The St. Joseph Police Department is making changes in light of a weapons theft that occurred last weekend.
Capt. Kevin Castle said the department made changes to its protocol after weapons were stolen from the trunk of a tactical officer's unmarked vehicle. The equipment stolen included a black Colt AR-15 semiautomatic rifle, black Rock River M4 AR-15 semiautomatic rifle along with accessories, a Sig Sauer P-226 40-caliber pistol, a Point Blank tactical vest and an AA Arms NFDD, or Flash Bang, grenade.
Mr. Castle said he wouldn't specify what changes were made, but that they were done to adjust to the rare circumstance.
"Some upgraded security measures were taken place because regardless of what we had in place before, it didn't work in this case," he said.
The officer was following standard procedures, Mr. Castle said, as tactical officers are required to have their weapons with them at all times.
"That's part of their requirement for when they volunteer for that position - they have to be on call 24/7," he said.
The department is looking into the case as a possible targeted robbery. Mr. Castle said nothing was taken from inside of the vehicle when it was broken into.
"Break-ins to trunks are fairly unusual," he said. "Usually people breaking into cars are looking in the car to see what's in there and making an effort to obtain (the objects they want)."
Mr. Castle said all of the guns stolen are available for purchase to the general public, if the buyer is not a felon. The only property stolen that is not sold in stores is the Flash Bang grenade.
"None of these are fully automatic weapons. These are dangerous weapons, let's not kid ourselves," he said. "(The Flash Bang grenade) is not a device meant to hurt people. But in the wrong hands, it could."
Police are still investigating the incident to establish a time frame and number of suspects.
"This hasn't happened in the 20 years that I've been here," Mr. Castle said. "But it happened once and that's once too many."
Andrew Gaug can be reached at andrewgaug@npgco.com.
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mm1967 says...
Why won't they twll the public what changes have been made for the public knows this will not happen again.I would not think it would be very hard to take these items out of the trunk of the car when the officer was not on duty and on call.I would think it would be pretty easy to get these items on the way out the door if called.
The main concern is these weapons need to be found they already are in the hands of the criminals.
November 12, 2009 at 5:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Meowzer says...
Ok MM.... Thank about this for a moment.. Why in the WORLD would they WANT to release the changes to the public?
"The changes we have made include having the officer keep the weapons inside his house at all times unless being used.." etc... Hmm, I wonder how the next criminal will know to break into their house instead of their car? They aren't going to announce to the world what's going to be changed.. that would be ignorant!
People think that they are at risk so much more since the criminals got their hands on a police officer's weapons... Umm, houses are broken into every day and guns are stolen. Military weapons, rifles, AK's, pistol, etc are out there already.... as well as whatever else they can get their hands on. It's SO irresponsible of the officer and the department because his vehicle got broken into......???!!!! Okay, then everyone should be held responsible for their items, dangerous or not, being taken. It happened! It happens to everyone! Theft is a fact of life, and you never know who the next victim might be. It could be you!
November 12, 2009 at 7:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LibertyOrDeath says...
They only change they COULD have made that would make sense is to move the weapons to a gear bag and remove the bag when parking the vehicle.
Seriously Meowzer, what are you thinking? You think they "moved the lock to the left side of the trunk" or something sneaky? They don't need to be "sneaky" or "crafty," just take the damn things inside your home when the vehicle is parked - problem solved.
Maybe they think disclosing that would encourage more people to break into a cops home... ? We better not let the public know - lord knows the public at large isn't even aware that cops may have guns in their homes.
In my opinion they can't tell us because they haven't done squat except have a conversation at the LEC.
We need to hold these people accountable...
WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO PREVENT THIS?
November 12, 2009 at 7:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LibertyOrDeath says...
On top of that - I'd bet the only reason there is an article today is because of the outcry of comments on the first article.
More of SJPD looking busy when they're not.
November 12, 2009 at 7:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mm1967 says...
LOD
I actually agree with you these need to be taken in their homes when not on duty.They are not that hard for them to grab on the way out to work or when called in.And when something like this happens they need to held accountable.
November 12, 2009 at 7:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
TonyRipesRoma says...
