessive force. This legislation was filed in response to the death of George Floyd, who is black and died after a white Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for nine minutes and 29 seconds. That officer, Derek Chauvin, sentenced to more than 22 years in prison for murder.

Human Trafficking Awareness

HB 290, Signed May 18

This legislation imposes requirements for human trafficking awareness and prevention in commercial lodging establishments, such as hotels, motels and inns. The operator of a commercial lodging establishment must require each of its direct employees to complete an annual human trafficking awareness and prevention training program, which includes guidance on how to identify at-risk individuals and report and respond. The bill also allows officers to enter the premises to ensure compliance.

Asset Forfeiture Funds from Human Trafficking

HB 402, Signed June 7

House Bill 402 allows prosecutors and law enforcement agencies to use certain civil asset forfeiture funds to cover the cost of a contract with a city or county program to provide services to victims of trafficking. The funds would come from contraband that was used to commit or facilitate human trafficking offenses.

Officer’s Duty to Render and Request Aid in Excessive Force Incidents

SB 2212, Signed June 18

Senate Bill 2212 establishes a duty for officers to request emergency medical services and render aid to a person who is injured during the course of an officer’s duties – as long as it is safe for the officer to do so. This legislation puts more responsibility on officers in excessive force cases.

9-1-1 Drug Overdose Defense

HB 1694, Signed June 16

This legislation, known as the Jessica Sosa Act, provides a defense to prosecution of certain drug offenses if the actor was the first to request emergency medical assistance in response to a possible overdose of another person, remained on the scene until medical assistance arrived, and cooperated with medics and law enforcement. The defense to prosecution would not be available if the peace officer was arresting the individual at the time, if he or she was committing another crime or have previously been convicted or placed on deferred for a drug.

Sanctuary State

HB 2622, Signed June 16

With the passage of House Bill 2622, Texas now joins the ranks of a small, but growing number, of states that have passed laws that designate them as second amendment “sanctuaries.” This legislation prevents state officials from enforcing new federal statutes, orders or rules regulating firearms, firearm accessories or firearm ammunition that don’t exist under state law. It prohibits a state agency, political subdivision, or law enforcement officer from receiving state funds if the entity contracts with or provides assistance in any way to a federal agency related to firearms registration, background checks, confiscation programs or firearm sales.

Silencers are Now Legal

HB 957, Signed June 15

House Bill 957 removes a firearm silencer from the list of weapons that are prohibited in Texas, so it is no longer an offense to possess a silencer. The bill also establishes that firearm suppressors that are manufactured and remain in Texas are not subject to federal law or regulation.

Withholding Educator’s Names Until after Indictment in Improper Educator- Student Relationship Cases

HB 246, Signed June 15

This legislation prohibits the release of the name of a school employee who is accused of an improper relationship between an educator and student until the employee is indicted for the offense. However, the bill authorizes the release of the employee’s name regardless of an indictment as necessary for the school to report or investigate the accusation.

87TH LEGISLATIVE SESSION

part 5-conclusion

NEW LEGISLATION FROM THE 87TH SESSION RELATED TO LAW ENFORCEMENT

No More 180 Day License Suspension for Drugs

SB 181, Signed June 14

Senate Bill 1818 revises the law that automatically suspends a person’s driver’s license for 180 days for any drug conviction, regardless of circumstances. Instead of an automatic suspension, the bill specifies that a $100 fine be imposed instead for a misdemeanor conviction. There are exceptions, however. The bill specifies that a driver’s license would be automatically suspended for 90 days if convicted of:

· a felony drug offense;

· or a misdemeanor drug offense if the defendant has been previously convicted of a drug offense in the last 36 months.

No Parole for Continuous Trafficking

HB 465, Signed June 15

Under this statute, inmates sentenced for continuous trafficking of children are ineligible for parole unless both parties enter into an agreement at the time of trial. In that case, the defendant would have to plead guilty and the prosecutor, defendant’s attorney and defendant would have to agree in writing that the defendant would become eligible when he or she served one half of the sentence or 30 years, whichever is less. Judges, upon motion of the prosecutor, would be required to make an affirmative finding that the parties had entered into an agreement and enter the finding into the case judgement.

