The Cop Doc's Fox 59 interview on SuperBowl security

Here is the article with my interview today in the Ivy Tech Community College lobby in downtown Indianapolis with WXIN Fox 59 News on Super Bowl security: http://www.fox59.com/news/wxin-super-bowl-week-police-hold-onto-your-stuff-during-super-bowl-week-20120124,0,2187069.column

Police Expert on SuperBowl Security in Indianapolis

I work for a great college. The Ivy Tech Community College marketing and communications folks, led by vice president Jeff Fanter and Assistant Vice President Kelly Hauflaire, put together this terrific media advisory for media seeking a police expert on the SuperBowl here in Indianapolis. Here is the media advisory:

For further information, contact:
Kelly Hauflaire
(317) 917-5732
khauflaire@ivytech.edu

National Law Enforcement Expert available as Super Bowl source

WHO: Dr. Richard Weinblatt, Dean of the School of Public and Social Services at Ivy Tech Community College and national law enforcement expert, is available for interviews and expert commentary regarding law enforcement, security, and crime prevention for Super Bowl 2012 in Indianapolis.

Weinblatt, who is based in Indianapolis, has provided expert commentary on CNN, MSNBC, HLN: Headline News and CBS Evening News. In addition, he has been quoted and interviewed in hundreds of print publications and newspapers, including the Associated Press, Washington Post, the Detroit News, Orlando Sentinel, London Daily Mail, and the Philadelphia Enquirer, as well as hundreds of local TV and radio interviews across the country.

WHY: Weinblatt has explained complex police, crime and safety topics since 1989. He has an extensive background as a police chief, policy academy director, and criminal justice professor. His service has ranged from Auxiliary Lieutenant in New Jersey to Patrol Division Deputy Sheriff in New Mexico to Police Chief in North Carolina.

Additionally, Weinblatt has been a criminal justice and police academy educator in Florida, Indiana, New Mexico, North Carolina and Ohio. He has instructor certifications for pepper spray, firearms, defensive tactics, vehicle operations, and Taser, as well as experience as an expert witness.

Weinblatt, referred to as “The Cop Doc,” has also authored several books and articles related to the field of law enforcement.

He earned his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Sarasota in Florida, Master of Public Administration in Criminal Justice from City University in Bellevue, WA., and Bachelor of Science in Administration of Justice from Guilford College in Greensboro, NC.

HOW: To connect with Dr. Weinblatt, please contact Kelly Hauflaire, Asst. Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Ivy Tech Community College, at 317-917-5732 or khauflaire@ivytech.edu.

To learn more about Dr. Weinblatt’s background and expertise, visit www.thecopdoc.com.

ABOUT IVY TECH COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Ivy Tech is the state's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system serving nearly 200,000 students annually. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.

Ivy Tech Community College is a very progressive place to recognize the police expertise service provided to the media and the community.

I just did an interview in the Ivy Tech Community College lobby with Fox 59 WXIN Indianapolis for their 4:00 and 5:00 newscasts and for their website.

New Post as Dean of Schools of Public and Social Services & Education at Ivy Tech Community College

A MESSAGE FROM DR. RICHARD WEINBLATT, THE COP DOC:

Here is the big announcement...

The Weinblatt family is off to new adventures as I have been offered and have accepted a terrific new opportunity that allows me to serve students and faculty in the vital community college arena while still preserving my existing business of The Cop Doc LLC.

I was called while I was giving a keynote speech to a police conference in the Boston area and told that, following interviews, presentations, and screenings, I was selected as the top candidate for the position of Dean of the School of Public and Social Services and the School of Education for Ivy Tech Community College Central Indiana in Indianapolis, IN.

This followed several hurdles including an all day marathon of meetings I had in Indianapolis at Ivy Tech Community College with different stakeholders including a formal open forum presentation to the college on my vision for the dean's post if I were selected, as well as separate interviews with the program chairs that report to this dean position, other deans, the incumbent dean (twice), the vice chancellor of academic affairs (twice), and the chancellor (who used to be the chief academic officer at the very respected Valencia Community College in Orlando, FL).

Ivy Tech Community College Central Indiana is one of the largest, respected, and well-known community colleges in the country with approx. 35,000 students.