I can see the headlines now: "A tactical officer was wounded today when responding to a hostage situation downtown. Police officials, who wish to remain unidentified, reported that the officer arrived at the scene of the crime, only to discover that every bit of his gear was left at his home. Sources indicate that in the hurry to arrive at the scene, the officer inadvertently forgot to grab his gear, which he is required to remove from his vehicle at the end of his shift every day."
I don't know about you guys, but I'm not so sure I would be too comfortable with a police officer wielding a machine gun, flash bombs, and other devices from his vehicle every day when he comes home from work. Plus, if the officer is married with children, you guys would griping like no other about the negligence he or she displays by having those things in a home where "innocent children and a spouse reside". It seems this is a no win situation.
November 12, 2009 at 8:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mm1967 says...
They sell gun cabinets for these.And I am sure if they are called to rspond they are not going to forget their gear and weapons.If they did they need to find a different form of employment.
November 12, 2009 at 8:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
TonyRipesRoma says...
And come on, frankly I have never heard anyone say "well if that construction worker had just removed his nail gun, sledge hammer, and various other heavy, potentially deadly tools from his truck and taken them inside he might not have gotten them stolen". For some reason it isn't his fault if someone breaks into his vehicle and jacks all of his stuff. But a police car......whoaaaaa cry negligence! As if it is the fault of the police that someone broke the law and broke into a vehicle.
Guns and tactical weapons are tools, just like any other tool. And, when in the hands of the wrong person they could be potentially VERY dangerous just like sledge or a jack hammer. And, if this was in fact a targeted robbery, then whether or not the weapons were in the house probably wouldn't have stopped these people from attaining them.
November 12, 2009 at 8:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
TonyRipesRoma says...
Tell you what MM.......when you take a call of an armed gunman going nuts on people and murdering them.....you see how clear your thought process is when you are saying your last prayers and hoping you see your wife again. Then you tell me that you won't forget your weapons. If they didn't forget their weapons THEY WOULDN'T BE IN THEIR CARS.
November 12, 2009 at 8:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Paladin says...
Equating an assault rifle to a sledge hammer is comparing apples to oranges.
In law enforcement, weapons and tactical gear are every bit a part of the job as they are in the military. Ask anyone that has ever served and they will tell you: you never leave your weapon unaccounted for! The argument about forgetting your gear is also bunk. You train and use this gear every single day of your life. It is integral. It is always in your mind. A lawman running out the door forgetting his gear is about as likely as a soldier doing the same thing. Highly unlikely.
Then again - I'm also comparing the SJPD to military and I just don't know enough about the training and mindset of the SJPD. Maybe it's a training issue.
Bottomline - those weapons should always be accounted for. You don't leave assault weapons in a trunk. Law enforcement is held to a higher standard than Joe Bob the Construction Worker and they should show a little more responsibility in handling gear most criminals would drool over having.
November 12, 2009 at 8:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
TonyRipesRoma says...
You are forgetting that apples and oranges still constitute fruit. They may be different, but are essentially in the same category. You say that law enforcement officers are held to a higher standard. I say so what? Parents are held to a higher standard, yet plenty of them still leave their children unattended in cars, or forget about them all together and let them die of heat exhaustion. And they see their children every day, and are involved with them every day. So I'm not certain I follow your logic.
And yes, there are stories of soldiers freaking out under attack and forgetting their firearms. It happens.
November 12, 2009 at 8:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
chara says...
simply install gun safes in the trunk with alarm security.
November 12, 2009 at 8:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mm1967 says...
I have friends on this dept and I respect the job the officers do everyday and the fact they put their lives on the line everyday.But the fact remains we have people stealing weapons out of their cars at their homes and they could very well wind up killing people or be used in other crimes.And as far as that goes they could be very well used against our own police officers.I am sorry I would not think even in the heat of the moument that any officer would forget to take his gear and weapons where he was called.I am sure the addenaline levels are high but to forget their weapons and gear I find very hard to believe.The military personal are not carrying their weapons on base but when called to duty they retrive their weapons.
November 12, 2009 at 8:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
TonyRipesRoma says...
Check this guy out.....its a story of a soldier that forgot his weapon when going to Drill cause he freaked out from a time shortage. Don't even try to tell me this doesn't happen.
http://writingsfromanisraelisoldier.b...