New Penalty Group for Fentanyl

SB 768, Signed June 14

This legislation puts fentanyl in a new category, Penalty Group 1-B, and increases the penalties for people convicted of manufacturing or delivering fentanyl. The penalties are:

· less than one gram, state jail felony punishable by six months to two years in state jail and a maximum $10,000 fine;

· 1-4 grams, second-degree felony punishable to 2 to 10 year in prison and a maximum $10,000 fine;

· 4-200 grams, 10 years up to life in prison and a maximum $20,000 fine;

· 200-400 grams, 15 years to up to life in prison and a maximum $200,000 fine;

· more than 400 grams, 20 years to up to life in prison and a maximum $500,000 fine

The law also specifies that anyone convicted of the new offense for an amount more than four grams is not eligible for probation or deferred adjudication.

Texting Court Appearances

HB 4293, Signed June 15

This new law requires counties to send text messages to defendants about scheduled court appearances by 2022. The Office of Court Administration is tasked with developing and making available to each county (at no cost) a court reminder program.

Coverage for Prosecutors on Brady Materials?

SB 111, Signed June 14

This legislation requires a law enforcement agency filing a case with the state’s attorney to submit a written statement acknowledging that all documents, items and information in the agency’s possession that must be disclosed to the defendant have been disclosed to the state’s attorney. If the law enforcement agency discovers any additional information at any time after the case is filed, they must promptly disclose it to the prosecutor.

Probable Cause for Tracking Devices

SB 112, Signed June 14

Senate Bill 112 requires law enforcement to obtain a warrant to install a mobile tracking device. Applications for the warrant must be supposed by a sworn affidavit with substantial facts establishing probable cause.

Suspect’s Right to Record CPS Investigations and Interviews

HB 135, Signed June 16

House Bill 135 requires the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to inform an alleged perpetrator in a child abuse or neglect investigation that the suspect has the right to record the interview, and they also have the right to request an administrative review of the departments findings after the investigation.

Enhanced Punishment for Offenses Against Public Servants

House Bill 624, Signed June 16

People who commit an offense against someone whom they know is a public servant or against a member of the public servant’s household or family now face increased punishment. The punishments would be increased one level, so if an offense was a Class A misdemeanor, for example, it would be elevated to a state jail felony. First-degree felonies would not be increased. The increased punishments apply to arson, criminal mischief, criminal trespass, breach of computer security, harassment, stalking, or fraudulent use of possession of identifying information.

Continuous Sexual Abuse Expanded to Include the Disabled

HB 375, Signed June 4

The offense of continuous sexual abuse of a young child is now extended to include disabled individuals of any age. The offense of continuous sexual abuse of a young child or disabled individual is a first-degree felony punishable by 25 years to life in prison with no possibility for parole.

Enhanced Punishment for Assaulting a Process Server

HB 1306, Signed June 9

People who assault a process server while he or she is performing their job now face increased punishment. House Bill 1306 makes assault a third-degree felony (punishably by up to 10 years in prison) and aggravated assault a first-degree felony (punishable by up to life in prison) if the actor knew the person was performing a duty as a process server.

Destruction of ATM

SB 516, Signed June 7

It is now a third-degree felony to damage, destroy or steal an ATM machine. A third degree felony is punishable by two to 10 years in prison and maximum $10,000 fine. This legislation is an effort to deter the spike of “smash and grab” crimes involving ATM machines.

Early Parole for Participation in Pilot Work Program

HB 2352, Filed without Governors Signature

House Bill 2352 authorizes the parole board to grant early release to an inmate who participates in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TCDJ) education and vocational pilot training program. The bill requires TDCJ to annually identify at least 100 inmates who are suitable candidates for participation in the pilot program and requires the Office of Court Administration of the Texas Judicial System to develop and annually provide a training program to educate and inform judges on the components of the pilot program. The bill also removes confinement in state jail felony as a condition of probation that a judge may impose on a state jail felony defendant ordered to participate in the pilot program.

Professional Boards Can’t Consider Completed DFAJ

HB 757, Signed June 15

This legislation prohibits professional organizations from suspending or revoking a professional or occupational license or certificate from a person who successfully completes deferred adjudication probation and has had their case dismissed. There are exceptions, however, if the profession for which the license was sought involved direct contact with children or if the offense:

· was the list of offenses in Code of Criminal Procedure art. 42A.054 for which judges cannot order community supervision;

· was listed as a reportable conviction or sexually violent offense under the state’s sex offender registry;

· involved certain other sex offenses or public indecency;

· or was related to the activity or conduct for which the person sought or held the license.