The Dean of the School of Public and Social Services and the School of Education oversees program chairs, faculty, and staff (as well as dean's office administrative staff) in the following areas:

School of Public and Social Services- Criminal Justice, Homeland Security, Emergency Management, Hospitality Administration, Human Services, Library Technical Assistant, Mortuary Science, Paralegal Studies, and Public Safety Technology.

School of Education- Early Childhood Education and Education.

The Dean reports to the chief academic officer who in turn reports to the college's chief executive.

After subsequent reference and background checks, I have since been formally offered this really terrific opportunity and I told them that I am honored to accept. The even better news is that (as is customary in colleges) I will be able to keep my The Cop Doc LLC business operating albeit with some time constraints. If anything, as one person pointed out to me early on, the Dean position gives my expertise an enhanced level of credibility.

Here is the announcement that was just put out by the vice chancellor of academic affairs who is the chief academic officer:

It is with great pleasure that I announce the appointment of Dr. Richard Weinblatt to the position of Dean of the School of Public and Social Services & Education. Dr. Weinblatt earned his Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership – Higher Education Administration from Argosy University in Sarasota, Florida. Most recently he has served as Director of the Public Safety Institute at Central Ohio Technical College and prior to that as Program Manager and Professor for the Criminal Justice Institute at Seminole Community College in Sanford, Florida. He has been active in criminal justice classrooms since 1997. He also is the principal consultant for The COP DOC, LLC, a consulting service in the area of law Enforcement.

I am sure that you will all join me in welcoming Dr. Weinblatt to the College.

This is just a fantastic opportunity to serve! We (Anne, Michael, and I) have been scrambling on housing, movers, etc. and expect to drive out to Indianpolis on Friday, December 9, 2011. The other good news is that Anne's company recognizes her value and loyalty and has graciously allowed her to telecommute from Indianapolis. It's just a win-win for everyone and we are very lucky with the way it has all turned out.

This is just a terrific opportunity to make a difference within a large, nationally respected community college arena and it is a natural career progression.

Thank you again to all of our friends, clients, and colleagues in Orlando and elsewhere. We appreciate your continued support as the Ivy Tech Community College Dean adventure begins and The Cop Doc LLC business continues on.

New Facebook Group for Seminole Police Academy Instructors and Students

If you are a current or former instructor or student at the Seminole Community College / Seminole State College Police Academy in Sanford, FL, check out the new Facebook group I created for networking, etc.: https://www.facebook.com/​groups/146193365483882/

The group is growing already with close to 100 members admitted by the admin. Group members are adding their videos and pictures. There is even a poll which shows that learning is competing with the drill instructors as voters' favorite part of the Seminole Police Academy experience.

The group was created by former Program Manager and Professor Dr. Richard Weinblatt to help with networking, career advice, and to see where group members' friends went off to.

Said group member and Police Academy instructor Shannon Lemquist Seiple:

"Love the new group you started. Great idea!" and "I have enjoyed every class I have taught. I like the idea of being able to see and hear about what some of our favorite recruits are doing!!!!"

Another student favorite, instructor Mark DiBona, chimed in:

"Hello everyone, I hope everyone is doing well!!!!"

Many of the former Police Academy students recounted in posts of the memories that the new Facebook group is bringing back (such as Pepper Spray).

Keynote Speech at Great Massachusetts Police Reserve Conference

I had the good fortune to be with a great crew of police reserves in suburban Boston recently. I was truly impressed by their enthusiasm and the dedication of their leader and conference guru Auxiliary Captain Marc Spigel.

Here is the text of an article from PoliceReserveOfficer.com on the conference:

It was an enthusiastic crowd that took in the training and speeches and helped to make the 2011 Massachusetts Volunteers in Policing (VIPS) conference a success. The brainchild of Framingham, MA, Police Auxiliary Captain Marc Spigel, the November 12 and 13 conference at the suburban Boston Beechwood Hotel in Worcester, MA, brought together the top minds in law enforcement training and reserve law enforcement.

Police reserve expert and author Dr. Richard Weinblatt delivered the evening keynote speech on the sometimes contentious relationship between volunteers and full-timers. The conference purchased copies of Dr. Weinblatt's book "The Cop Doc's Classic Writings on Police Reserves" and distributed copies to each conference attendee.

Nationally known VIPS expert Denver Police Lieutenant Matt Murray, who has overseen that agency's successful volunteer law enforcement program, lead a dynamic afternoon presentation on starting and growing a volunteer police program. Lt. Murray, the Denver Police Department's public information officer and aid to the Police Chief, entertained and informed as he dazzled the crowd with the tricks of his trade.