November 12, 2009 at 8:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
heritage_sarahhochschwender says...
i would think that there should be a way to modify a trunk to create a "gun safe" and ammo security. that, along with trunk alarms would seem to be a good solution.
i agree that taking them into the home would create all sorts of problems, as stated above.
the sjsd is obviously working to find a solution to this very rare occurrence. i can't find fault with their prompt reaction, and pray that the weapons are recovered promptly. someone knows the people who did this, and they should immediately pick up the phone and report on them.
November 12, 2009 at 8:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Paladin says...
You can rest assured that soldier received punishment too. You're attempting to draw away from the true problem and my logic is sound - even if YOU can't comprehend it.
You're supplying alternate scenarios to draw away from the fact assault weapons were handled irresponsibly. The examples that a tiny fraction of soldiers or bad parenting somehow negates the SJPD for dangerous procedures is weak and unfounded.
Simply address the core of the problem instead of making excuses and trying to retain a procedure that is inexcusable and irresponsible.
November 12, 2009 at 8:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
comment says...
I have to say that the suggestion Heritage gave makes so much sense. Probably makes to much sense.
November 12, 2009 at 9:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ApparentlySo says...
So then they steal the whole care, and drive off into a remote place and dismantle it to get at the guns. Anything that would be that sturdy would have to be quite heavy. So let's now modify every car, scratch that, a car just wouldn't be substantial enough. We'll need to get them all military spec Humvees or a 1-ton or 2-ton truck so that the vehicle as a substantial enough suspension to carry this heavy gauged, hardened steel gun safe that would prevent thieves from easily accessing the weapons.
By the way, I love the way people get all freaked out over "assault" rifles. Before World War II, bolt action rifles were virtually unheard of outside of the military. These bolt action rifles, these military assault rifles, became the hunting gun of choice for servicemen who were getting out and going back to civilian life. The bolt action rifle is still a commonly used gun today. And if you don't think somebody with a little skill can't hammer out round after round with a bolt action assault rifle from WWII, ha! Plus, just about anyone can go buy any number of weapons that are "assault" rifles
November 12, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
les80 says...
It is standard procedure in other departments besides sjpd for members of the tactical units to keep their weapons in the trunks of their cars. The cars are either personal use cars or unmarked cars so they are not targeted by criminals. It seems like the robbers were most likely tipped off to the fact that this officer had tactical weapons in the car to steal.
I agree that the policy seems a little lax and I am frankly surprised this has not happened before, but I also think that in the moment of panic when you have a limited amount of time to respond to a critical situation it would not seem practical to round up all your gear or unlock your gunsafe and take everything to the car. An alarm or safe inside the car is a good idea. It is also a pricey idea. But don't be so hard on the sjpd, there are many other depts who use the same practice, it isn't out of the ordinary.
November 12, 2009 at 12:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ufc08 says...
How about all patrol cars are parked at the police station inside the chain link fence. They should not be driving them home period. Now i'll hear how they are on call 24/7. We also have officers on duty 24/7 go to Perkins, Denny's, any convenient store any time day or night you will find them. With 229 highway a person can be any where in St. Joe. in 10 minutes or less. Also what about the patrol car that is parked in Savannah every night? I wish my job paid for my vehicle,gas,insurance & maintenance.Park the cars at the police station when off duty, problem solved.
November 12, 2009 at 12:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ApparentlySo says...
Good idea, Skippy. Next you'll be complaining that they didn't respond quickly.
And for the person that rated my last comment down; which part of the truth do you disagree with?
November 12, 2009 at 1:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
heritage_sarahhochschwender says...
ufc, actually, patrol cars which go home have been proven to be a neighborhood crime deterrent. i have known apartment managers who are very glad to offer "perks" to officers who park their patrol cars at the entrances to complexes.
i also know several officers who to my knowledge do not drive their patrol cars home. this article does not specifically state that all patrol cars are driven home by members of the force.
i believe the department is making the correct steps to correct this problem.
November 12, 2009 at 1:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
insideout says...
How bout placing more emphasis on creating a community that respects the property of others instead of a condemning a man (or organization) that puts their life on the line everyday in order to protect you and I?
