Cops Fired For Cowardice

This is an awful tale that was caught on tape inside a Chicago supermarket. As one officer struggled for his life with an armed suspect, three others ran away to safety. The officer properly shot and killed the offender.

We know we are not supermen and women. We know we should be careful and as safe as we can be but God only knows if we will somehow always overcome our natural fears to do our jobs. Not all of us are cut out to be cops. Overcautious cops are not that extraordinary but firing them is indeed very rare.

Two of the disgraced cops were recruit woman officers still within their probationary periods were fired and a third, a male officer who recently completed his probation is now facing action before the Chicago Police Board.

I have only one beef here and that is out of four officers sent to deal with a gunman three of them were not seasoned officers. This is like sending the blind to lead the blind. Another issue with some folks is that the two now fired probationary recruits are women. I’ve seen extraordinary courage in many women and cowardice in too many men.

When we hire man and women for police work they should be made of the right stuff. Three officers in Chicago did not measure up and need to find careers in some other field. I hope that the fired officers can get over the huge humiliation of their acts and move on to some other good and prosperous occupations where they don’t fail.

The Chicago Sun Times article is here.

Jack Webb The Ultimate TV Cop video

Yeah, we all loved Jack Webb's deadpan delivery. If Webb was interrogaing you the jig was up! I dusted off this old piece just so I could practice that famous style.

No Grace in the Departure of Dan Rather From CBS

For the record I’m not one of the fine officers that gave Dan Rather the bum’s rush at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. That’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it!

Rather has been around CBS a very long time. He was paid to be what he is, a grandstander, performer who was supposed to deliver the news to TV viewers in a way that would keep them watching. He’s never failed in that task.

Rather has his own political agenda and was caught with his pants down in the Bush National Guard story. Rather than admit the story was bogus or that he was snookered, Rather rode that bomb all the way down. There was no grace, no real apology and no retreat from his flawed position. Rather has painted himself into a dark corner.

The other shoe fell with his awkward departure from CBS. Now Rather is looking to start again elsewhere. His departure from CBS reminds me of earlier times.


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Is Saddam Hussein Really That Bad A Guy?

I know he was a brutal dictator who ran Iraq with an iron fist. Hussein’s public executions, torture and absolute power did some good for Iraq. Hussein somehow kept the various religious groups from killing each other long enough to produce oil and engage in commerce. That’s a challenge the new government never be able to meet without resorting to Hussein’s brutality and absolute control methods.

I think we have to learn to accept that the people in that region of the world are just not civilized, reasonable or freedom loving. These folks just don’t think like we do and we demand that they become converts.

I’m not sure why we are in Iraq this time but it’s beginning to look like a failed Crusade to me. We will never win this battle unless we resort to the same kind of relentless brutality and killing that does not respect women, children and the elderly. If we are not there to win then it’s time to get out.

The first Gulf War was different, Hussein invaded Kuwait and we stepped in to help that sovereign nation fight off a bully. The bully retreated.

Now the violence, killing and torture in Iraq is beyond any and all efforts civilized countries are willing to utilize in order to gain control. The only thing Iraqis understand is mayhem and that’s something polite societies like ours will never use to gain needed control.

I have not been to an American election in many years where I did not have to hold my nose while I voted for the creeps on the ballot. I don’t see how Hussein smelled any better or much worse than many of our own leaders.

Above all else I support our brave soldiers!

Connie Chung’s Swan Song

Connie Chung was always a respected journalist and broadcaster. I think she did fine until she teamed up with Povich for a show on MSNBC.

Her husband, Maury Povich is a long time freak show host that features pathetic, dysfunctional weirdoes of society. American audiences demand a voyeuristic window into the circus tents and trailer parks of the twisted and tortured. Show hosts Jerry Springer and Povich have been filling that need.

The short-lived Chung-Povich show was yanked off the air. I guess this was supposed to be funny ending but it appears to be a heart breaking swan song for Ms. Chung.

Is The Latest NY Subway Attack Publicity Tool To Sell Books And Raise More Taxes?

I can’t bring myself to buy into the latest media fear mongering of Ron Suskind’s new book. Going into this thing I know that fear mongering sells lots of books, newspapers and draws TV viewers. Next they are telling us that that Ayman al-Zawahri had “canceled” the plan in January 2003.

Come on! If that Ayman al-Zawahri could have pulled this off it would have happened! I seriously doubt these bums were capable of manufacturing the devices.

This is simply a case of an unrelable snitch.

Okay, these days we Americans are frightened cowards who expect the sky to fall any second unless senators like Chuck Schumer and Diane Feinstein can save us with lots of new Liberty restricting laws and more wild, out-of-control government spending.