The weekend's continued activities moved over to the Boylestown Police Academy as training from some of Massachusetts' top subject matter experts took center stage. Volunteers and part-time officers were given top-notch training in firearms, defensive tactics, officer survival, and other related subject areas.

PoliceOne Police Reserve Article Lauded on PoliceReserveOfficer.com

Here is a recent post to PoliceReserveOfficer.com on an article written by PoliceOne.com's Doug Wyllie. The post is: "PoliceOne Reserve Article Gets Thumbs Up."

The varied opinions law enforcement professionals harbor towards reservists, and the services they provide, are highlighted by the mega-cop website PoliceOne.com. Doug Wyllie, the senior editor of Praetorian Group's PoliceOne.com and a good friend (I've had many articles published by Doug on PoliceOne) had elicited feedback from their readers on the role of reserve law enforcement officers. Sometimes known as auxiliaries, the variety of responses that Doug received and his reasoned analysis of the comments, reflected the diversity of legal definitions and mission. Here is the link to Doug's excellently written article: http://www.policeone.com/police-jobs/articles/4239138-The-reserve-officers-role-in-law-enforcement/

Not surprisingly, Doug's article, captured the anti-reserve sentiment and characterised it as the (in his words) "vocal minority." As usual, Doug is right on target. Hard core union mentality that does not allow for innovative thinking is a byproduct of an era when public safety funding (police and firefighter services) were the untouchable third rail of a politicians life. As I mentioned in a recent interview with New Jersey largest newspaper, The Star Ledger, politicians are not so concerned with law enforcement and public safety as they are fiscal austerity.

As I told Star-Ledger columnist Bob Braun: "But now, even cops are not immune. 'No one seems interested in public safety issues — it’s just the economy, an obsession with how people are going to survive.'" Here is the link to that article on police officer lay offs: http://blog.nj.com/njv_bob_braun/2011/08/spending_cuts_on_police_forces.html

In the old days, if a politician wanted to be viewed as tough on crime (and who didn't), you advocated building a prison. Even better if it was in your home district as that brought in local corrections jobs. Nowadays, the tune has changed and creativity and innovation is the mantra. Policing needs to evolve to avoid the fate of the Pontiac automotive division.

As mentioned in the article and the comments that follow Doug's insightful and thought-provoking examination of volunteer and part-time policing, reserves are there for a number of reasons. None of those include putting a full-timer out of the job. On the contrary, cops need more friends now than ever before to withstand the assaults- physical in the streets and fiscal in the conference rooms that come their way.

I have often used the quote that the reserves are the ultimate in community policicng. They literally put the police in the community and the community in the police. They are the biggest ambassadors of police goodwill that you could create and in some communities have been the last defense against the two types of assaults.

As Doug's "Editor's Corner" piece sums up so eloquently: "maligned by some cops, warmly welcomed by others, reserve police officers are 'extreme volunteers' whose contributions to their community are becoming increasingly visible." Every police professional, volunteer and paid, as well as governmental policy maker,should read this article. Way to go, Doug!

I was really proud to see Doug Wyllie and PoliceOne.com tackle such a vital topic. Even better, he did it with a reasoned voice and balanced analysis. You're right, Doug. Reserves are extreme volunteers!

Great Feedback from Oregon reserve deputy sheriff on PoliceReserveOfficer.com

I just got a terrific message from a reserve deputy sheriff in Oregon. Kory (I got permission to use the first name and location) is a former volunteer firefighter who has found the articles on my new website on police reserves to be very helpful. The letter was sent via the contact form on PoliceReserveOfficer.com.
This is great stuff! A major motivator for me to do The Cop Doc Radio Show and write these articles, blog posts, books, websites, etc. is to help people related to law enforcement.

Kory is an example of folks decicated to serving their community. In this case, it was the fire service followed by law enforcement. Thanks for YOUR dedication, Kory!

Below is the fantastic message. I have also reprinted it on the website.

Thank you for all of your articles! You are obviously a very dedicated person and it shows in everything i have read. I am just starting out as a Reserve Deputy and it is a thrilling, exciting and eye opening event. I have truely enjoyed all of the challenges that i have faced and have such an incredible respect for law enforcment and all that they go through. I was a volunteer firefighter for 7 1/2 years and after the switch from red to blue i have truely realized just how much i dont know.
--This mail is sent via contact form on PoliceReserveOfficer.com

What do you think? Do articles on law enforcement help you?