The fact is that weapons on this kind are stolen from vehicles everyday regardless of whether this situation involved a police officer or not. In my opinion, the problem isn't so much about what the police (or Joe Citizen) did or did not do to protect their property but the issue is much more about Joe Criminal who violated their property.
Does it sound like the SJPD policy could be improved...YES! But just because they're the SJPD does not mean that they can't be the victim as well.
November 12, 2009 at 1:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ufc08 says...
What about the patrol car in Savannah? How many other officers live outside St. Joe. and drives patrol cars home? I still believe no one should be able to drive any patrol car home. We have officers on duty 24/7 incase of emergency. Election time is coming up for the mayor and city council all this needs to be addressed I plan on asking candidates their opinions on tax payers money being spent on perks like this and if they are ok with it they will not get my vote. I wonder how many more voters agree with me on this. We need to stand together,now is the time to ask all candidates where they stand on many issues.
November 12, 2009 at 2:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
safd says...
Lets look at the facts of the case at hand.
1.Officer Parks car at home off duty-
Im sure Locked and Secure!
2. Car is broken into and his weapons are stolen.
Not like he invited the criminals to steal the guns!
3. Citizen fails to report to police that they may have witnessed the crime happening until after story was released= WTF WERE YOU THINKING. IF YOU SEE SOMETHING FISHY THEN REPORT IT!!!
4. Story goes public so all of the NW Mo area is informed they are missing and to keep an eye out for the guns.
Any way you look at this situation,
The officer is not at fault, he was assigned a take home car as a member of the SRT Team. They only have a limited amount of time to respond to a hostile situation after being called out and usually have to respond directly to the incident scene if not on duty.
This is a bad incident all around, but I know of alot of agencies aroud St.Joseph that issue take home cars to thier Officers. My Dept is one of them.
Plus equipment like this is not available for sale to the general public Ex: AR-15 with 11in barrel and SWAT Vest and Flash Bangs. So they will stick out like a sore thumb!!!
November 12, 2009 at 4 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grannytuff says...
safd - the guns mentioned above are available for sale to the public. Grenade, not so.
November 12, 2009 at 4:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LibertyOrDeath says...
I never said that the officer was at fault. Obviously, if he was following SOP then he was not at fault. Obviously.
The fact is - there is no reason a car with a small weapons cache in the trunk should be sitting in or on the street, be it overnight or through the weekends.
If you can't park that car in a secured area, the weapons should come out. Period, full stop end of discussion.
Let me pose this little question for you...
What do you think the cops would tell you if you were making a report about 2 AR-15's and a pistol being stolen from your trunk?
THE FIRST THING THEY WOULD TELL YOU IS THAT YOU SHOULD SECURE YOUR WEAPONS IN THE HOME OVERNIGHT!
And don't gimmie that crap about being on-call. If I can't hold an officer to a higher standard that consists of grabbing your gear when the pager goes off then I guess you're not special teams material.
Put the damn gear in a bag and keep it next to your pager if it's that big of a deal.
Just don't tell me that you structure operating procedure to compensate for absent-mindedness among a group of people that are supposed to be the level head in ANY GIVEN SITUATION.
That is why they are police. That is what they train for. That is what we pay them for. To do this stuff day in and day out while crossing the t's and dotting the i's. Yes, police are human and they make mistakes but this wasn't a mistake - it was procedure.
Heritage - why do you "feel they are making the necessary changes?" Do you know something we don't? By the way - you slipped a "SJSD" in there instead of an, "SJPD." Take it easy, the levy passed!
November 12, 2009 at 6:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
safd says...
grannytuff,
If you check with any distributor of any Law Enforcement Equipment, they WILL NOT sell a bullet proof vest to the public. There is no need for the common person to want a bullet proof vest at all. It raises some eyebrows when someone that is not a law enforcement officer is trying to buy a bulletproof vest.
If you also read up on your laws, unless you purchase a federal tax stamp to obtain a Class 3 weapon. The public is not allowed to possess any weapon with a barrel that is shorter than 16 inches. Weapons with a barrel less than 16 inches are considered Class 3. THAT IS A FEDERAL LAW. Thats why you dont see the average citizen walking around with a weapon such as an AR-15 with an 11in barrel. They are for TRAINED LAW ENFORCEMENT ONLY.