Instead of buying Suskind’s book or getting too worked up, go out and rent the DVD of the movie, Chicken Little. That film may help you!

Seatbelt And Helmet Laws In America

Please, enough jokes about Darwin.

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Rothlisberger suffered head injuries and survived. He since vowed to never ride again without a helmet.

My close friend, former TV news reporter turned actor, Rich Skidmore just took an unexpected trip to Pittsburgh because his brother Gary is now in a coma after a motorcycle mishap with both a deer and an oncoming car. Gary Skidmore was not wearing a helmet. In addition Gary suffered other serious injuries.

The huge and well-financed insurance lobby has demanded and gotten mandatory seat belt and helmet laws passed nearly everywhere. Laws demanded and passed to save lives, or boost insurance company profits? I think we all know what’s more important and it’s not life.

I’m a huge fan of seatbelts and helmets along with other protective gear. I’m a bigger fan of Liberty and keeping government out of my life. We don’t need laws to ratify Darwin’s theory of evolution. We need everyone to respect him or herself and their loved ones enough to buckle up or wear a helmet. Please be safe…

A sad update:
Rich Sidmore informed me that his 51 year-old brother Gary was pulled from life support and passed away. Rest in peace, Gary...

Naptime For Compton California School Police

One White and two Latino officers of this department sued claiming that Black officers are not disciplined as harshly as they were. These photos were offered up as evidence. I can imagine that it’s a real challenge to stay awake on the midnight shift watching school buildings.

Wait a minute one of these boys is off in Dreamland and it's daytime!

These guys need blankets, pillows and Teddy Bears!

Dennis Farina To Exit Law & Order

Ex-Chicago police, Area Six (now Area Three) burglary dick, Dennis Farina has left TV’s LAW & ORDER after two seasons. Farina’s long time publicist, Lori De Waal in Los Angeles, recently made the announcement.

Apparently Farina who is currently involved in two feature films now in production, YOU KILL ME and PURPLE VIOLETS, wants to develop films for his own production company. For some reason Farina’s talent shines in films much better than those TV shows.

The films Farina made I enjoyed most were GET SHORTY, MANHUNTER, MIDNIGHT RUN, THAT OLD FEELING and his cameo in SAVING PRIVATE RYAN.

I can see Farina in yet another role, that of an old Area Six homicide dick, Frank Heatley in that project I’ve been pushing for three years COME FRIDAY. Heatley was a somewhat frustrated older cop who was committed to find a way to keep serial rapist, Robert Ellis off the street. The Heatley character narrates the film and requently stumbles while hunting for Ellis.

Frank Heatley was repeatedly outshined in this investigation by the youngest ever homicide detective who was young enough to be his son. Of course, the real hero was an intended victim of Ellis, recruit policewoman, Ann Leybourne.

Farina was no stranger to Ann Leybourne since they knew each other on the job and Farina had worked with both of Ann’s husbands. Among those heartbroken friends who traveled to Ann’s premature funeral in Michigan was Dennis Farina.

Will Legalizing Drugs Be Good For America?

Let's keep this simple. I'm only asking a question here. Let me begin with the broad statement that I don't smoke, drink or use drugs. I hate the drug culture and the people who use drugs for recreation or addiction.

I've arrested thousands of users and dealers over the course of time I was a policeman. I always felt that the Drug War was a lost cause and pondered better ways of dealing with this huge problem.

If all currently illegal drugs were made legal the profits from this activity would evaporate. The drug producing countries, Drug, Lords, and Drug Czars would all be put out of business in a single day.

Sure the drugs would be sold legally but the price would drop like a rock since they cost no more to produce than sugar or coffee. The seemingly endless criminal enrichment would finally end. That's the only punishment that would really work.

The huge amount of cash spent on drug enforcement could go directly to help those addicted kick the habit in a voluntary treatment setting. I have long believed that treatment works only for those who want to end their drug use.

The reduction of murders and property crimes brought about by legalization would be dramatic to say the least.

Laws against driving while impaired and such could still be enforced. All government entitlements could be denied to those addicts that don't seek treatment. Legalizing drugs would never or should never make drug use acceptable for society or employers.

I don't think any of us will start using this poison just because it is legal.

I want comments on this issue please.

Why Ban Cell Phones When 911 Solves All Our Problems?

They are a lifesaver, yet a curse. Cell phones are everywhere disrupting traffic on the roadway, going off during lectures, movies and religious services. Inconsiderate people with the phones abuse everyone as they enjoy their special ring tones and pollute the quite around us.

Should cell phones be banned in your child’s school? Many teachers, school boards and local governments are demanding they be removed from schools. Of course the school officials who can’t seem to control the criminal behavior of their students are complaining the loudest.