Taser & Police Officers with Taser Titans on The Cop Doc Radio Show

A few police chiefs, full-time, and reserve police officers have lost their jobs over Taser controversies that erupted in their communities. Hailed by some as a useful law enforcement tool that avoids escalating situations and officer, as well as suspect, injuries, the device has also been derided as a torture device by some groups. Police officers, deputy sheriffs, and their leaders increasingly need to ponder the role that Taser can take within their department's response to resistance.

Taser Titans will be talking to law enforcers and non-police folks alike when Taser International chairman Tom Smith and vice president Steve Tuttle are guests for the full hour on The Cop Doc Radio Show on Thursday, May 18, 2011 at 7:00 pm eastern time. The two men are part of the orignal team of six that founded the company. The show is also available on demand at the The Cop Doc Taser Titans show link and as downloadable podcasts on Apple iTunes.

Hosted by police expert former police chief Dr. Richard Weinblatt, The Cop Doc, the radio show will showcase a balanced look at the Taser and why it has become an electriftying lightning rod for local police departments and sheriff's offices. Also discussed will be new innovations and products including the Taser X2, described by Steve Tuttle as a customer driven and designed product.

Taser International, based in Scottsdale, AZ, is the largest of the electorinic control device (ECD) firms and provides products to the law enforcement, military, and general public.

The show is being publicized to police chiefs, sheriffs, police officers, reserve officers, and the public in an effort to encourage conversation and dispel misunderstandings.

Sex, Drugs, and Police Reserve & Full-time Job Applicants

On the heels of a San Diego Police officer applicant being arrested for child pornography (among other things), I wrote an article for my PoliceReserveOfficer.com website. In the article I recall my experiences telling police cadets and others about incidents involving aspiring police officers who have ened up in jail.

There is the story of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police oral board interviewee. I also recalled the young many who filled out apperwork while he had an active arrest warrant for FTA (Failure to Appear on a previous charge) in the system when I ran him.

Check out Police Job Applicants Arrested: Sex, Drugs, and Jail for more on these cautionary tales for police reserve and full-time law enforcement officer applicants.

Casey Anthony Knock Knock Joke...

OK, let me say from the outset that jokes involving the case of a child that has been murdered are not usually repeated by me. The Casey Anthony case alleges that little Caylee Anthony met her fate at the hands of her mother Casey. We'll see what the jury decides.

In the meantime, speaking of the jury, here is a knock knock joke I heard that I confess I (and others) have found to be funny.

Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Casey Anthony.
Casey Anthony who?
Congratulations. You are on the jury.

Reserve Cops: Original Homeland Security on PoliceReserveOfficer.com

Police Reserves are the original homeland security. That's the position in my latest article The Original Homeland Security Force: Police Reserves on PoliceReserveOfficer.com.

The article covers the evolution of World War II. era civil defense (CD) forces into (at least for some parts of the country) a sophisticated academy trained and state certified sworn law enforcement professional serving on a part-time or volunteer basis.

Disasters have come to the forefront with recent events such as the tornadoes in Alabama and flodding in Louisiana. As for terrorist incidents, one has to look only at the recent death of Osama bin Laden to see the need for enhanced homeland security.

Police reserves, known also under the titles Auxiliary, Special, Supernumerary, and Intermittent, have long been a part of the fabric of their local police and sheriffs operations, as well as thei communtities. Check out the article for more detail on police reserves and homeland security.

The Cop Doc Radio Show: Officer.com redesign, Casey Anthony update, & Police Reserve Officer website

Tonight, be sure to listen to The Cop Doc Radio Show Officer.com redesign show. We'll have Officer.com editor-in-chief Frank Borelli back again along with two of his star columnists- Chief William Harvey and Kevin Davis. Along with host police expert former police chief Dr. Richard Weinblatt, The Cop Doc, they'll discuss the redesign of one of the leading law enforcement websites, as well as the top police items dominating the news headlines.

Casey Anthony Trial Update

Also covered tonight will be an update of the Casey Anthony legal proceedings underway here in Florida. Michigan prosecutor and well-known legal media commentator Donna Pendergast will weigh in with her thoughts on the jury selection in Pinnelas County, FL.