The other 2 guns are legal to own by the public.
November 12, 2009 at 6:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
safd says...
LibertyOrDeath,
Your exactly correct, it was procedure to take the car home as his assignment and dept policy was followed.
So what procedure are you speaking of then??
and do you have any experience with law enforcement or are you an officer somewhere?
Have you ever been in a hurry and forgot something sitting at home and didnt realize it until latersuch as a wallet, purse, cellphone.
November 12, 2009 at 6:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mm1967 says...
I cannot believe we would compair a cell phone,wallet,or purse to a officer forgetting his weapons when called in.Give it a break I am not buying that.Simple take the darn things in your home in a gear bag and lock them up over the weekend and if called you would grab this bag for sure.That would be like taking a knife to a gun fight.
November 12, 2009 at 7:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
safd says...
mm1967,
I was using that as an example of how easy it is when your in a hurry to run off and forget something
November 12, 2009 at 10:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LibertyOrDeath says...
SAFD, give it a rest. Yes, I have law enforcement experience.
I'm not going to go over my points again, I've made them very clear in my last comment even though you are making the same arguments I nullified in my last comment.
Give it a rest. Policy needs to change which is why they're telling us that it has. Now are you going to argue with that? If everything was hunky dory why did they release a statement saying they are changing policy?
That being said I think they're full of doo-doo. They won't tell us because they are changing nothing even though they are admitting changes need to be made.
No changes they are making could be double-super-secret. Was it a secret that these SRT guys kept their gear in the trunk? Apparently not.
Take the damn things in the house over night. Period.
November 13, 2009 at 7 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
heritage_sarahhochschwender says...
michael, it is absolutely ridiculous to say that taking weapons into a home is the solution. your suggestion ....."Put the damn gear in a bag and keep it next to your pager if it's that big of a deal." is in direct defiance of all gun safety rules in the home.
you further compound your bad judgement with your 7am comment. thank goodness you are a Former law enforcement officer.
November 13, 2009 at 8:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grannytuff says...
safd - I do not recall the length of barrel on either AR-15 rifle being disclosed in the two articles that I read here in this paper. Where did you get your information?
You can buy anything you want if you look in the right place.
November 13, 2009 at 8:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Paladin says...
The statement about any hunting rifle being just as deadly is true. A true "assault" rifle is one that is fully automatic and it's not uncommon to see folk hunting with ARs and AKs these days. So, good point on bringing out that any hunter with a gun from Wal-Mart could potentially do damage.
The DC Sniper used a Bushmaster .223 which looks like a variant of the AR-15.
I think a real factor that creates such alarm in this case is it involved law enforcement. The Guardians of the Law, the Protectors of the Citizens. When they are also victims it has to have a mental impact on a society when those that uphold the law can't even protect themselves from criminals. It makes the rest of us wonder "If the protectors can't protect themselves how can they protect US?"
I don't blame the police officers for the actions of the criminal(s). But, I still stand firm that tactics, techniques, and procedures can always be improved and should always be under review and this action is a glaring red flag that something needed to be evaluated and changes implemented. To ignore it or find an excuse for it is simply an injustice to the society they are sworn to protect.
November 13, 2009 at 8:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ufc08 says...
safd, so are you saying the officer that takes his patrol car home that lives in Savannah is saving time by having his car at home in Savannah? By the time he would be in St. Joe. than any local officer could be at the station in their car and at the scene they are needed at.I still believe no patrol car should be driven home.How about training at least two officers on every shift to be swat certified so they can respond right away that would give any others needed time to get to the station,get their patrol car,get to the scene.Again any where you live in St.Joe.you can be anywhere in 10 minutes.How many times in St. Joe has swat been called in or needed in the last 5 years after say 6 pm?
November 13, 2009 at 1:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LibertyOrDeath says...
Sarah, if we, the citizens, are fit to store guns in the home with gun locks, why can't the SJPD?
Don't tell me it's for time restraint - that would mean the law acknowledges that home owners with gun locks are less likely to effectively use their guns when they need to. Are you telling me they don't take pistols home? And I'm supposed to believe they are not stored with gun locks? Do they forget them in a hurry? Do the locks make them less effective? Do they add precious time to the officer needing to make a quick dash?
