Kudos for an excellent, thought-out commentary (“Tokin’ Gestures,” Vantage Point, December 2013). Like you, I’ve never ingested weed or any illegal drug. For many years I thoroughly despised dope and its users, relegating them to the level of politicians and child pornographers. But all that slowly changed as job and life experience showed me a different perspective.
My sisters were the first to influence my thought on MJ — they’ve been in the medical field all their adult lives. Some years ago our state had a referendum on medical MJ use so I asked their opinions. Both were strongly in favor of it because the medical establishment does a terrible job of addressing patients’ chronic pain. Although the referendum failed, it had more support than I’d have thought given the very conservative nature of the state.
Fast forward a few years, a lieutenant friend who took over our narcotics task force said if this was a real war we’d be running up the white flag. A couple of years later, I’m in charge of the crime lab/CSI/evidence section. What an eye-opener. In 14 years I saw too much manpower wasted on seeds, stems and “shakings” from patrol, but also drug lab time wasted — warehousing truly worthless “evidence” for years. It was the norm for a crack or meth analysis to be months behind while the weed cases were analyzed. I actually started to resent officers and detectives turning in petty amounts of weed … like under a couple of pounds.
Around this time I developed chronic back pain and the stressful dealings with the medical profession quickly reinforced what my sister had told me years before. I still haven’t partaken of cannabis, yet. Watching my dad suffer in even worse pain than mine has really hardened my opinion of those who continue to support prohibition of it — especially officers who enthusiastically pursue MJ cases instead of the plentiful crack and meth cases. Is it safer than dealing with the Mexican Mafia? Looks like it from my observations.
It’s time to stop the “reefer madness” and concentrate on the truly destructive drugs reeking havoc on society. Thirty-one years ago I’d never have thought I’d write such words, but then a lot has happened that I never though would happen either. Here’s hoping for a more logical future.
Lt. Dan
Via email
No Excuses!
There’s no excuse not to have good training and medical equipment these days (“Chinook Medical Gear For Cops,” High Tech, April 2014). The data from Afghanistan and Iraq is there, TCCC/TEMS works. We need every cop in the country dialed in on tactical medicine.
Eric S.
Via COP website
March Madness
Great, spot-on article (“Are Specialized Units … Special?” Vantage Point, March 2014). I believe it was O.W. Wilson who proposed that specialization is the death knell of a police department. Kudos on having the stones to tell it like it is.
Dave
Via COP website
In regards to “Setting Realistic Expectations” (From The Chief), this issue is more complex. I personally know of a deputy pulled from an academy class just before graduation. He wasn’t in the graduation picture and he disappeared from all department activities and contacts. His file wasn’t to be found within the personnel file vault. Rather, he wound up as a senior command officer in a major national militant organization. He stayed there until he was scheduled to go to Red China for terrorist training, but the sheriff wouldn’t allow him out of a western country. He left that assignment and began a normal career. No “experienced” officer could’ve safely handled this assignment.
Glenn Marin
Via COP website
Stay On Course
I was delighted to read your reaffirmation of the core of who we are as cops (“Staying The Course,” From The Publisher, February 2014) — and what American COP is to me. I won’t lie — and like you, I won’t pull punches. There have been a few article and ads that left me scratching my head. One such article almost prompted me to cancel my subscription. That said, I still enjoy receiving my magazine every month. Street Level and Carry Options are two of my favorites.
I generally have a low opinion of management, but From The Chief is a great column. And though I’d never publicly admit it, I agree with Jerry more often than not. Suzi writes a good article as well. Last year I fired off a hot email to her, but it wasn’t out of malice. I respect her opinion, albeit sometimes different from my own.
Now, what I don’t like are ads and positive reviews for junk gear. That baton/flashlight/TASER/pepper spray-thing? Really? Maybe that thing worked in a R&D lab, but how about a meth lab or trailer park domestic? A crap product deserves a crap review, just like those gloves with the sparkling lights on them. WTF? Honestly, I love the magazine, but as they say on the streets: Keep it real.
Matt Reilly
Via email
Unfortunately, American COP is too far removed from the beat cop for my liking anymore. Even though I’ve been a subscriber since the first issue, I’m not renewing — even for the free subscription being offered. I’ve noticed I have less to relate to as a midnight beat cop for the past couple of years. Mostly what I see is geared toward SWAT types and admin. The final straw was the “Police Gold Card” article (December 2013).
Although Roy wrote, “We never intended for COP to be a format where administrators going after their master’s degree would find a place to publish their papers on police theory,” I believe that’s precisely what Mike Doyle was doing. I’ve only seen ideas that ridiculous from officers/admin who are lusting after promotion. I can’t imagine a beat cop coming up with an idea giving people with money more and better police service than those who don’t have the money to spare. When I saw COP print such an article I knew it was time to eject.
I sincerely hope you return to your roots — a great magazine for us lowly patrol cops working the streets at o’dark thirty. Chiefs and SWAT types already have magazines dedicated to their respective positions. If I happen across a future issue and like what I see, I’ll be more than happy to buy a new subscription. I really liked what the magazine was in the beginning.
Tony Podpora
Via email
American COP® welcomes letters to the editor. We reserve the right to edit all published letters for clarity and length. Due to the volume of mail, we are unable to individually answer your letters or e-mail. In sending a letter to American COP, you agree to provide Publishers Development Corp. such copyright as is required for publishing and redistributing the contents of your letter in any format. Send your letters to Return Fire, American COP, 12345 World Trade Dr., San Diego, CA 92128.