Police Reserve Website Launch

Lastly, the launch on April 23, 2011 of a new website serving the information needs of aspiring and current volunteer and part-time law enforcement officers (known variously as reserve, auxiliary, special, supernumerary, or intermittent depending on local jurisdictional preferences) and police and sheriffs administrators, will be touched on. The website was created by an authority expert on reserve policing. PoliceReserveOfficer.com has a combination of original content and classic writings dealing with everything from the duties of reserves to the tragic line of duty deaths of these law enforcers who are the ultimate in community policing as they put the police in the community and the community in the police.

The Cop Doc Radio Show was devoted to this topic a week ago and can be listened to at The Cop Doc Radio Show Police Reserve Officer. More detail was previously on PoliceReserveOfficer.com Radio Show and The Cop Doc Blog Police Reserve Officer Radio Show.

PoliceReserveOfficer.com has been well received as evidenced by its already ranking number nine on May 5, 2011 on the first page of Google. It is seeing some great traffic and keyword searches. This screen capture illustrates it's high ranking (which is even better since it happened so quickly) in it's niche market of reserve police.

Taser Titans: Chairman and VP

Be sure to tune in next week (5/19/11) to The Cop Doc Radio Show Taser Titans is the topic with Taser International founders Chairman Tom Smith and Vice President Steve Tuttle. They'll discuss the controversy surrounding their products, the new Taser X2, as well as the past, present, and future of the Scottsdale, AZ, company. Do Tasers save lives?

As with all editions of The Cop Doc Radio Show, you can tune in to listen and let us know your thoughts via the show call in number of (646) 652-4259 or the chatroom.

In addition to listening live at 7:00 pm Eastern Time on Thursday nights, The Cop Doc Radio Show may also be listened to in it's archived form at the show page link and via podcasts on Apple iTunes.

Casey Anthony Trial Costs: Police Expert News Interview

As the Casey Anthony trial gets underway here in Central Florida, I did yet another news interview in my role as a police expert. I've done another of other Anthony case media interviews. This one was on the high bill in costs to taxpayers for the trial concerning the death of little Caylee Anthony. I told WOFL Fox 35 News at 10's Shannon Butler, who is a terrific reporter and a real pleasure to work with on stories, that quite a bit of the costs that are going to come in the form of security and law enforcement. Mostly borne by the Ornage County Sheriff's Office, the impact will also be absorbed by the Orlando Police Department.

As I explained to Shannon Butler, there will be a lot of behind the scenes issues that Sheriff Jerry Demings' folks are going to have to contend with. Traffic, parking, and front door security is but the tip of the iceberg. It will involve more than just the deputy sheriffs manning the metal detectors at the courthouse entrance. The agency will also have to do its share of threat analysis in response to the messages coming from the many not so stable folks fixated on the trial's participants. I covered this quite a bit in another blog post: Chaos or Order: Police Expert View on Casey Anthony Trial Security.

The news interview with Fox 35's Shannon Butler is below. What do you think?

Would You Go Down That Dark Alley? Imagine Doing it For FREE: Police Reserve Officers on The Cop Doc Radio Show

Police Reserve Officers are the little known facet of law enforcement. Join me, police expert former police chief Dr. Richard Weinblatt, The Cop Doc, on The Cop Doc Radio Show on Thursday, May 5, 2011 at 7:00 pm eastern time as my expert panel and I discuss the incredible phenomenon of volunteer and part-time law enforcement officers. The expert panel members are David Rayburn, retired Florida Highway Patrol Auxiliary lieutenant colonel and president of the Volunteer Law Enforcement Officer Alliance (VLEOA), Tom Harrier, chief of the Orange County Sheriff's Office Reserve in Orlando, FL, and Marc Spigel, an Auxiliary Captain with the Framingham, MA, Auxiliary Police.

And if you can't listen to The Cop Doc Radio Show live, you can replay the archived version from the show page or other platforms such as podcasts from Apple iTunes.

Unsung law enforcers, known variously as reserve, auxiliary, special, supernumerary, or intermittent (depending on local preferences), these men and women are the ultimate in community policing as they literally put the police in the community and the community in the police. They amazingly come to the aid of strangers for little or no money at great personal risk and reflect well on their police departments and sheriff's offices.

The panel and I will explore who and what they are, how full-time officers view them, as well as the variety of ways that they are screened, trained, certified, deployed, and armed.