Good for the goose, good for the gander. Get real and go grind your ax somewhere else.
Next...
November 13, 2009 at 2:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Jbaldy45 says...
LorD,
In your post to SAFD you stated you have previous law enforcement experience, NOT, if you did you would have fully
understood, right or wrong.
Only a person without any type of law enforcement experience at all would make the kind statements you have and all the other people who have done nothing but make negative postings on this subject. Oh yeah being a rent a cop doesn't count as law enforcment experience.
Hope you or any of the other negative posters on this subject ever and I do mean ever need law enforcement to come rescue you for any reason.
November 14, 2009 at 12:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LibertyOrDeath says...
In my rent-a-cop days we were never allowed to carry weapons. I am extremely upset about this still and I vowed to never let another rent-a-cop have to go through the same emotional distress that I went through.
It was my frustration at "not cutting it" in the world of rent-a-cops that helped shape my views on local and federal governments. I believe it is their fault that I never got to carry a gun, much less train for weeks on end with one.
If we would have been allowed to at least look at guns in the rent-a-cop world, I might not have hard feelings and I just might have been able to catch Sheikh Mohammed in the act...
You see, I make these anti-government comments in the hope that I garner some interest among local law enforcement. Hopefully one day they'll think I'm better with them than against them. Oh how that would make me so happy.
I want to be one of them, it must be an amazing experience. Having people look up to you every day, speeding through town while talking or texting on my cell phone. Free sodas at any number of gas stations and not to mention I hear they get a nice discount on McDonalds and Oakley sunglasses.
It's all about the Oakleys. One day I'll have my own Oakleys with a 40% discount and I can wear matching pairs with my Galls issued department off-duty polos. It is going to be sweet.
Just a few more comments and I'll have them right where I want them. Then they will accept me.
November 14, 2009 at 8:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Jbaldy45 says...
Hey L or D,
That was a pretty good post, I have printed it out and will post it at the station. Maybe 1 day you will amount to something after all. I personally won't be counting it but there is always hope. So keep on hoping
November 14, 2009 at 9:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LibertyOrDeath says...
You heard it here first...
You're either a cop or you're a nobody.
PERFECT example of the combined intellect of the SJPD. Thank you sir, for your confirmation of years of speculation.
November 15, 2009 at 7:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Jbaldy45 says...
Guess what Hi Speed (L or D)
I don't work for the SJPD or any other law enforcement agency at the present time. I do however have 2 family members in law enforcement & are damn good officers and I
do know several officers with the SJPD as well, they to are
damn good officers as well. Always have been, always will be. Maybe they can drop by and help you out sometime if you really need it. So thank you sir for your confirmation of what i already knew. Have a nice day.....................
November 16, 2009 at 1:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
WhoisJohnGalt says...
Baldy, I think you've been had...... :)
November 16, 2009 at 5:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Jbaldy45 says...
Who exactly is JohnGalt anyway ?
Oh I know no one cares anyway.................
November 16, 2009 at 5:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Paladin says...
John Galt of Atlas Shrugged fame. Great book.
November 16, 2009 at 6:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LibertyOrDeath says...
lmao...
November 16, 2009 at 7:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
heritage_sarahhochschwender says...
..... required reading in most prep schools......
November 16, 2009 at 8:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Realityck says...
Good lord its not the bin Ladens of the world you need to worry about its the guy that wakes up one morning peed off at the world for some reason he feels life stinks an instead of just washing his own mouth out with buckshot he decides to shoot everyone in walmart because his girlfriend broke up or he feels wronged.He writes his little manifesto which sounds alot like LorD up there. Not if but when that happens in this town pray to what ever supreme being that our police have the equipment and training to deal with it
November 17, 2009 at 1:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LibertyOrDeath says...
So now I'm a homegrown terrorist? Seriously?
Well, thanks for proving my point, inadvertently.
No amount of guns in trunks will prevent someone from "waking up peed off at the world shooting everyone at Walmart."
The police still have to respond.
The only logical solution? Total weapons ban for everyone except police and military.
Go back to your padded room, problem solved.