Street Racing Seizure Law

HB 2315, Signed June 15

Under House Bill 2315, vehicles that are used in street racing offenses are now subject to seizure and civil asset forfeiture. Lawmakers passed this bill in an effort to deter dangerous street racing, which has grown in popularity.

Drone Policy for Law Enforcement

HB 1758, Filed without the Governor’s Signature

This legislation mandates that law enforcement agencies adopt a written policy detailing the agency’s use of force by a drone and submit it to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement every two years. The bill also limits the circumstances under which the use of force by a drone is justified.

87TH LEGISLATIVE SESSION

Deputy Richard Gisler honored

A Well Deserved Retirement

Today, Sheriff Marr and several staff and deputies went to Vitality Court Senior Living Center on John Stockbauer Drive to honor a longtime reserve deputy sheriff for his service.

Mr. Richard Gisler, a retired DuPont employee started his law enforcement career as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff on April 25, 1977 under Sheriff Dalton “Dutch” Meyer. He served under Sheriff Ratcliff, Sheriff O’Connor and Sheriff Marr until his retirement on March 24, 2021.

During his tenure, Deputy Gisler served the citizens of Victoria County in the Patrol Division, Criminal Investigations and most recently in the Crime Scene Unit.

“For over four decades, he never collected a paycheck from the County” said Sheriff Marr.

Gisler, with 44 consecutive years, is the longest serving active deputy sheriff at the Victoria County Sheriff’s Office. “I enjoyed every bit of it” Gisler said.

Sheriff Marr thanked Deputy Gisler for his service and wished him well in his retirement. Marr presented Deputy Gisler with a glass etched plaque noting his years of service and his VCSO badge.

The VCSO would like to also thank the many residents, Vitality Court staff, family and friends who attend today’s tribute.

12 facts that a supervisor is a bleeder, not a leader

Don't be the supervisor who bleeds the enthusiasm out of the officers you are supposed to lead

There are many truly inspiring police leaders, but there are a few who with their words become soul-crushing empty uniforms with rank.

Here are 12 examples of enthusiasm-bleeding statements made too often by “leaders.”

1. While pointing at their stripes on their sleeve, or bars on their collar they declare, “Because these say so.”

Have you ever suggested an alternative way to handle a call and had a commander point at their stripes or bars and say, “We’ll do it my way because these say so?”

End of discussion.

2. “We’ve always done it this way.”

There are times when officers come forward with a plan to solve a reoccurring problem in an innovative way and their suggestion is met with, “Why change the status quo? We have always done it this way.”

End of suggestions. The next three go together.

3. “Slow down. There is no extra pay for making the most arrests.”

4. “Big arrests, big problems, little arrests, little problems, no arrest, no problem.”

5. “If you keep that up (referring to a high volume of self-initiated activity), they are going to expect that of you every night.”

These three statements have been heard by most proactive police officers who love what they are doing and are extremely active on the street. Some supervisors look at very active officers as a problem rather than a solution and feel it’s their mission to slow them down. The sad thing is, these statements often come from peers as well.

6. “The job will never love you back.”

If any officer lets it slip that they love their job, there will be that wise old supervisor, who will point out, “The job will never love you back.”

Mic drop!

7. "Did you make that arrest 15 minutes before quitting time just for the overtime?"

Many officers never lose sight of their duty. For example, they realize that arresting an impaired driver saves lives.

No officer motivated to aggressively pursue an impaired driver will hesitate to arrest said driver 15 minutes before quitting time. These officers eventually run into a commander who will suggest their motivation for the arrest was to “pad their check with overtime.”

8. “Do as I say, not as I do.”

Even though every leadership course in the nation says, “Don’t say this; lead by example,” there seems to be no silencing this refrain.

9. “If I’d have been there, I would have….”

Nothing irks a street officer more than when this statement is made by a commander who has maneuvered into a position where they will never have to handle a life-threatening call again. The statement is made worse when this commander does not even supervise the officers who handled the high-profile, life-threatening situation that he or she is criticizing. These personally boastful statements serve only to give officers that hear them a sense no one has their back.