Would you go down that dark alley... for FREE? For more information on police reserves, go to Dr. Richard Weinblatt's new website: www.PoliceReserveOfficer.com

And heads up police fans, next week, on May 12, we're focusing The Cop Doc Radio Show on Officer.com and the unveiling of the police website's new design at Officer.com Website Changes. Joining us will be returning guest Frank Borelli, editor-in-chief of Officer.com, With Frank Borelli will be two of his star columnists, radio show semi-regular retired police sergeant and police trainer extraordinaire Betsy Brantner Smith and Kevin Davis.

Osama bin Laden's Burial at Sea: Was the Obama Administration Right?

The decision to bury the world's most wanted criminal, Osama bin Laden, at sea with all due respect accorded to his religious practices, has sparked quite a bit of controversy. My good friend to the North in Canada and a star blogger, Jon Hansen, posted a survey and call for response explanations on his PI Window on Business blog.

I think President Obama and his administration made the right call to take the high road and do the honorable thing to a man whose actions in life make many think that the President should have done otherwise.

As a police expert, former police chief, police academy director, and criminal justice professor, and even as a uniformed patrol law enforcer, I have always tried to see the big picture of what I and my colleagues in law enforcement were supposed to be all about.

I posted a response explanation to Jon Hansen's LinkedIn and PI Window on Business blog posting to explain why I voted "yes" to his poll. Here is my explantion. What do you think?

Jon: I voted yes and here is why... as an experienced law enforcement professional and police chief, I often dealt with people that just made poor decisions and I was there to enforce the law. And then there were people who were evil sociopaths that just saw the rest of the world as tools to get them what they wanted. If you were not useful, or stood in their way (as I did as a law enforcer), then their aim was to squash you. Even though those people needed to be incarcerated forever (or otherwise removed from society as their actions dictated the response and outcome) in order to protect the community at large, I never felt the need to "become a monster in order to defeat a monster." If I crossed the line in conduct in order to engage those folks, then I became no better than them. True honor involves treating all in a dignified, respectful manner and taking no further action than is required. More becomes an emotional vindictive display worthy of the criminals that we arrest or otherwise dispose of (again, our response is predicated by their actions). We as law enforcers in a society of laws and morals are better than our enemies. As I have often said to my nine-year-old son, "actions speak louder than words." We can say we are a nation that treats people with dignity and respect. Or we can show it via our actions. The proper burial at sea was an action that showcases our words in our powerful way.

Why Some Cops and Reserves Hate Each Other

It's a crack in the blue wall. Why some full-time police officers and reserves hate each other was a hot topic when I originally wrote two related articles for as part of my "Reserve Power" column for the mega police website Officer.com in 2006. It still is. Both columns were just posted on my new website PoliceReserveOfficer.com. The first part can be read at "Why Some Cops Hate Reserves: A Crack in the Police Family" and the second installment of the column can be read at "The Flip Side: Why Some Reserves Hate Cops"

Part of what I covered in those columns, in concepts and terms that are still as valid and germaine today as they were then, is that full-timers and reservists should not paint each other with a broad brush based on the less than stellar actions of a few within their respective ranks.

The aim should not be to crush the other guys. Rather it should be unite to accomplish the mission of policing. With all the attacks on law enforcement officers we can certainly do without grenades being lobbed from within the police family. Such negative forces create cracks in our wall.

It touched a nerve and I ended up getting an avalanche of messages and emails. I think the concerns resonate today in law enforcement buildings and patrol cars everywhere.

Let me know what you think?

Chaos or Order: Police Expert View on Casey Anthony Trial Security

As a police expert, I see large problems looming for local law enforcement officials when the Casey Anthony circus, er, murder trial commences on May 9 here in my home town of Orlando, FL. While many are focusing on the recent court motions and rulings, officials with the Orange County Sheriff's Office (the law enforcement agency charged with court security), the Orlando Police Department, and others are meeting behind closed doors working out the strategies and contingency plans. Of course, the Sheriff's Office well knows the case itself as they have been the lead agency in the Caylee Anthony case investigation from the start.

Many have lamented the fact that large gobs of resources will be taken from other areas of local law enforcement especially the Sheriff's Office. While that is true, I don't believe that the Orange County Sheriff's Office has much choice. While I understand the torment on the part of other victims of crime who don't garner the same level of attention, I appreciate the fact that the Sheriff's Office has to handle the situations they are presented.

