The. Informant. The Official Publication of the San Diego Police Officers Association Volume XXIX, No. 4 April 2009

Transcription

1 The Informant The Official Publication of the San Diego Police Officers Association Volume XXIX, No. 4 April 2009 In Memory of Larry Steward

2 San Diego Police Officers Association 8388 Vickers Street (Office) San Diego, CA (Fax) Brian Marvel President Jeff Jordon Vice President Woody DuBois Secretary Mark Sullivan Treasurer Tom Bostedt Board Member Paul Hubka Board Member Randy Levitt Board Member Rob Lewis Board Member Paul Paxton Board Member Committees and Committee Chairs Legal Committee... Lewis (Chair), Bostedt, Levitt Political Action Committee... Marvel (Chair), Bostedt, DuBois SCALE/CCLEA/Big 11/PORAC Sullivan Retirement... Sullivan (Chair) Business & Governance... Jordon (Chair), DuBois, Paxton Bylaws & Policy Administration Parliamentarian Bill Nemec Member Relations...Bostedt (Chair), Hubka, Lewis Member Services Member Communication Public Relations...Hubka (Chair), Bostedt, Lewis Informant Website Charity Special Events/Scholarship...Jordon (Chair), DuBois, Hubka Paxton Budget & Finance...Sullivan (Chair), Jordon, DuBois Labor Management...Paxton (Chair), Jordon, Lewis, Hubka FIT / Safety Litigation (Ad Hoc Committee)... Chairs: Marvel/Jordon 2 The Informant Editorial and Advertising Information Editor, Emily Cox x 220 ecox@sdpoa.org Editorial Policy The views or opinions expressed in The Informant are not necessarily the opinions of the San Diego Police Officers Association, the San Diego Police Department or any official body or agency of the City of San Diego. We encourage article ideas and photographs about or of interest to our members. Article abstracts, photos, story ideas, suggestions, letters to the editor, commentaries and information may be submitted in person, by mail or by to the editor. Freedom of expression is assured within the bounds of good taste and the limits of available space. Our target audience is law enforcement, specifically POA members of the San Diego Police Department. Deadline All copy and advertising must be submitted by the tenth of the month prior to the anticipated publication month; e.g. July 10 for the August issue. Content submitted after that date may be considered for a later issue.

3 In This Issue Member Spotlight...4 The Informant Turns a Profit...4 Harbor Unit Highlight... 5 Chaplain s Corner...6 Battle of the Badges...6 The Crime Files... 7 HR 980. What is the Public Safety Employer/Employee Cooperation Act?...8 Law Enforcement Prayer Breakfast...8 POA Board of Directors 2009 Installation...9 Texas Hold Em Poker Tournament Scholarship Time...11 In Memory of Detective Larry Steward Where You From? SDPOA Discount Ticket Info Real Estate Market Watch...17 Choir Practice Israel Tour for First Responders Buick Invitational Questions BEFORE You Testify: And They re Not Ones You ll Get in Court...20 RF&PA Update...22 Don t Be Afraid to Change Your Asset Allocation...23 In Remembrance...24 POA Director Highlight: Bill Nemec Stranger than Fiction...26 On the Road At a Glance Calendar...28 Office Manager s Report...29 Classified Ads...29 Board Minutes...30 CORRECTION: The compilation of photos from BRAVO training activities featured on the March Informant cover should have been attributed to Northern Division s Officer Angie Zdunich. Officer Zdunich spent two days with the BRAVO team to capture them in action and we apologize for the mistake. President s Message On February 20th, we lost a brother in blue when Larry Steward died in a motorcycle accident. On the blessedly few occasions when I have had to write to convey my condolences, I am always at a loss for words. I knew Larry in passing but from what I heard at the celebration of his life, he was a great man. Not only has his family lost a husband, father, son and brother, but the community at large lost a man who dedicated his life to protecting others. There is no greater good than serving mankind; that is what Larry did. To his family and all who knew him, I offer my deepest condolences. Larry will be sorely missed. On March 8th, I attended the 12th annual Remembrance Day at El Camino Memorial Park honoring Police Officers and Firefighters who passed away in I want to thank the Retired Fire and Police Association for honoring the men and women who once served this great city. This annual day of reflection and commemoration is a reminder of our loyalty to one another; in life and in death. We must never forget how much our dedicated public safety officers put on the line every single day for the community they serve. The tradition of sacrifice and service runs strong amongst law enforcement. I salute their commitment and bravery, not just today but everyday; for the officers who protected us in the past and the ones who will protect us in the future By now, I am sure most everyone has seen the City s conceptual proposal to the associations. We knew this year was going to be an exceptionally tough year for negotiations but who could have seen the veritable mine field being offered by the City. It has been determined that city employees will bear the entire burden of the projected $54 million budget gap. Adding fuel to the fire, our local paper has been beating the drums ever so loudly to fault our Cadillac pension and the DROP for the fiscal mess. Never let the facts get in the way of a sensational editorial! Joseph Goebbels was quoted, If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it. The truth is the City failed to pay its portion into the pension fund and now they want us to pick up the tab. It s that simple. As I write this article, negotiations look pretty bleak. The City is using a temporary economic crisis to permanently turn the clock back on years of negotiated gains. We are willing to work with the City to find a solution, but we cannot set ourselves up to renegotiate hard earned benefits especially when our vacancy factor alone saves the City approximately $13 million in salary. We continually drive crime down and consistently live up to our designation as America s Finest. Although as of late, we are becoming America s Fewest. We currently have approximately 170 vacancies and 220 sworn officers unavailable for duty, leaving a little over 1700 to police a city of 1.3 million citizens (and the countless citizens from neighboring municipalities who travel into the San Diego city limits on a daily basis). Our attrition rate fluctuates between 13 to 14 cops a month and we anticipate roughly 50 additional sworn personal leaving before July 1st. We are potentially headed to a staffing level not seen since the early 90s. Unfortunately, those who remain must deal with this financial mess along with the prospects of no future pay raises and the decline of benefits. We ll keep you posted on our progress. Respectfully, April