When the actions of the officers are found to be justified, this unnecessary Monday morning quarterbacking will get back to the officers involved in the critical incident and it becomes a source of pain.

10. “You’re not a social worker!”

There are times in every officer’s career when they are moved to go above and beyond for a little boy, a little girl or even an entire family in need. They are motivated by the caring spirit that brought them to this profession.

An officer may take a Christmas tree to a house. They may buy a pair of shoes for a homeless man or drop off a couple of chili dogs to a down-and-out traveler. Most will see the extra effort as laudatory, but there will be that one commander who will proclaim, “You’re not a social worker!”

The truth is police officers are the only social workers who make house calls 24-7. Most of you are pretty damn good at it also, so keep up the good work!

11. “You can’t make a difference. When a cop leaves this job it’s like pulling your hand out of a bucket of water. No one will even notice you were here.”

Really? A cop can’t make a difference?

What about the officers who have dragged people out of burning cars?

What about the officers who have saved lives with Narcan and tourniquets, or delivered babies?

What about the officers who keep many women from being beaten or killed at domestics every night of the week?

What about the Dayton officers who dropped an active shooter just as he was about to enter a crowded night club?

American police officers do make a difference!

12. “Have you scheduled the lobotomy yet?”

Street officers can demoralize a new supervisor as well by asking in response to the announcement of their promotion, “Have they scheduled the lobotomy yet?” This can be especially troubling when the comment comes from a good friend.

Instead, consider saying, “Congratulations my friend. You earned it.”

CONCLUSION

The people who say these things are not being leaders. They are choosing to be bleeders. They bleed the enthusiasm out of the officers they are supposed to lead.

To supervisors who say these things, learn to be better.

To officers who these things are said to remember to not let anyone keep you from doing what you love and loving what you do. When you hear statements like these just remind yourself not all supervisors are leaders and not all leaders are supervisors.

And then, regardless of your rank, be a leader.

About the author

Lt. Dan Marcou is an internationally-recognized police trainer who was a highly-decorated police officer with 33 years of full-time law enforcement experience. Marcou’s awards include Police Officer of the Year, SWAT Officer of the Year, Humanitarian of the Year and Domestic Violence Officer of the Year. Upon retiring, Lt. Marcou began writing. He is a co-author of “Street Survival II, Tactics for Deadly Encounters,” which is now available. His novels, “The Calling, the Making of a Veteran Cop,” “SWAT, Blue Knights in Black Armor,” “Nobody’s Heroes” and Destiny of Heroes,” as well as his latest non-fiction offering, “Law Dogs, Great Cops in American History,” are all available at Amazon. Dan is a member of the PoliceOne Editorial Advisory Board.

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Hosted by the 79th Judicial District Attorney's office

June 7-8 8a-5p Each Day

Part one

NEW LEGISLATION FROM THE 87TH LEGISLATURE RELATED TO LAW ENFORCEMENT

87th Legislative session

part two

NEW LEGISLATION FROM THE 87TH SESSION RELATED TO LAW ENFORCEMENT

87th Legislative session

part three

NEW LEGISLATION FROM THE 87TH SESSION RELATED TO LAW ENFORCEMENT

87th Legislative session

part 4

NEW LEGISLATION FROM THE 87TH SESSION RELATED TO LAW ENFORCEMENT

87TH LEGISLATIVE SESSION

part 5-conclusion

NEW LEGISLATION FROM THE 87TH SESSION RELATED TO LAW ENFORCEMENT

87TH LEGISLATIVE SESSION

Deputy Richard Gisler honored

A Well Deserved Retirement

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child sex trafficking. what can you do?

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scenes from the january 23, 2020 cbpoa meeting hosted by sheriff romeo r. ramirez in San diego

12 facts that a supervisor is a bleeder, not a leader

Don't be the supervisor who bleeds the enthusiasm out of the officers you are supposed to lead

About the author

About Us

Serving the Coastal Bend and it's Officers Since 1966

Serving the Coastal Bend and it's Officers Since 1966

Serving the Coastal Bend and it's Officers Since 1966

Scholarships

Serving the Coastal Bend and it's Officers Since 1966

Serving the Coastal Bend and it's Officers Since 1966

Our Members

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