It is the same with 911. They can't tell someone that they can't respond because no one is available. When it comes to matters of public safety, law enforcement has to be present to take care of the potential or existing danger. When they do run to those 911 calls, or the issues surrounding the Casey Anthony trial, other areas do get less attention. If it's anybody's fault, it's Casey Anthony's (if she does end up being found guilty).

The Issues

Certainly there is the front door security, but there are also a number of other concerns that few have contemplated, but that the law enforcement folks are likely pondering. As a former police chief and who has handled court security issues, I see a plethora of issues to be tackled. I am also certainly familiar with the dynamics of the case having done countless Casey Anthony media interviews.

Precedent situations include venues such as the Michael Jackson and O.J. Simpson trials. Those who watched those legal proceedings know full well that order and chaos are not far apart especially when all the attendant issues are not planned for.

Courthouse Security

The obvious one, courtroom and courthouse front door security is clearly the first line of defense and where a considerable amount of resources will be expended. The court room will be packed with friends and family from both sides, as well as the hordes of media that will be descending on Orlando. Judge Belvin Perry has already devised a system for picking people who are vying for the limited supply of seats at the trial

While Orlando is used to being host to a bevy of high profile celebs, the trial will bring star news people to the land of Disney. The presence of those folks will bring its own set of security concerns. At a minimum, patrol officers and deputy sheriffs will surely be responding to incidents big and small involving these stars.

Threats

Casey Anthony's unique form of celebrity has already created a rabid group of defenders and detractors. Some of those folks are a little on the, shall we say, mentally unhinged end of the spectrum, and will send notes of varying severity of threats to the various players in this trial. The recipients would include members of the prosecution and defense teams (including lightning rod Jose Baez), Judge Belvin Perry, Casey, Cindy, George, and Lee Anthony, as well as members of the media who may be perceived as not reporting the case as someone would wish them to.

Whomever the target, law enforcement (and it will fall mostly to Sheriff Jerry Demings' Orange County Sheriff's Office) will have to conduct a threat assessment to determine the veracity and seriousness of the note writer. That will take resources and is no simple task.

Just ask the United States Secret Service and its special agents who have serious expertise in evaluating potential threats to the President, Vice President, and other dignitaries. Closer to the targets that are present in this case, the United States Marshals Service has long had a specialty of protecting federal judges and providing courthouse security. And probably no agency has more experience with celebrity and high profile trials than the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office in California.

Threat assessment and target protection is not an endeavor for the ill-trained or run of the mill law enforcer. Experienced, seasoned investigators will be put on the case.

When I served in a Sheriff's Office Courthouse Division, I investigated threat notes sent to judges. These were clearly mentally unbalanced individuals penning the notes. Their apparent mental illness makes them no less a threat to the protected person.

Traffic

Handling the influx of vehicles into downtown Orlando is going to be another headache that falls on the shoulders of law enforcement. Not only will the additional cars pose an issue, but the presence of the media will bring its own set of problems. Large satellite live trucks will have to find places to park that afford convenient access to the courthouse, but don’t impede the flow of traffic. Additionally, some media types will be coming with mobile homes in tow to house them during the two month trial. Those also will have to be parked somewhere that works for all concerned.

Jury Security

And then there is the matter of the jury. Much like the prosecution, defense, and Anthony family protectees, there will be the additional potential targets in the jurors and alternate jurors. Like most judges, Judge Perry will look to not give a reason to be overturned on appeal. Judges hate to be overturned, so he is going to want to keep people away from them including particularly aggressive members of the media or the public.

To its credit, the Orange County Sheriff's Office is a professional agency with over 3,000 employees. It is no stranger to high profile cases or public scrutiny. They will be on the international stage as the world will watch all aspects of the trail very carefully. I fully expect that they will rise to the challenge with perhaps a few understandable glitches along the way.

More on the Casey Anthony case can be found at:

TheCopDoc.com - Media

http://richardweinblatt.blogspot.com/2008/08/caylee-anthony-police-expert-analysis.html

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/the-cop-doc/2011/04/21/thecopdoc-casey-anthony-legal-eagles-new-taser-x2

Police Reserve Officer Role & Professionalism Highlighted on PoliceReserveOfficer website

The role and professionalism of today's Police Reserve Officer is highlighted on a new website: PoliceReserveOfficer.com. I created the website to help handle the many questions I field on the topic of police reserves. As a former law enforcement reserve, around stints as a police chief, police academy director, and criminal justice professor, I fully appreciate the enormous contribution and sacrifices of the around a quarter of a million men and women who serve under many titles depending on local rules and preferences. Some of those monikers include: reserve, auxiliary, special, supernumerary, and intermittent law enforcers.