Many cell phones are equipped with cameras that can even capture and send video. Witnesses, victims and even the offenders using these cell phones have documented crimes. Privacy has been invaded as the cell phone/cameras have been pointed up skirts and brought into locker rooms. Along with the bad side of this story came a new field of cell phone forensics has solved thousands of crimes across the nation.

On the other hand cell phones save lives! You can use them to call for medical, fire or police emergencies. Parents can find lost children or vise versa. Cell phones save huge amounts of fuel every day in America. Who should we blame for making 911 the solution to all of our problems?

Cell phones are like guns. It’s not the devices that are a problem but the people that use or abuse them. Outlawing cell phones because creeps in our world abuse them makes little sense.

I think that particularly in schools those charged with discipline need to deal with the bigger picture, the bad behavior that they can’t seem to control. Banning life saving cell phones is just not the answer.

First Kristina Ripatti LAPD Fundraiser Today at the Southwest Station

Be sure to click on the pictures to see them full size.

This BBQ was the first of many Kristina Ripatti Fundraisers today at at the Southwest station.

I had lunch with many fine officers from a multitude of agencies today. I was pleased to meet Officer Rippatti’s very proud father who promised to give a certain heroic lady a giant hug for me.

LAPD Role Model Kristina Ripatti

More of the story of the courageous confrontation between Between Kristina Ripatti, her partner and the now dead armed robber has emerged this morning.

It’s indefensible that the career criminal, McNeal was roaming the streets to rob and shoot anyone. Any and all government officials responsible for releasing this violent savage from his cage need to be removed from the government payroll.

As for the LAPD crime fighting team of Kristi Ripatti, fellow officer and husband, Tim Pearce, they are made of the right stuff.

This morning’s L.A. Times covered a bedside press conference as Kristina Ripatti was transferred to a rehabilitation center for the second portion of her recovery.

I know that every cop will pray for Officer Rippati’s total recovery.

Tattoos on women are not a good idea...

Security In American Courthouses

A sniper reportedly shot a Reno, NV judge moments ago. SWAT teams are combing nearby buildings in a manhunt for the shooter. That brings up the concept of Court security and the loss of Fourth Amendment Constitutional protection from warrantless searches where authorities lack probable cause.

Today’s Reno shooting came from outside the building, defeating all of the frisking and privacy invasion programs in place.

Judges have been murdered in America. I can only remember two killed while in court in my lifetime. Fulton County, GA, Judge Rowland W. Barnes and Marin County, CA Judge Harold J. Haley.

Judge Haley was kidnapped and murdered during the 1970 escape attempt involving the Soledad Brothers who were in court over an attempted prison break where a guard was murdered. Haley’s death came before the modern wholesale frisking of citizens conducting business in courthouses. Judge Barnes was killed by an escaping prisoner in an Atlanta courtroom where the frisk everyone policy was in place.

This century only two Federal judges were murdered and both of those crimes were committed away from the courthouses. New York Federal District Court Judge Richard J. Daronco was killed at his home. The other killing involved Houston, Federal District Court Judge "Maximum John" Wood who was shot outside his home.

Judges are not immune to attack or murder and deserve trained and armed bailiffs for personal security. This was the system for 200 years. Courthouses do not need to search every visitor like a criminal. This vile and un-American practice needs to end.

Judges are more likely to be attacked on the street or at home anyway. If the judges are so afraid they should take jobs as convenience store clerks or taxi drivers so they can be safe.

I will never submit to being frisked in response to a Jury Summons just on principal.

LAPD ‘s Kristina Ripatti Is Paralyzed

Heroic LAPD policewoman Kristina Ripatti who was shot twice by a career criminal and convicted murderer is not expected to walk again. Paralyzed from the chest down, Ripatti must now wait for some luck and advances in spinal cord injury medicine to lessen the impact of her life changing injuries.

Ripatti’s life was certainly saved by fellow officers, paramedics and great hospital emergency medical personnel. No doubt Ripatti’s excellent physical conditioning played a strong part in the recovery she’s made so far.

I can’t help but think of former Chicago police officer Jim Mullen who became a quadriplegic after being shot in the face in 1996. Today Mullen has moved on as a motivational speaker and his second career as a WBBM TV reporter. I hope that Mullen can help Ripatti through his own experiences. Just as Ripatti is married to a fellow officer, so is Mullen.

I know that Ripatti will somehow continue as a mother, wife and role model with a productive and rewarding career.

The cost and challenges ahead for Kristina Ripatti will be enormous. I hope that my readers can reach into their pockets and help this fine woman and her family.

The LAPD is holding two fundraisers to aid Ripatti and her family, including a public barbecue at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Southwest station on Martin Luther King Boulevard just west of Normandie Avenue, and another barbecue at the Southeast Division east of Broadway on 108th Street at 11 a.m. June 28.

In addition, the Kristi Ripatti Trustee Donation Account has been established at the Los Angeles Police Federal Credit Union. Donation checks payable to Ripatti or Pearce should be sent to LAPFCU, 16150 Sherman Way, Van Nuys, CA 91410.

L.A. Times Story is here…

Officer Kristina Ripatti Is In Good Spirits But Not Out Of Danger.

LAPD officer Tim Pearce went public today on his brave wife’s condition. He told reporters that Kristina’s spirits and determination are high as she battles the possibility of paralysis from a bullet’s damage to her spinal cord.

It’s just too early to tell as fellow officers from across the country offer their prayers and best wishes for a quick and complete recovery. Tim Pearce said the department and their fellow officers have helped this family with incredible support.

I’ve gotten many e-mails from some of my law enforcement readers as far away as the UK asking for updates on Kristina’s condition.

Pearce talked about real concerns that He and his wife have that a death on the job could impact their young daughter. One thing for sure, Kristina and Tim’s child will always be proud of her brave parents.

I have to now ask, what are California’s far Left Wing politicians going to do to keep their own citizens safe from career criminals like James Fenton McNeal? How about ending the constant effort to throw out the Three Strikes Law? How about giving law-abiding citizens the right to a level playing field with killers, rapists and robbers by returning the right to carry a concealed weapon? Why would California rather protect the health, safety and welfare of violent criminals over honest citizens?

As for my readers who are not law enforcement officers perhaps the very next time you come into contact with a cop even during a dreaded traffic violation stop, take a moment to say thank you to that officer who may well give his or her life to keep you and yours safe.

LAPD Pacific Division At Work In Venice, California

Augustine Contreras, 17 was shot and killed in the Venice High School parking lot this afternoon. Police said that increased racial tensions between Black and Latino street gangs led to this shooting.

Venice High School was used to film the movie Grease in happier days. The sad reality is that Rydell High School seemed to attract much less police attention than Venice High.

The shooter was believed to have fled to the area of Oakwood Park at California and Oakwood Avenues in Venice. Police called out the cavalry complete with helicopters, SWAT gear and dogs. The officers set up a perimeter and conducted a futile search for the gunman.

The City Council has offered a $50,000 reward to anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest of the shooter. Contact the Pacific Division homicide detectives at (310) 482-6313 or the LAPD's anonymous tip line at (877) 529-3855.

Sit back and watch the pros from the Pacific Division do their job in this five-minute video.


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August 11, 2006 An update! The LAPD announced that have made an arrest of someone who has been in custody sine June 9th on an unrelated crime for this killing. It took two months but the long arm of the law has snagged 21 year-old, Cymone Donyeal Turner. Police said they are searching for and additional five suspects involved in the killing.

Officer Shot By Career Criminal Gunman Is In Stable But Serious Condition.

She’s a wife and mother who is struggling to survive this morning in a local hospital. Her copper husband, Tim Pearce is somehow coping with the aftermath caused by the bleeding hearts that run California’s criminal justice system.

The now dead armed robber, James Fenton McNeal, 52 who shot officer Kristina Ripatti twice, had served multiple prison terms for crimes that included robbery and murder. We must ask ourselves why do we keep electing politicians who insist on the failed policies of letting repeat offenders roam our streets while insisting we be saddled with insane gun laws that only restrict the rights of the law-abiding?

California’s draconian gun laws are enforceable only on the law abiding and never prevent thugs like McNeal from obtaining and criminally using their guns. McNeal is yet another poster boy that proves gun laws just don’t work. It’s long past the time for reform of California’s gun laws to return to the law-abiding their right to carry concealed weapons for self-protection.

We can only hope our hero officer, Kristine Ripatti and her family can somehow quickly heal from this horrible ordeal both physically and emotionally. Officer Rippatti deserves all of our gratitude for having that special courage to confront and deal with a desperate armed robber.

Read today’s L.A. Times story…

LAPD Policewoman Shot And Critically Wounded By Robbery Suspect.

Southwest L.A.-Last night--Officer Kristina Ripatti, 33 responded to an armed robbery call and confronted an armed suspect. Ripatti was shot in the arm and her armpit. The armpit area is usually unprotected by modern police body amour.

Ripatti’s partner returned fire killing the suspect.

I'm sure we will soon see the dead suspect's 8th grade graduation picture and see someone protray him as a victim rather than an armed, deadly criminal.

Crimefile wishes Officer Ripatti a speedy and full recovery.

Story and video here.