He said, "who is John Galt anyway?" Roflmao...
November 17, 2009 at 6:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Realityck says...
It was my frustration at "not cutting it" in the world of rent-a-cops that helped shape my views on local and federal governments. I believe it is their fault that I never got to carry a gun, much less train for weeks on end with one.
ya and in a perfect world we would all see rainbows an kittens Your the onlyone provin a point and its mine if that above isnt a page outta the nut job of the month it should be. I can see Deanna Brink talking to your neighbors now an them saying what a quite guy he was.
November 17, 2009 at 7:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
StJoeMike says...
Sorry LoD.. You say, "The only logical solution? Total weapons ban for everyone except police and military." I disagree.. The only true logical solution is the conceal carry. Allow (Trained) people to carry their own weapon, so when the idiot shows up at Wal Mart intending to shoot everyone, the threat can be taken care of. Total weapons bans would only take the guns away from the, "Good Guys." I did sense some sarcasm in your quote above. Right?
November 17, 2009 at 7:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_O says...
Why are Police allowed to take cars home with them? That car should be being used by the next shift. For $$$ reasons, there should only be 1 car for each 3 patrolmen, our city can not afford one for each officer. The weapons would have THEN been under the care and control of the SJPD at ALL times. You people haven't a clue what those guns are worth on the Black Market but it's a LOT more than their replacement value, I offered a sting plan to get them back, and no one responded, I only fear that our officers may have to stare down the barrel of them one day. I have often wondered if a citizen would be in trouble for coming to the aid of an injured or pinned down officer with his OWN hardware? Hummm, good question!
November 17, 2009 at 8:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_O says...
I am wondering why a sawed off shotgun is not legal if the barrel is less than 18", yet I can walk into a gun store and legally buy a JUDGE,,,which is a Revolver Shotgun with a 3" barrel. Is it because it will Also shoot 45 long colt rounds?
Also, is Body Armour not legal for the general public to own, if so, I wonder why. If I deer hunted, I would certainly want to wear it, but being available does NOT make it legal, I can buy Armour piercing ammo too but I don't think it would be legal to have, nor can I see any good reason to want it. But if it IS illegal then it may be illegal to own the NEWEST, most powerful hand gun, A 700 laser, Cost $16,000 shells $40.00 each it will penetrate 10mm steel plate, and is 3 times more powerful than a S&W 500 Magnum. Who could keep up with ALL of the laws other than our UNDER PAID Police Officers?
November 17, 2009 at 8:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
azmaggie says...
It just seems like some people will bash sjpd any way they go. If they have to go to the station to pick up weapons to go to a situation then it would take time but is they have the weapons with them they they are wrong! Its a no win situation.
November 17, 2009 at 8:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LibertyOrDeath says...
Tongue was planted firmly in cheek in reference to the weapons ban.
Realityck, check reality. Weirdo.
November 17, 2009 at 10:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
safd says...
LibertyOrDeath,
Im sure if you take a random poll among law enforcement officers we dont go looking for "Free Handouts" If you pay attention, many of the kind gestures the business owners give us are also extended to members of the EMS, Fire and Military Community. Not just Officers. Many depts have written policy prohibiting these types of things.
Im sure that you already thought of this, but not every call is a routine report call. Some calls actually require an officer to step up the response and get there a little quicker. But still does not meet the standards to turn on the lights and siren. As much as citizens think we are just chatting away makin after work plans or just BSing.Im sometimes asked to call dispatch while on duty...... or even talk to a supervisor or a concerned citizen on the phone while Im out on patrol. Depts dont supply officers with cell phones, so we have to use our own while on duty.
Im not sure where you get the idea about the sunglasses. I just bought a pair.... guess I got screwed because I sure didnt get 40%off the price tag!!
The polos are nice yes, its always nice to "dress down" and be comfortable for a day. But ummmm hate to break your bubble but I had to buy my own polo.
So all these things you commented about, you might want to get a clue about the WHOLE STORY, before you post stuff like that. I have a better idea, why dont you try doing some ride-a-longs with the police dept.
It might just open your eyes up a little bit to reality!!
November 18, 2009 at 2:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
safd says...
Liberty or Death,
oh yeah a a couple of other things i wanted to add.