Whatever the name, reserve officers undertake the mission of the badge for their communties and for the approx. 700,000 full-time counterparts for little or no compensation at at great personal risk.

One of the articles on the website addresses the ultimate sacrifice that police officers, deputy sheriffs, and state troopers make which sadly includes reserves as well. It is: The Ultimate Sacrifice: Line of Duty Deaths Underscore Police Reserve Officers' Service.

Another article I wrote exclusively for this website addresses the use of reserve officer service to boost a full-time applicant's attractiveness for hire. This is a particularly valuable move as the competitveness for few salaried slots has greatly intensified given the current governmental budgetary climate. Any edge is very useful for the candidate.

Reserve officers gain valuable training, experience, and contacts. The article is called: Police Job Jumstart: Police Reserves Standout.

Whether you are a reservists, full-timer, law enforcement executive, aspiring officer, or just interested individual, check out the website and learn more about this great segement of our public safety service branches.

The PoliceReserveOfficer.com video is below and gives more highlights of the website dedicated to the professional volunteer and part-time law enforcement officer.

Pretend Police: Are Impersonators Stopping You?

Pretend police in your mirror lights flashing and siren blaring is a scary prospect for all drivers on the road. Factor in being a woman alone or driving late at night and the prospect can be even more terrifying.

As a police expert, speaker, author, and media commentator, I hear what folks' police, crime, and safety related concerns are. And so, it was little surprise that quite a few people have been reading my latest police article for Examiner.com, "Pretend Police: Safety Tips for Drivers Being Stopped." As Examiner.com's designated "police examiner" for their national edition, I had a feeling that the article would strike a nerve for all concerned about police, crime and safety issues on an issue that really happens. I was right on target as the article opened with real life cases of police impersonators arrested in Florida, Massachusetts, California, and Pennsylvania.

Fake fuzz are out there and they are stopping drivers on the highways with pseudo cop accoutrements. The illicit equipment on the nabbed impersonator law enforcement officers have included badges, uniforms, radios, flashing lights, sirens, guns, and of course, a police style vehicle such as the ubiquitous Ford Crown Victoria.

The article gave safety tips, as I also do via my TheCopDoc.com website, on what to do if you think that a pretend police officer, deputy sheriff, or state trooper is trying to stop you.

The real police certainly want to stop police impersonators from engaging in their illegal conduct, arrest them, and bring them to justice. Fake fuzz endanger the public and law enforcers alike.

Check it out and comment below on The Cop Doc blog, on my Facebook page, or on the Examiner.com article. Have you been stopped by the Pretend Police?

Here is the link to the PoliceImpersonator article I wrote: http://www.examiner.com/police-in-national/pretend-police-safety-tips-for-drivers-being-stopped

WORLD PREMIERE of new The Cop Doc Radio Show Promo Video

Here is the WORLD PREMIERE of the new The Cop Doc Radio Show promo video. The video highlights the arresting topics such as Officer Down!, Policing Japan's Crisis, Cops and Crazies, and Domestic Violence. There are many more topics that have been covered on the show encompassing Police, Crime, and Safety. The show is geared for law enforcement and non-law enforcement listeners as part of The Cop Doc's mission to explain complex justice topics in understandable terms.





The Cop Doc radio show has had numerous guest experts on the program and the promo video featured radio show guests Criminal Profiler Pat Brown, Dave "Buck Savage" Smith, and police guru Roy Bedard. A complete lists of guests and topics can be viewed at www.TheCopDoc.com.

This is fast paced, rocking beat video that showcases the police, crime and safety topics show. The show was recently moved to it's new time of 7:00 pm EDT on Blogtalkradio to make it more available for guests and listeners.


In addition to the live show that can be listened to via the Internet on Blogtalkradio.com or on the telephone, listeners can also enjoy the archived version via many application platforms including Apple iTunes, Windows Media Player, AppleCoreMedia, GoogleListen, and PodTrapper.

Check out the video below. And listen to The Cop Doc radio show in the Blogtalkradio player at the bottom. Or you can click on the link to go to the Blogtalk radio show page: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/the-cop-doc

Listen to internet radio with Dr Weinblatt on Blog Talk Radio