AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT THE PBA, ISSUE 12 A SHOOTING OR AN ACCIDENT… NO ONE LIKES TO THINK ABOUT IT!

IF IT HAPPENS TO YOU:

• Don’t panic! Calm down and compose yourself. • Don’t rush into making a statement. • Call the PBA Hotline: 1-800-233-3506. • The PBA will provide you with an attorney prior to making a statement - either on the scene or wherever needed. • Wait until you talk to a PBA attorney before making any statements, oral or written, unless you have been given a direct order to do so.

As a PBA member, you’re not alone. The PBA is there to protect your rights. CONTENTS 2018 BLUE REVIEW

4 SSPBA REACHES MAJOR MEMBERSHIP MILESTONE

PBA MAKES ENDORSEMENTS IN 10 RACES THROUGHOUT NORTH CAROLINA 4 WALMART JOE’S HIKING 14 ADVENTURES: PERU

HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS 42 18 SEMINAR: TRAINING OFFICERS TO SPOT THE SIGNS

25 EARTH ANGEL: TOGETHER WE SHALL

‘COURAGE UNDER FIRE’ BRISTOL, 25 32 TN OFFICER RECEIVED NRA’S LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER OF YEAR AWARD

42 MAN’S BEST FRIEND - IN LIFE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT

TULLY V. CITY OF WILMINGTON: 46 N.C. SUPREME COURT RULES 14 OFFICERS ENJOY CONSTITUTIONAL PROTECTIONS

EDITOR: Kaylan Storey, Public Relations & Foundation Manager, SSPBA, [email protected]

RENEÉ DIXON, SSPBA CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER: Reneé handles the day-to-day operations of the SSPBA under CEO Jack Roberts and has been with the Southern States Police Benevolent Association for 31 years.

“I strive to make sure that every member’s concerns are handled with professionalism and care. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at (800) 233-3506, ext. 349.” SOUTHERN STATES POLICE BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CHRIS SKINNER JACK ROBERTS CHARLIE MADDOX SSPBA President Immediate Past Past President President & CEO

DAVE SODERBERG DONALD SCOTT JOE NAIA SSPBA Sr. Vice President SSPBA Vice President SSPBA Secretary/Treasurer SCPBA Board Member ALPBA Board Member PBA of GA Board Member

RANDY BYRD JOHNNY BOHANAN JOE WOLOSZYN NCPBA Board Member TNPBA Board Member VAPBA Board Member WAYNE WELLER HONORED FOR MEMBERSHIP AND SERVICE TO VIRGINIA PBA BY KAYLAN STOREY, PUBLIC RELATIONS AND FOUNDATION MANAGER, SSPBA

uring the annual Virgin- ia PBA board meeting, Dboard members honored and thanked long-time member, Wayne Weller. Retiring after 33 years in law enforcement, Weller was met with great love from his fellow VAPBA board members. They donned specially made baseball jerseys with number 33 on the back and toasted Weller for his many years of service with the PBA. During his time with the Vir- ginia PBA, Weller held many positions including Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles Chapter President, Virginia Natural Resources Police Chap- ter President, Virginia Division PAC Chairperson and Virginia Pictured L to R: VAPBA Executive Director Sean McGowan; VAPBA Division President Joe Woloszyn; Division Vice President, to VAPBA member Wayne Weller; and SSPBA President Chris Skinner. name a few.

Virginia PBA Executive Director Sean McGowan said, “From the first time I met Wayne I knew I was working with a true professional who was willing to place the good of the order above his personal needs and career safety. Wayne’s actions were always guided by his steadfast desire to do the right thing regardless of pressure from agency Members of the Virginia PBA Board proudly wear their jerseys in honor of Wayne Weller. administrations or politicians. Wayne to successfully represent members in his Virginia PBA Division President Joe assisted in the formation and held chapters to the agency administration Woloszyn said, “Wayne has been an leadership positions in two PBA chapters and to state legislators. Wayne gained instrumental leader on the Virginia PBA representing state law enforcement access to all levels of elected officials, Division board. His commitment to officers in agencies that had, among from freshman delegates to candidates for helping law enforcement officers on all their administrators, those who were the office of Governor, and confidentially levels was vital to the division’s success, openly anti-PBA. By knowing the system, addressed those politicians as he worked and his actions have brought great credit respectfully working within state and to improve conditions for his fellow law upon himself, the law enforcement federal labor laws and within agency enforcement professionals in Virginia.” community and the Virginia PBA.” guidelines and policies, Wayne was able

SSPBA.ORG 3 SSPBA CEO Jack Roberts proudly stands with his 35 year plaque. Pictured L to R are Mr. Roberts, SSPBA Past President Charlie Maddox, SSPBA President Chris Skinner and SSPBA COO Reneé Dixon. SPBA marked a noteworthy mile- SSPBA President Chris Skinner. SSPBA president, and Mr. Roberts led the stone in March 2018 when the asso- association as it grew to include members Sciation’s membership total passed “I’m in shock,” said Mr. Maddox, who in 11 states. Mr. Roberts received a plaque the 50,000-member threshold. 31 years began the Florida PBA out of the trunk acknowledging his 35 years of dedication of providing much-needed services and of his car and who later served as the and service to PBA and its members at this benefits to law enforcement officers in the first Southern States PBA president. year’s SSPBA board meeting. Southeast led to this significant achieve- “I remember when we just had 50 ment. This accomplishment provided an members,” he added. Chief Operating Officer Renee Dixon has opportunity to reflect for the key leaders been a PBA employee since 1987 and has of SSPBA who have led the association It was CEO Jack Roberts who requested worked alongside Mr. Roberts and Mr. through years of challenges and oppor- authorization from Mr. Maddox to Maddox to ensure that SSPBA provides tunities: SSPBA Past President Charlie expand the PBA in the early 1980s. Mr. quality service to its members. With 31 Maddox, SSPBA Chief Executive Officer Roberts initially began recruiting efforts years of service, Ms. Dixon knows this is and Past President Jack Roberts, SSPBA in Georgia and North Carolina. He was a major milestone. Ms. Dixon said, “From Chief Operating Officer Renee Dixon and elected as Mr. Maddox’s successor as the top down, when everyone’s heart is in 4 Blue Review 2018 the right place, we are able to take care of to our very dedicated group of staff and social media presence. In addition, full- our members. That’s what has led to our employees who see their job as a calling. time recruiters are now on staff, adding membership growth.” It also reflects on our leadership at the to the traditional methods of field staff division and chapter levels as probably recruiting and word-of-mouth recruiting Chris Skinner proudly served as the some of the best we’ve had,” said Mr. efforts by members. Missisippi Division President for 20 Skinner. years and was elected SSPBA president “We are so excited that we have been able in June of 2012. Since his election as Over the years the association has to assist so many law enforcement officers SSPBA president, membership has grown embraced improvements in technology in the Southeast,” Ms. Dixon added. “We by 26,500 members. “I think the growth such as the ability for members to join never forget that it’s our members who we is quite remarkable. All the credit goes online as well as a significant SSPBA work for every day.” SSPBA LEGAL STAFF HOSTS CRITICAL INCIDENT ATTORNEY SEMINAR IN NORTH CAROLINA BY JONI J. FLETCHER, DIRECTOR OF LEGAL SERVICES, SSPBA

PBA attorneys from Virginia and North Carolina attended the training presented by members of the SSPBA legal department. BA welcomed 22 attorneys from Chief Resident Judge for Wake County, members,” said Joni Fletcher, Director North Carolina and Virginia to the NC served as panel speakers and of Legal Services. “It’s such a valuable Pannual SSPBA Attorney Confer- provided insight and tips regarding networking opportunity for all who attend ence on August 24, 2018, in Cary, NC. the representation of law enforcement because the whole day is centered around The event was hosted by the SSPBA legal officers. the common cause of providing legal department, NCPBA President Randy assistance to law enforcement officers. Byrd, NCPBA Executive Director John Other speakers for the day included Our goal is to have our attorneys leave Midgette, and VAPBA Executive Director SSPBA Georgia Counsel Don English, this conference with connections and Sean McGowan. SSPBA General Counsel Jim Wright, resources that will assist them in the and Grady Dukes of the Dukes Law future as they represent PBA members.” The purposes of the attorney conference Network in Conyers, GA. Longtime PBA were to educate PBA attorneys on attorney J. Michael McGuinness of the PBA attorney James Little from Raleigh, the procedures for representing PBA McGuinness Law Firm in Elizabethtown, NC stated that the conference was “very members involved in critical incidents NC addressed the pressing issue of the informative.” He added, “Having been a as well as to strengthen the network rise of Giglio actions and untruthfulness PBA attorney for only a short period, this of attorneys committed to the PBA allegations against law enforcement was a great tool moving forward. There cause. This year’s conference was the officers. was a great wealth of knowledge in the first to include judges as part of the room.” day’s agenda. The Honorable Stacey “Our office looks forward to this event B. Bawtinhimer of the North Carolina every year because it’s a chance for us You can reach the SSPBA legal Office of Administrative Hearings to spend time with the attorneys who department at 1-800-233-3506. and the Honorable Paul C. Ridgeway, are on the ground representing our

SSPBA.ORG 5 THE GIFT OF POLICING: A HOLIDAY TRADITION

BY BRETT STANELLE, WEST CENTRAL GEORGIA CHAPTER MEMBER, PBA OF GA

Law enforcement and community partners gathered at Piedmont Columbus Regional with stuffed animals and gifts to give the children. Photo credit (2017), Piedmont Columbus Regional. he holiday season means a lot of that our jobs take both of us away from include media representatives, elected things to a lot of different people. our families day and night, weekdays and officials, staff from local outreach centers, TFor many, it is a time of giving weekends, and even on holidays. They support personnel and, as of 2017, the back and thinking of those that are less are tough jobs, but someone has to do recipients of the Chapter’s commUNITY fortunate. The same is true for public them. We know that crime never takes a awards. In addition, who could forget the safety officials across the country, who break, not even for the holidays. In many special guests. After all, what holiday band together in an effort to remind those jurisdictions, we may even experience an event would be complete without Santa they serve that they are a part of the increase in crime, particularly property Claus, Mrs. Claus, and Cody the Cougar community and not apart from it. These crimes, usually beginning in November from Columbus State University! This has efforts lend themselves to establishing and lasting through December. In a become one of the largest showings of police legitimacy, something we could similar fashion, injuries, illnesses, and support for the Chapter, drawing current all use a little more of amid the tensions ailments do not respect the boundaries members, retirees, and potential members we face every day. Imagine for a moment of the holidays and often result in the who have not yet joined the organization. your perfect holiday, spending time with most innocent of the population feeling In 2017, the event further expanded to family, enjoying fellowship and food, isolated and distraught during times that include the distribution of donated items watching children play and open gifts, many of us may consider some of the to local outreach programs and formal and any number of traditions depending happiest moments of our childhoods. In recognition for community partners who on your faith and culture. It is not very 2014, it made perfect sense for the West have supported the organization in a likely that you pictured yourself in a Central Chapter of the Police Benevolent variety of ways. While this is important patient room with a sick child. While Association of Georgia to team up with business, everyone there knows the true this can be tough enough on parents and doctors, nurses, and other staff at the mission, the kids. family, think of being that child, who local Children’s Hospital for what would for whatever medical reason, spent the become the annual Blue Lights and When all is said and done, the holidays in a hospital bed as opposed to Smiles event. Chapter President Joyce participants line up around the parking the comfort of their own home. I think a Dent-Fitzpatrick said, “Sometimes it’s lot, sometimes spanning several rows, doctor at what was formerly known as the the little things that many of us take for and prepare for the convoy to the Midtown Medical Center for Columbus granted that can make a child feel special, hospital. The group usually embarks on Regional Health said it best, “No self-re- make them feel loved.” this journey just after dark, so safety is specting child wants to be in the hospital always a priority. The convoy travels, with at Christmas.” Each year since, a few days before lights and sirens, just over three miles to Christmas, law enforcement officials and the Children’s Hospital at what is now There are a myriad of parallels between a variety of community partners gather called Piedmont Columbus Regional. law enforcement and the health care at the Columbus State University Police This facility serves as the region’s only profession, with one of the greatest being Department parking lot. These partners level two trauma center and is complete

6 Blue Review 2018 with both a pediatric emergency room experience that THE GIFT OF POLICING: A HOLIDAY TRADITION and a pediatric intensive care unit. This the hospital staff convoy of so many law enforcement will send as many vehicles from surrounding agencies is children home as BY BRETT STANELLE, WEST CENTRAL GEORGIA CHAPTER MEMBER, PBA OF GA truly a sight. Not to mention, we really possible for the know how to make an entrance. While holidays, even if the sirens are going for transit, the they are expected participants cut them off at the hospital, to return but the lights are still going as we enter shortly after the parking lot. I am a little biased, but I for additional think it rivals reindeer and a sleigh! treatment. Keeping this in While the convoy is en route, the nursing mind, the officers staff moves the patients who are able realize that the to be moved and their families to the kids they meet Sonny Fitzpatrick, a special envoy for Santa Claus, visiting a child during windows. It reminds me of that verse are likely to be the 2017 Blue Lights and Smiles event. Photo credit (2017) Piedmont in “Twas the Night Before Christmas… staying for the Columbus Regional. when there arose such a clatter and the duration. It is children rushed to the window to see bittersweet, because if everything goes “In Memoriam” what was the matter.” The hospital police right, the floor will be empty and we will This article is dedicated to the memory of are always kind enough to block out not have anyone to visit since everyone James “Sonny” Fitzpatrick (1951-2018), a section of the parking lot for us that will be at home with their families. a faithful servant to his community and is visible from the Children’s Hospital So far, this has not happened and we a friend of the West Central Chapter of on the 5th floor. Upon arrival, the have gotten to be a part of the patients’ the Police Benevolent Association of participants leave the lights going for a families, even if for just a night. I like to Georgia. Over the years, Sonny and his few minutes and wave to the children think that the experience sticks with the wife Shirley developed a strong personal before heading up to visit them on the children and leads to more positive police connection with the North Pole. Some ward. In 2017, Chapter board member encounters. The Chapter calls this event would even say that they looked strikingly Shannon Zeisloft acquired some donated Blue Lights and Smiles and while the similar to Santa and Mrs. Claus! Needless flashlights and dropped them off in intent is to bring a smile to a child’s face, to say, Sonny pulled some strings and advance to the Children’s Hospital. I think that the impact on the officers is made sure that Santa’s schedule was This allowed the kids to signal back equally as prominent. The officers often always clear for the Chapter’s Blue to the officers. It was a heartwarming leave with bigger smiles; feeling that Lights and Smiles event. While Sonny experience and an addition to be they made difference in someone’s life, did not wear a badge, his service is a continued for future events. and remembering why they wear the true testament to police-community badge. Whether it is the holidays or not, The officers then unload coloring books, relations and we are honored to have had challenge yourselves to be someone’s crayons, stuffed animals, toys, and other his support and commitment. Rest easy hero and smile, for that is the true gift of small gifts from their patrol units and friend, we will take it from here. policing. venture off to the hospital. It has been our

HAVE YOU BEEN CALLED TO ACTIVE DUTY? The Southern States PBA proudly waives your dues as long as you are deployed through the United States military. Please be advised that private or contract employment will exclude you from membership with our organization. Please send us a copy of your military orders that show the dates of your service by email, fax or mail.

We appreciate your patriotism and dedication in defense of our country.

Find out more online. sspba.org/activeduty

SSPBA.ORG 7 RESILIENCY AND POST TRAUMATIC GROWTH

BY ANDY CARRIER, GEORGIA TROOPER CHAPTER MEMBER, PBA OF GA

here are many factors that come In the aftermath of a traumatic critical 9. To maintain a hopeful outlook, into play in defining a long, suc- incident some officers seem to move expecting good things and visualizing Tcessful career in law enforcement. forward well, while others struggle. The what is wished; As a matter of fact, there aren’t too many ability to forge on through adversity professions that demand more of a person speaks to both past engrained experiences 10. To take care of one’s mind and body, than those who carry a gun and wear a and learned behaviors. Michael Rutter, exercising regularly, paying attention to badge. There are intangibles that we all MD, believes that resilience is one’s one’s own needs and feelings. think of, such as honesty, integrity, char- ability to bounce back from a negative In the early 1930’s an American acter and physical/psychological well-be- experience with “competent functioning.” theologian named Reinhold Niebuhr ing. These areas are all considered when Resilience is not a rare ability; in reality, wrote the Serenity Prayer. He first wrote hiring prospective candidates. However, it is found in the average individual and it this prayer to be used at a sermon at there is no sure-fire way to predict a can be learned and developed by virtually the Heath Evangelical Union Church in rookie officer’s staying power. Granted, anyone. Resilience should be considered Heath, Massachusetts, fifteen minutes some officers will leave law enforcement a process, rather than a trait to be had. It from where I grew up. for various reasons, such as higher paying is a process of individuation through a jobs, better hours or location. Then there structured system with gradual discovery God, grant me the serenity to accept are the officers who leave because of of personal and unique abilities. Several the things I cannot change, courage to work-related stress, which most of the studies have shown that fifty percent of change the things I can, and wisdom to time, spills over into their personal lives, the ability to utilize resiliency comes know the difference. disrupting and corroding the family unit. from parents, or those that had a direct Key factors that will always speak to an impact on a child’s upbringing. From Niebuhr must have had a congregation officer’s successful career over the long this, it can be concluded that roughly full of police officers when he preached haul are their ability to practice resilience, half of one’s ability to practice resiliency this for the first time. In post traumatic the psychological hardiness they possess is engrained at an early age. The other growth research, it was found that the and self-efficacy to follow through with determining factor is what is learned ability to accept situations that cannot commitment and determination. through teaching and training. So, yes, be changed is crucial for adapting we can learn to be resilient as well. An to traumatic life events. Researchers Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) example of this could be learned from the call it “acceptance coping,” and have has become a common term used within American Psychological Association’s determined that coming to terms with our military. Over the past two decades, (APA) “Ten Ways to Build Resilience”: reality is a significant predictor of PTSD has found its way into the law post traumatic growth. According to enforcement field as an official diagnosis 1. To maintain good relationships with psychologists Tedeshi and Calhoun, as well. Although, nearly all who make close family members, friends and others; post traumatic growth (PTG) or benefit a lengthy career in law enforcement will finding refers to positive psychological 2. To avoid seeing crises or stressful experience Post-Traumatic Stress, not change experienced as a result of events as unbearable problems; all who experience a traumatic event or adversity and other challenges in order critical incident, such as we face in law 3. To accept circumstances that cannot be to rise to a higher level of functioning. enforcement on a daily basis. Why is this? changed; Unlike resiliency, PTG is not about Why do some officers develop PTSD, returning to the same life as it was while others who were involved in the 4. To develop realistic goals and move previously experienced before a period of same incident are not nearly as impacted? towards them; a traumatic incident; but rather it is about Let’s first define what a critical incident undergoing significant ‘life-changing’ is. According to police psychologist, 5. To take decisive actions in adverse psychological shifts in thinking and Roger Solomon, a critical incident is any situations; relating to the world, that contribute situation beyond the realm of a person’s to a personal process of change, that 6. To look for opportunities of self- usual experience that overwhelms his is deeply meaningful. Police officers discovery after a struggle with loss; or her sense of vulnerability and/or lack who have experienced traumatic growth of control over the situation. In our 7. To develop self-confidence; report a greater appreciation of life; profession, we like to be in control. It’s changed sense of priorities, warmer more how it’s supposed to be. When control is 8. To keep a long-term perspective and intimate relationships, greater sense of lost, it can be cause for great panic. It’s consider the stressful event in a broader personal strength, and recognition of not in our DNA to be out of control of a context; new possibilities or paths for one’s life given situation. and spiritual development. The “new

8 Blue Review 2018 normal” can be a new and improved State Patrol in 1989 after a two year stint College and a graduate of the 245th RESILIENCY AND POST TRAUMATIC GROWTH normal for many who choose to look at with the Richmond County, Georgia Session of the FBI National Academy in their traumatic critical incident through a Sheriff’s Department. Over his career Quantico, Virginia. Carrier is a licensed BY ANDY CARRIER, GEORGIA TROOPER CHAPTER MEMBER, PBA OF GA different set of lenses. with GSP, he has served as a road trooper, mental health clinician in the states of adjunct and full time instructor, assistant Georgia and South Carolina, specializing Post traumatic growth is facilitated by post commander, post commander and in trauma, grief and loss and is certified relating to others, new possibilities, assistant troop commander. Carrier also Eye Movement Desensitization and personal strength, spiritual change, and served at GSP HQ’s in Atlanta, where Reprocessing (EMDR) therapist. Carrier appreciation for life. In a perfect world, he oversaw daily operations with the resides in Augusta with his two children, PTG evolves from peer support and close Honor Guard, Hostage Negotiations Justin and Meghan. relationships. While resiliency attempts and the Critical Incident Support Team to lead us back to a baseline level of (peer support). As a hostage negotiator, functioning, prior to a critical incident, Carrier was the primary negotiator in PTG transcends the baseline. Resiliency two lengthy, volatile standoffs that gained and PTG are both crucial in surviving a continuous national media coverage. 20 – 30 year law enforcement career. It bodes well for us to learn all that we can Captain Carrier holds a BS in Criminal about both. We owe it to ourselves and we Justice from Brenau College, a Master of owe it to those who care about us. Public Administration from Columbus State University and a Masters in Clinical About the author Social Work from the University of Georgia. He is a graduate of Columbus Captain Andy Carrier joined the Georgia State’s Law Enforcement Command

JEFFERSON AWARDS: KEVIN TAYLOR

BY ASHLEY KIRKLEN, WGXA TELEVISION, APRIL 19, 2018

Deputy Kevin Taylor is a He says during the first year member of the Middle Georgia they served 15 families. Last Chapter. year and the year before that it was over a hundred families.

think sometimes we During the holidays they also all go through rough take dozens of kids to Toys R “Istages.” Us, give them $150 and watch them shop ‘til they drop. After 12 years in law enforcement, Deputy Kevin Beaming with joy, Taylor Taylor has seen the worst of his commented, “When they see us community while on the job, at Toys R Us, they just have a but it’s what he noticed outside good time.” of work that bothered him most. He says it’s an indescribable Taylor adds, “A lot of people in feeling. this community live paycheck to paycheck and doing the right If you’d like to get involved with thing and not going out there Operation Arresting Hunger, committing crimes in order to contact the Houston County make illegal money to supply Sheriff’s Office at (478) 542- through rough stages and he didn’t want their family with their wants and needs.” 2125. anyone else to go through that if he could He and other members of the force help it. This article is reprinted with permission wanted to help those people make ends and can be found here: https://wgxa.tv/ In 2012 he started Operation Arresting meet. news/jefferson-awards/jefferson-awards- Hunger, focusing on providing for kevin-taylor Deputy Taylor says he and his father went families in need in Houston County.

SSPBA.ORG 9 PBA MAKES ENDORSEMENTS IN RACES THROUGHOUT NORTH CAROLINA ince March of 2018, PBA members volunteered their time to interview candidates running for various state and local offices. These candidates were asked the tough questions to include their views on numerous issues that are critically S important to law enforcement, probation and corrections officers. During this process, candidates were asked to meet with a screening committee and were afforded the opportunity to talk about their background and experience. They were then asked a series of questions and their answers were graded by committee members. The committee then discussed the results before making recommendations to the appropriate board for a final review and vote for endorsement. PBA members then went into overdrive to get these candidates elected. This included attending numerous campaign events to show our support. In all, over sixty members volunteered their time to be at the forefront of this time-tested process. We want to congratulate our endorsed and elected candidates. We are looking forward to their service to their communities and the state of North Carolina.

10 Blue Review 2018 PBA MAKES ENDORSEMENTS IN RACES THROUGHOUT NORTH CAROLINA

SSPBA.ORG 11 WHAT THE CANDIDATES HAD TO SAY ABOUT THEIR ENDORSEMENT

“I will always stand with the ‘Thin Blue women who put their lives on the line sacrifice so much to create safe Line’ of men and women who keep our every day.” Rep. Stephen Ross - House communities. I am honored to have the families safe. They devote their lives to our District 59 endorsement of the Police Benevolent communities and yet too often, their needs Association and will work diligently to do are overlooked until a crisis hits. They “First and foremost, I have both friends right by the public servants they represent need a strong advocate in the Senate who and family in law enforcement. I work and the citizens they work hard to protect.” won’t back down to political correctness with them, I live with them and I go to Ashton Clemmons - House District 57 or political corruption and they can count church with them. I have a great deal of “I am pleased to have earned the on me. These good people are the salt of respect to their commitment to service endorsement of the NCPBA this year. I the earth, and I will never stop fighting for and sacrifice to ensure our citizens are strongly support the men and women in law them.” Rep. Bob Steinburg - safe. Our law enforcement officers often enforcement who go out every shift and Senate District 1 place themselves in harm’s way for the wear their badge with honor and integrity. “I am honored to receive the endorsement benefit of us all. To have this endorsement We rely upon our first responders every of the NCPBA. Law enforcement officers of the group who represents their interests single day and they always answer the call.” are the backbone of our justice system. is an awesome honor and privilege. Rep. Dennis Riddell - Their confidence in and support of me is I intend to do all I can to continue to House District 64 tremendously valuable in helping me spread support law enforcement and to increase “It is deeply meaningful to receive the my message of experience, honor and public safety for all citizens of Robeson endorsement of the NCPBA. I have great integrity. As the Voice of Law Enforcement and Columbus County.” Senator Danny respect for the work of law enforcement in our great state, the PBA is very active Britt - Senate District 13 professionals who put themselves at both in fighting for a high quality, independent professional and personal risk every day “I am so honored to receive the judiciary. I am very proud to have them on to serve their communities. As the largest NCPBA endorsement for NC House of my side.” Allegra Collins - law enforcement association in North Representatives. It is a privilege to work N.C. Court of Appeals Carolina, the NCPBA is the “Voice of Law with “The Voice of Law Enforcement Enforcement” protecting and advocating Officers” on important legislation that “I back the blue, and I appreciate that the for its members who, themselves, serve all protects and benefits their members. As I feeling is mutual. I gratefully accept the North Carolinians by working to provide did in our 2017-18 session, I will proudly NCPBA’s endorsement for NC Senate 39. strong, fair, and effective law enforcement stand with them again in the future to Today, the challenges of serving as a law across our state. I truly respect and support advance their priorities.” Rep. Cynthia enforcement officer are greater than ever. the work of the NCPBA for all its members Ball - House District 49 I intend to see to it that state government and the citizens of North Carolina. Thank recognizes that, remains behind them and “I have a deep respect for law you for endorsing and supporting my hears their voice.” Senator Dan Bishop - enforcement officers that in large part candidacy for the NC Court of Appeals.” Senate District 39 stems from a beat officer where I grew Toby Hampson - N.C. Court of Appeals “Every day, men and women in uniform up. He walked the streets and kept us “It is an honor personally for me to receive work to protect us, without reservation safe, taught the kids what it meant to be the PBA endorsement for several reasons. or hesitation. They put their lives on the good citizens, took time to talk and play I am a supporter and friend of the various line and have our back. Who has law ball with us when his duties permitted. law enforcement agencies and have a great enforcement officers’ back? The Police I believe law enforcement officers are respect and appreciation for the work they Benevolent Association. I have been hard-working, self-sacrificing, and do. I will do my best to support their issues fortunate enough to get to know the fine dedicated individuals who do a job most in the NC General Assembly to address folks of the PBA. The dedication they of us would never do. They see many concerns they may have. I appreciate the have to support the men and women of at their worst, yet endeavor to do their trust you have placed in me to advocate for law enforcement on a day to day basis best. Receiving the North Carolina PBA your organization.” Rep. Donny Lambeth - is nothing short of incredible. With the endorsement means a lot as it comes from House District 75 constant pressures that are mounting a group I deeply respect.” Keith Kidwell - House District 79 against these patriots, the PBA steps up “I am honored to receive the endorsement “I am honored to join the list of esteemed and provides the necessary support for our of the NCPBA, the women and men who elected officials and candidates endorsed law enforcement officers to do their jobs. provide public safety in our communities. by the NC Police Benevolent Association. This is the reason I am so proud to have the I will continue to collaborate with your The PBA does a great deal to protect support of the PBA.” Todd Johnson - Senate organization on public safety issues for the the rights of those who give so much to District 35 betterment of North Carolina citizens.” Rep. protect the rest of us and I intend to be a Carla Cunningham - House District 106 “It is an honor to receive the PBA strong advocate for their members in the endorsement. I have worked with law NC Senate.” Michael Garrett - “I’m proud to be endorsed by the NCPBA enforcement 25 plus years in public service Senate District 27 and I stand with the brave men and women and know firsthand how difficult their “As a candidate for NC House, I of law enforcement who strive to keep job has become. I have always and will am committed to serving all North our communities safe. In this time of continue to work hard for the men and Carolinians, especially those who 12 Blue Review 2018 unprecedented attacks on law enforcement, it is important that we stand for the rule of “Being endorsed by the NCPBA is a administrators and ensuring that we provide law and with our law enforcement officers.” tremendous honor, and it validates my what is legal, fair and just towards these men Rep. Destin Hall - House District 87 earlier career choices as a Correctional and women, who swore to protect and serve.” “I’m honored to receive the endorsement Officer, and Probation Parole Officer. Sheriff Ralph Kersey - Scotland County of the PBA. I’m glad we were able to work As a member of the North Carolina Sheriff together on common-sense improvements General Assembly, I will draw from my to our laws that will benefit our state as experience in law enforcement and my “Since being elected to the NC House I have a whole. I firmly believe we must do the relationship with the NCPBA to bring interacted with many associations and their hard work of building bridges and enacting forth legislation that will protect both Governmental Affairs leadership. The PBA smart policy changes that will benefit our law enforcement officers, and the citizens ranks very high in their relationship building, community. I look forward to working with that they are sworn to protect.” Raymond straight forwardness, guidance and support. the PBA to continue this hard work in the Smith - House District 21 This Legislator is so privileged to have the future.” PBA as a part of my team and the members Rep. Chaz Beasley - House District 92 “The PBA endorsement means a great of the PBA are blessed to be represented by deal to me, because it tells prospective your organization. Rep. Donna White - House “I am honored to have received the voters where I stand with respect to District 25 endorsement of the NCPBA because they law enforcement. I support our law “I consider it a great privilege to support our serve as the voice of law enforcement enforcement officers. I admire them as working law enforcement and their families officers across our state. As a candidate, people and I respect the service they and am thankful for the PBA endorsement and in my time on city council, I have perform for our communities.” Senator - together, we can continue to work towards supported strong, fair, and effective law Paul Newton - Senate District 36 ensuring protections and appropriate reform enforcement. It is humbling to be trusted are in place to grow and retain this critical as an advocate for our officers in the “It’s a real honor to have the endorsement workforce.” Senator Deanna Ballard - community.” Kirk Deviere - Senate District of our law enforcement community who Senate District 45 19 put their lives on the line for us each day. I remain committed to improving “I am proud to have received the endorsement “The NCPBA endorsement is pivotal for the working conditions of our law of the NCPBA for my campaign to serve a my campaign. I am running for NC House enforcement officers and the quality of fourth term in House District 74. The men and District 37 to improve the lives of North life of their families. I appreciate the women of the PBA enforce our laws and risk Carolinians. In order to do so we need to PBA, North Carolina’s premier voice their lives every day to protect the citizens in support and invest in our law enforcement of our law enforcement community, my district and across the state.” Rep. Debra officers across the state to ensure that and view their support as essential to Conrad - House District 74 they always have the means to keep our strengthening public safety by helping us communities safe and the continued ability to understand and tackle the challenges “I have been a 30-year member of this to improve relationships with our at-risk of law enforcement.” Senator Don Davis - outstanding organization that serves as a voice communities. Moving forward I look Senate District 5 for the men and women of law enforcement. I forward to closely working with the PBA am extremely proud to have their endorsement and am thankful for their support.” Sydney “It is an honor to receive the endorsement and am looking forward to my continued work Batch - House District 37 of the PBA. I have great respect and with them in the future.” Sheriff Alan Norman admiration for the brave men and - Cleveland County Sheriff “I understand the importance of this women who work in law enforcement. I endorsement and I am honored to have am grateful for their support and I will “There is no doubt of the essential services received the support of the NCPBA. I’m continue working to support them in our that police officers provide in our society committed to championing the issues of all state legislature.” Rep. Jon Hardister - EVERY DAY. Every day they put their expert law enforcement personnel. These public House District 59 training to work throughout the community. servants risk their lives protecting us and Every day they protect the countless lives of I witnessed this most recently during “I’m honored and humbled by the citizens by enforcing fairly the laws of our Hurricane Florence. I will continue to endorsement of the PBA. The men and cities throughout our state. Every day they put support the brave men and women who women who serve and have served this their lives on the line for protection and safety wear a uniform and go to work to protect country are our true unsung heroes. of every citizen. I am committed to provide our state.” Bobby Hanig - House District 6 The greatest endorsement a man or these men and women with the pay, benefits “I am very proud to have the endorsement woman can receive is one of their peers and respect they deserve when I am elected and the confidence of the PBA. As a US and for this I am truly grateful.” Bobby to N.C. Senate. They are my true heroes Army veteran, a member of a military Kimbrough - Forsyth County Sheriff and exemplify what makes our cities great family going back more than four throughout our state and country.” Harper “I am truly humbled and privileged to generations, and as a family member to Peterson - Senate District 9 receive the endorsement from the PBA many professional first responders who who represent many men and women who “Our law enforcement officers are on the front have put themselves in harms way every proudly protect and serve in uniform. lines everyday protecting our community. day, I understand the need to provide them The PBA is a vital organization, that I am proud to be endorsed by the PBA and with the resources and support they need so ensures officers are not only protected, I stand with them and the men and women that they may keep us safe.” but the PBA helps to serve as a vital they fight for every day.” Rep. Brian Turner - Rep. Holly Grange - House District 20 role in guiding our own practices as House District 116 SSPBA.ORG 13 BY KAYLAN STOREY, PUBLIC RELATIONS AND FOUNDATION MANAGER, SSPBA

f you only know one thing about Joe drink. When I got home, I purchased geoglyph of the Paracas Candelabra was Naia, you know he loves to hike. He backpacking gear and started hiking. I the next landmark that Naia and Caride Ibegan hiking in 2000 and “the bug want everyone to know that alcohol is took in. The symbol measures 595 feet got him,” as he says. When he’s not out a very patient drug. It will wait for the tall, which is large enough to be seen on the trail, he’s working for the SSPBA alcoholic to pick it up again and again,” 12 miles away at sea. The design of the as the Board Secretary and Treasurer as Naia said. Joe Naia proudly celebrated candelabra is cut two feet into the soil well as the PBA of GA President. He has his 25th year of sobriety this year. with stones placed around. According to been a proud PBA member for 25 years. legend, the geoglyph served as a beacon He stays very busy with his work for the When Naia first started long distance to sailors. PBA, but he always finds time to enjoy hiking, he admits he was clueless. At an the majestic beauty of nature. PBA of GA outpost along the Appalachian Trail, The famous sand dunes of Huacachina President Joe Naia has been featured in he met a famous long-distance hiker were next on the travel itinerary for the Blue Review three times to highlight and author, Nimblewill Nomad, who Naia and Caride. Huacachina is a small his hiking adventures. nicknamed Naia ‘Walmart Joe’ because village located in southwestern Peru of the impractical and bulky gear Naia with a permanent population of only The road that led Naia to begin hiking purchased at Walmart. 100 people, but proudly hosts tens of was bumpy. Naia says, “At the time, I thousands of tourists every year. From was seven years sober. A few years of Since we last checked in with hiking the dunes, Naia and Caride boarded a sobriety in an alcoholic’s life can be very enthusiast and PBA of GA President Joe plane to tour the Nazca Lines. The Nazca dangerous. You will start conning yourself Naia, he has traveled to Peru. During this Lines are a series of large geoglyphs in into thinking that you can have a few trip, Naia toured Peru with his friend, the Nazca Desert. The Nazca Lines are drinks and stop again. This is not true. Luis Caride, and spent 18 days taking in believed to have been created by the One day in March 2000, I was driving the sights and learning the history of the Nazca culture between 500 BC and 500 and told myself I would go fishing, country. AD. Some of the geoglyphs measure knowing full well that I did not even have as large as 1,200 feet long! The designs Naia and Caride began their tour in a fishing pole. I was really going to go include animals like birds, fish and Pisco, a small city located in the Ica somewhere to hide and drink. Instead, I monkeys. Other designs include shapes Region of Peru. They took a boat tour to drove towards the Georgia Mountains. I like trees and flowers. Scholars have visit the Ballestas Islands. According to drove all night and the following morning different interpretations for the purpose of TripAdvisor.com, the Ballestas Islands I stopped at the top of Unicoi Gap, not the lines, but most agree that there was a are located on the south coast of Peru knowing that the Appalachian Trail began religious significance to their creation. and are known for their many caves and right across the top of the Gap. I met arches that form a shelter for the 1500 several hikers who were stopping for a re- In the Arequipa region of Peru, Naia species of marine birds and sea lions. supply. I asked where they were heading, and Caride also visited Colca Canyon. Naia recalls seeing two seals fighting over and they said, ‘Maine.’ I told them I had Hosting 120,000 visitors annually, it is territory, “It was the coolest thing!” Near never heard of Maine, Ga. They laughed one of the better-known tourist locations the town of Pisco, Naia and Caride also and said. ‘No, the state of Maine,’ – more in the country. The canyon reaches a visited the Tambo Colorado, which was than 2,000 miles away. After this, I drove depth of 10,730 feet making it one of the a large administrative complex from the home and no longer had the desire to deepest in the world. Incan reign of the 16th century. The giant

14 Blue Review 2018 Naia and Caride also visited Cusco, a natives hosted a community get-together prize. I loved it. For 50 years, I have read BY KAYLAN STOREY, PUBLIC RELATIONS AND FOUNDATION MANAGER, SSPBA city in southeastern Peru near the Andes with food and dancing to welcome the about it and seen pictures of it in school. mountain range. Cusco is a popular tourists. “It was really neat. Everyone is I never dreamed I would be standing tourist destination, hosting 2 million self-sufficient there,” said Naia. He even there. It is more beautiful than I thought visitors a year. In the city of Cusco, the bought his wife a Peruvian hat, which it would be.” Machu Picchu is one of the Plaza de Armas, or the main town square was handmade by the islanders. “They new Seven Wonders of the World. We can is known for the stone pathways and were all really such sweet people,” said certainly see why. colorful gardens, where tourists love to Naia. take in the sights. Here, Naia and Caride The final stop for Naia and Caride was walked around drinking coffee, but not The two traveled the long journey to the Ausangate Rainbow Mountains in the without being pursued by the persistent Machu Picchu one day during their trip. Andes. “It’s a spectacular rock formation. street vendors. “The vendors just drive “We had to get up at 3:30 in the morning It is rainbow-colored. The colors range you nuts! Every two seconds, they are to take a two-hour trip by car to the train from turquoise to lavender to maroon and trying to sell you something,” Naia said. station. Once we got on the train, we took gold. It was unbelievable,” Naia said. “But the whole square was very, very a two-hour ride, and then a 30-minute car According to Forbes.com, the Rainbow nice.” ride to reach the top of the mountain. It Mountains are considered to be holy was an elaborate thing to get to Machu and are the site of daily worship for The largest lake in South America, Lake Picchu,” said Naia. Machu Picchu is a local citizens. The mountains are hard Titicaca, was also on Naia and Caride’s 15th century Incan citadel located on a to get to and require days of hiking to list. The lake lies on the border between mountain 7,970 feet above sea level. Most reach the peak. This was no challenge Bolivia and Peru. The lake consists of historians believe that Machu Picchu was for Naia though. Apparently, the guide five river systems that flow into it, as built around 1450 as an estate for Incan underestimated Naia’s abilities and was well as 41 islands. These islands are emperor Pachacuti. Constructed with quite surprised when Naia was the first quite different though because they are stone walls, it was obviously built to last; one down from the hike. “I got a kick out manmade floating islands. Built by the however, it was only used for 80 years of it!” Naia said. Uru people, the islands are made using before being abandoned. Most inhabitants bundles of dried totora reeds, which contracted smallpox from travelers and Driving in the country was treacherous. grow in the lake. The reeds are anchored died. Naia said, “Machu Picchu was the Roads had been destroyed and had with ropes and driven into sharp drops of 10,000 feet. the bottom of the lake. “We were on a stretch “Every time you walk, you of the highway and I sink the island two inches, stopped counting after 100 but then it goes back up,” monuments on the side of the Naia said. A few hundred road,” Naia said. of the Uru descendants Naia thoroughly enjoyed still inhabit the islands. the trip to Peru. “It was While visiting the islands, a memorable trip and Caride and Naia stayed one something I will always night with a native family. remember,” he said. We can’t According to Naia, each wait to see where “Walmart tourist stayed with a different Joe” goes next! family, and while there, the The beautiful Ausangate Rainbow Mountains. SSPBA.ORG 15 REPRESENTATIVE BOB STEINBURG RECEIVES PBA’S HIGHEST HONOR

Representative Steinburg with NCPBA members in the House Chambers

n July 30th, the North Carolina me and have remained with me to this and has been the rock of our family,” Police Benevolent Association day. I was taught the difference between according to Steinburg. He likes to use Opresented their “Legislative right and wrong and how important it a quote from Lou Gehrig to summarize Excellence” award to Representative Bob was to look out for others less fortunate his marriage…“Today I consider myself Steinburg in the House Chambers. Rep. than myself. I always identified with the the luckiest guy on the face of the earth.” Steinburg has been a tireless advocate for underdogs and would not tolerate anyone Steinburg and Marie have two children, prison reform and correctional officers. bullying someone who could not stand up Bobby and Greg, and two grandchildren, His efforts led to an increase to the sur- for themselves. My role models were my Julia (age 8) and Anthony (age 5). vivor benefit for law enforcement officers parents, clergy, men, women and friends killed in the line of duty from $50,000 of good will.” Steinburg first worked in radio as a disc to $100,000. It would also make correc- jockey before spending most of his career tional officers eligible for the same benefit While in high school, he was involved in sales and marketing. His stops along and be retroactive to cover the deaths of in various clubs and played basketball, the way included national companies like the officers from Bertie and Pasquotank football, tennis and track. He graduated the Russell Stover Candy Company and Correctional Institutes. Upon receiving from Oswego High School in 1966. Keepsake Diamond Rings (the A. H. Pond this award, Steinburg said, “I consider After high school, he attended Corning Company). He is currently the founder this award to be the highest honor of Community College and was elected and owner of the WolfeStein Group, LLC, my legislative career to date. It not only President of the student body. He a sports marketing company. humbles me but at the same time inspires graduated in 1969 with an Associate In 1977, he and Marie discovered Edenton me to continue the fight no matter what, Degree. He also attended Murray State and northeastern North Carolina when knowing the PBA has got my back.” University and Morehead State University in Kentucky and eventually earned his the area became part of his sales territory. Rep. Steinburg was born and raised in B. S. degree in 1990 from Upper Iowa Steinburg says, “We liked the people, the Oswego, New York, a city of about 18,000 University in Fayette, Iowa. values and the patriotism that abounded people in upstate New York on the shores here then and does to this day. Neighbor of Lake Ontario. His dad worked for the Steinburg has been married to his helping neighbor. This region of the state local newspaper and his mom worked for wife, Marie, for forty-six years. He is the best of rural America. We are proud a bank. He has three brothers. Steinburg will readily tell you that his decision to to call it and North Carolina home.” is an Episcopalian and served as an altar marry her ultimately proved to be the Every elected official has those that have boy from the time he was eight through best decision he ever made. Marie is also inspired them along the way. Steinburg high school. He was also involved in from Oswego and was from a very large is no different. His first political hero church youth groups. According to him, second generation Italian family. “Marie was President Dwight Eisenhower, and “Those Christian values were all around continues to be very strong in her faith

16 Blue Review 2018 President Ronald Reagan was another. He epidemic proportions. When asked why growing. I then began to hear from REPRESENTATIVE BOB STEINBURG RECEIVES PBA’S HIGHEST HONOR states, “I admired their steely resolve and prison reform is so important to him, inmates who were writing to say they felt leadership. Reagan’s ability to connect he stated the following: “Sometimes the prisons were out of control and that if with the people resonated with me. I we find ourselves in a situation that we something weren’t done and soon, another admired Jesse Helms when he was in would never have envisioned. The events murderous incident was inevitable. the U. S. Senate for his fiery tenacity. of last April at Bertie and then six short Most sided with the Correction Officers His autobiography was a fascinating months later in Pasquotank changed and feared for them. The Department read. I also deeply admired the late Billy everything. These monstrous acts of of Corrections is so broken, I knew Graham for his God-given ability to bring barbarism in my backyard touched me someone had to step up to the plate and millions to Christ. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a in ways so profound I cannot even begin do something. I will not rest until we have German pastor and theologian in Hitler’s to describe them other than to say I achieved meaningful prison reform, so Nazi Germany was one of the most would do all in my power to help ensure help me God.” courageous men of the 20th Century,” nothing like this would ever happen Steinburg added. “Bonhoeffer is a must again. First it was the personal interaction During this process, Steinburg developed read.” with the families, friends, co-workers; a close relationship with the PBA and seeing the hurt and pain up close and assisting them and their members. When Steinburg was asked why he chose personal and then beginning to learn Steinburg states “The PBA reached out to enter politics, he replied, “There are this didn’t have to happen. I began to to me and has worked with me every step those who strive to be a politician, to have dig in and ask questions and that led to of the way to provide me with expertise, a career in politics for reasons both good throngs of individuals coming forward guidance, encouragement, support and and bad. I see myself as a public servant and putting their trust in me by pointing historical context of the inner workings with no other goal than to serve others, out conditions within the hierarchy of our prison system. They are committed to right wrongs, to eradicate evil and of the Department of Corrections and to righting the ship once and for all. corruption and to bring opportunity to many of the individual institutions as The PBA has a strong membership with those who have little or none.” well. There appeared to be no trust or good people who really care about their confidence in management by the rank brothers and sisters in law enforcement Rep. Steinburg took up the cause of and file, and procedures and protocols and their families. I consider myself prison reform after the murder of Sgt. were lax. Correction Officers felt no to be blessed to have the wonderful Meggan Callahan in April of 2017. He one had their backs and that the inmates working relationship I have with the PBA has been a leading voice in the General and their lackeys were in fact running leadership and its members.” Assembly on this issue and has immersed the institutions. Gang activity was ever himself in trying to solve a crisis of THE NCPBA ANNOUNCES LAWSUIT AGAINST THE NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY ON BEHALF OF MEMBERS

n June 25, 2018, The same shameful the NCPBA held a treatment that has denied Opress conference in our members lawful Raleigh, NC to announce treatment and benefits the filing of a lawsuit on exemplifies a culture behalf of our members of corruption that against the Department promulgates a system of of Public Safety. This suit workplace malfeasance, was filed due to what the severe officer injury and NCPBA believes to be a even death. deliberate and pervasive scheme by DPS administra- “Our hope is that tors to deny benefits to our our effort here will members that were support- begin a process of ed and passed into law by accountability, respect state legislators. and support that has been denied to our According to North correctional officers for Carolina PBA Executive far too many years,” said Director John Midgette, Midgette. NCPBA Executive Director John Midgette speaks to the media. “The actions alleged here Read the full lawsuit at exemplify a systematic that has plagued the Department of www.ncpba.org. practice and attitude by senior leaders Corrections for many decades.”

SSPBA.ORG 17 HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS SEMINAR: Training Officers to Spot the Signs of Human Trafficking BY KAYLAN STOREY, PUBLIC RELATIONS AND FOUNDATION MANAGER, SSPBA

very day we hear the news of a rob- officers how to spot and stop human He rescued a victim in January 2013. bery or shooting. Rarely do we hear trafficking, GBI Assistant Special A few months prior to recovering the Eof one of the largest issues facing Agent in Charge Brian Johnston led girl, Paquette attended a similar human law enforcement – human trafficking. the presentation to officers in Augusta, trafficking training event. He knew how With a 32 billion-dollar annual revenue, GA on April 18, 2018. The human to spot the signs and help the young girl. human trafficking is second in revenue trafficking awareness seminar was “She had been with 11 guys that night at following only drugs. Major metropol- proudly sponsored by the Rotary Club a motel,” Paquette said. Paquette’s story itan areas and large sporting events are of Augusta. Rotary Club of Augusta made national news and appeared in hotspots for human trafficking. Georgia, President Ed Presnell was the mastermind The Washington Post. Read the article in particular, is a favorite for traffickers behind the event. He brought the idea on page 20. “We’ve all had that big drug due to the expansive highway system and to PBA of Georgia Staff Representative case, but there is nothing more rewarding world’s largest airport. Patrick Cullinan and Georgia State Patrol than seeing a child that says they are here Captain Andy Carrier. They all worked today because of this officer. I’m honored What can be done to deter and stop diligently to put together a first-class that she is a success story. She just human trafficking in its tracks? With event. graduated college, has gotten married and obstacles like these and an already heavy now has kids. I challenge you to set out workload, how can officers be expected to In June of 2017, Presnell attended the and recover a child,” Paquette added. help end human trafficking as well? The Rotary International Convention with Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) 35,000 other Rotarians. While there, set up a specialized unit to investigate Presnell had an eye-opening experience. WHAT IS HUMAN and stop human trafficking in Georgia. “Ashton Kutcher gave a presentation TRAFFICKING? The unit known as CEACC (Child on human trafficking. You would think Human trafficking is the trade of humans Exploitation and Computer Crimes with him being an actor, that he wouldn’t for sex or labor purposes. Must be forced, Unit) is one of the largest units in the really be familiar with something like fraud or coercion, or the child must be GBI. Currently, the unit consists of 28 this, but he was spot on. He never cracked under 18, to be classified as trafficking. people – 4 supervisors, 14 special agents a smile. He spoke about how human Force includes some sort of physical and 9 digital forensic investigators. trafficking usually takes place at large action, restrictions on movement or sexual The unit also works to prosecute child sporting events,” Presnell said. “It made force. Fraud includes a lie told to make pornography cases and runs the crimes sense that Georgia would be a hub for the victim take part. Coercion includes against children task force. The task force this kind of activity,” Presnell added. threats, i.e. to kill the victim’s family, etc. currently has 225 affiliates throughout Kutcher’s speech opened Presnell’s Human trafficking is called modern day the state of Georgia. Also, inside the unit eyes and he knew he wanted to help law slavery. is the Georgia Internet Crimes Against enforcement learn and be better equipped Children (ICAC) task force which works to help trafficking victims. to identify cyber crimes against children. WHAT IS SEX Presnell applied for and received a grant In an effort to help teach law enforcement through Rotary International to host the TRAFFICKING? seminar. He worked closely with Sex trafficking includes prostitution, the GBI, Georgia State Patrol, pornography, stripping, erotic massage, CSRA Chapter of the PBA of escort services, phone sex lines, private GA and non-profit organization parties, gang-based prostitution, familial I’m Aware to put together the pimping. A lot of trafficking is internet- event. Thanks to the grant, the based. Prostitution and human trafficking location and food were covered. are all about money. Attendees were also offered 4 hours of POST credit for WHO ARE THE VICTIMS? attending the seminar. Over 100 A common myth is that victims are all officers, nurses and civilians foreign. In reality, most are from our own attended the training. neighborhoods. 80 to 90% of the victims PBA member Patrick Paquette come from abusive homes. The victims are usually the runaways – a child that Rotary Club of Augusta President Ed Presnell has seen firsthand what a trafficked victim looks like. ran away from home but has someone looking for them (i.e. a parent, teacher,

18 Blue Review 2018 HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS SEMINAR: etc.), or a “throwaway” – essentially IS HUMAN TRAFFICKING QUESTIONS TO ASK homeless, but no one cares or is looking JUST A METRO ATLANTA POTENTIAL VICTIMS: Training Officers to Spot the Signs of Human Trafficking for them. PROBLEM? Where do you live? BY KAYLAN STOREY, PUBLIC RELATIONS AND FOUNDATION MANAGER, SSPBA The average age for entry into prostitution Human trafficking is not just a metro is 12 to 14 years old. Most victims are not Atlanta problem. Human trafficking may Who do you live with? recovered at this age. Instead, many are be easier to imagine in larger cities, but recovered around 16 to 17 years old after it happens everywhere. Victims come What help do you need? they have been in the business for a few from all over. Traffickers also like to years. move their victims around, so they are Is there someone you’d like unfamiliar with the area. The majority of victims are female. me to contact? One out of three homeless children A great deal of trafficking takes place in is exploited – usually within the first residential brothels. Here they tend to vet Tell me about your family… 48 hours of becoming homeless. The the johns. They are also mobile and able traffickers can tell that the child doesn’t to operate out of houses and apartments. If possible, move the potential victim belong and know to target them. Most A great deal of prostitution takes place away from their trafficker. In cases like become victims through force/threat, in massage parlors. Internet-based Patrick Paquette’s, the victim may just peer recruitment, internet enticement, prostitution continues to grow as well. need to feel safe enough to ask for help. false modeling ads, seduced, or sold by a family member. WHAT TO DO AFTER The victims undergo a great deal FINDING A VICTIM: of physical and psychological If an officer finds a victim, they have trauma that stays with them. to get them to the hospital as soon as possible. It is imperative that any WHY DO THEY STAY? physical evidence is found and that the victim gets checked by a medical Many people ask, “Why didn’t professional. she leave?” The sex traffickers condition their victims through The officer will also need to find starvation, beatings, bribes shelter for them. Usually, DFACS (money, food, phone, etc.) The will step in and take over custody. victims are also often running There are many resources available to from sexual abuse in the home officers and victims through the GBI, which makes them vulnerable DFACS and GA CARES. GA CARES and easy to manipulate. The is the primary point of entry for victim trafficker, or pimp, usually starts GBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Brian Johnston services. The primary concern of the by showering the victim with speaking to the officers about human trafficking. investigation is always the victim. affection. Then they isolate the victim and make them believe that they love them and deserve the abuse. The HOW TO SPOT A VICTIM: OCGA 16-5-46 GEORGIA victims believe they are in a relationship There are many signs that may indicate LAW – SEXUAL with their trafficker and do not self- a trafficked victim. They may include identify as victims. This makes it harder inconsistent personal information, no TRAFFICKING LAW: for law enforcement because the victim identification, signs of physical violence, According to OCGA 16-5-46, officers oftentimes will not ask for help. The tattoos or branding, no money, clothing, can clearly charge someone who victims are also taught to fear law etc. They may also be in emotional obtains a child for sexual acts. The law enforcement. distress. For example, the victim may not enforcement officer does not have to show make eye contact with an officer. A lot that the johns/trafficker knew the age of of times, the victims are told that they the child. WHO ARE THE cannot make eye contact with another male. Next time you are out on patrol, you TRAFFICKERS? may just have the opportunity to rescue The majority of the offenders are male. If you suspect you have found a a victim from human trafficking. For They are usually US citizens between the trafficking victim, identify the warning more information on the GBI CEACC ages of 18-34. Many times after they are signs and record them in your report. Unit, please visit https://investigative- apprehended, they will say that they were Treat the child as a victim. gbi.georgia.gov/child-exploitation-and- simply trying to “help” the child get out computer-crimes-unit. of the trafficking life.

SSPBA.ORG 19 PATROL OFFICERS ARE TRAINED TO SPOT DRUNKEN DRIVING AND DRUG TRAFFICKING. WHY NOT CHILD TRAFFICKING, TOO? BY STEVE VOLK

This article originally appreared in suggested a more sinister story. The Washington Post on February The drugs provided grounds for 27, 2018 and is reprinted with a wider investigation, so Paquette permission. ordered a search of the girl’s suitcase. Inside, he and the other officer hen Deputy Patrick Paquette discovered additional clues: dozens pulled to a stop on Interstate 20 of condoms, lubricant, sex toys and a Win Georgia in January 2013, he small pile of lingerie. The girl and the didn’t anticipate a career-altering expe- man, Johnathon Nathaniel Kelly, were rience. He saw a young man and a far still separated. Kelly could not see or younger girl standing on the side of the hear the girl. But Paquette, returning highway. Both were handcuffed. The pair to her, kept his voice low. had been detained by an officer who had “Do you need help?” he asked. pulled them over for speeding, smelled pot and discovered a bag of marijuana. “No,” she told him. To Paquette, a Greene County sheriff’s deputy with 11 years of experience, She still refused to look at him, it seemed like a routine case of drug and Paquette didn’t believe her. In possession. The man looked sullen. The a different situation, he might have young girl looked ... gotten tough — and, with his rugged face and frame, he could easily Paquette took a closer look at the girl. intimidate. But he eased off, gently She seemed to be about the same age as asking the girl to recap her story. one of Paquette’s sons and weighed down Then he leaned down to look into her by some combination of sadness and eyes. fear. She kept glancing warily toward the young man. “Do you need help?” he asked again.

Paquette moved the girl out of the man’s The girl opened her mouth as if he’d sight and earshot and started asking just turned the key to it. “Sir,” she questions. How old was she? “Seventeen.” said, “please get me some help,” and Who was the young man? “My sister’s began to cry. boyfriend.” The two had traveled from her home, in Montgomery County, Ala., Paquette uncuffed her, loaded her into the girl told Paquette, through Georgia, the car and drove her to the station seeing relatives. They had spent the for an interview with a specialist in previous night in an Augusta hotel. As sex crimes. The girl, Rebecca (she she talked, she avoided looking Paquette asked that her last name be withheld, in the eye. to protect her identity because she is a sex-trafficking victim), sobbed. “I’ve “It didn’t really add up,” Paquette says been praying,” she told him, “every now. “How many 17-year-old girls spend second I could, to be rescued.” Kelly the night in a hotel with their sister’s was arrested and later sentenced to 11 boyfriend?” By this time, he says, the years for interstate transportation of a signs that this wasn’t a routine drug- minor for prostitution. possession case were “just slapping me in the face.” The disparity in ages The truth is, if Rebecca had between the man, 29, and the girl; the encountered Paquette just months unlikely story of their travels together; earlier, she would have been arrested. the girl’s evident fear; the illegal drugs, “Right when I felt like she was enough for personal use but not enough to lying to me,” he says, “I know I imply intent to sell — all of these factors would have just said, ‘Lock them up.’” But Paquette had recently Deputy Patrick Paquette.

20 Blue Review 2018 taken a Texas-based training program, implement. going to catch a child molester’?” No called Interdiction for the Protection of response. Children (IPC), which taught him how Thus far, IPC training has spread mostly to spot indicators of child-sex trafficking through word of mouth and chance Prestridge asks this question at every BY STEVE VOLK and conduct roadside investigations. encounters. For example, after Cathy training session — this was his 97th Among the warning signs: drivers who Meyers, executive director of Maryland’s — and he’s become accustomed to that are older and unrelated to their victims, Center for Children, met Prestridge reaction. “Why is that?” he asked. “Why who tell unlikely stories to the police, during a 2016 law enforcement seminar in don’t police make that a goal before their or who possess illegal drugs in amounts Austin, she arranged a Maryland training shift?” His audience was silent. “I’ll consistent with personal use — to keep session through the Governor’s Office tell you one reason why,” he offered. their companions docile. Victims, of Crime Control and Prevention. That’s “Because there’s no box to check.” Paquette learned, often lie to the police how Derek Prestridge wound up standing The 44-year-old trooper, still fit, with in obvious ways, sometimes appearing in a basement conference room of the dark brown hair trimmed cop-close, scattered or nonsensical — telltale effects Maryland Department of Transportation noted that there are boxes to check for of fear and trauma. They continually try last summer, walking an audience of arrests, confiscated drugs, speeding to make eye contact with their abuser, as about 80 officers through the epiphany tickets, drunk drivers, even seat-belt if looking for signals or orders. And they that led to this program. infractions. Those boxes, he argued, frequently possess sex toys, condoms, One afternoon in 2005, he told them, invariably reflect and influence any lubricant and lingerie inappropriate for he came across an article describing the officer’s priorities. “This isn’t to say that their age. breakup of a multistate sex trafficking police don’t want to rescue children,” Some of these details might seem ring, which regularly drove through Texas said Prestridge. “Of course we do. The obvious; but, surprisingly, before the with captive children. The traffickers even problem is that we haven’t really known development of the IPC program in 2009 used Interstate 10 through Prestridge’s how.” by a Texas Department of Public Safety jurisdiction. “I wondered,” he recalled, “if After identifying this worrisome gap in officer named Derek Prestridge, there was any of my officers had come in contact Texas DPS statistics, Prestridge looked no comparable, comprehensive training with this car.” for a training course about recognizing program to help patrol officers — those These were the days before the state — and rescuing — endangered children. most likely to encounter children in kept child rescue statistics. As Prestridge After all, police are taught readily distress — identify missing, exploited or told the audience, he could readily observable details that are possible at-risk kids. discover that, in 2008, Texas state indications of drug trafficking: Vehicles The success of the program has been, troopers recovered 1,812 stolen cars, that lean to one side on level ground unavoidably, difficult to quantify. Before arrested 12,615 fugitives and seized could be hiding contraband; a tire jack on the creation of IPC training, Texas DPS 69,063.99 pounds of pot — wryly noting the passenger seat could signal narcotics kept no record of “child rescues.” But the department’s zeal to “record all the hidden in the wheel well. When he Texas state troopers have made 341 such marijuana we recover, to the fraction found no comparable program for child rescues since the program’s inception; of an ounce.” But how many recovered trafficking, he gathered a team within and in formalized follow-up interviews, missing or exploited children were listed? Texas DPS — including Texas Rangers, virtually all of the troopers said the “That number,” he said, “was zero.” criminal analysts and victim services training was key to spurring them to counselors — to build a training course. He knew zero couldn’t be true. Runaways action. are sometimes discovered on the highway, They found and interviewed police who The DPS has made the training available for instance. What was true was that had made child rescues, asked what outside of Texas, and states that have no one had thought child-related cases raised their suspicions and searched for participated are also reporting upticks were important enough to break out as a commonalities. They pored over reports in child rescues. But the training is far statistic. The lack of rigor wasn’t specific of the ways trauma, abuse and trafficking from standard. According to Prestridge, to Texas; Prestridge surveyed 10 other victims think and behave, searching for now a captain, IPC training has reached states and found the same thing. best practices police could use in the field 7,709 patrol officers and child services to gain trust and information. The initial Now Prestridge stood before his audience professionals; according to the Justice effort took more than a year, culminating and asked: “How many of you have ever Department, there are about 750,000 in 2009, when Texas DPS trained its first said, at the start of a shift, ‘I’m gonna get police officers in the United States (the class. “We made our first rescue in 2010,” me a drunk driver tonight’?” Numerous statistics don’t seem to break out patrol says Prestridge, “and they kept coming hands rose. officers). “If this training becomes after that.” routine,” Prestridge says, “we could “How many of you have said, ‘I’m gonna The program triggered a policy change at be saving thousands of children.” bust a drug dealer’?” Again, many hands. Texas DPS, which now records a statistic Unfortunately, as he has learned, even the for all “child rescues” generated by most promising approaches to the most “How many of you have ever said, ‘I’m traffic stops, most of which fall into the disturbing problems can be difficult to going to rescue a child tonight’? Or ‘I’m

SSPBA.ORG 21 categories of sex abuse, Internet crimes, In the early years of the program, From his U.S. Marshals office, Bourke familial abduction or sex trafficking. By Prestridge began supplying the training to now vets Texas DPS’s evolving list of 2014, Texas DPS had logged more than a few outside agencies, where it was well indicators, which has swelled to 361, 140 rescues. received. In 2014, Texas DPS Director including large numbers of condoms, Steve McCraw gave him a mandate to particularly of brands sold in bulk online; One particularly remarkable rescue share it with any police department that and loose hard drives or SIM cards, occurred in July of that year. In Hidalgo asked — anywhere in the United States. which are often used for transporting County, then-Sgt. Virgil Verduzco of “It was an easy decision to make when child pornography. Texas DPS spotted a vehicle with a we realized we had a new way to protect defective taillight. He stopped the car children,” says McCraw. “Our great hope The program has also evolved to include around 2 a.m., discovering a 20-year- is that this program becomes part of the a section on what patrol officers can old man, according to his license, and routine application of officers’ duties look for inside homes. “The presence of a younger girl. “Police normally think everywhere — so that it is no longer any one indicator might not be that big about guns and drugs,” he recalls, “but considered unique.” a deal,” says Bourke, “but when officers the training really opens your mind to know them, and certainly if they see a think about children.” That same year, Prestridge made an cluster of them, they can use them in the important connection in the federal field to guide their investigation.” Verduzco ordered the young man to government. He was attending an exit the car and walked him behind the invitation-only summit on long-term The program has racked up results vehicle. “What’s the girl’s name?” he missing children at the National Center and received praise outside Texas. In asked. for Missing and Exploited Children in April 2015, six children were rescued Alexandria, Va., when he struck up a as part of a 72-hour initiative involving The young man didn’t know. “We met conversation with Michael Bourke, a multistate trafficking checkpoints through social media,” he explained. forensic psychologist in the U.S. Marshals (similar to sobriety checkpoints) led by “We’re gonna hang out.” Service in Arlington. the Texas DPS. “That may not sound like a staggering number,” said Col. Verduzco left the man Bourke’s role as chief of the Marshals’ Frank Milstead, director of Arizona’s there, then approached Behavioral Analysis Unit requires him to DPS, when announcing the results, “but develop psychological profiles of fugitives I assure you if one of those six kids was the girl and asked for her on a case-by-case basis — a kind of daily, your kid, that number is staggering.” mother’s number. The ongoing experiment testing preexisting Arizona DPS Capt. Jennifer Pinnow says woman answered, groggy models against individual examples. “I the IPC program has been “vital” in her was impressed by Derek and what he had state, which now tracks child rescues, with sleep. to say,” says Bourke, “but I was also a recording 42 in 2016 and 57 in 2017. little skeptical. … I knew you had to be Verduzco named the careful vetting these indicators” of child In 2016, Prestridge won an award from trafficking. the National Center for Missing and girl, asking: “Is that your Exploited Children. Pete Banks, retired daughter?” Prestridge told Bourke about one director of training and outreach at the potential indicator he’d been mulling: center, says the IPC program “provides “Yes,” she said. “But my Some IPC-trained police reported that exactly what’s needed, an intensive the trafficking suspects they arrested training that focuses on the population daughter’s asleep in her often bore tattoos on their neck or face. in law enforcement that can make the room.” Bourke didn’t “see how there could be a greatest difference.” connection” but volunteered to conduct Verduzco requested that an experiment using the U.S. Marshals’ The federal government is taking notice as well. Two FBI agents co-wrote a long, she check, and in a flash national database. He pulled 600 random samples of people arrested for trafficking laudatory essay about the program in she returned, thanking children and 600 arrested for assault and the bureau’s Law Enforcement Bulletin him. He’d recovered a found that, yes, child traffickers were in 2015. Alexandra Gelber, deputy chief more likely to bear tattoos on their face in the Department of Justice’s Child 14-year-old girl — lured and neck (assault suspects were more Exploitation and Obscenity Section, says out by an adult she met prone to have tattoos on their hands). she’s “convinced of the program’s merits” and likes the cost-effectiveness of using online — before her The individual numbers were small — an existing resource: patrol officers. mother even knew she was 20 hits among the sex traffickers, for instance — but Bourke said they were But a program needs more than praise missing. statistically significant enough that to spread across the country; it needs Prestridge could include facial tattoos funding and a federal agency willing Joel Contreras Jr. later pleaded guilty to to take on the task of disseminating it. enticement of a child. as an indicator. And he joined the team.

22 Blue Review 2018 The fight against drug trafficking has Marshals stationed all over the country Afterward, Senior Trooper Joseph Ekani benefited from money allocated to the with preexisting relationships at every said the class made him recall a traffic war on drugs and the Drug Enforcement level of law enforcement,” says Bourke. stop involving a male driver with a young Administration’s ability to spearhead “The growth of this thing, as we develop female passenger, lots of cash and a pile training. In contrast, Texas DPS has Marshals to disseminate the training, of prepaid phone cards (an IPC indicator been providing the IPC training on should just be exponential.” because the cards allow criminals to just $95,945 in federal grant money it make calls anonymously). “I could tell received in 2014 from the DOJ’s Office of Back at the Maryland training session, something was going on. I just wasn’t Community Oriented Policing Services. Prestridge told a story involving the sure how to proceed,” Ekani said. “Now Larger federal grants, Prestridge learned, Washington region. A 16-year-old girl that I know what I know, I’m not going to are too narrowly focused to cover IPC’s in Abilene, Tex., met a man online who let that happen again.” range of crimes and victims. And even took her to a series of hotels, seeing if Texas DPS found a pot of money 12 customers per day, all the way to Since that first training, a small group somewhere, it simply doesn’t have the Pentagon City in Arlington. He then of Maryland officers that underwent staff to train the nation’s patrol officers: headed west again, on a circuitous path a special, intensive version of the IPC Prestridge, who is assigned to the training back toward Texas, and evaded two police course has trained an additional class academy, and his team hold many other encounters. of 35 Maryland state and local police. responsibilities within the department. The plan is to conduct new classes every The first officer stopped them in Fairfax six months, including a course that Help may come from what might first County, Va., for a routine traffic violation, will begin on March 8 with 80 more seem like an unlikely agency: the U.S. and arrested the man for drug possession. officers. Though Maryland keeps some Marshals Service. While marshals are The officer didn’t recognize the large child-related statistics — calls to Child mostly known as the officers who protect quantity of condoms, or $4,000 in cash Protective Services, for example — like the federal judiciary, operate Texas initially, it has no the witness protection category for child rescues. program and capture Maryland State Police fugitives, they have long spokesman Greg Shipley leveraged their ability to find says that an initiative to missing bad guys into finding gather this new statistic — missing children. In 2005, which could involve as many they installed a program as 150 police agencies — is manager at the National in progress, but he could not Center for Missing and provide a timeline. Exploited Children. In 2015, aided by a law allowing them Prestridge says recording to assist law enforcement child rescues as a separate agencies in missing-children statistic is “important cases, they established a Missing Child because it just sends a Unit, which has assisted in the recovery the man possessed, as signs of sex message, through the whole organization, of more than 1,000 kids. Late last trafficking. The man made bail the next to be mindful of the children we see summer, the service agreed to become day, and the pair continued their trip. — and to be able to recognize and what Bourke calls “the force multiplier” investigate any sign that something might The second officer, a state trooper in that will push out IPC training across be wrong.” Denver who pushed them back onto the nation; the plan is for the Marshals the road after their car ran into an That’s exactly what Deputy Patrick Service to begin training local police embankment during a snowstorm, also Paquette did back in 2013 on that Georgia departments this year. “We’ve already missed the signs. Finally, about 15 interstate, when he became the answer seen how successful the IPC program minutes from Abilene, Trooper Connor to Rebecca’s prayers. Two years later, is by the number of children who’ve Hardin, an IPC graduate, stopped them Rebecca invited him to her high school been rescued since its inception, and we and recognized the indicators. He started graduation. “I wanted him to see,” she are committed to seeing that continue asking questions, arrested the man and says, “that I am not wasting this second with more training opportunities,” says sparked an investigation. chance at life he gave me.” Paquette Derrick Driscoll, assistant director for the attended, sitting there with a rare kind U.S. Marshals Investigative Operations By the time Prestridge finished this story, of satisfaction — and humility. “It was Division. the second and final day of the Maryland kind of overwhelming,” he says, “and an class was nearly over. Attendees glanced Texas DPS and Bourke will train and honor.” at one another with a new resolve. certify classes of U.S. Marshals to Prestridge said he expected them to start Steve Volk is a writer at large for present the program; those Marshals rescuing kids, too. “One of you,” he said, Philadelphia Magazine and a will then teach colleagues and classes of “at least one of you will.” contributing editor for Discover. local officers. “We’ve got 3,000 deputy

SSPBA.ORG 23 PROTECT, SERVE AND...DELIVER?

BY ROBERT MAY, LEE COUNTY CHAPTER MEMBER, ALPBA

hen I was in the Academy a “A gentleman came running in the front easily pulled, and she slid right on out of few years ago, we memorized door of the Justice Center and stated that the birth canal into my hands. WThe Law Enforcement Code of he needed help. His wife was having a Ethics. It begins with these words: “As a baby! He also stated that he worked with “There was a small blanket sitting on the law enforcement officer, my fundamental the Macon County Sheriff’s Office. console between the front seats, and I duty is to serve the community; to safe- used it to hold the baby. I tilted her so that guard lives.” “I told Sgt. Flournoy to notify dispatch to the fluid ran out of her eyes and mouth, get EMS on the way, and I went out the and she took her first breaths. She cried As law enforcement officers, we are front door to their vehicle. He had parked very little, like three times, and then constantly aware of our duty to serve and directly in front of the Justice Center. I opened her eyes and looked up at me. It protect our fellow citizens. As we take up walked up to the vehicle. His wife was was a very humbling moment.” our gun and badge to begin a tour of duty, in the passenger’s seat, and much to my we have no idea what challenges The mother was obviously we may face, or what we may be upset. I’m quite sure this was called upon to do in the line of not ideally the way she had the duty. But one thing we do know for delivery of her baby pictured in sure, we won’t back down from any her mind. I told her, “Look what challenge or danger. We will serve you did; you did good; the baby and protect those who count on us. is fine.”

But what if, instead of protecting “Just then I felt somebody tap me the life of a fellow citizen, you were on the shoulder and I looked up, called upon to help begin her life? I had not realized that EMS had arrived! They took the baby from Early in the afternoon of Thursday, me. I turned around and saw the March 8, 2018, Cpl. Lee McLeroy father who had been standing and Sgt. Ronnie Flournoy were behind me. He had tears running relieving the two deputies who were down his face. I patted him on assigned to the security checkpoint the back and told him that he had at the public entrance of the Lee done fine, that the baby was fine. County, Alabama Justice Center. I I didn’t know what else to do, I was one of those deputies, and as I gave him a big hug and told him returned from my lunch break and he looked like he needed a hug at pulled into the parking lot, I heard that moment. radio traffic between the sergeant Vickie McLeroy with her goddaughter, Alaya Robinson. and corporal that sounded like “EMS took them on to the there had been some type of medical hospital; everybody was good.” surprise the young lady was not in labor emergency that was just coming to a as I was expecting, the baby’s head was Randy and Keyia Robinson named successful conclusion. By the time I actually sticking out between her legs! their baby girl Alaya. They asked Cpl. got into the building and to the court McLeroy and his wife, Vickie, to be security office, I found Cpl. McLeroy “I got back on the radio and told Sgt. Alaya’s godparents, an honor which they there alone. He seemed to be dazed, with Flournoy to notify dispatch to tell EMS gladly accepted. an expression on his face that said to me, that the lady was not in labor, but that “This is surreal. I can’t believe that just the baby was actually coming out! I Protect, serve, and if the need presents happened!” knelt down next to her and told her that itself, deliver! Always ready, willing and everything was going to be all right. It able to offer assistance to those we serve. “What is going on?” I asked. looked like the baby was attempting to I’ll leave you with a quote from the final With that expression of wonder still on breathe, but she still had amniotic fluid paragraph of the Code of Ethics. his face he replied, “I just delivered a in her mouth and some type of whitish “I will constantly strive to achieve these baby in the front parking lot!” fluid in her eyes. Because her head was the only part that was out, I could not tilt obligations and ideals, dedicating myself Here is his full account of what transpired her head to clear her airway, so I gently before God to my chosen profession - in his own words. grabbed her by the head and just very LAW ENFORCEMENT.”

24 Blue Review 2018 EARTH ANGEL: TOGETHER, WE SHALL

BY ROBERT MAY, LEE COUNTY CHAPTER MEMBER, ALPBA BY BETH VICTORIANO, GULF COAST CHAPTER MEMBER, MSPBA

While serving the over the finish lines at local road races in community full-time Mississippi. through her career, Krump extends her Each day, Krump educates, advocates, commitment to her and celebrates the mission of Ainsley’s neighborhood even when Angels, and the opportunity it brings to she is not in uniform. all members of the community. Since When not wearing her starting their ambassadorship, Ainsley’s blues or shaving her head Angels in the South Mississippi family to support childhood has grown to include more than 227 cancer at the St. Baldrick runners, 41 rider athletes, and 100 Festival, Krump can guardian angels as part of their angel be found in pink and family. They participate in more than 25 black – spreading the races annually throughout the state while mission of Ainsley’s spreading the message of inclusion and Angels of America. rolling with the wind. Ainsley’s Angels is Ainsley’s Angels in South Mississippi a national nonprofit also hosts its annual Spread Your organization that aims Wings 5K in September which allows to build awareness for community members to run, roll, walk, America’s special needs stroll or sponsor. Krump leads the community through organizing, planning, and fundraising of inclusion in all aspects of this race each year. Anyone who comes to life. Serving as advocates lend their legs, run solo, or participate as to provide education a rider athlete will be sure to see Krump and participating as Krump ran in full duty gear with athlete rider Jerry in the in action. And she does all of this with a active members in local Tunnel to Towers 5k in Biloxi, MS. smile that lights up a room, energy that communities, Ainsley’s makes you fly, and undeniable positivity Angels believes everyone hen SSPBA member Jenn for her local community. deserves to be included, specifically in Krump raised her right hand endurance races. Wand recited the police officer oath, she meant each and every word she Krump and her said. “…I will never betray my badge, partner, Sergeant my integrity, my character or the public Beth Victoriano trust... I will always uphold the consti- (also an SSPBA tution, my community, and the agency member), have been I serve.” To Krump, giving back to her ambassadors of community has been, and always will be, Ainsley’s Angels in her number one priority. South Mississippi since 2015. Because After serving as a firefighter and Ainsley’s Angels paramedic for 15 years with the Presidio pairs able-bodied Fire Department, Krump joined the runners with rider Oakland Police Department in 2008. athletes who are After a brief layoff, she was hired by unable to complete the Gulfport Police Department in 2011, a race without where she has held several positions, assistance, this has including: patrol officer, undercover provided individuals narcotics officer, narcotics investigator, of all ages and criminal investigator, achieved a master’s disabilities the degree in criminal justice, and, most opportunity to get recently, was promoted to patrol sergeant. Krump honors the fallen officers from Oakland Police Department off the sidelines and while running with an Ainsley’s Angels team.

SSPBA.ORG 25 PBA PROVIDES SUCCESSFUL DEFENSE FOR ARKANSAS MEMBER CHARGED AFTER ON-DUTY SHOOTING BY JONI J. FLETCHER, DIRECTOR OF LEGAL SERVICES, SSPBA

f I had not had PBA, this would the prosecutor approached the case as fantastic job,” Breshears said. “I couldn’t have been devastating finan- if Breshears acted as a citizen in the have asked for better lawyers. Blake “Icially,” said retired Little Rock shooting instead of acting as a law and Annie’s brief shut the prosecution Police Officer Ralph Breshears after enforcement officer and argued that down immediately as they explained that he was found not guilty of a Third Breshears was guilty because he “could we should never be in court over this Degree Battery charge arising from a have” injured the owner of the car that incident.” July 2017 on-duty shooting. The shooting occurred after “Blake is highly recommended Officer Breshears respond- and is not cheap,” Breshears ed to a shoplifting call at said, “but PBA covered an area Home Depot where everything. This could have the suspect, Rudy Avila, easily cost me about $10,000.” escaped from police custody, Avila pled guilty to robbery ran across the parking lot to and felony theft in April a Chick-fil-A, carjacked a 2018 and received a 15-year vehicle, and drove that vehicle sentence, according to The toward Officer Breshears. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Avila was shot in his arm. Avila initially was charged “What was strictly going with attempted capital through my mind at that murder for trying to run over point was to stop Mr. Avila Breshears, although that from hurting someone else,” charge was dropped when Breshears said. Breshears was criminally Pulaski County District charged. Avila previously Judge Wayne Gruber found was designated as a habitual Breshears not guilty in offender in regard to October 2018. residential burglary and theft of property charges. Officer Breshears was a Little Rock patrolman for 27 As for why he was prosecuted years. He retired, effective for this incident, Breshears January 1, 2018, with the believes it is because he filed a understanding that the discrimination lawsuit against shooting investigation was the department in 2016 over a resolved. Then, on January promotional issue. “The EEOC 22, 2018—eight months after investigated the claim and the shooting—the prosecuting found in my favor, but the City attorney charged Breshears refused to acknowledge that with the misdemeanor charge. they had discriminated against The state alleged that Officer Retired Little Rock Police Officer Ralph Breshears me,” Breshears said. “This Breshears negligently used charge will follow me forever,” his weapon while apprehending a fleeing Breshears added. “Although Avila carjacked. “That would set a felon. I was never guilty of any offense, I was dangerous precedent,” Breshears said, given a state and federal identification Breshears described his feelings “because any cop could be charged for number as a result of these fictitious regarding his arrest by saying, “I’m the a shooting—unless it was on a shooting charges. These numbers and charges will guy that normally takes bad people in range—because there would always be follow me for the rest of my life. My next the jail, and now I’m walking around in the possibility that someone in the public move is to try to recover my reputation there.” could get hurt.” which was severely damaged by the City and LRPD. But I am so thankful that Attorney Blake Hendrix and Annie Based on the fact that Breshears was I was a PBA member and did not have Depper represented Breshears through no longer employed in law enforcement to cover my legal expenses out of my the PBA. “Blake and Annie did a at the time he was criminally charged, pocket.”

26 Blue Review 2018 BY JONI J. FLETCHER, DIRECTOR OF LEGAL SERVICES, SSPBA

SSPBA.ORG 27 WARDELL WILLIAMS AWARDED LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP

BY KAYLAN STOREY, PUBLIC RELATIONS AND FOUNDATION MANAGER, SSPBA

ardell Williams has been a the Corrections Chapter. After John In the Fall of 2009, a great opportunity member of the PBA for nearly Daniels’ retirement from DOC, he presented itself for Wardell to be elected W20 years. During that time, he then became Vice-President under as Vice-President on the NCPBA has proudly served as the Senior Vice the leadership and tenure of Chapter Division Board under the leadership President of the North Carolina PBA as President Bruce Barrett. of incoming Division President, Randy well as the President of the North Caroli- Byrd. The following year in April 2010, na Correctional Officers Chapter. For the next 10 years, Wardell Wardell was elected to become President continued to learn the importance of the NC Corrections Chapter. Wardell knows first-hand how During the past 8 years, Wardell diligently the PBA works to improve has been re-elected President of work-related issues for officers. This the Corrections Chapter three is proven by the NCPBA’s work times. with Representative Bob Steinburg to increase the survivor benefit for When Wardell first became a law enforcement officers killed in member of PBA in the late 1990s, the line of duty from $50,000 to there were less than 150 members $100,000. within the chapter statewide. By the time he became Chapter When the time came to nominate President, that number was a an outstanding PBA member for the little over 500. In April 2010, prestigious lifetime membership, PBA had a meeting with Deputy Wardell’s name came to many Secretary Tracy Little and Deputy peoples’ minds. Wendy Sellars, Secretary James French about secretary of the North Carolina issues concerning PBA members. Correctional Officers Chapter wrote During that meeting, information a heartfelt letter nominating Wardell was made available about PBA for the honor. Her letter is included possibly being eligible and meeting below. the requirements as a covered employee association under the Monday May 7, 2018 Executive Order #45 HR covered Dear Fellow Corrections Chapter professional program within the board members, my name is Wendy Office of State Personnel. Wardell Sellars and I am the current acting was able to make contact by email secretary of the NC Corrections with Linda Coleman, Director of Chapter. I would like to take this the Office of State Personnel and opportunity to recommend Chapter her staff. President Wardell Williams Jr., Over the next two months, for a lifetime membership with the correspondences were exchanged SSPBA. showing that PBA meets Wardell E. Williams, Jr. currently the criteria of Executive 45 holds the position of NCPBA Division of what PBA could do for their authorized by Governor Beverly Board Vice-President and President, members. That period of growth and Perdue. After diligence by Wardell NC Corrections Chapter. Wardell has responsibility to members came from and the PBA staff, we received the been a member of PBA for almost 19 observing his chapter president(s), his official notification letter from the years. He started as a parole officer for then and current Executive Director, Director of HR within the Department the then Department of Corrections John Midgette, and the Division of Corrections indicating that PBA back in 1995. It was years later around Board during that era. Wardell spent was one of three associations allowed 1999 that he was recruited by fellow this period of time promoting PBA, access to employees within State DOC officer and then NC Corrections working and developing his leadership facilities and offices. Since that time, Chapter President John Daniels. abilities and understanding how PBA, chapter membership with the awesome Under his tenure, Wardell’s first a professional association, operated recruitment has seen growth from leadership position was secretary for throughout the State of North Carolina. hundreds of members to thousands of members.

28 Blue Review 2018 Over the past eight years, the Safety for 23 years. He was recently honor that I do not take for granted. It is Corrections Chapter has had great promoted to a supervisory role as Chief a privilege to be associated with other and increased participation from Probation/Parole Officer. He has been lifetime members who have contributed board members with interactions married to his lovely wife for 17 years to the success and paved the way for this BY KAYLAN STOREY, PUBLIC RELATIONS AND FOUNDATION MANAGER, SSPBA with legislators at political events and and is the father of two daughters. great association. I want to thank the screenings. We have had discussions He is a Deacon at his church, United SSPBA Board of Directors for bestowing with departmental management to in Christ Ministries. Wardell believes this high honor and my fellow North address member concerns and issues. that the motto of his Pastor in their Carolina Police Benevolent Association There have been countless requests relationship with God, holds true for Board Members for their nomination and for legal services and numerous PBA as well, “keep the faith and stay approval. I dedicate this honor to all the conversations with members supporting the course.” hard-working members of the NCPBA their desire to see changes, such as who are committed to their profession officer safety, facility improvements, For Wardell, the PBA is one of the finest and this association. I’m proud to be a personnel and pay improvements, and most professional associations part of a great professional association training and legal guidelines about that he has had the privilege to be a that is dedicated to making a difference their rights, how to protect themselves, part of. From day one, PBA has been for their members and their families.” or just listening as officers release about professionalism within law and vent their frustrations about their enforcement, dedication and care for Wardell Williams is a wonderful asset to work environment. We have the PBA and is a strong advocate seen Probation/Parole Officers for the rights of corrections obtain law enforcement benefits officers. North Carolina PBA and now our quest is to see Division President Randy Byrd major overall improvements spoke about Wardell and his for Correctional Officers with essential part of the success of PBA’s legislative efforts. the NCPBA. “We are extremely proud of Wardell on reaching Wardell indicated that there this milestone in his PBA career. have been so many situations Wardell is a model for what a over the years, but he will never person with a servant’s heart is forget the officers who have all about and has demonstrated been involved with serious this throughout his life with assaults, shootings and those his family, friends, church, who have given the ultimate community, career and his work sacrifice in the performance with the PBA. Wardell truly of their duties. It is never is the bar we should all try to easy but humbling to have reach,” said Randy Byrd. a conversation with family members about their loved North Carolina PBA Executive ones lost due to an accident Director John Midgette regards or intentional death while Wardell as “one of the most protecting the citizens of North SSPBA lifetime member Wardell Williams and his family. authentic persons I have ever Carolina. known. He lives by faith and its members, and benefits/services that forever emulates the principles The things that Wardell has learned surpass all others. Wardell will tell you by which PBA works every day to support over almost two decades of service that no other association has allowed and represent our members.” within PBA is that PBA and its mission or afforded him the opportunities North Carolina Central Piedmont is bigger than the individual. If you for growth, training, experience, and Chapter President Eric Franklin added, can help someone, then your living will networking for its members, they serve “Wardell Williams is one of the most not be in vain. The legislative agenda such as the NCPBA. we work and strive for PBA and its sincere and kindest people that I have members can have short-term positive Thank you for your consideration in ever known. The members of NCPBA results or long-term diligence. Know this matter. should feel honored to have Wardell as that PBA will be diligent and in it to win their representative. I feel honored to be for the betterment of their members. Wendy Sellars associated with this good man. Thank you, Wardell, for your hard work.” Wardell grew up in Winston-Salem and After receiving his lifetime membership, graduated high school and later earned Wardell said, “Being nominated and Thank you to Wardell and the numerous his college degree(s) from Appalachian receiving the Southern States Police members that work every day to make State University. He has been employed Benevolent Association (SSPBA) lifetime the PBA the strongest asset a law with the NC Department of Public membership has been a tremendous enforcement officer can have.

SSPBA.ORG 29 30 Blue Review 2018 The Race for the Fallen Glow Run benefits the families of fallen law enforcement officers through the Police Benevolent Foundation. The race is a great opportunity for your chapter and members to come together with citizens in the community for a GLOWingly awesome night of fun for a great cause.

To bring the race to your area, please contact Kaylan Storey at [email protected].

For more information about the race, including upcoming locations, visit:

RACEFORTHEFALLEN.COM

SSPBA.ORG 31 ‘COURAGE UNDER FIRE’ Bristol Tennessee Officer Received NRA’s Law Enforcement Officer of Year Award BY ROBERT SORRELL

This article originally appreared calls about shots being fired along the the officers. in The Bristol Herald Courier on Volunteer Parkway. “I told him to drop it again, so he was May 6, 2018 and is reprinted with He immediately left the station and shot again to stop the threat,” Cousins permission. traveled a few blocks south on Volunteer said. “After that, it was, from then on, it Sergeant Matt Cousins is a member of Parkway to the area of the Days Inn and was trying to get him into custody and the East Tennessee Chapter. O’Reilly Auto Parts. get him separated from all his equipment while trying to maintain the scene and “I was the second officer on scene — supervising the responding units to where wounded Bristol, Tennessee police Officer [Ronald] Cowan arrived just they need to go.” officer who helped stop an active before me — and [Cowan] was walking Ashooter along the Volunteer Park- towards the hotel,” Cousins recalled. “As Cousins served 23 years in the military, way on the morning of July 7, 2016, has I started walking up toward the hotel, 10 years at the Kingsport Police been named the National Rifle Associa- right as I got to the corner of the parking Department and nine years in Bristol tion’s 2017 Law Enforcement Officer of lot and the side wall, I noticed shell before the call. He said prior training the Year. casings from a rifle laying on the ground.” regarding infantry response to an ambush and active shooter training on the police The organization is holding the 147th When Cousins, a K-9 handler, arrived on force kicked in that night to help him annual NRA Meetings and Exhibits in scene, he said he was initially there in a respond. Dallas, Texas, this weekend and will supervisory role. “So all of that training combined is how present the award to Sgt. Matt Cousins on “Once I saw the shell casings, I knew that Monday. I reacted,” he said.” I didn’t even think I needed to go back and get my rifle,” he about it. Honestly, autopilot just took over. “It’s an honor to receive it, but at the said. I knew what was going on and I knew what I needed to do to stop it and that’s same time, you know my biggest regret is He advised Cowan to wait and Officer what I did. I’m honored and I’m humbled that we didn’t know about it sooner and Jonathan Forbes also arrived on scene. that we couldn’t stop him sooner before to receive the recognition but really, I was he killed Jennifer Rooney and before he “I was beginning to walk back to my car doing what I needed to do.” injured the hotel clerk,” Cousins told the as [Forbes] was walking forward, I said, Scott, who was seriously injured, spent Bristol Herald Courier. ‘Hey, I’m getting my rifle,’’’ Cousins said. weeks in the hospital. In December “I popped my trunk on my car and as I 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count Cousins was the second officer on scene was reaching in to get my rifle out, that’s of first-degree murder in the death of that morning, when Lakeem Scott, now when I caught movement out of the corner Rooney, who had been driving along the 39, opened fire on passing cars and the of my eye and I see Lakeem Scott coming Volunteer Parkway, and seven counts of Days Inn. out from around the building. I identified attempted murder, which included the that he had a rifle slung across his chest The NRA is recognizing Cousins for his police officers, the motel clerk and other and a pistol in his hand.” “quick thinking, courage under fire and passersby. life-saving actions,” according to a news Cousins told Scott, who had just Scott is now serving a life sentence at release from the national organization, encountered a delivery man behind the the Northwest Correctional Complex in which has about five million members. auto parts store, to drop his weapons. northwest Tennessee. “Never in my life, it’s still kind of hard to “I told him twice and by the time I got The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation wrap my mind around it, that I’m actually the second ‘drop it’ out of my mouth he later revealed that Scott, a New York receiving this award for something that I was shooting at me and I was shooting at native, likely intended to ambush and kill feel that I just did my job,” Cousins said. him,” Cousins said. “I had felt something officers. During the investigation, a phone “I did what I was supposed to do and I hit my leg, my calf, during that initial was located close to where Scott was shot. did what I was trained to do.” exchange and I knew that I had to move Technicians discovered that the phone for a better location.” The sergeant was scheduled to go home was dialed to 911, leading investigating early that night, but he recalled it being Cousins said he began advancing toward agents to believe Scott was trying to lure very busy. Around 2:20 a.m., Cousins was the man and as Scott hit the ground, he officers there so he could ambush them. at police headquarters on Anderson Street was still trying to fire his weapon toward when dispatch began receiving multiple Cousins sustained a minor injury in the

32 Blue Review 2018 shootout. in Sullivan County, which is given each that people have to experience that type of year to an officer for service to domestic activity and receive recognition for it. “ “It was a ricochet off the ground from violence victims. He was also named the [Scott’s] gun and the jacket of the bullet 2017 Tennessee Association of Chiefs of “The officers are just doing their job and separated from the lead core and that’s Police Officer of the Year. trying to make it home at the end of their BY ROBERT SORRELL probably what struck me,” Cousins said. shifts,” Cousins said. “It was the jacket, because we found it at But the NRA officer of the year honor — the back of my bumper.” which is given to only one officer each Chief Blaine Wade joined Cousins this year—is the highest accolade Cousins weekend in Dallas. After the shooting, he was given three has received. The Police Department “The department is truly honored to have days off, which he spent at home and in nominated Cousins, a NRA firearms an individual receive national recognition the mountains. trainer, for the award. for their service to the Bristol community,” Although the Volunteer Parkway call Cousins said he didn’t act alone to stop Wade said. ” Sgt. Cousins’ valorous actions was dangerous, Cousins said he’s been Scott. He said Cowan and Forbes also on July 7, 2016, during a gunman’s ambush involved with other dangerous calls over engaged the man. on our officers saved our officers’ lives the years. Back in 2006, he was involved and potentially many more lives in the in another officer-involved shooting in “I didn’t singlehandedly do it by myself,” community. We are truly grateful to have Kingsport. he said. “I don’t sit here and think I’m a Sgt. Cousins as a member of the Police superhero and I saved countless numbers Department and our community.” “I also went to Iraq,” Cousins said. “I’ve of lives. Again, that’s what I’m trained to been shot at a few times over there. This do. That’s part of my job. The three of us NRA’s Comments was a lot more up close and personal than acted the way we are trained to act. That’s over there.” what we did to stop the threat.” The National Rifle Association is recognizing Bristol Tennessee Police Sgt. The veteran officer said memories of the Cousins found it ironic that the NRA will Matt Cousins for his “quick thinking, shooting still resonate today, especially present the award in Dallas, where five courage under fire and life-saving when he travels Volunteer Parkway and officers were killed in the line of duty on actions,” according to a news release passes the small memorial cross that the same day as the Bristol shooting. from the national organization, which has remains in the median in memory of about 5 million members. Rooney. “It happened like 17-18 hours later,” Cousins said. “It’s tragic what happened “Sgt. Cousins’ courageous response “We go through debriefings to kind of here and there. It is ironic that the to an armed threat to fellow officers relieve some of that stress and talk about convention is in Dallas and I’m being and innocent lives reflects the highest it and stuff,” said Cousins. “I always recognized for something that happened standards of professionalism and training think a lot about Jennifer Rooney and the same day where they lost five of their in law enforcement, and epitomizes the her family. What tears me up the most is brothers and sisters.” selfless service and bravery of police when I just think that those two kids lost when facing immense danger in the line their mom and her husband lost a wife The Bristol and Dallas shootings of duty,” NRA President Pete Brownell and for nothing. She was just minding her occurred during a violent month in the said in the news release. own business driving down the roadway, United States, as tensions between the going to pick up papers.” black community and police erupted. The NRA’s Law Enforcement Officer Shootings in Louisiana and Minnesota of the Year Award was established in Rooney, 44, served as a contract carrier gained national attention. 1993 and recognizes an exceptional act for the Bristol Herald Courier and was en or service by a law enforcement officer route to pick up the morning papers when Scott said he was upset that black people and is administered by the NRA Law Scott shot her, according to authorities. get no justice. He took some guns he Enforcement Division, according to the At least two other occupied vehicles were recently bought and walked to the organization. also struck during the rampage. Volunteer Parkway, where he shot into some cars, according to a statement of “Thanks to Sgt. Cousins’ quick Deborah Watts, the 53-year-old Days Inn facts filed in Sullivan County Criminal observation of the spent casings and clerk who was shot and managed to call Court. realization that the suspect was armed, 911 for help, eventually returned to work as well as his quick response to obtain at the motel. Cousins said he hopes a shooting like his patrol rifle and his detection of the the one in 2016 never happens again in suspect moving in to ambush the officers “I think that shows pretty strong character Bristol. from behind, he prevented further injuries for her to be working at the same place,” or deaths,” the NRA said. “Additionally, Cousins said. “Other recipients have been involved Sgt. Cousins’ decision to advance on the in some type of gun exchange,” said still-firing downed shooter turned the He has received previous accolades, Cousins, referring to past award tides of the gunfight, resulting in the quick including commendations in the military, recipients. “It’s kind of upsetting or sad and the Mark Vance Memorial Award resolution to the matter.”

SSPBA.ORG 33 THE WRITER COP

BY O’NEIL DE NOUX, LOUISIANA RETIRED CHAPTER MEMBER, LAPBA

here are advantages and disadvan- forensic techniques that lead the police to leads, you should be selective in order tages of being a cop-turned-writer. catch the criminal. My detectives did not to keep your story moving forward. T even use deductive reasoning. Short scenes featuring crisp dialogue can Advantages? We know the life. We streamline the most mundane parts of an know how a cop thinks, how a cop talks, That’s because real police detectives do investigation. Leave out the boring parts. what a cop will do and we write from not draw chalk marks around bodies, dig there. We are eye-witnesses who must bullets from walls with pen knives or Create Well-Rounded Characters. As learn how to write good fiction to get the alter a crime scene at all. Super-forensic in all fiction, the character is the heart stories and books published. We start techniques are TV and movie magic and of the story. Although the hero of the a little ahead but until we learn how to a homicide detective who uses deductive police procedural is usually a police write, all we have are anecdotes. reasoning isn’t going to solve many officer, they are real people existing in a murders. We arrive at conclusions from familiar world. What happens to them is Disadvantages? It’s hard for us to cut observations of facts to find the solution extraordinary. corners, just like in real life. We have that fits all of the evidence. Amateurs, to solve the crimes as real cops do and including many fictional detectives, use Create a Distinctive Setting. The setting sometimes it isn’t that interesting. That’s deductive reasoning, arriving at a specific is the skeleton your story is built around. why learning to be a good fiction writer conclusion from a general assumption. It is more than just the description of a is paramount. We have to know how to In reality, we rely on facts and only facts place or time period. It is the feeling of add excitement to mundane procedures. until one conclusion is possible. that place and time. Give the reader a The dean of our field, Joseph Wambaugh, distinct, well rounded setting stressing taught us this lesson we should never A distinct advantage of a cop-turned- sensory details: the sharp smell of forget. writer is how we witness human cruelty gunpowder, the salty taste of blood, the first hand. We’ve smelled gunpowder tacky feeling of rubber grips on a .357 Another disadvantage is publishing’s at crime scenes, along with the coppery magnum when the hero’s hand sweats. perception of police officers in fiction. scent of fresh blood. We’ve seen Some agents and editors think television unspeakable carnage. We’ve felt that Accurate Language adds credibility. cops are real, that cops beat up prisoners bruising of the spirit, the deadening of Through dialogue, you have an excellent all the time, violate people’s rights, shoot emotions necessary to be able to do the opportunity to create emotion, from everyone they can. Real cops like that end job. There’s no psychiatric term for the scintillating nails-on-the-blackboard up in the penitentiary. Then again, a good cumulative effect on those of us who passages uttered by creepy serial killers, story outranks reality. We are writing work the long blue line. My buddies and I to hard-nosed talk between overworked fiction, so when I read about a cop who’s call it “The Purple Side of Blue.” I wrote detectives. Cops curse. If we didn’t we’d over the top, well that’s fiction. It’s just a story with that title once, then realized blow up. a little harder for us to write. We need I’ve been writing about the purple side of Be realistic. Make sure of your facts. to learn how to do this effectively. My blue in most of my novels as well. This Revolvers do not have safeties, nor can a recurring characters Dino LaStanza and insight is something unique we bring to silencer be used on one. Detectives take John Raven Beau are larger than life and the story. have shot far too many people. It took a notes. How many times have you seen a while to make this work. We cop writers must remember the movie or read a book showing a detective basics: taking notes? I’ve been a detective for The reaction of the first agent I sixteen years. I never shot anyone, but I approached when I finished my first A Good Plot is the backbone of the certainly killed a lot of pens. A pen is the novel GRIM REAPER surprised me. police story. A well-plotted scenario will detective’s most useful tool and mightiest The agent told me if I was going to write allow the writer to create memorable weapon. Every killer on death row began police novels, I needed to brush up on characters, unforgettable scenes, uniquely his or her long trek through the criminal police procedures. I thought grammar described settings; so long as the writer justice system with a homicide detective was my problem. After all, I’d been a does not forget to follow normal police taking notes at a crime scene. police officer for over a dozen years, procedures. Deviation from the norm including three hard years as a homicide removes credibility from your story. A Definite Resolution helps. Don’t cheat detective next door to the murder capital Strive for believability. the reader out of an ending to your story. of America at the time – New Orleans. Police cases end, usually with an arrest Keep it Action Oriented. Although and trial, sometimes with a shootout. This I wrote back and the agent told me there real police investigations include long, is a natural climactic event. Even cases were no chalk marks around the bodies sometimes grueling days of unending that are suspended or closed without in my book, no descriptions of super- canvasses, surveillances, and dead-end a solution have a climactic moment,

34 Blue Review 2018 when the investigators come face to face O’Neil De Noux is a New Orleans writer Best Novelette and the 2011 POLICE with the nightmare of someone getting with 37 books in print and 400 short BOOK OF THE YEAR. Two of his stories away with murder. In your resolution, you story sales in multiple genres. His fiction have appeared in the BEST AMERICAN BY O’NEIL DE NOUX, LOUISIANA RETIRED CHAPTER MEMBER, LAPBA should remember that something is usually has received several awards, including MYSTERY STORIES anthology (2013 and affirmed. Good triumphs over evil, or at the SHAMUS AWARD for Best Short 2007). His website is: www.oneildenoux. least goes the distance. Story, the DERRINGER AWARD for com

CREATION OF HOUSE BILL 703 BY ANDY CARRIER, GEORGIA TROOPER CHAPTER MEMBER, PBA OF GA

In December of 2016, State Rep. critical incidents, or spoke of Jodi Lott (Evans) attended a the need for a department to three day Post Critical Incident assist officers and firefighters/ Seminar with Capt. Andy Carrier medics in crisis. These in Columbia, South Carolina to meetings proved to be very see what happens when members successful, as both the House of public safety are helped, who and Senate Committee members were otherwise traumatized by unanimously agreed to send critical incidents. Personally HB703 to the respective floors or professionally, some of for a vote. The bill received the incidents heard at this favorable reviews throughout seminar were heart-wrenching, the entire legislative process unthinkable, life-changing events. and ultimately passed in the House, 172-0 and in the Senate, In August of 2017, Rep. Lott 53-0. Governor Nathan Deal was invited to attend Georgia’s signed the bill into law in April first ever four day Sudden and Governor Nathan Deal signs House Bill 703 into law. 2018 and it became law on July Traumatic Loss Seminar on St. 1st. Funding will occur in early creation of “more government” did not Simons Island. There, members 2019. of the Georgia Department of Public Safety seem ideal and may have been met with (GSP), GBI and DNR State Peer Teams, some resistance. HB703 also changed the language of along with members of local peer teams, HB872 (2014 – Privileged/Confidential Rep. Lott and Carrier wrote a rough out of state peer teams and mental health Communication Bill) from “officers,” draft that, with the help of other law professionals assisted members of public thereby extending confidentiality to makers (and their staff) was dropped safety and their spouses/significant others all members of public safety (police, into the hopper by Rep. Lott. It was who were paralyzed by the sudden and corrections, EMT’s, medics, firefighters, assigned as House Bill 703. The bill traumatic loss of a loved one. troopers, agents, rangers, dispatchers, etc.). was carried by Representatives Hitchens From September through December 2017, of the 161st, Lott of the 122nd, Powell The “meat” of HB703 is the creation of the Rep. Lott and Carrier met with state agency of the 32nd, Frazier of the 126th, and Office of Public Safety Support (OPSS), to heads, including DPS Commissioner Col. Welch of the 110th. In December, be housed in the Georgia DPS. The Office Mark McDonough, GBI Director Vernon Colonel McDonough and Capt. Carrier will have 12 full-time employees, including Keenan and DNR Colonel Eddie Henderson spoke to the House Public Safety and a director and two full-time metal health and others to discuss the possibility of the Homeland Security Committee on the clinicians, who specialize in public safety. creation of a new office responsible for the importance of the creation of an office to The OPSS will be responsible for peer mental health and well-being of all officers address mental health concerns in public support and mental health needs of all in the state of Georgia. safety. HB703 was presented by Reps sworn/certified public safety personnel Hitchens and Lott during the committee in Georgia, or nearly 115,000 personnel. In November 2017, it was unanimously hearing phases. Rep. Hitchens is the Initial funding asked was $1.5 million. agreed upon that the new office would former Commissioner of DPS and was OPPS will be funded with the full $1.5 be housed under the umbrella of the responsible for bringing peer support to million. Department of Public Safety, since GSP the agency. first spearheaded formal peer support in The passage of HB703, and what it 2009 and created their peer team, called During the two House committee brings to the table, is a model that is not the DPS Critical Incident Support Team, in hearings, members of various state and happening anywhere else. Several states 2010. Initially, the thought was the creation local public safety agencies testified about from around the country are using HB703 of an independent, stand-alone agency, but how they were helped by peer support as a guide to enact similar legislation in because of the upcoming election year, the interventions in the aftermath of tragic their respective states.

SSPBA.ORG 35 THE BENEFITS OF CROSS-TRAINED DEPUTIES

BY JEFF JUDD, TUSCALOOSA CHAPTER MEMBER, ALPBA 13 deputies in just a few short years, each trained as an EMT, EMT-advance or Paramedic. We now have medical units in all four areas of the county. Sheriff Ron Abernathy continues to be a great supporter of this program. Within the last year he has approved the purchase of Lucas 3 CPR devices for each of the units in addition to extrication gear for Pictured are several members of the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office medical unit vehicle accidents. As we continued to grow n April 27, 2011, Tuscaloosa you could find it in the back of our units. this program, Sheriff Abernathy approved County was hit with a devastat- This was in addition to the required law the purchase of a medical response Oing EF4 tornado. This tornado enforcement equipment. The units still vehicle. This vehicle has the ability to made an 80-mile long track beginning in had to have the ability to transport a transport a patient to the hospital should Greene County, crossing into Tuscaloosa prisoner should an arrest be made. County, and then continued into Jefferson an ambulance not be available. Should the County. After many long days of assist- With some areas of our county taking need arise, this unit is also available for ing with the rescue and recovery efforts, as long as 30-45 minutes for an our own deputies should one be injured we began discussing what we could have ambulance to respond, and the need during training or during any high-risk done better for our citizens. After looking to provide assistance to the volunteer calls. at the available resources, we felt that fire departments when they experience With this unit in place, and the additional medical personnel would have manpower issues during the day, the four involvement in patient care, we have seen been a great benefit, especially in the deputies were broken into two groups the impact it can have on our citizens. more rural areas of the county, which nor- with a medic and an EMT each. One For example, we have had calls where a mally experience longer response times. group was sent to the north part of the person was unresponsive at a home only county and the other to the east part of to be alert and talking as they are brought When we began looking at how we could the county. In April 2012, a year after this into the hospital. Patients who have had improve should an event such as this devastating tragedy, we went live with our a stroke receive medical attention in a could occur again, we discussed cross program. Each unit was able to provide much timelier manner to increase their training our deputies as medics. At the saturation patrols in the far outlying survivability rate. In most cases, the time, we had two deputies who were areas of the county. These units may start patient is assessed, treated and ready EMT basics. The Sheriff’s Office then the shift with a domestic call or theft for transport prior to the responding recruited two paramedics and applied then move to a heart attack or a vehicle ambulance’s arrival. for a state advanced life support license. accident in a matter of moments. With no other program in the Southeast The unit strives to provide exceptional such as this, we started from scratch and The citizens of Tuscaloosa County, law enforcement and EMS care to the began to build a medical response unit. especially those who work with volunteer citizens of Tuscaloosa County. The We purchased several Ford Expeditions fire departments have been extremely dedication and additional training and outfitted them with all the necessary pleased with this program. The service required for each of these deputy-medics equipment to include Life packs, fully it provides to the community and the shows their willingness to assist and drive stocked drug boxes, trauma bags, airway patients is a great benefit in times when this department to a higher standard and bags, vacuum splints, etc. If you could most volunteer departments have little or provide a better quality of life to each of find the item in the back of an ambulance, no one in the area. This unit has grown to our citizens.

36 Blue Review 2018 THE BENEFITS OF CROSS-TRAINED DEPUTIES MOBILE COUNTY CHAPTER PRESENTS AWARDS TO COUNCIL MEMBERS BY JEFF JUDD, TUSCALOOSA CHAPTER MEMBER, ALPBA BY JOE BENSON, MOBILE COUNTY CHAPTER PRESIDENT, ALPBA

n April 2, 2018, the Mobile County Chapter of the Alabama Police Benevolent Association presented Mobile City Council Vice President Levon Manaus and Councilman John Williams with an apprecia- Otion award for their hard work in support of police officers in Mobile, Alabama. The chapter is espe- cially grateful for their work in getting retired police officers a bonus since they had no bonuses or raises in over 15 years. These councilmen kept a promise they made when the Mobile County Chapter endorsed them for re-election.

RETIRED MEMBERS

Retired members pay only $36.00 per year and enjoy benefits including legal services (from their member date) should covered legal issues arise from the time of active membership. Benefits also include a $10,000 accidental non-occupational death policy, yearly publications and decals.

Find out more online. sspba.org/retiredmembers

SSPBA.ORG 37 MIRACLE BY LT. KEVIN RAY, PIEDMONT TRIAD CHAPTER MEMBER, NCPBA

was hanging around the basketball gloves for her and I told her I got her need us. But on this occasion, I was mad court in a local neighborhood in the purple gloves because I thought she might and, frankly, hurt as well. I couldn’t Icity where I serve as a police uni- like that color better than my black ones. understand why a grown adult would formed patrol supervisor. Sadly, it is one Miracle gave me the biggest smile and raise their children to hate or fear or shun of those neighborhoods that myself, along gladly took the gloves I brought her and me simply for my chosen profession. I with my fellow officers, end up spending put them on. For maybe ten more minutes suppose I still don’t understand. I know quite a bit of time responding to crimes Miracle and I picked up trash together all about the tensions across the nation of violence. I was hanging around on this while the boys played basketball. I asked and the sentiment that is being spread day because we had just responded to a them if they wanted to help us clean up around and that it casts a shadow onto fight call between two groups of teens and and one of them responded with: “How an entire profession. It is a sentiment gunshots had reportedly been fired. The much money do we get?” and I replied that is getting my brothers and sisters initial call indicated that someone might “You get to feel good about cleaning killed while they write reports sitting in have been shot. As we were arriving, up the park.” I guess that didn’t interest their cars. Still though, I was thinking we observed a large group of teens and them since they just went back to playing to myself, I have to turn this somehow. I adults clearing the area in all directions ball. Miracle and I just continued to work can’t allow myself to be angry and spread and as is common, nobody wanted to talk around them. As I was making a last that anger like a wildfire to other officers to us about what happened. Fortunately, trip to the trashcan, I had decided that I that look up to me. Then it dawned on we never located any victim(s). We did was going to give Miracle a five dollar me, that it isn’t really the mother I should however find evidence of gunfire and so bill I had in my uniform shirt pocket be focusing on anyway. After all, maybe we collected some shell casings and took because she was just so happy to help me she draws from some negative experience some photographs. I was simply hanging and never once asked for anything. As I in her past that compels her to raise her around because these things have a way turned around to go thank her, I saw that children in this manner. of flaring back up after the officers leave Miracle was walking away with who I and I decided to try and deter that as long presumed to be her mother that had come I tell this story not to feed the cynicism as possible. to take her home. There were some other and bitterness that my fellow officers older boys walking towards the park and I struggle with as we continue to As I sat there, I was looking at the passing her as she was walking away with put ourselves in harm’s way every day basketball court and the playground the adult. I overheard one of the boys say we come to work. But on the contrary, in the park area and how trashy it was to her “I know you ain’t out here helping I am telling it to feed our calling to this left looking by the retreating crowd of the (expletive) police pick up trash.” I profession. The reason we do what we combatants. It was only a few moments called out to her and she turned to look at do is Miracle and that smile she gave to later that I saw her, a little girl in a me but she was not allowed to come back me when I gave her those purple gloves. red and black shirt, walking down the and the adult just led her away by the arm What a fitting name she has. We do this sidewalk towards the park. She entered while yelling at her. I spoke to the boy job for her and any other person out here the playground area and sat down on the who had admonished her for helping me that just wants to live their lives and bottom of the slide. Alone, surrounded by and learned that he was her brother. be able to go to the park without being beer bottles and refuse, watching some afraid. This work we do, has been and other boys who were not yet teens but I went back to my car and dwelled on always will be, worth the sacrifices we older than her playing basketball, she sat. this short encounter with Miracle. I make. I hope that despite the way in I walked up to her and said hello. In a found myself easily slipping into anger which her mother is choosing to raise quiet voice she said “hey” back. I spoke towards the woman who wouldn’t let her her, she will remember our short time with her a little more and learned that come back so I could thank her. I am a picking up trash in a park. I hope that she was 8 years old and her name was 21 year veteran at my department and a she grows up safe. I hope that when she Miracle. I told her that was a very pretty supervisor. As a supervisor, I constantly is grown, somewhere in the memories of name. As I stood there, I decided that I have to try and help younger officers a childhood that was filled with gunfire just could not walk away with her sitting navigate the negative forces that prevail at night while she slept, she will find a there in that trashy park and so I went to in this profession. Our exposure to the way to remember a brief ten minutes get some gloves out of my patrol car and terrible things people do to each other, where a police officer worked with her started picking up the trash. along with the reception we get for taking to clean up a park where she played. I enforcement actions on people, takes hope that I never forget that smile of hers I noticed she was watching me curiously its toll on all of us in ways I am sure and the internal beauty that resonated as I made numerous trips to the trashcan. people smarter than me have written from it. I hope we find a way to bridge I decided to ask her if she wanted to help books about. We shield ourselves from the gap between communities and their me clean up the park and she nodded feeling emotions because if we do not we protectors. That is what I want to spread yes. I went back to my car and got some think we can’t do our jobs when people like wildfire, HOPE for a Miracle.

38 Blue Review 2018 MIRACLE NCPBA SUPPORTS LAWSUIT FILED BY GREENVILLE OFFICERS BY LT. KEVIN RAY, PIEDMONT TRIAD CHAPTER MEMBER, NCPBA he North official duties, Carolina obstructing justice, TPBA held a discriminating press conference against officers, on August 21, impairing and 2018, in Green- interfering with ville, NC regard- employment ing concerns of and contractual Greenville law relationships enforcement offi- between the officers cers. In response and their city,” said to egregious Midgette. continued efforts to interfere with About two dozen the efforts of PBA member were Greenville police present for the officers to enforce announcing of the personal attacks against our law filing of the lawsuit. state and local law and to protect the citi- enforcement officers by some local zens of Greenville, several of those police politicians in our state has caused a The lawsuit claims the councilwoman officers filed a lawsuit against Kandie chilling effect on the law enforcement filed a complaint against the officers after Smith individually and in her official community,” said North Carolina PBA an assistant school superintendent for capacity as a member of the City Council Executive Director John Midgette. “We Nash-Rocky Mount Schools was arrested of Greenville for tortious interference are in hopes that this action sends a on May 13th. with their contracts of employment and message to those elected officials who obstruction of justice, among other causes disrespect the rule of law and the men In addition to being charged with being of action. North Carolina PBA and the and women who risk their lives daily to intoxicated and disruptive, Leondus local PBA membership stand with these protect it.” Farrow was also facing a charge of Greenville officers as they challenge the possessing an open container of alcoholic improper actions of Ms. Smith. Two former police officers and one beverage in the passenger area of a motor current officer are suing a city council vehicle. PBA members and plaintiffs Joshua member saying she interfered with their Smith and Travis Brinkley were jobs. The lawsuit says Brinkley was fired, experienced members of the GPD gang while Officer Smith was suspended. unit who were targeted by Ms. Smith. A news release says Smith was sued “for Another officer has joined the suit as a tortious interference with their contracts It claims Police Chief Mark Holtzman, plaintiff as well. In their suit, they state of employment and obstruction of and/or other high-ranking officers “are that Ms. Smith “wrongfully and without justice.” The PBA says Smith pressured thoroughly cowed by (Smith’s) activism justification abused her authority as a the police department into taking against the police, out of concern over city council member to pressure the disciplinary action against the officers, potential racial incidents or political GPD into taking disciplinary action two of whom were fired. pushback.” against Plaintiffs, two of whom were fired as a result.” They are but a few PBA executive director John Midgette “Holtzman himself stated to (Officer) of the Greenville officers who have says Smith schemed to interfere with Smith that he was taking disciplinary found themselves on the receiving end police operations. Those included action against Smith in this case for of complaints filed by Ms. Smith for “staging encounters attempting to provoke political reasons,” the lawsuit claims. incidents of which she had no personal officers, unreasonably and maliciously Read the full lawsuit at www.ncpba. knowledge. confronting officers, seeking to incite officers, interfering with and hindering org. Portions of this article originally “The unprecedented and inappropriate police operations and performance of appeared on newsobserver.com.

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SSPBA.ORG 39 Congratulations to our 2018 PBF Scholarship Recipients! Stone Dillion Meghan Ross Isaac Edwards Carleigh Parrish University of Gwinnett Technical College Virginia Tech University of North Carolina Alabama - Charlotte Griffin Riner Jared Moore Victoria Miller Birmingham-Southern Mississippi State University Jacob Davis University of Southern College Middle Tennessee State Mississippi Nathaniel Cameron University Carly Brazier Walters State Community Zachary Kas University of Alabama - College Lucas Tremmel Campbell University Huntsville Mississippi State University Caitlin Burton Hannah Capps Adam Johnson Jacksonville State Evamarie Pascoe University of Tennessee at Campbell University University Virginia Commonwealth Martin University Jennie Allen Clayton Collum Seth Cutshaw University of South Jacksonville State Nathan Rinehart Walters State Community Carolina University Lander University College Walker Chilton Caleb Gundich Kristyne Ramirez University of Mary Georgia Southern State University of New Washington University York at Old Westbury Erin Smith Alyson Mann Savannah Henry East Tennessee State Auburn University University of Central University Arkansas

40 Blue Review 2018 ANNUAL RECRUITER MEETING BRINGS NEW FACES AND HONORS

BY KAYLAN STOREY, PUBLIC RELATIONS AND FOUNDATION MANAGER, SSPBA

he recruiting department of the Southern States PBA had its annual meeting in November this year. All recruiters gathered together to discuss the work in their respective covered states. The current recruiting team is the largest that the SSPBA has Thad to date. All eight recruiters work diligently to spread the word of what the SSPBA can do for those in law enforcement. The SSPBA has recruiters in Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, Arkansas and Mississippi.

Several awards were presented at the meeting. Virginia recruiter Jim Suttenfield was presented a plaque thanking him for his six years of service with the SSPBA. Jim will be retiring at the end of 2018, and Aaron Boston will be taking over recruiting efforts in Virginia.

Recruiting Manager Kris Jarvis has been with the SSPBA for seven years and was also presented with an award for the most members recruited in 2018.

If you would like to have a PBA recruiter visit your department and discuss the benefits of a PBA membership, please call our office at 1-800-233-3506.

Recruiting Manager Kris Jarvis and SSPBA COO Reneé Dixon presented Virginia PBA recruiter Jim Suttenfield with a certificate of SSPBA Chief Operating Officer Reneé Dixon speaks to the recruiters. appreciation.

Recruiting Manager Kris Jarvis proudly accepts his award for most members recruited in 2018. The SSPBA Recruiting Department. Back row L to R: Georgia and Alabama - Nick Meadows; Mississippi - Todd McKnight; Virginia - Jim Suttenfield; Virginia - Aaron Boston; Arkansas - Anthony James. Front row L to R: North Carolina - Tommy McKoon; Tennessee - Mark Runnion; and Recruiting Manager Kris Jarvis.

SSPBA.ORG 41 MAN’S BEST FRIEND - IN LIFE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT

BY KAYLAN STOREY, PUBLIC RELATIONS AND FOUNDATION MANAGER, SSPBA

he use of K9s in law enforcement dog is used to hearing. Officer and K9 handler Brian Fromm has rapidly become more prevalent. has been with the Alexandria Police TMore and more departments are Why are dogs used in law enforcement? Department for 22 years. He has also investing in a K9 unit to help keep their proudly been a K9 handler for 13 years. Dogs are a reliable asset in law communities safe. Positions in the K9 “The K9 program was something I enforcement due to their strong noses. unit are highly sought-after and require learned about during the police academy. A dog’s sense of smell can be almost a great deal of dedication. According to After seeing the K9 presentation, I 50 times as strong as a human’s. This Policeone.com, “The K9 position is a thought it was really interesting and it makes dogs able to sniff out criminals, very unique position to work in. A good looked like rewarding work seeing the explosives, drugs and weapons. They are K9 handler must be flexible, able to make bond that the handler and dog had. They also able to cover a lot of ground much decisions on the fly and be dedicated to showed how they cleared rooms and faster than only officers alone. Some the position more than what is required of how to search a car. Just seeing the two of the different purposes of police K9s normal positions within the department. of them work together, it seemed like it include patrol, drugs, bomb/explosive The hours of work are long and frequent- would be a lot of fun. It took some time detection, and human remains detection. ly will interfere with family expectations. to become a K9 handler. I worked as an After speaking with the handlers of some It can be highly stressful and often times officer first and then when an opening of these incredible animals, I learned dangerous.” in the K9 unit becomes available, I put just how valuable canines are to law in for it and took my chances. It is a enforcement and their ability to protect When most people think of a dog, they very, very sought-after position. It’s very the public. imagine a house pet or companion. While competitive, but I became a K9 officer this is a normal place for most dogs, more in 2004. Our department currently has and more are finding their place in law Officer Fromm and K9 eight teams of K9s and handlers, and enforcement. The most common breeds Odin - Alexandria, VA one sergeant who does not have a dog,” chosen for law enforcement include Fromm said. German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Labrador Retrievers and Bloodhounds. Fromm knows how important the dogs Each handler and dog team must are to the department. He said, “It’s undergo a great deal of training before extremely beneficial having the K9s. hitting the streets. Therefore, the The big thing that we use them for handlers must be very dedicated and is their nose and their searching. It’s willing to continuously work with amazing how well they can search a their dog to ensure they are always building. My partner, Odin, and I can trained and ready to work. search a business in a fraction of the time it would take officers. We can In order for a dog to be selected do it safely as well. It’s a huge safety for police work, they must first advantage for the officers to not have to be able to pass basic obedience do the search themselves and have the training. According to Richmond dog go in.” Fromm continued, “It’s just County Sheriff’s Deputy Donald how strong their nose is. You look at a McVean, “If the dog won’t chase a police dog, like a German Shepherd or ball/toy when they’re a puppy, then Belgian Malinois, their heads are just they automatically wash out of the their nose. In comparison to a person, program. They have to have that drive as much as our brain is dedicated to our to want to get the reward.” McVean eyesight and what we see and detect is one of the leading explosives with our eyes, it’s just like that with a detection instructors in the state of dog and their nose. They see the world Georgia. Many of the dogs come with their nose.” through vendors and have been trained overseas. This may include Every day varies, but Officer Fromm Germany, for example, so they have and K9 Odin usually report to roll call learned German or Dutch commands. and see what is going on with patrol. Many handlers continue to use these They handle alarm calls and priority commands because that is what the calls, like burglaries or robbery alarms. Officer Fromm and K9 Odin. 42 Blue Review 2018 BY KAYLAN STOREY, PUBLIC RELATIONS AND FOUNDATION MANAGER, SSPBA

Sergeant Courtney and K9 Boone.

They also do public demonstrations. of Corrections in January 1998. In graduated from the center as a certified Officer Fromm said, “The public is April 1999, he attained a position as a Narcotics Detection Team. Boone was always very interested in seeing how we Police Officer with the Prince William trained to detect Marijuana, Hashish, work with our dogs.” County Police Department where he Cocaine and all of its derivatives, served until 2004. In June 2004, Sgt. Heroin and all of its derivatives, When asked what makes for a good Courtney was hired by the Front Royal Methamphetamine, and Ecstasy. During candidate for a K9 handler, Officer Police Department as a Patrol Officer. In the last 10 ½ years, Sgt. Courtney and Fromm replied, “Someone that is willing late 2006, after determining that there Boone have assisted in numerous seizures to be part of a team and work together was a need for a narcotics detection of drugs, drug paraphernalia, and cash. to achieve a goal. They need to be able dog to assist officers in the field, he When Boone was off-duty, he was a to help their dog out because dogs began researching the feasibility of member of Sgt. Courtney’s family, which are just like people and some need a such a program for his department. Sgt. include his wife of 24 years, Cindy, his little more help than others. Generally, Courtney reached out to the Director of 19-year-old son Nathan, and his 17-year- someone that’s a team player; experience the U.S. Customs and Border Protection old daughter Madison. as a patrol officer working the streets; “Canine Center-Front Royal” in an effort someone in relatively good shape because to help facilitate such a program. After In October 2008, Sgt. Courtney received you’re going to be out there running months of research and negotiations, the Elks Lodge Officer of the Year after your dog; and someone with a Sgt. Courtney presented a proposal for a Award, was named the Front Royal Police good family that’s willing to take on the K-9 Program to the Chief of Police. The Department’s Officer of the Year by his responsibility of a work dog. You treat former Chief was able to get the program peers and was promoted to Sergeant in them like a pet at home, but it’s a working approved by the Town Manager and Town the Patrol Division. dog. It is the property of the city and there Council and that is where it all began. is responsibility with that.” In 2017, Sgt. Courtney and Boone In March of 2007, Sgt. Courtney received the Elks Lodge Officer of the Sergeant Courtney and K9 was chosen as Front Royal Police Year Award, as a team. Department’s first K-9 Handler and began Boone – Front Royal, VA Sgt. Courtney and his partner have been thirteen weeks of intensive training at the a tremendous asset to the Front Royal Canine Center in Front Royal, VA. While Thank you to Marc Ramey for writing the community during their time together. there, he was introduced to his future K-9 following profile on Sgt. Courtney and A few months before Boone’s retirement partner, Boone. Boone was a German Boone. he developed an illness and passed away Shepherd born in the Czech Republic and unexpectedly. Boone was a tremendous Sergeant Courtney began his law was one year of age when training began. asset to the Front Royal community and enforcement career as a Correctional He served until he was 13 years old. In he will be missed sorely by his police Officer with the Virginia Department June 2007, Sgt. Courtney and Boone department, family and handler.

SSPBA.ORG 43 Deputy McVean’s love for the dogs is clear. I was fortunate enough to observe a recertification he ran earlier this year. He is a great instructor as he wants the handlers and dogs to succeed. He knows how important they are to their departments and the community to keep people safe. I watched as each team went one at a time and cleared the large Georgia Tech basketball arena. They moved quickly and efficiently through the large space. It was very interesting to see when a dog would find something and see how their behavior would change. “They may throw changes to alert their handler,” Donald said. The dogs would also lay down or sit next to an item that had an explosive inside. This helped alert the handler to mark the item and then back Officer Bettis and K9 Hector. out and call for backup.

Officer Bettis and K9 Security. The course is a pilot program He also has his own bomb dog at home Hector – Fayetteville, NC for the whole United States. There are named Cali. “She’s a Belgian Malinois over 50 bomb dogs throughout the state and a prior military dog. I got her when Officer and K9 handler Dianne Bettis has of Georgia that fall under this grant. I’m she was three and I’ve had her for three been a K9 handler for 14 years. She said responsible for getting them all through years. She’s been my favorite and my she always knew it was what she wanted the five-week training school. I also do family’s favorite. I have 13-year-old twins to do when she joined the Fayetteville recertifications for the teams,” McVean and Cali follows my daughter upstairs Police Department. “It’s just my love of said. and sleeps with her. It’s harder to get Cali up in the mornings than my daughter,” dogs,” Officer Bettis said. K9 Hector is a McVean knows the importance of bomb McVean said. yellow lab and is one of 15 dogs that the dogs in today’s society. “With the way the department has. world is now with Officer Bettis knows how important terrorism, bomb the K9 unit is to the department. “The dogs are here to K9 teams are another resource that stay. They are a officers can utilize when they’re doing very valuable asset investigations. They can bring a dog in to any agency. and help them with a case. They’re also a They don’t just find great way to interact with the community. explosives. They People love the dogs,” she said. Officer get called out a lot Bettis and K9 Hector work as an for gun searches explosives detection team. “Each day we too,” McVean usually go to the airport, bus station, train added. station, downtown, etc. and do explosives Most of the dogs checks,” said Officer Bettis. in the program are German Deputy McVean and his Shepherds, Belgian work training bomb and Malinois, Labs explosives detection and one German Shorthair Pointer. dogs – Augusta, GA The German Shepherds and Deputy Donald McVean has been with Belgian Malinois the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office come from Europe for 20 years, 18 of which has been spent and the Labs come with the K9 unit. “I teach the bomb from the Bogota handlers course for the state of Georgia area of Colombia. which falls under GEMA and Homeland K9 team training to detective explosives in luggage. 44 Blue Review 2018 Crime Scene dogs are trained in the same kind of way. It just depends on the odors Investigator Buhr, he’s trained on. If he was a drug dog, Jr. and K9 Morty he would be trained with the drug – Charlotte, NC scents. So we use a broad spectrum of things that you would expect The Charlotte-Mecklenburg with human remains. We work with Police Department recently the Medical Examiner’s Office to added a human remains acquire materials for training,” Buhr detection canine to their said. Morty’s tell when he finds department. K9 Morty is something is to lay down. “You can part of the Crime Scene tell when he’s getting in the area Investigations Unit and works of something he’s supposed to find with Crime Scene Investigator, because he get’s excited and searches Henry Buhr, Jr. Morty is really hard so that he can get his trained to detect various human reward,” Buhr added. remains in assorted stages of Morty and CSI Buhr’s work days decomposition. vary. “As far as his line of work, it’s CSI Buhr spoke about how unpredictable. For his first month, he he became a civilian canine wasn’t used much. It’s just based on handler. “We had a high-profile what types of cases are active and case occur last summer and we how the detectives can use him. Then had to borrow a cadaver dog one month we had an explosion of from a neighboring agency. cases and went out to six or seven Our command recognized that calls. And he did recover a victim in there was a need for that type a homicide case,” Buhr said. of resource so that they decided These dogs and their handlers are to bring in a cadaver dog. They just a few exemplary examples of K9 wanted the dog to remain with handlers and their dogs. They know the crime scene unit (and all how to work efficiently to recover of our CSI team are civilians), drugs, explosives and people when so the dog would end up going CSI Buhr and K9 Morty. they are called on. Dogs are truly to a civilian handler,” Buhr, Jr. (Photo Credit: CMPD CSI Christine Cain) incredible animals and the handlers said. Department in October 2017. Morty that work with them know how to Morty is a golden retriever who joined and CSI Buhr trained for almost three bring out the best in the animals. the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police months. “Basically a lot of odor detection 140 police suicides occurred in 2017. Suicide totals are 67% higher than LOD deaths.* We help protect those behind the badge. Find a seminar near you: pbfi.org/behindthebadge

*USA Today statistic SSPBA.ORG 45 ASHEVILLE CITY COUNCIL MAKES “UNPRECEDENTED” MOVE

BY ANGIE TULLIS, MOUNTAIN CHAPTER MEMBER, NCPBA

year, body worn Manheimer issued an email of apology camera footage to members of the police department of former APD following the meeting. Officer, Chris Hickman was On March 13th, at a City Council illegally released meeting, Councilman Keith Young to the media. was permitted to orate for six minutes Swift outrage was regarding his personal displeasure sparked within with the department pertaining to the the community Hickman video. His troubling comments over allegations included, “My daddy always told me to of excessive force. speak softly and carry a big stick. Well Asheville Police you know what? The big stick is out.” He Chief Tammy continued by stating that he wished to Hooper handled “see a program that promotes minority the investigation recruitment with substantial pay” and appropriately, that, “I am fighting for the poor, my including allowing minority folk, and disadvantaged.” He the District failed to include the entire populace in his Attorney to view passionate speech and appeared only to the video for any be representing his own special interests. criminal violations In this meeting, Mayor Manheimer in the initial parts presented three legislative bills she of the investigation. intended to take to the General Assembly Although, DA Todd during their short session. They were as Williams found no follows: he motion passes, I voted for cause for criminal it. I will just add, I don’t know charges at that time, several City Council - Bill authorizing the release of BWC what it means exactly…” members seized the opportunity to footage to councilmembers for viewing “T intensify racial tensions by condemning This was Mayor Manheimer’s statement regarding complaints against police. following a bungled set of motions, the chief’s handling of the matter and cry withdrawals, and amendments to motions outrage that they were not immediately - Bill authorizing police department to by Council regarding police open data made aware of the incident. One provide citizens with the information reporting on May 22nd. council member even wrote an internal allowing citizens to know how their communication on a city webpage complaint was resolved. Due to actions taken by Asheville City accusing the police department of being Council in this May meeting, the SSPBA structurally racist. - Bill repealing civil service law as it filed a letter with Asheville City Council, applies to Asheville and establishing a citing various procedural and legal In response to these outrageous citizen review board under the purview discrepancies pertaining to the vote, and allegations, PBA member Rick Tullis, of City Council to hear complaints, issue the events leading up to it. the Fraternal Order of Police and Chief subpoenas and render binding decisions. Hooper met with Mayor Manheimer on The initial step began in March 2017, March 9th to discuss the inappropriate NCPBA Staff Representative, Brandon with an attorney working for Southern conduct of council regarding the McGaha addressed these proposals, Coalition for Social Justice, Ian Mance, incident. Tullis expressed concerns that indicating that PBA was not opposing citing racial disparity pertaining to traffic the political rhetoric was creating an citizens be provided the outcome of their stops in Asheville. One of Mr. Mance’s environment not conducive to officer complaints, nor allowing BWC footage roles for the SCSJ is to travel around the safety, and productive discourse. to be viewed, with some limitations, by state selectively pulling public records Additionally, he reproached City Council Council. He indicated that PBA would be and data in an attempt to show racial for presenting false and misleading in opposition to any attempt to remove disparity within police agencies. information to the public regarding Chief or replace civil service board thereby Hooper’s handling of the investigation, eradicating employees’ due process rights. Nearly a year later, in February of this and the department as a whole. Mayor

46 Blue Review 2018 On May 22nd the Council discussed de-prioritize regulatory stops. matter in the line of his employment. the open data policy. There was Any violation of the provisions of this considerable confusion throughout their Councilman Kapoor and Councilwoman section by a member of the council shall debate regarding what was supposed Wisler questioned the procedural be a misdemeanor, conviction of which BY ANGIE TULLIS, MOUNTAIN CHAPTER MEMBER, NCPBA to be items on the consent agenda. correctness of the motions. Mayor shall immediately forfeit the office of the Adding to the perplexity of the already Manheimer clearly appeared confused member so convicted. difficult debate, there were a series of when she was asked how to proceed. motions, amendments to those motions, Initially she proceeded to allow for As a result of the actions taken by withdrawals of other motions, all of public comment when Young “calls the City Council, SSPBA issued a letter which led to the Mayor’s comments question.” This procedure is meant to to Asheville City Council in response above. call for a vote to end discussion on the to their improper directives. SSPBA motion(s), however, the Mayor improperly expressed that Council was usurping the Two presentations were on the agenda misinterpreted the intent of this latest charter and violating the law by using the and not supposed to be considered move by Councilman Young. She then city manager as a proxy to direct the chief for any vote. Mance presented again asked Young regarding hearing public on matters of policy. The letter outlined to Council, using data which he had comment. He shook his head no, and the various concerns and strongly advised created to support his position that traffic the mayor conceded to his demand, City Council to reconsider their vote. stops and searches within Asheville are calling for a vote on the motions without racially disproportionate. Chief Hooper allowing for public comment, or a vote PBA members met with Chief Hooper countered him with a presentation that from council members to end the initial and Asheville City Council members on more accurately reflects the numbers, discussion on the motions. several occasions during the months of in fact, showing an overall decrease in May and June attempting to collaborate consent searches related to traffic stops. At the end of the meeting, the floor was on verbiage agreeable to all parties She further presented data showing opened for public comment. McGaha regarding the written consent policy. Asheville among the lowest vehicle stop addressed the concerns, and explained On June 19th, City Council conceded disparity rates compared to other cities. that any attempt to obstruct an officer’s and rescinded their previous votes on the The chief said, “We are not adopting a legal authority would be met with improper motions made by Councilman written consent policy,” when asked by legal action by the PBA. Tullis further Young, and instead adopted resolutions Councilman Young if the department commented that there was an injustice “authorizing” the city manager to work would implement a written consent policy committed by not allowing for public with Chief Hooper in creating policy for every stop. comment on the motions prior to the vote. The mayor responded by saying, “It is surrounding written consent. At this point, Councilwoman Mayfield unprecedented, but I did not feel I could SSPBA stands ready, monitoring the interjected by making the comment, “I use my discretion.” She went on to state situation, while simultaneously working don’t have enough information, or I have that city council does not necessarily have with our legislators in the General too much information, or conflicting to take public comment on matters. Assembly to address problems within information to make a decision.” Asheville’s City Council. As of this Although, she later voted in favor of the Asheville City Charter states: writing, no further revisions have been three motions brought before her. Sec. 9. - Meetings to be open; opportunity made to the policy other than what was Despite Mance’s presentation not being of citizens to be heard. agreed upon by the original parties, on the agenda for a vote, and not giving nor has there been any action from All meeting of the council shall be the public proper notice for an item to be city council concerning the policies. open to the public and the council, by considered, Councilman Young initiated Membership should be aware that rules, must provide for giving citizens three separate motions, stating “we organizations such as the Southern reasonable opportunity to be heard at its cannot tell the Chief of Police what to do, Coalition for Southern Justice and others meetings in regard to matters thereunder but we can tell the City Attorney and City like them are organizing everywhere in consideration. Manager what to do.” an attempt to bring about changes within our justice system that would ultimately Sec. 23. - Council to deal with - Direct the City Manager to take action strip law enforcement of much of its administrative service through manager. with the Chief to implement a written Constitutional and statutory authority as consent policy. Except for the purpose of inquiry, the it pertains to searches, investigative stops, council and its members shall deal with and use of force. These organizations are - Direct the City Manager to take action that portion of the administrative service well funded and purposely collect and with the Chief to implement a policy that for which the manager is responsible disseminate data misrepresenting facts prohibits officers from using criminal through the manager and neither the in an effort to persuade, and sometimes history, or nervous behavior as a reason to council nor any member thereof shall coerce governmental bodies to implement ask for consent to search. give an order to any city employee in the restrictive measures that ultimately produce extremely unsafe conditions for - Direct the City Manager to take action administrative service of the city, other the law enforcement officers and public. with the Chief to implement a policy to than the city manager, relating to any

SSPBA.ORG 47 AUGUSTA 162 CLUB HOSTS INAUGURAL BANQUET WITH WORLD SERIES CHAMPION AS GUEST SPEAKER BY KAYLAN STOREY, PUBLIC RELATIONS AND FOUNDATION MANAGER, SSPBA

arlier this year, PBA of GA He appeared in three World Series Staff Representative and in his career. Then he went on to Emega baseball fan, Patrick become a television announcer with Cullinan and some of his close the Atlanta Braves,” said Lamar friends decided to create a baseball Garrard. club and foundation. Along with Augusta Rotary Club President, When Darrel Chaney took to the Ed Presnell; PBA member and stage, he said, “My goal here tonight Georgia State Patrol trooper, Andy is to give you a message you can Carrier; and UGA National Base- take with you.” Chaney went on to ball Champion, Terry Childers, Jr. say, “my dad said work hard, play the idea of a foundation was born hard, pray hard and tell the truth. in May of this year. In the short Ernie Banks was my hero. He knew time span of only five months, how to treat fans. He always took their inaugural event was World Series Champion Darrel Chaney addresses the audience. the time to take pictures with them. planned. On October 25th He would always stand at of this year, the Augusta attention and sing the words 162 Club hosted their to the National Anthem. One inaugural banquet at the day, Banks came to visit my Enterprise Mill Event little league team. He signed Center. The room was autographs and spoke to the filled with 150 baseball kids and said, ‘I want you fans that came to enjoy to remember four things – the Club’s first event in the work hard, play hard, pray community. hard and tell the truth.’ Nine years later, I was a rookie on Augusta Rotary Club the Cincinnati Reds team. President, Ed Presnell During one of the games I said, “The club is titled got to first base and Banks 162 because that is the put his arm around me and number of games in a said, ‘I knew you’d make it.’ baseball season.” Presnell Pictured L to R: Ed Presnell, Andy Carrier, Darrel Chaney, Patrick Cullinan, He remembered me from went on to say, “We Terry Childers, Jr. and Lamar Garrard. when I was just a 12-year- knew we wanted to give memory of my father,” Childers, Jr. said. old kid that idolized him.” a portion of the proceeds we raise from Darrel Chaney played for ten years in the this event to the Police Benevolent Once the club was formed, the guys major leagues. Chaney said, “You’ve got Foundation and the remaining balance knew that they would like to plan events to be ready. You’ve got to be ready for will go to a memorial scholarship in for their members and those interested whatever comes to you.” Chaney said that honor of Terry Childers, Sr.” Terry to attend. They knew they would like if he could make sure that the attendees Childers, Jr.’s dad, Terry Sr. was a to have a former player speak about left with one thing, it was for them to professional baseball player in the their career and life, and that was where “understand that your life matters. Tell 1970s. He played for the Chicago Cubs, Darrel Chaney came in. “I started others that their lives matter,” said Chaney. Milwaukee Brewers and Montreal researching Darrel Chaney after my Expos organizations during his eight friend, Lamar Garrard, suggested him At the end of the event, Chaney was years of professional baseball. He was for our first event,” said PBA of GA presented with a PBA rainslicker, PGA also drafted in the first Major League Staff Representative Patrick Cullinan. Masters towel and a baseball autographed Baseball draft of 1965, but he chose to “Out of 250,000 professional baseball by the four founding members of the go to college at the time. After retiring players, only 19,000 have made it to Augusta 162 Club. from playing, he worked as a coach the major leagues. Of the 250,000 For more information on the Augusta 162 at the college level. “Nobody loved professional ball players, only 2,600 Club, please visit their Facebook page baseball more than my father. He would have ever made it to the world series. @162Club. For more information on the make calls and try to help students get Darrel had 35 scholarship opportunities Police Benevolent Foundation, please visit baseball scholarships. This was how we to play football after high school, but he www.pbfi.org. came up with the idea of a scholarship in chose to sign with the Cincinnati Reds.

48 Blue Review 2018 CENTRAL SAVANNAH RIVER AREA (CSRA) CHAPTER REACHES 1,000 MEMBERS BY KAYLAN STOREY, PUBLIC RELATIONS AND FOUNDATION MANAGER, SSPBA he Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) Chapter of the PBA of TGeorgia made a major milestone this year. The chapter is the first active local chapter in Georgia to reach the impressive 1,000 member mark. Chapter leaders had a goal to reach 1,000 members by the end of 2018, and did so ahead of schedule. CSRA Chapter President Larry Bracken said, “the men and women of law enforcement in the Augusta area have seen the many benefits of being a PBA member, which made it easy to achieve this goal.” The PBA of Georgia would like to congratulate the CSRA Chap- ter on reaching their goal and look forward to continued growth from all chapters.

CSRA Chapter President Larry Bracken, PBA of GA Staff Representative Patrick Cullinan and CSRA Chapter PAC Chair David James graciously accepted the Georgia Theatre Company’s generous donation to the Police Benevolent Foundation from the 2018 Cinema for a Cause. Cinema for a Cause participating theatres included Masters Cinemas, Evans Cinemas and Riverwatch Cinemas. Thank you to the Georgia Theatre Company for always supporting the men and women of law enforcement.

The Police Benevolent Foundation (PBF) is especially thankful for businesses, like the Georgia Theatre Company, that take the initiative to create events that raise money for the PBF and support the law enforcement community.

The Police Benevolent Foundation is a tax-deductible 501(c)(3) organization established by the Southern States Police Benevolent Association (SSPBA) in 2005. The PBF provides funding to support SSPBA member benefits. For more information please visitwww.pbfi.org .

SSPBA.ORG 49 USING MAGIC AND PUPPETS FOR CRIME PREVENTION PRESENTATIONS BY GLENN HESTER, ATLANTIC CHAPTER MEMBER, PBA OF GA

hroughout my law enforcement retail scams, home scams and paranormal for crime prevention presentations and career, I used the medium of magic phenomenon scams. Con games use showed how to use a pig puppet to Tand puppets to illustrate themes on certain principles of magic to swindle reinforce the Stranger Danger program crime, drug and bunco presentations for victims and I exposed the principles of I presented to them. I also instructed on members of the general public. Seeing the scam without revealing any magic the various con games that unsuspecting the audience reactions on these lectures, secrets. victim’s may be involved with as well as I worked up lesson plans to instruct other showing the methods used to cheat the LEO’s on how to do the same. Later in my career, I started to inspect player on the midway at carnivals and and investigate crooked carnival games fairs across our state. I was a nominee My law enforcement career for the Governor’s Public began in Sullivan County, Safety Award in the early New York in 1983 when 2000’s when my next I became a deputy sheriff chief, Robert Pittman, with the county sheriff’s selected me for my work office. It was during my on cleaning up the midway five years there that I and making the public began what is now known and LEO’s aware of the as Police Magic. I left swindles and gambling on New York state in 1988 to the midway. begin my career with the Glynn County Police in I later used these lesson Brunswick, Georgia where plans and personal I retired in 2013 after experience to write three serving 25 years with that books on the subject matter. agency. POLICE MAGICIAN showed how to prepare My chief, Carl Alexander, and present the magic and allowed and supported puppets for the different me doing presentations themes a LEO could speak to schools, public events on. CARNIVAL COP and other venues as it showed my experience gave a positive outlook on investigating and inspecting the department and both crooked carnival games children and adults were and detailed the mechanics not only educated but of different games to show entertained as well. For 11 the principles of magic years, I was assigned to the and science as well as Administration Division the laws of physics that doing crime prevention were used to gaff the details to include games. DECEPTIVE Neighborhood Watch, PERFORMANCES show Stranger Danger, Anti- the many different scams in Drug and Bunco presentations. after a complaint was issued during the “short rackets” and gives many tips on one of our local Fairs where a victim how not to be a victim of these scams. Adults and children were given valuable lost 300 dollars to a crooked game. For lessons on safety issues to protect several years, I went on the midway to I retired from the Glynn County Police themselves and remembered the messages investigate, inspect and modify certain Department in 2013 but still do these through the Vividness Principle as they carnival games so the game would be fair programs around the state. Although I witnessed the messages through the to both the player and game agent without miss being a member of law enforcement, magic tricks and remembered the theme any mischief on the midway. I look back on the years I worked these of the lecture by the effect of the trick. programs and hope it gave a better After becoming a POST Instructor, I quality of life to those who witnessed the As a Police Magician, I also instructed on did classes on using magic and puppets presentations. confidence crimes such as street scams,

50 Blue Review 2018 TULLY V. CITY OF WILMINGTON NC SUPREME COURT RULES THAT POLICE OFFICERS ENJOY NEW CONSTITUTIONAL PROTECTIONS FROM EMPLOYERS’ NON-COMPLIANCE WITH PERSONNEL POLICIES BY GLENN HESTER, ATLANTIC CHAPTER MEMBER, PBA OF GA BY J. MICHAEL MCGUINNESS, THE MCGUINNESS LAW FIRM

protection for “the a property interest necessary for due enjoyment of the fruits process protection. A claim under Article of their own labor.” 1, Section 1, however, does not require any property interest. There has long been uncertainty about This article reviews Tully, its foundational whether and to what underpinnings, and the broad implications extent this “fruits for officers and police employers across of labor” clause North Carolina. Police employers may afforded enforceable now be held constitutionally accountable employment rights. for not honoring their personnel policies. Most of the previous Many of us have waited decades for this cases arose in the new Tully principle. A new day and new context of occupational era have arisen. licensing. This important principle of constitutional law has Background now been clarified by our Supreme Court. Tully arose from the denial of a promotion This clause can now that was predicated upon a flawed be judicially enforced, promotional test and then a denial of potentially in a wide Tully’s right to grieve the denial of variety of contexts. promotion. The Superior Court had Kevin Tully and our granted judgment on the pleadings to the Supreme Court have employer, the City of Wilmington. The brought the police Court of Appeals reversed and found community a long that Tully had stated valid constitutional overdue common-sense claims for relief. Based on a dissent, the ruling that requires that Supreme Court accepted the case for employers play by the review. Thus, the case was positioned rules. for the potential recognition of new constitutional protections for police n Tully v. City of Wilmington, N.C., Our Supreme Court drilled down on officers and other public employees. 790 S.E.2d 854 (N.C. App. 2016), the egregious abuses by the City of Iaff’d in part, rev’d in part, 2018 Wilmington that gave rise to the case. The The case was recognized both by the WL 1124796 (No. 348A16), the North position advanced by Wilmington both in Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court Carolina Supreme Court issued the most its brief and in oral argument before the as a case of “first impression,” meaning powerful and sweeping police employ- Court maintained that it was entitled to lie that the particular issues before the ment decision of the new millennium. to Tully and other employees by ignoring Courts had not been previously decided. personnel policies affording Tully the While there were several previous cases In a unanimous decision, our Supreme right to grieve a promotional opportunity. that provided bits and pieces of support Court breathed substantial new life into Police management lies have no legitimate for recognizing a direct constitutional the North Carolina Constitution and place in law enforcement personnel claim in situations where employees ruled that Article 1, Section 1 of the systems. Agency lies to officers through were deprived of the fruits of their labor, North Carolina Constitution provides the failure to honor personnel policies is no prior case had squarely ruled that a claim for then Corporal Kevin now constitutionally actionable in civil Article 1, Section 1 could serve as a Tully when he was denied his right to litigation against police employers. direct constitutional claim for relief in the grieve and therefore unconstitutionally employment context. denied a promotional opportunity. This The Supreme Court did not recognize the new “Tully” constitutional theory is Due Process Clause as an additional basis Tully’s asserted state constitutional claims predicated upon a rarely used clause of relief for Tully. The Court reasoned involving due process, equal protection in Article 1, Section 1 that affords that it was not clear that Tully enjoyed and a violation of Article 1, Section 1 of

SSPBA.ORG 51 1, Section 1 of the North Carolina whether North Carolina public employers violations. Constitution based upon interference must comply with their own promulgated with Tully’s fundamental right to the personnel policies which promise specific Wilmington willfully reneged on its fruits of his labor. The Court of Appeals benefits to employees, or whether a public direct representations to Corporal Tully observed that “irrational and arbitrary employer may arbitrarily refuse to comply to provide him “equal promotional government actions violate the ‘fruits with their own policies and selectively opportunities to all members of the of their own labor’ clause.” 790 S.E.2d enforce its personnel policies. Police Department based on a candidate’s at 858. Tully asserted multiple theories merit, skills, knowledge and abilities…” of constitutional protection including an This case was poised to determine the Wilmington Police Department Policy arbitrary denial of promotion and the use and enforceability of grievances and Manual, Directive 4.11, cited and resulting grievance, and the employer’s grievance policies, which are considered explained by the Court of Appeals at 790 refusal to comply with its own grievance essential tools to enable police officers S.E.2d 854, 857 (N.C. App. 2016). During policy. and other public employees to protect oral argument, Chief Justice Martin themselves by trying to resolve workplace commented indicating that Wilmington related problems. Wilmington’s position had not been truthful to its employees Facts and the reasoning of the dissent would by promising certain benefits in policies essentially destroy entire police personnel and then reneging on those policies. Corporal Kevin Tully is a highly- systems statewide as grievance and other Wilmington’s course of conduct in fact decorated veteran law enforcement officer policies would be effectively rendered null was based on pure outright willful lies. who has served the City of Wilmington and void if they are not enforceable. since 2000. As Tully’s public employer, Wilmington’s personnel policy also the City of Wilmington published Corporal Tully sought a promotion and represented to Corporal Tully that “[c] personnel policies that were admittedly discovered that an invalid test was used andidates [for promotion] “may appeal used to “govern” the relationship between in the promotional process governed any portion of the selection process….” the employer and employees. Tully sought by City policy. Wilmington refused to Policy F.1, cited in 790 S.E.2d at 858. a promotion and participated in the City’s permit Tully to grieve, in direct defiance Wilmington’s Policy is clear: “This promotional process. Tully complied with of its own policy. Despite unambiguous policy establishes guidelines that his departmental policies and procedures language in the pertinent personnel govern promotional procedures within as he sought the promotion. policies created by Wilmington, the City the Wilmington Police Department of Wilmington refused to allow Corporal and ensure procedures used are job The promotional process involves several Tully to use his own grievance policy. related and non-discriminatory…. The phases and includes a written test. Tully procedures below will be followed… was notified that he failed the test and As provided in Wilmington’s policies, It is the objective of the city of thus was barred from continuing in employees know that policies “govern” Wilmington to provide equal promotional the promotional process. When Tully as in Wilmington’s promotional and opportunities to all members of the Police received a copy of the purportedly grievance policies. Employees know that Department…” (Emphasis added) “correct” answers to the test, he realized they can be punished for willful non- that several of the “correct” answers compliance with their employer’s policies. Wilmington’s testing scheme afforded were based on outdated law, particularly Employees reasonably expect that their preferential treatment to less qualified the section regarding searches and employers will play by the rules. Tully applicants who purportedly passed the seizures. Wilmington’s promotional presented a simple issue: whether North invalid test. Wilmington represented that policy provides that” [c]andidates [for Carolina governmental employers must employees could appeal from any portion promotion] may appeal any portion of the comply with their own personnel policies. of the selection process but then denied selection process.” Tully grieved but was Corporal Tully’s grievance by claiming Virtually all public employers establish informed that examination answers were that a test answers are not a grieveable personnel policies to recruit and maintain not grieveable, thus his grievance was item. Wilmington’s policy also directly a qualified workforce to serve the public. denied. represented equal opportunity to police In short, the government writes the officers. This policy also affirmatively Through clear and specific policies, the rules, and employees are required to represents that Wilmington will provide City of Wilmington holds itself out as a obey or else be disciplined. Wilmington fair and professional standards in “fair” public employer with a merit based imposes discipline on officers who its promotional process. The policy promotional policy and a broad grievance violate personnel policies. E.g. Lightner represents that Wilmington provides equal policy applicable to any part of the v. City of Wilmington, N.C., 498 F. Supp. promotional opportunities to all members selection process. The policies that appear 2d 802 (E.D.N.C 2007), aff’d 545 F.3d of the Police Department based on a fair on the surface were not applied to 260 (4thCir. 2008). where Lieutenant candidate’s merit, skills, knowledge and Tully therefore depriving him of the Lightner was disciplined for alleged non- abilities. promised job benefits in the promotional compliance with Wilmington personnel and grievance policies. policies. There, Wilmington enforced its The City of Wilmington made all of personnel policies on Lieutenant Lightner these important representations and Tully can perhaps be distilled down to when it charged him with alleged policy then willfully broke them. What did the

52 Blue Review 2018 Tully principle derive from? In State v. inalienable right to earn a living and that them found in the federal document. Ballance, 229 N.C. 764, 769, 51 S.E.2d our Courts protect a fundamental rights 731, 734 (1949), the Court explained: which includes preventing arbitrary North Carolina courts have interpreted the government actions that interfere with the State Constitution to grant rights broader These fundamental [state constitutional] right to the fruits of one’s own labor. The than the Federal Constitution.[3] Federal guarantees are very broad in scope and Court explained: decisions do not bind North Carolina are intended to secure to each person courts on issues of North Carolina subject to the jurisdiction of the state “This Court’s duty to protect fundamental constitutional law.[4] extensive individual rights, including rights includes preventing arbitrary that of personal liberty. government actions that interfere with In a variety of cases, the North Carolina the right to the fruits of one’s own labor.” Constitution has been used to restrain The North Carolina Constitution is 367 N.C. at 408, 758 S.E.2d at 371. The North Carolina governments from a beacon of civil rights. . . Martin, Court has held that Article I, Section 1 retaliatory, arbitrary and discriminatory The State Constitution As a Font of of our Constitution protecting the fruits actions.[5] Recent state constitutional Individual Liberties: North Carolina of our labor created a fundamental state cases derive substance from historic Accepts the Challenge, 70 N.C.L. Rev. constitutional right. Treants v. Onslow precedent.[6] 1749, 1753 (1992). Many have observed County, 83 N.C. App. 345, 354, 380 S.E.2d The Supreme Court has held that [a]ny the revitalization of state constitutional 365, 371 (1986), aff’d 320 N.C. 776, 360 exercise by the State of its police power is, law since the 1970s.[1] There has been S.E.2d 783 (1987). The Court in Treants of course, a deprivation of liberty. In Re much discussion in recent years of how relied upon Roller v. Allen, 245 N.C. 516, Ashton Park Hospital, 282 N.C. 542, 550, most state constitutions, including that 518-519, 96 S.E.2d 857, 854 (1957) (right 193 S.E.2d 729, 735 (1973). Accord State of North Carolina, provide relief in areas to earned livelihood is a fundamental v. Harris, 216 N.C. 746, 758, 6 S.E.2d 854 where the Federal Constitution does constitutional right) and McCormick v. (1940) (explaining the right to pursue a not reach. Several leading cases in the Proctor, 217 N.C. 23, 6 S.E.2d 870 (1940) means of livelihood is both a properly 1940s and 1950s better explained the (Stacy, J., concurring) (fundamental right right and personal liberty). reach of the North Carolina Constitution. to earn a livelihood). As King explained: Scores of cases have found violations of In 1992, Corum built upon that solid Fee schedule provision implicates the right employee rights in employee testing which foundation. This case represents to earn a livelihood. State v. Harris, 216 is a crucial component of the selection a logical application of those N.C. 746, 759, 6 S.E.2d 854, 863 (1940) process. See Isodore Silver, Public constitutional values. North Carolina (While many of the rights of man, as Employee Discharge and Discipline, has a rich constitutional history through declared in the Constitution, contemplate Chapter 13 (3rded. Vol. I). Public enforcement of North Carolina’s adjustment to social necessities, some of employee testing has long been subject Constitution and its values, especially them are not so yielding. Among them the to constitutional limitations.[7] In May v. in the context of public employment right to earn a living must be regarded as Gray, 708 F. Supp. 716 (E.D.N.C. 1988), where public servants are at such risk of inalienable.). This Court’s duty to protect Judge Britt granted summary judgment to retaliation and discrimination.[2] fundamental rights includes preventing the employee on substantive due process arbitrary government actions that interfere In Whaley v. Lenoir County, 5 N.C. App. grounds in a case involving a testing with the right to the fruits of one’s own 319, 327, 168 S.E.2d 411, 416 (1969), the dispute. The employee was discharged labor. N.C. Const. Art 1; Roller, 245 N.C. Court concluded that the personal and after a urine test suggested a positive test at 525, 96 S.E. 2d at 859.@ King, 367 N.C. property rights guaranteed by Article result for marijuana. Like Tully, he was at 408; 758 S.E.2d at 371. I, Section 1 of the State Constitution afforded no opportunity to challenge the were violated. See State v. Warren, 252 In 1986, Former Chief Justice Exum test result. The Court granted summary N.C. 690, 694, 114 S.E.2d 660 (1960); authored Dusting Off Our State judgment to the Plaintiff employee on (Section 1, Article I of the Constitution Constitution, N.C. ST. BAR Q., (Spring substantive due process grounds and of North Carolina guarantees to the 1986) at 6, where he explained that reasoned that the employee was entitled to citizens of the State the enjoyment of the there is a growing national trend in substantively challenge the test results. fruits of their own labor and declares which state courts look more to their Section 19, generally known as the Law this an inalienable right.); Roller v. own state constitutions and less to the of the Land Clause, enumerates multiple Allen, 245 N.C. 516, 518-522, 96 S.E. federal constitution to resolve legal protections including procedural and 851, 854-857 (1957). These and other disputes. Justice Exum observed how our substantive due process, and equal cases provided Corporal Tully with Constitution contains language [that] is protection. It provides that no person foundational authority under Article richer, more detailed, and more specific. shall be deprived of liberties or privileges 1, Section 1 of the North Carolina He observed how our Constitution or otherwise deprived of life, liberty or Constitution. contained broad grants of power to the property except by the law of the land. people. He explained that the ground in In King v. Town of Chapel Hill, 367 This guarantee both procedural and these richly detailed grants of individual N.C. 400, 758 S.E.2d 364 (2014), substantive due process rights. In Re liberties is much more fertile than in the the Court held that citizens enjoy an Moore, 289 N.C. 95, 97-98, 221 S.E. mere prohibitions against abridgement of

SSPBA.ORG 53 307, 309 (1976). State v. Ballance, 229 see, e.g., Fuentes v. Shevin, 407 U.S. 67, the Department of Justice to follow their N.C. 764, 51 S.E.2d 731, 734 (1949) 82 (1972) . . ., or in the exercise of power own established procedures was held a broadly defines constitutional liberty: without any reasonable justification in violation of due process.420 F.2d 809, the service of a legitimate governmental 811–12 (4th Cir. 1969); see also Poarch These fundamental [state constitutional] objective,see, e.g., Daniels v. Williams, 474 v. N.C. Dep’t of Crime Control & Pub. guarantees are very broad in scope, and U.S. 327, 331. . . . Safety, 223 N.C.App. 125, 133, 741 S.E.2d are intended to secure to each person 315, 320 (2012)(citing Heffner with subject to the jurisdiction of the state Arbitrary and capricious acts by government approval), disc. review denied, 366 N.C. extensive individual rights, including are also prohibited under the Equal 378, 735 S.E.2d 174 (2012).” that of personal liberty. The term Protection Clauses of the United States liberty, as used in these constitutional and the North Carolina Constitutions. The This Accardi principle began to emerge provisions does not consist simply of the purpose of the Equal Protection Clause . . in the 1940s but was substantially right to be free from arbitrary physical .is to secure every person within the state’s solidified in the 1950s in a handful of restraint or servitude, but is deemed jurisdiction against intentional and arbitrary cases that arose during the McCarthy to embrace the right of man to be free discrimination, whether occasioned by era when public employees began to in the enjoyment of the faculties with express terms of a statute or by its improper suffer the wrath of the anti-communist which he has been endowed by his execution through duly constituted agents. movement. From that line of cases, a Creator, subject only to such restraints Edward Valves, Inc. v. Wake County, 343 principle of monumental importance as are necessary for common welfare . . N.C. 426, 433, 471 S.E.2d 342, 346 (1996). to public employees emerged: Public . it includes the right of the citizen to be employers must scrupulously comply with free to use his faculties in their own personnel policies. all lawful ways; to pursue any livelihood or vocation, The principle that agencies and for that purpose to are bound by their own enter into all contracts policies is generally which may be proper, attributed to a trilogy necessary, and essential of cases decided by the to his carrying out these Supreme Court, the most purposes to a successful well-known of which conclusion. is United States ex rel. Accardi v. Shaughnessy. In Dombrowlski v. Wall, 347 U.S. 260 (1954). 138 N.C. App. 1, 13, The Accardi trilogy of 530 S.E.2d 590, 599 cases all involved agency (2000), a near treatise adjudicatory proceedings on disparate treatment relating to either deportation and North Carolina by the INS or employment constitutional law, the Court recognized discharges. The other cases in the trilogy state constitutional protections and The Accardi Doctrine include Service v. Dulles, 354 U.S. 363 reaffirmed numerous fundamental (1957) and Vitarelli v. Seaton, 359 U.S. principles. These are in fact North Tully invokes application of a settled body 535 (1959). In each case, the Court found Carolina constitutional maxims: of law known as the Accardi doctrine. 790 that the Government was obligated to S.E.2d at 859. In United States v. Heffner, follow its own policies. The Due Process Clause was intended 420 F.2d 809, 811-12 (4thCir. 1969) the Court to prevent government officials from explained: In more recent years and in high profile abusing [their] power, or employing it as cases, the Accardi doctrine has been an instrument of oppression. . . . Since “An agency of the government must reaffirmed and applied. In United States the time of our early explanations of due scrupulously observe rules, regulations, or v. Richard Nixon, 418 U.S. 683 (1974), process, we have understood the core procedures which it has established. When President Nixon maintained that special of the concept to be protection against it fails to do so, its action cannot stand and Prosecutor Leon Jaworski could not arbitrary action. Hurtado v. California, courts will strike it down. This doctrine was seek judicial enforcement of a subpoena 110 U.S. 516, 527 (1884). announced in United States ex rel. Accardi v. deuces tecum for the Watergate tapes. Shaughnessy, 347 U.S. 260, 74 S.Ct. 499, 98 The Supreme Court rejected President We have emphasized time and again L.Ed. 681 (1954). Nixon’s argument by expressly relying that the touchstone of due process is on Accardi, Seaton and Service for protection of the individual against There, the Supreme Court vacated the principle that the administrative arbitrary action of government, Wolfe a deportation order of the Board of regulations in issue were in effect and v. McDonnell, 418 U.S. 539, 558 (1974), Immigration because the procedure leading enforceable under the Accardi doctrine. whether the fault lies in a denial of to the order did not conform to the relevant 418 U.S. at 696. Cf.Montilla v. U.S., fundamental procedural fairness, regulations. The failure of the Board and of 926 F.2d 162, 167 (2nd Cir. 1991)

54 Blue Review 2018 (“The Accardi doctrine is premised 363 (1959), and Vitarrelli v. Seaton, 359 application of the new Tully constitutional on fundamental notions of fair play U.S. 535 (1959), to vacate the discharges claim. First, this newly recognized North underlying the concept of due process”). of government employees.” 420 U.S. at Carolina constitutional claim applies to all 812. These principles have been cited as governmental employers, municipal, county Government is obliged to follow its applicable in contemporary public employee and state employers. own policies, even if those policies are constitutional litigation in North Carolina. gratuitous, self-imposed procedural See Sumler v. City of Winston-Salem,448 Because North Carolina Sheriffs are rules that limit otherwise discretionary F. Supp. 519, 529 (M.D.N.C. 1978).” governmental employers, the Tully principle decisions. See, e.g., United States ex clearly applies to our Sheriffs and their rel. Accardi v. Shaughnessy, 347 U.S. In Renfrow v. N.C. Department of agencies. This is one area where Tully 260, 266-67 (1954); Service v. Dulles, Revenue, 2015 WL 731505 (N.C.O.A.H.), may promote near revolutionary change. 354 U.S. 363, 388 (1957); Vitarelli v. Administrative Law Judge Fred Morrison Counties and Sheriffs often promulgate Seaton, 359 U.S. 535, 539-40 (1959); explained the Accardi principle as follows: various types of personnel rules for the American Farm Lines v. Black Ball administration of personnel relations. Tully Freight Service, Inc., 397 U.S. 532, “When a Government agency does not makes those policies enforceable rather 538-39 (1970).Police employers have follow its rules, regulations, or procedures, than subject to denial at someone’s whim. dodged the principles for decades. The due process is violated, and its action Tully decision brings the principle cannot stand.” Ameira Corp. v. Veneman, Rule or policy violations by employees home to North Carolina and requires 347 F. Supp. 2d 225, 226 (M.D.N.C. 2004). may give rise to discipline. Rule or policy management to play by the rules. If dismissal from employment is based violations by the employer may now give on a defined procedure, that procedure rise to a Tully claim in Superior Court for In addition to the Accardi cases must be scrupulously observed. Service the enforcement of the rule or policy and addressed by the Court of Appeals, 790 v. Dulles, 354 U.S. 363, 388-89 (1957) resulting damages to the officer. This new S.E.2d at 859, other North Carolina (reversing dismissal of petitioner for failure Tully principle will likely play out in the cases address Accardi, especially in to comply with regulation)…The purpose lower courts for a while. personnel cases. In Dietrich v. N.C. behind the Accardi principle is “to prevent Department of Crime Control,2001 WL the arbitrariness which is inherently 34055881 (N.C.O.A.H.), Administrative characteristic of any agency’s violation Conclusion Law Judge Beecher Gray explained the of its own procedures.” United States v. Accardi principle as follows: Hefner, 420 F. 2d 809, 812 (4th Cir. 1969).” The North Carolina Supreme Court in Tully has brought us a new principle Governmental employers must comply Renfrow was affirmed on appeal. 782 of constitutional common sense. For with their own regulations. See, e.g., S.E.2d 379. generations, some police management Vitarelli v. Seaton, 359 U.S. 535, 546 officials have boasted of their supposed (1959) (Frankfurther, J. concurring, rights to “do whatever we damn well joined by Clarke, Whittaker & Stewart); Implications of Tully please” in connection with personnel Securities & Exchange Comm. v. disputes. In response to requests for benefits Cherery, 318 U.S. 80, 87 - 88 (1942); Tully will promote a broad range of and privileges afforded by agency policies, Service v. Dulles, 354 U.S. 363 (1957); benefits for officers and agencies. Tully will many police supervisors have scoffed that Beacom v. EEOC, 500 F. Supp. 428 promote more effective agency decision “they are our rules, and we decide what (D. Ariz. 1980) (public employee making and police operations. Consistency they mean and when we will use them.” must be accorded benefit of agency’s in the enforcement of policies will promote Those discriminatory views likely drove regulations). See United States v. more consistent and fair administration of the Supreme Court in Tully to rebuke them Heffner, 420 F.2d 809, 811 (4th Cir. day to day policing. A proper and effective and clarify the law. Wilmington’s position 1970), where the Fourth Circuit included personnel system is predicated upon a in Tully was the extreme of the extreme a thoughtful discussion of Shaughnessy system of rules or policies which set out by claiming that their own policies were and other United States Supreme Court the governing principles of the working meaningless. They are now enforceable. cases which stand for this central relationship. These rules or policies proposition. The Court observed that are vitally important as they guide the Our Supreme Court has acted in the highest in Shaughnessy that the Supreme operation of the agency and set out the honorable tradition of the judiciary by Court vacated a governmental decision expectations of all parties. Following Tully, interpreting old constitutional text in light because “the procedure leading to the officers now know that everyone must abide of the current circumstances confronting order did not conform to the relevant by policy – officers and management. This the police community. The Court has regulations. The failure of the board and will promote reliance and more trust. Most breathed new life in the North Carolina of the Department of Justice to follow agencies have extensive manuals of policies. Constitution affording constitutional their own established procedures was Thus, the Tully principle has the potential remedies for police officers when agencies held a violation of due process.” 420 to be frequently enforced. violate their own policies. So be it. F.2d at 812. “The Accardi Doctrine was The Court’s ruling and reasoning in subsequently applied by the Supreme Tully certainly suggests a broad potential Court in Service v. Dulles, 354 U.S.

SSPBA.ORG 55 DIGITAL DETOX

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1. THE LEGAL REPRESENTATION WE OFFER OUR MEMBERS IS THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS! The PBA provides an attorney to contact you at the scene of all on-duty shootings or serious injuries arising from your law enforcement duties, going to the scene if necessary. The PBA provides an attorney to protect your individual interests if you are named as defendant in any civil or criminal action arising out of your duties as a law enforcement officer. NO CAP or LIMIT. Other organizations say they can match our legal benefits, but in the end, the PBA stands alone on this one.

2. THE PBA TAKES A STAND ON LEGISLATIVE MATTERS THAT AFFECT OUR MEMBERS! The PBA maintains a professional staff of lobbyists to aid in obtaining legislation beneficial to the If you’re vacationing to a remote location or Cummings Printing is a third-generation family- law enforcement profession. If there is critical legislation out there that will affect your job as a law simply steering clear of your inbox for a weekend, owned company specializing in printing high- enforcement professional, the PBA is ready to take action and let your voice be heard. you might have thought about grabbing a quality, short-run publications. At each phase magazine or three. Studies have shown that of the print process, we provide a human-touch readers both retain information and recognize that is unmatched by the competition. Let us 3. THE PBA PROVIDES YOUR LOVED ONES WITH THE SECURITY OF ONE OF THE branding through printed material much more help you create a publication your readers can BEST ACCIDENTAL DEATH BENEFIT PLANS IN THE INDUSTRY IN THE EVENT than through digital media. Plus, you never have escape with. YOU ARE LOST IN THE LINE OF DUTY. to worry about forgetting a power cord. We believe that our accidental death benefit is the most generous of any such plan in our service area. Your beneficiary will receive: (1) your base salary for one year if you are killed in the performance of your law enforcement duties (maximum payment: $70,000), or (2) $10,000 if an accidental, non-occupational death, or to retired and reserve members, in accordance with the cummingsprinting.com terms and limitations of our insurance policy which underwrites the benefit.

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