1.If your ever out and about and see an officer stop and talk to a child and bend down on a knee and laugh and joke with them. Or even pull a sticker badge out and give it to them. Its also part of our job!! It makes my day to bring a smile to a childs face. It just may be the only positive thing they have been around in awhile.
2. Take a stroll downtown on any given weekend night, when all heck broke loose and fights are everywhere Take notice to the Officers that are out numbered by at least 20-1.
Yup thats us right in the middle of it all. Bringing order and peace back to the community.
3. When a call goes bad and we have to fight a suspect OR even worse we are assaulted by the suspect, thats us you see that does not back down and goes home at the end of the shift to our families ripped and bruised up. Try explaining to your family why your uniform is ripped and you have blood on it and have a black eye or stitches. Save your time, they will not understand, they are just glad to have you home with them.
4. God forbid you respond to a bad call and a child dies or you try and save the child and they die later.... Yup thats us that have to suck it up and carry on for the rest of our shift and put it behind us like it never happened or have to go and tell the parents their child didnt make it.
5. Or the classic, family plans after work the kids have been looking forward to for weeks now and you have to stay late and finish a report or take a late call.
Yes it tends to happen on holidays also, nothing like missing a birthday or holiday and try to explain to the kids why you were not there.
I will continue to serve my community to the best of my abilities, and I will still show up to your house and give you the best service that you want and pay for!
And Yes I will still be the one to listen to you complain about police officers because I know deep inside that some people like you dont have a clue as to what all police officers go through day in and day out!
Bottom line, IM PROUD TO BE A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.
November 18, 2009 at 3:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mm1967 says...
How about a simple update on the weapons that are missing are you all any closer to finding these and the thief or thiefs that stole them from this car?Like I have said before these weapons could or probably have landed in the wrong peoples hand and could possibly used in further crime and hurt or kill some inocent citizens here or somewhere elese.
Still would like that update and the police dept should be updating the public anyway.
Safd,
I am glad you are a police office and like it but it seems to me like you as well may be resentful for all of the things you listed above.I hope I am wrong because I would not want to deal with you like for a simple speeding ticket if you were having a bad day like you have mentioned above.
November 18, 2009 at 3:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Realityck says...
mm I think what the young officer is tryin to show is the span of comitment it takes to do the job. Ppl have no clue of the life they lead the stress they endure and it sure isnt for the money. police see a side of the world that very few ever see or would want too. We would never criticize our troops fighting in the mideast they put there lives on the line everyday to keep us safe. Yet we often are quick to judge or play down the role the officers in our home towns play and the price they themselves pay to ensure our safety. That is one reason cops are so clanish because not everyone can deal with what they do.
November 18, 2009 at 4:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LibertyOrDeath says...
SAFD, are you looking for acceptance or are you trying to convince yourself you're doing the right thing?
Get over yourself.
You're right though, these things are your JOB. Too bad at least one of the things above weren't done because you take pride in a job well done.
If you're soliciting sympathy there is a well-written "cop's life" email floating around for quite a few years now.
It makes your case better than you do.
November 18, 2009 at 7:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LibertyOrDeath says...
P.S. In my day I think it was Sgt. Rock that hooked it up with the discounted Oakley's. Maybe you should talk with him. He may even get a better discount now with his promotion.
Then again maybe we could just hash it out over a game of poker at the FOP this Sunday? Of course there are "no chip values" so it's all on the up and up. I look forward to seeing you there!
November 18, 2009 at 7:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
heritage_sarahhochschwender says...
i think you crossed the line with that last comment lord. no need to put names here, and questionable as to actionable innuendo.
November 18, 2009 at 8:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LibertyOrDeath says...
There is nothing wrong with me saying that Sgt. Rock facilitated, if I remember correctly, the purchase of discounted sunglasses from the manufacturer.
This is not illegal, Sarah.
November 18, 2009 at 8:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LibertyOrDeath says...
Actually, now that I've thought about it a bit more, it might have actually been Det. Gatewood back when he and Det. Coates were working together (don't know if they still are).
In any case - there is nothing illegal about it. I bet in this economic atmosphere you could call and get a discount if you bought a handful.
November 18, 2009 at 8:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )