Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Personal Defense/Security Training
Ok, so here's the deal. I wanted to take a break from my regular postings today, and tell you about a friend of mine. I met Tim Guy about 2 years ago. I was immediately impressed with his tactical knowledge and his expertise in the field of Personal Security. Not to mention, he offers this knowledge to others. If you or a loved one are looking to get a Hand Gun Carry Permit, then Tim is your guy (pun intended). Go over to his website for more information at http://www.guysecuritytraining.com/default.html . Tim offers other training as well, for those interested in Armed/Unarmed Security. I can't say enough about him, but let me say this; I trust Tim with my life, and as far as I'm concerned he's one of the best in the business.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
To High To Realize
Let's talk about that weed. Man, I could write a hundred blogs about marijuana and it's illegal use in the United States. In fact, I think it's telling that one of the constant political debates in our country is over the legalization of marijuana. Proponents declare it safer than cigarettes and helpful for people with chronic pain, but opponents say it's just a gateway to stronger narcotics, among other arguments. The fact of the matter is folks, no matter what your opinion is, marijuana is illegal here, at least in most states that is. As long as people continue to buy marijuana, they will continue to fund and fuel an underground criminal network that not only sells marijuana, but often commits violent crimes against innocent people. You can tell me all day long that it is the fault of the government for making it illegal, but it doesn't change the fact that you are giving your money to individuals who commit horrible atrocities just to make an easy buck. I could go on all day about this phenomenon, that we as people are responsible for our own actions regardless of the actions of others (or governments), but I wont. That's not what today's post is about.
Marijuana has grown more and more popular, especially among the younger generation here in the States. It has become a way to relax and to forget about the problems of the day, even though they are ignoring the origins of what they are smoking. Again I digress. What people, especially young people, fail to realize is the trouble they can get into for smoking pot. In most states possession of a single joint is a misdemeanor offense. In the State of Tennessee that offense is known as Possession/Casual Exchange. The punishment for this offense is usually probation, a few days in jail, or some community service. Nothing that would ruin anyones life, right? Well, there's a caveat to this law; once you're alright, twice it's ok, but what about the third time? Many states, including Tennessee, have limits to how many times you can be charged with a misdemeanor Poss. Casual Exchange. The truth is, that 3rd offense could lead you to a felony charge. A class E felony to be exact. As common as marijuana is today on high school and college campuses, it's not unlikely that casual smokers of this drug can find themselves in serious trouble. We're no longer talking about a citation and confiscation of your stash. We're talking getting placed in handcuffs, put into the back of a police car, and going straight to jail. Once there, it's up to a judge or commissioner to let you out until your next court date, but given that it's your third time for this charge, you could be looking at a hefty bond. I don't know about you, but I don't have $1,000 sitting around to just throw away.
As I've said before, there are those out there that look at this as the price of doing business. However, for your average college student, this can be devastating. They could be looking at expulsion from University at worst, but you might just be sitting down in booking on the day you have a big exam. I don't know many professors who grant make-up exams for people who've gotten arrested. Who knows, maybe you'll get lucky. Even if you're not in college, employers don't like having to grant sick days or vacation time to employees who can't make it to work because they got arrested.
You may think weed is a casual drug, but it's not. Using it comes with real consequences that you'll have to live up to, and guess what? You can't blame it on the Officer arresting you, or the government. That goes back to that whole taking responsibility for your actions thing. It is common knowledge that marijuana is illegal. If it wasn't, people wouldn't be buying it from that guy hiding in the shady corner with a gun his waist band. Again we can argue about the government making it this way, but you need to wake up and realize that until the law changes, you're gonna have to deal with the consequences.
I'll stop there, because I don't wont this to turn into a raving rant about pot smokers. Truthfully I write this to hopefully wake someone up to reality. I've known plenty of wonderful people who partake of the green leafy substance we know as weed, but they are playing a risky game. Please don't throw your future away on a short high. Too many people, with great potential, have thrown it away on marijuana. Don't be one of them. At the least you're fueling a violent drug war that has claimed the lives of Thousands across this country, and in others.
Thanks!
Marijuana has grown more and more popular, especially among the younger generation here in the States. It has become a way to relax and to forget about the problems of the day, even though they are ignoring the origins of what they are smoking. Again I digress. What people, especially young people, fail to realize is the trouble they can get into for smoking pot. In most states possession of a single joint is a misdemeanor offense. In the State of Tennessee that offense is known as Possession/Casual Exchange. The punishment for this offense is usually probation, a few days in jail, or some community service. Nothing that would ruin anyones life, right? Well, there's a caveat to this law; once you're alright, twice it's ok, but what about the third time? Many states, including Tennessee, have limits to how many times you can be charged with a misdemeanor Poss. Casual Exchange. The truth is, that 3rd offense could lead you to a felony charge. A class E felony to be exact. As common as marijuana is today on high school and college campuses, it's not unlikely that casual smokers of this drug can find themselves in serious trouble. We're no longer talking about a citation and confiscation of your stash. We're talking getting placed in handcuffs, put into the back of a police car, and going straight to jail. Once there, it's up to a judge or commissioner to let you out until your next court date, but given that it's your third time for this charge, you could be looking at a hefty bond. I don't know about you, but I don't have $1,000 sitting around to just throw away.
As I've said before, there are those out there that look at this as the price of doing business. However, for your average college student, this can be devastating. They could be looking at expulsion from University at worst, but you might just be sitting down in booking on the day you have a big exam. I don't know many professors who grant make-up exams for people who've gotten arrested. Who knows, maybe you'll get lucky. Even if you're not in college, employers don't like having to grant sick days or vacation time to employees who can't make it to work because they got arrested.
You may think weed is a casual drug, but it's not. Using it comes with real consequences that you'll have to live up to, and guess what? You can't blame it on the Officer arresting you, or the government. That goes back to that whole taking responsibility for your actions thing. It is common knowledge that marijuana is illegal. If it wasn't, people wouldn't be buying it from that guy hiding in the shady corner with a gun his waist band. Again we can argue about the government making it this way, but you need to wake up and realize that until the law changes, you're gonna have to deal with the consequences.
I'll stop there, because I don't wont this to turn into a raving rant about pot smokers. Truthfully I write this to hopefully wake someone up to reality. I've known plenty of wonderful people who partake of the green leafy substance we know as weed, but they are playing a risky game. Please don't throw your future away on a short high. Too many people, with great potential, have thrown it away on marijuana. Don't be one of them. At the least you're fueling a violent drug war that has claimed the lives of Thousands across this country, and in others.
Thanks!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Domestic Bliss
The new hot button topic in Law Enforcement circles? Domestic Violence, and how to handle a domestic call. Ask any Officer, what's the most dangerous call he can go on, and he will tell you, a DV call. Over the past years there have been many Officers killed while responding to DV calls, and on top of that there have been many men and women abused and even killed during these calls. Society's response to all of this has been extremely tough DV law. Law's that require Officers to sometimes make physical arrests and prosecute on misdemeanors that did not occur in their presence, regardless of the victim's wishes. These laws have saved countless lives, and they are a step in the right direction. However, in the world of intense domestic situations there is a large grey area that is not widely discussed, except within law enforcement circles. What defines a domestic relationship?
Recently a 27 year old went out with his friends from college to a popular bar in his hometown. During that outing he and another friend got into an argument over a minor issue that in the larger scheme of things, made no difference. During this argument the 27 year old's friend shoved him out of the way so he could leave. Angry about being pushed, and fueled by alcohol, the 27 year old became so enraged that he decided to attack his former friend. The 27 year old came forward and struck his friend several times in the back of the head, knocking him to the ground, and causing a minor cut on his hand and a knot on his head. Seeing what he had done, the man was immediately filled with regret, and stooped down to help his friend. However, the damage had been done. The friend got up, with the help of others around him, and stormed outside where he called Police. However, once police arrived the friend had changed his mind about the situation, and decided that he no longer wanted to press charges against his former friend. Officers decided to file a report on the situation in case the friend changed his mind later. While speaking to officers about the incident the suspect made a passing comment about, this being why the two had stopped living together in college.
Let's stop right here, and let me explain something. The word domestic in Domestic Violence does not necessarily mean a romantic or blood relationship is involved. What you need to understand is, Adults or minors who live together or who have lived together, qualify under domestic relationships.
Because of this relationship, and because of domestic violence laws, officers were obligated to make an arrest and to prosecute, despite the wishes of the victim. This suspect had never before been in trouble with the law.
What I want people to understand is, that the consequences of a "Simple Assault" are usually not that great. Often times an offender may get away with probation, a fine, a few days in jail, or a combination of any of these. They can usually even have this expunged after staying out of trouble for a few years. However, when you add a domestic relationship to the assault the consequences are much more far reaching. Your legal right to own and carry firearms is thereby revoked, unless, you are able to have the conviction purged from your record. That's IF and WHEN you can have it purged. There are other consequences, such as having to abide by order's of protection, and the stigma of having a domestic assault on your record. Regardless of what the circumstances may be, two former friends in a minor scuffle for instance, future employers or anyone conducting a background investigation will only see the conviction, no matter what you tell them.
There will always be times in life where we find ourselves upset, angry, and wanting vengeance. However, before you do anything stop and think of the consequences. Any conviction on your record, domestic or not, can greatly hinder your ability to get a job. Remember, the consequences can affect others as well. It's always best to step aside and to take a deep breath. Your pride is not worth going to jail over.....EVER!
Please take the time and study the domestic violence laws in your state. Understand what they mean for you. Seemingly good and honest people can find themselves in situations where they make bad decisions. Even small mistakes can cost you a lot, not to mention what they cost the victim. There's no second chance when it comes to domestic violence. Stop, take a breath, and think about what you're doing.
As always the victims of domestic abuse crimes are the first and foremost priority. If you, or someone you know, has been a victim of domestic abuse, then please visit: http://www.thehotline.org/ or call
1-800-799-SAFE(7233) to get help or more information on resources in your local area.
Thanks!
Recently a 27 year old went out with his friends from college to a popular bar in his hometown. During that outing he and another friend got into an argument over a minor issue that in the larger scheme of things, made no difference. During this argument the 27 year old's friend shoved him out of the way so he could leave. Angry about being pushed, and fueled by alcohol, the 27 year old became so enraged that he decided to attack his former friend. The 27 year old came forward and struck his friend several times in the back of the head, knocking him to the ground, and causing a minor cut on his hand and a knot on his head. Seeing what he had done, the man was immediately filled with regret, and stooped down to help his friend. However, the damage had been done. The friend got up, with the help of others around him, and stormed outside where he called Police. However, once police arrived the friend had changed his mind about the situation, and decided that he no longer wanted to press charges against his former friend. Officers decided to file a report on the situation in case the friend changed his mind later. While speaking to officers about the incident the suspect made a passing comment about, this being why the two had stopped living together in college.
Let's stop right here, and let me explain something. The word domestic in Domestic Violence does not necessarily mean a romantic or blood relationship is involved. What you need to understand is, Adults or minors who live together or who have lived together, qualify under domestic relationships.
Because of this relationship, and because of domestic violence laws, officers were obligated to make an arrest and to prosecute, despite the wishes of the victim. This suspect had never before been in trouble with the law.
What I want people to understand is, that the consequences of a "Simple Assault" are usually not that great. Often times an offender may get away with probation, a fine, a few days in jail, or a combination of any of these. They can usually even have this expunged after staying out of trouble for a few years. However, when you add a domestic relationship to the assault the consequences are much more far reaching. Your legal right to own and carry firearms is thereby revoked, unless, you are able to have the conviction purged from your record. That's IF and WHEN you can have it purged. There are other consequences, such as having to abide by order's of protection, and the stigma of having a domestic assault on your record. Regardless of what the circumstances may be, two former friends in a minor scuffle for instance, future employers or anyone conducting a background investigation will only see the conviction, no matter what you tell them.
There will always be times in life where we find ourselves upset, angry, and wanting vengeance. However, before you do anything stop and think of the consequences. Any conviction on your record, domestic or not, can greatly hinder your ability to get a job. Remember, the consequences can affect others as well. It's always best to step aside and to take a deep breath. Your pride is not worth going to jail over.....EVER!
Please take the time and study the domestic violence laws in your state. Understand what they mean for you. Seemingly good and honest people can find themselves in situations where they make bad decisions. Even small mistakes can cost you a lot, not to mention what they cost the victim. There's no second chance when it comes to domestic violence. Stop, take a breath, and think about what you're doing.
As always the victims of domestic abuse crimes are the first and foremost priority. If you, or someone you know, has been a victim of domestic abuse, then please visit: http://www.thehotline.org/ or call
1-800-799-SAFE(7233) to get help or more information on resources in your local area.
Thanks!
My First Post
I decided to create this blog because of what I see everyday while working as a police officer. I've discovered that for the most part people make honest and innocent mistakes that land them in major legal trouble. I tell people time and time again you have to think through your decisions before you make them. For example; deciding to go out and to have a drink or two with friends can lead to serious repercussions later that night if you do not plan ahead. Having a DUI on your record can seriously harm your ability to obtain a good job. Employers want employees who make smart responsible decisions. DUI's can lead to missed work, loss of productivity, and tarnishing of a company's reputation.
This is just one example of how, GOOD people can make BAD decisions that can lead to REAL consequences. Career criminals look at a lot of these consequences with little to no care. To them it's the price of doing business, but for your everyday honest working person, it can lead to some serious bad times. Remember it will not only affect you, but your family as well.
My plan is continue to post vignettes of real situations that happen to real people. What I will NOT be doing is posting up people's personal information; including but not limited to names and locations. As I said a lot of the people I deal with are good people who have made bad decisions. Their mistakes will already cost them, they don't need me airing their personal info out to the readers of this blog. However, the stories I post will definitely amaze you. You will not believe some of the things that happen out there. I will also be posting up links to articles written by individuals far more qualified than me. Hopefully this blog can keep at least a few people from making a poor decision.
Thanks for reading, I'll be posting up the first entry tonight.
This is just one example of how, GOOD people can make BAD decisions that can lead to REAL consequences. Career criminals look at a lot of these consequences with little to no care. To them it's the price of doing business, but for your everyday honest working person, it can lead to some serious bad times. Remember it will not only affect you, but your family as well.
My plan is continue to post vignettes of real situations that happen to real people. What I will NOT be doing is posting up people's personal information; including but not limited to names and locations. As I said a lot of the people I deal with are good people who have made bad decisions. Their mistakes will already cost them, they don't need me airing their personal info out to the readers of this blog. However, the stories I post will definitely amaze you. You will not believe some of the things that happen out there. I will also be posting up links to articles written by individuals far more qualified than me. Hopefully this blog can keep at least a few people from making a poor decision.
Thanks for reading, I'll be posting up the first entry tonight.
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