4 Member Spotlight: Officer Ed Martinez Officer Ed Martinez will soon retire from the San Diego Police Department, bringing his 24 year legacy at Western Division to a close. He was originally hired in September 1980 and assigned to Northeastern Division until While at Northeastern, Ed obtained his evidence technician certification and was assigned to the off road detail in a capacity that made him the unofficial liaison to migrant workers. Following his transfer to Western, Ed became a Field Training Officer and also became an agent in September He currently works the Point Loma/Ocean Beach beat and will be there until his retirement. Over the years, Ed worked a few special assignments, including an exciting eight months on a narcotics gig with the Special Investigations Unit/Drug Enforcement Agency. He also completed various short term assignments with Vice, Gangs and Narcotics before returning back to Western. Ed has always enjoyed going to scenes to collect evidence and he is known throughout Western for being a wealth of knowledge and guidance for other cops on virtually any topic. Ed earned seven Commanding Officer Citations three for times he spent as an acting sergeant, one for talking down an armed suicidal person, two for his work with Narcotics and the DEA/SIU and one for his work as the Problem-Oriented Policing Coordinator. Ed was born in Sonora, Mexico and moved to San Diego at age 3. By the time he was ten or eleven years old, he had already determined that he wanted to be a cop and he went to Mesa College and Miramar College to obtain a Criminal Justice degree. Of his career, Ed simply stated that It s been too much fun. He has made good friends and met many good people throughout his time on the department, though he did mention that in police work, he often found himself having to deal with knuckleheads on a regular basis he looks forward to getting away from them in his retirement. He also looks forward to camping, riding off road motorcycles in the desert, traveling (in particular to Australia), spending more time riding his Harley, playing tennis, relaxing, enjoying life and spending more time with his wife, Marguerite, a retired SDPD dispatcher, and their 15 year old son, Ed. He plans to add a couple of horses to his barn in the near future and he ll be occupying his time taking care of the goats that he has grown to love after inheriting them from his son s 4-H club. Ed has completed three cross-country motorcycle trips with his favorite stop being Sturgis, South Dakota. 50,000 motorcycles music to my ears, recounted Ed. The Member Spotlight is sponsored by: The Syrios Financial Group of Wachovia Securities (888) Informant The The Official Publication of the San Diego Police Officers Association Volume XXIX, No. 2 February 2009 The Informant The Official Publication of the San Diego Police Officers Association Volume XXVIII November 2008 Informant The The Official Publication of the San Diego Police Officers Association Volume XXVIII May 2008 Informant The The Official Publication of the San Diego Police Officers Association Volume XXVIII July 2008 Informant The The Informant The Official Publication of the San Diego Police Officers Association Volume XXVIII August 2008 The Official Publication of the San Diego Police Officers Association Volume XXVIII September 2008 The new and improved version of The Informant has been in circulation for just over a year now and the feedback from the members has been encouraging. I want to thank Gwen Gunn for putting us on the map with original Informant. We, the Board, felt we needed to go in a different direction with The Informant and Emily Cox was the best choice for doing that. We also thought that you might like to know that between advertising revenue and sponsorships, The Informant has fully paid for itself and even turned a profit of over $11,000 dollars for the past 12 months. We have submitted The Informant for a few local, national and international publication awards and expect to hear back on the results over the next couple of months. As the chair of the committee that oversees The Informant, please let me know if you have any comments or suggestions regarding the official publication of the San Diego Police Officers Association or you can always reach Emily at the POA office. 4 The Informant Paul Hubka SDPOA Director and Public Relations Committee Chair

5 SDPD Harbor Unit The SDPD Harbor Unit was started by former POA president and SDPD Police Chief Kolender to combat the growing problems in Mission Bay that went beyond what lifeguards were able to control. Equipped with boats from other agencies and a drug seizure boat, the unit went operational in March, The Harbor Unit currently has six officers (Larry Hesselgesser, Clinton Castle, Ross Weaver, Rene Oliver, Mark Soulia and Lloyd Sentinella), a sergeant and a reserve officer, Lee Louis, who has spent 14 of his 42 years as a SDPD reserve officer at the Harbor Unit. While most specialized units fall under the watchful eye of Operational Support, the Harbor Unit falls under the jurisdiction of Northern Division and is guided by Lieutenant Jim Filley. In order to be on the Harbor Unit, applicants must pass a swim test consisting of swimming 200 yards in six minutes or less, tread water for eight minutes and retrieve an object in nine feet of water. It is also beneficial for those assigned to the Harbor Unit to be familiar with handling watercraft and have experience as a certified diver. The Harbor Unit s regular office hours are 0900 to During down times, the Harbor Unit is able to provide support to Northern Division and respond to calls if officers are not responding to activity on the bay. The Harbor Unit s primary responsibilities are to enforce harbor and navigation laws, investigate boat crimes, perform accident reconstructions and underwater evidence collection, enforce federal navigation laws, fish and game laws and serve in regular patrol functions. Mission Bay is a recreational bay as compared to San Diego Bay, which is more of a working bay. With upwards of 300 boats on the water during peak times, the Harbor Unit can have their hands full with enforcing boating laws to the degree that the Harbor Unit performs similar functions to a traffic unit. The open high speed area of Fiesta Bay is where officers end up spending significant amount of time. In addition to nine marinas on the bay and six boat ramps, there are 11 boat and watercraft rental agencies on Mission Bay and numerous other rental agencies off the bay. With many of these rental agencies only meeting the basic requirements of educating renters on boating laws, the unit is often caught up in educating the public on boating laws and how to safely enjoy their rented equipment. In a typical summer, over 450 tickets are issued on the water though offenders are frequently able to take a boating safety class in lieu of paying a fine. Additionally, there are injury accidents each year and boating under the influence citations. Boat crime cases go through Northern Investigations and are usually routed to the Harbor Unit for follow up. These types of crimes pose an extra challenge as there aren t too many people who live on their boats, making it likely that days or even months could go by before a boat owner returns to find his boat has been burglarized. One notable case that the Harbor Team cracked a while ago was when six teens who had been out fishing in the bay noticed that many boats were left unattended. They took to breaking into boats all along the coast from San Diego to Los Angeles, stealing equipment and then selling the stolen goods. The thieves were caught in San Diego with a recovery of approximately $30,000 worth of goods still with them and were charged with 14 cases of burglary. The Harbor Unit currently has three foot boats in its fleet that have been acquired through state grants and they hope to have a fourth boat added to the list in summer. The boats are all housed at the lifeguard station, though the unit moved from trailers at the lifeguard station to its present location off Ingraham Street about six years ago. The San Diego Foundation has helped purchase equipment for the unit and they have received grants and equipment from the California Department of Boating & Waterways. The Department of Homeland Security provided a grant that purchased a new motor for one of the boats and the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office has provided handheld radiation detectors to aid the unit in its homeland security duties. The Harbor Unit is always on the watch for smuggling boats that are looking at Mission Bay as a trafficking stop the unit stopped a 22 foot boat a few years ago only to find it loaded up with 1,500 pounds or marijuana. (Source: Special thanks to Officer Lloyd Sentinella and Lt. Jim Filley for the unit overview and to Reserve Officer Lee Louis for the unit photo) April

6 6 The Informant Chaplain s Corner By Herb Smith, SDPD Chaplain You shall have no other gods beside me (Ex. 20:3). The people of Israel had gathered at the foot of Mt. Sinai to hear and know this God Who had called them to Himself. Yet for them to see and hear Him outright was too much for them, and so they were kept at a distance, and Moses interceded on their behalf. But they could hear His thunder, and see the fire, lightning and smoke that enveloped the top of the mountain, and that was terrifying enough. Yet these were now a people of God s own possession, called after His Name, one pregnant with the notion that God preserves those who are His. Inherent in that name is struggle, perseverance, dominion, and being a prince. And so as these were now beginning to know their God, they learned too how that identity was to characterize them. There were many laws that both defined and governed their relationship with Him, each other, and the world around them, but the foundational principles behind them all emanated from ten fundamental precepts, called the Ten Commandments. These ten maxims linked them to the reflection of His image and to the blessing of His graces, their good future and hope. He was Holy, and they were to be His holy people. God s commands were actually the coordinates they needed to give understanding and direction for knowing and growing in the Truth, something which Jesus later said sets us free. The first four set Him in their life above all things, indeed the primary focus of their life. In Him they lived and moved and had their being. To compromise that is to deny it. The fifth laid down the rudder for their life respect for authority. Six through nine told them how to treat one another, respecting the dignity of His image in them. The tenth brought them back to the first, being content and knowing that He is enough. What ruins our relationships and corrupts our contentment is denying He is God and seeking our own in power, pleasure and possessions. They re not the ten suggestions, but indeed the key to our satisfaction. And Moses said to the people, Don t be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, in order that the reverence of Him may remain in you, so that you may not sin. Open Boxing Call for Law Enforcement Officers Your chance to strap on the gloves and represent your agency against area Law Enforcement for all San Diego s Kids The Barona Band of Mission Indians, Community Youth Athletic Center (CYAC) and the National Latino Police Officers Association, San Diego Chapter are partnering up once again to host 10 highly competitive bouts to raise funds for Community Youth Athletic Center Youth Programs. San Diego Police Department, Donovan State Prison, San Diego Sheriff s Department, National City Police Department, Chula Vista Police Department, San Diego County District Attorney, FBI, Border Patrol, Lightweights and Heavyweights will be duking it out on Saturday, June 20th, as part of the 7th annual Battle of the Badges charity boxing event at Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino. Be a part of the few, the proud the Battle of the Badges Fighter Sign up today!! For further information about joining the SDPD team, please contact: Ernie Encinas at

7 Given the current economy, there has been a lot of talk about the Great Depression more specifically, crime during the era. Despite Hollywood s portrayal of mobsters, public enemies and Bonnie and Clyde types in every town, the truth is crime actually went DOWN during the period of Even so, desperate times sometimes call for desperate measures and one industry that did thrive was insurance fraud. Which leads to the amazing story of Indestructible Mike Malloy. The year was Anthony Marino owned a speakeasy on E. 177th Street in the Bronx section of New York City. To get a prospective on how bad things were, the unemployment rate neared 50% in some parts of the city. That led to Marino, along with his barkeep, Joe Murphy, undertaker Frank Pasqua and friend Dan Kriesberg to devise a plot to scam insurance companies by taking out policies on drunks and then hastening their deaths with booze. The scam worked ok for awhile and the men scored some easy money knocking off drifters or other societal drop outs. Among those, a pretty young blonde named Bette Carlson. After tricking her into signing an insurance policy naming the boys as the beneficiaries, she drank herself into a near coma. The boys quickly carried her upstairs, stripped her naked then poured cold water on her and left window open. The next day they had a natural death. An $800 policy payoff followed. Then they picked the wrong victim. At first fifty year old Mike Malloy seemed perfect. A former fireman and engineer, alcoholism had kept Malloy from holding down regular jobs and he eventually fell into the life of a drunken bum. The conspirators met Malloy when he began hanging around the bar looking for handouts. It didn t take long before the men figured it was only a matter of time before Malloy drank himself to death, so they invited him in with an offer of free drinks. Malloy was accustomed to getting the bum s rush because of his lack of money, so he was thrilled with the generosity of his new friends. Several drinks later he was so grateful he eagerly signed a petition to help get Marino elected to local office. What he actually signed was an insurance policy from Metropolitan Life for $800, and two from Prudential for $495 each. At first the boys tried to get Malloy to drink himself to death but the more they gave him, the more he seemed to thrive. Worse yet, after several weeks of feeding Malloy free liquor and a room in the back of the bar to sleep off his hangovers, (open window and all) Marino began complaining his new friend was starting to cost him money. Fearing bankruptcy, Marino switched to some new stuff that had just come in. In actuality, it was anti-freeze but Malloy eagerly chugged it down while commenting on its smooth taste. A couple hours later, Malloy collapsed on the floor and the boys carried him to a back room to expire in private. Imagine their shock when an hour later Malloy was back at the bar asking for more! Over the next few days the boys kept feeding Malloy whatever they thought would kill him. When anti-freeze was having no effect, they switched to turpentine. Malloy downed shot after shot with no effect. Even horse liniment laced with rat poison seemed to have no effect. The boys had to wonder what Malloy had been drinking all his life. The Crime Files By Steve Willard By now the boys figured nothing liquid could kill Malloy so they began feeding him raw oysters soaked in wood alcohol. Mallow downed two dozen and even commented Tony, you should open up a restaurant, you sure know first class food. After several days of raw oysters and rotten sardines, the boys were desperate. They got Mallow drunk and hauled him outside in the snow where they stripped him, dumped five gallons of water on him and left him in a snow bank to die. The next day the boys checked the papers but found nothing. This was especially upsetting to Frank Pasqua who almost caught pneumonia from the drop off. That evening Malloy was back at the bar telling his pals how he must have really tied one over because the police found him in the snow and bought him a new coat. Now the boys were truly desperate. Not only would Malloy not die, he wouldn t go away. Faced with few options, the boys turned to a criminal cab driver named Harry Green to run Malloy down. After getting him drunk, the boys lead him out into the street and held him up for the cab to hit him. To make sure he was dead, Green backed up and ran him over again. Malloy was missing for three weeks this time before finally coming back to the bar explaining he had been in a car wreck and could sure use a drink. The conspirators were beside themselves. They tried to hire a hit man to kill Malloy but couldn t afford the $500 fee. They then shanghaied another drunk, Joe Murray, loaded him up with liquor and stuffed his coat pocket with Malloy s ID and ran him over with a cab. Murray, a substitute for Malloy in every way, recovered from his injuries after two months in Lincoln Hospital. The gang determined the only way to knock off Malloy was good old fashioned murder. On February 23, 1933, the boys rented a room and held Malloy down and shoved a gas hose in his mouth until he stopped breathing. The killers then discovered they needed a corrupt doctor to sign a death certificate listing natural causes otherwise there would be an autopsy. That required another pay off. Murphy posed as Malloy s brother and collected the $800 from Metropolitan Life. But, when agents from Prudential came around to pay off, they discovered he was in jail on another charge and became suspicious. They quickly contacted the police. By now there were just too many people involved to keep quiet. Worse yet, the cab driver was complaining to friends the boys at the bar stiffed him on the car repairs. The police soon learned of a murder racket in the Bronx and began asking questions. Then they heard of Malloy s death and subsequent burial four hours after his death. That was suspicious. Upon exhumation of Malloy s body the gig was up and everyone started talking. At trial at the Bronx County Court House, the four murderers either claimed insanity or shifted the blame to each other. None of it worked and they were all found guilty. The case was officially closed in 1934 when all four of the conspirators were executed at Sing Sing prison. April

8 ls! HR 980. What is the Public Safety Employer/ Employee Cooperation Act? Reprinted from American Police Beat, March 2009 Sponsored by 260 Congressmen and 36 Senators in 2007, the proposed act affords collective bargaining rights to state and local public safety employees. The House bill is H.R. 980, the Senate bill is S.R Specifically, the Act provides the following rights: 1) Granting public safety officers the right to form and join a labor organization, which may exclude management and supervisory employees, that is, or seeks to be, recognized as the exclusive bargaining representative of such employees. 2) Requiring public safety employers to recognize the employee s labor organization (freely chosen by a majority of the employees), to agree to bargain with the labor organization, and to commit any agreements to writing in a contract or memorandum of understanding. 3) Providing for bargaining over hours, wages, and terms and conditions of employment. 4) Making available an interest impasse resolution mechanism, such as fact-finding, mediation, arbitration, or comparable procedures. 5) Requiring enforcement through State courts of a) all rights, responsibilities, and protections provided by State law and enumerated in this subsection; and b) any written contract or memorandum of understanding. 18TH ANNUAL SAN DIEGO LAW ENFORCEMENT & EMERGENCY PERSONNEL COLLEGE AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH / 4747 COLLEGE AVE, SAN DIEGO TICKETS $ 18 / T ABLE OF 1 0 $ 180 Tickets are available from various department personnel or by calling Christian Law Enforcement Fellowship at (858) DEL SUR CASERRO HOME, 3 BDRM, 3 BA 2079 SQ FT PANORAMIC VIEWS - $629,000 Emergency Equipment Engineering WILLIS ALLEN REAL ESTATE Real Integrity. Real Estate. Since Cyndi Stetson (direct) (office) Over 17 years of SDPD experience! I will donate 5 percent of my sales commission to your POA, ask for details! 8 The Informant CODE-3 Industries, Inc. Serving You Since 1976 Don't miss this great savings opportunity! Emergency Equipment Engineering 4304 Twain Avenue San Diego, CA (619) (800)

9 POA Board of Directors 2009 Installation The San Diego Police Officers Association Board of Directors 2009 Installation ceremony was held on Saturday, February 21. Judge Gentry presided over the swearing in of Randy Levitt and Woody DuBois to their seats on the POA Board and the new executive board was also formally sworn in with Brian Marvel as president, Jeff Jordon as vice president, Woody DuBois as secretary and Mark Sullivan as treasurer. Deputy Sheriffs Association President Ernie Carrillo and board member Matt Etchepare, attorneys Scott O Mara, Mike Padilla, David Dugan, Dick Castle and Rick Pinckard, Chief Lansdowne and Assistant Chiefs Kanaski, Long, Meyers, Ramirez and Solis were all on hand to welcome the newly installed directors and executive board and bid farewell to outgoing POA board members Bill Nemec and Tom Rhodes. Jim, a retired SDPD officer, chose Monte Vista Village for his father, Gene, for the safety and security aspect, as well as the friendliness of the staff. Here s what he had to say. I looked at other places, they just seemed cold, where Monte Vista Village is very warm. My dad loves it and he is so much happier. He has told me he wished he had done it sooner. Gene comments the food is good, the entertainment is good and they do my laundry. Gene would also love to see more retired law enforcement enjoy the benefits of Monte Vista Village. Join us for a complimentary lunch and tour and learn about our law enforcement move-in special. It s Our Watch Now 2211 Massachusetts Ave. Lemon Grove, CA (619) Lic. # Lic. # April

10 5 th Annual Texas Hold Em Poker Tournament The SDPOA Hall was host to the 5th Annual Texas Hold Em Poker Tournament to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) on Saturday, February 21. Over 100 people came out to support the MDA and Detective Damon Sherman s son, Brady, who is courageously battling Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. In all, the event raised $6,650 enough to send four kids to MDA camp and send four clients to the muscle disease clinic at Children s Hospital. Money raised also funded two support group sessions and five minutes of research, assisted one client with a purchase of a wheelchair or communication device and provided one flu shot. 10 The Informant

11 Last Chance - It s Scholarship Time! Application Deadline: Noon - Monday, April 13, 2009 We are pleased to announce the availability of scholarships to assist children of our members in pursuing their education. Scholarships are available because of the generous donations from individuals, businesses and organizations in support of our law enforcement community. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Son or daughter of an SDPOA member active, retired or deceased High school graduate or senior scheduled to graduate by June 30, 2009 Currently enrolled in or formally accepted to a trade school, junior college, college or graduate school and scheduled to begin study by March 1, 2010 Minimum overall cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or completion of two or more college semesters with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 RULES & GUIDELINES 2008 recipients are ineligible in 2009, but may submit applications next year 2007 recipients, and prior, are eligible to submit applications this year Two-time scholarship recipients are no longer eligible Applications are available at the POA office or will be ed upon request Applications must be at the POA office by noon Monday, April 13, 2009 Late or incomplete applications will not be considered fax not accepted Original or copy of transcripts MUST accompany application Undergraduate and graduate college students must include transcripts confirming grades for all college courses completed AND high school transcripts Applications will be reviewed by the Scholarship Committee California Police Equipment Co. UP TO 30% OFF RETAIL PRICE ON ALL CANNON SAFES! Notification letters will be mailed to all applicants mid-may Recipients will be invited to the Scholarship Awards Brunch in June College students who do not have a minimum high school GPA of 3.0 must include transcripts that show the applicant has maintained a minimum GPA of 3.0 for at least two complete semesters of college/junior college AND submit high school transcripts High school seniors, or graduates who have not attended college, must submit transcripts confirming cumulative GPA for not less than four years Seniors graduating in June are exempt from providing final quarter/semester grades, but may include first three quarters/first semester grades Please contact Brenna James at the POA with any questions ( or bjames@sdpoa.org) SDPD Law Enforcement Family Owned and Managed Serving You Since 1990 Now Certi ied GLOCK Armors El Cajon Boulevard San Diego, California April

12 In Memory of Detective Larry Steward 12 The Informant Larry grew up a true son of Brooklyn, NY, where he lived until he was 17. He then moved to Augusta, GA, when his parents moved home after retirement. He lived there with his two sisters and two brothers. After high school, Larry joined the Navy where he served as a corpsman for nine years. Leaving the military, he shortly thereafter became a San Diego police officer where he thrived in a profession he loved for 19 years. Larry worked Patrol and various Special Details; Downtown, Bicycle Unit, Narcotics and finally with Central Investigations. Larry was an incredible person with a smile that touched you. Nine times out of 10 when we would go out we would always run into someone that Larry knew and this included out of town trips. He made so many friends. Larry was a great dad. When we got married I had two daughters from a previous marriage, ages 9 and 11. At first it was a huge adjustment for all of us, especially Larry. Larry was used to peace and quiet the bachelor life. All of a sudden he is thrown into a house with 3 girls. What ended up happening is that Larry became a true father to Josie and Angelina. He went through teaching them how to drive, fixing their cars, driving and picking them up from their first jobs, approving or disapproving of the boyfriends they brought home, having the father-daughter talks, explaining to them the importance of school and getting good grades, helping them move out into their own apartments and helping them move back home. He was their father. Josie and Angelina went to Larry for everything. He kept their secrets and helped them get through tough times with his kind words and love. When Angelina turned 18, she asked Larry if he would be her dad. Larry said I already am. Angelina responded I want it to be legal. So Larry made a few phone calls, received a court date and he became Angelina s adoptive father, and she took his last name. He was so proud and so is Angelina. Larry loved life. He loved riding his motorcycles. Hanging out and having cigars with friends was a passion for Larry. He has so many wonderful friends. He made friends so easy. When we moved into our home a couple of years ago we immediately b e c a m e f r i e n d s with Dan and Terry. I don t think there was a week that went by that Larry, Dan, Terry and I didn t sit outside and catch up on what was happening with each other. One night our friend Linda went into our garage where Larry and Sam, (Linda s husband) were sitting, having a cocktail and a cigar after a long motorcycle ride. Linda walked out and overheard their conversation which was Who do you think will win American Idol, David Cook or David Archuletta? She laughed and said What would your buddies think if they knew that this is what you talk about? But this didn t seem to faze them a bit because they were so comfortable with who they were. Larry could talk about anything. He was a good listener and a good advice giver. He was my best friend and made my life so complete. I wanted to grow old with him. He is going to be missed deeply but I know that he is up there watching over us and throwing pennies down whenever he gets a chance. - Lori Steward

13 Steward Family, it is important that you realize you do not mourn alone. The men and women of the San Diego Police Department lost a beloved brother and we mourn with you. Larry, aka, Cranberry, DDS, and Lar Lar touched everyone he met. We will all miss his kindness and his calmness in a job that is often hectic. Everyday, Larry s smile brought a change to a place where sadness is often encountered. The sound of his laughter and his never-ending jokes made a difference when tension was high. Larry often told us how important family and friends were to him and, almost daily, we made it a point to spend our lunch hour together, as a unit. Every day around ten o clock we would start asking the same old questions: who had brought their lunch, who needed to pick something up for lunch or if we were going to go out for lunch. We often ended up having lunch at the station in the Detective s Conference Room, aka the Executive Dining Room. We would spend that hour talking about everything under the sun. I guess you could say we were his work family. I know, for a fact, we learned a lot about each other (many times, a lot more than we wanted or needed to know). On Thursday evening, February 19, 2009, Larry made his rounds through the investigations cubicles. It was almost quitting time Larry already had one foot out the door, thinking about how he was going to spend his weekend. He joked with us about how low his caseload was and said he couldn t understand why we were still making phone calls with five minutes left before end of shift. After several smart remarks, about his comment, from those of us who were still working, Larry told us to have a good weekend and left the station. I never imagined Larry wouldn t be around for us to joke with when our workday started the following week. When the captain told us about Larry s accident, we were lost. We wanted to turn back the hands of time so we could have our Larry back. On Monday, February 23, 2009, we returned to work with heavy hearts. It was time to prepare to say our final goodbyes to a man who could make you laugh when you just wanted to cry, could make you smile when all you wanted to do was frown and could make you think it was Friday, when it was only Monday! We know that Larry was doing what he loved when he was called to his new assignment. He is now serving the Lord and protecting those golden streets of heaven. We will forever miss him and we will never forget him. DDS our Mondays and Fridays will never be the same P.S. No more parking limits, bro (mater) - Detective Brenda Richmond a.k.a Diva Larry was a devoted husband and father to his children. He would often speak of his loving wife and wonderful daughters. He expressed his fondness for family unity and placed a priority on maintaining a close family bond. He enjoyed spending time with his family, his co-workers and close personal friends. Larry was known for his calm demeanor and excellent interpersonal skills. He was always positive and optimistic his welcoming smile and warm spirit was inspiring. As a fellow watch guy, Larry and I shared a passion for wristwatches. Larry was a true friend who just happened to also be our co-worker. His notable presence is missed greatly. Larry is undoubtedly residing and resting in God s realm! - Detective Jamal Pasha Photos and information provided by the Steward Family and Detectives Jamal Pasha and Brenda Richmond April

14 14 The Informant Where You From? By Sergeant Tom Burris Los Angeles Police Department (30 years), Hollenbeck Patrol Division The following article originally appeared on PoliceOne.com, the online resource for Law Enforcement, and is reprinted by permission of the PoliceOne editorial team. Visit PoliceOne to access articles, information, and resources that help officers and departments across the United States protect their communities and stay safe on the streets. 1 As a child growing up, the question, Where you from? was current young adult generation coming on the job is a the usual conversation starter for me when traveling across reflection of our country. Just like the styled hair, long the United States with my mom, dad, and younger brother. sideburns, and porn star mustaches were when I came on In the Clothing South it sounded for more Women like, Where y all in from? the job way back when. Nowadays, that simple question can initiate a lethal assault Unfortunately, this fashion craze has also been adopted as against the person Law being Enforcement asked. uniforms by our criminal gang subculture in Los Angeles and In the city of Los Angeles, there are 400 known street gangs, across the nation as well. Unknown uniforms violating with 41,000 documented members. In my patrol strength division their turf, will always attract unwanted attention of their alone we have 37 known street gangs, as well as several ranks. Usually, attracting the wrong kind of attention. other gang cliques and tagger crews. Across courage Los Angeles As a tenured patrol sergeant, I see that my new officers look County, you can easily double that number. Across Southern California, triple it. integrity younger and younger with each Academy graduating class. Most seem to have been born when I had 5-10 years on the A wall covered with graffiti from rival gangs grace marks job. Nonetheless, they are my new officers now. I have the neighborhood border between Bloods and Florence 13 duty to do my utmost to ensure they are ready to handle a gang territory in Los Angeles, but gang members also mark variety of threats. their territory Mariam verbally Sadri with the SDPD question: #5704 Where you from? A few months ago, I addressed my observations and concerns in front of my officers during our morning roll call. After There are chances to cross paths with a gang member(s) 2 discussing many of the shootings the officers themselves in any neighborhood. Gang turf violations have gotten 4 had recently investigated, the same scenario was repeated rival gang members (and numerous non-gang members) each time. We all agreed: Being asked Where you from? murdered for simply being in the perceived strength wrong place at is a definite warning sign. the wrong time. courage It s safe to say any gang member or group of gang members Victims have been confronted while walking down a public who confront you with that question are enforcing their street, and even stopped in traffic while integrity driving. The vast gang s authority over their hood, and are more than likely majority of the surviving shooting victims say the same armed to carry out their enforcement. thing, the suspect(s) walked up (or drove grace up next to me) and asked, Where you from? The victim usually answered A week or so after my talk in roll call the below press release Nowhere, Clothing and shots were for fired. Women Well, it didn t in matter what was made by my Department: the answer was, they still got shot. Law Enforcement News Release The victims are always male, usually a minority (here in Los Tuesday, June 10, 2008 Angeles), Clothing years of age, buzz haircut or shaved head, usually wearing a sports team shirt, jersey or hat, and/or Off-Duty Officer Shoots Suspect after Attack Mariam Sadri SDPD #5704 for Women in generally baggy or lose fitting clothing. That description fits Los Angeles: An off-duty officer shot and wounded a man the vast majority of the new officers under my supervision, after he and a friend were attacked by five gang members on 3 Law Enforcement and literally across the nation. The fashion craze of our June 8, 2008, in Compton. strength courage integrity grace Mariam Sadri SDPD #5704 Clothing for Women in Law Enforcement strength courage integrity grace and Powerwashing, Inc. Mariam Sadri SDPD #5704 Jay Jacob / Owner SDPD Northern Division Specializing In: Interior/Exterior Residential/Commericial Power Washing Acoustical Ceiling Removal Stucco Repair Drywall Repair Cell: Main Street, Suite E 435 Ramona, California 92065

15 The attack happened just before 9:45 p.m. in the 1700 block of Culver Avenue, when five gang members approached Officer Vicente Lopez and his friend walking to a carnival at The Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ Catholic Church. The suspects asked Lopez what gang he was from, and he told them he was not a gang member. The suspects aggressively began harassing and threatening the officer and his companion. To avoid any further confrontation, Lopez lifted up his shirt, Basically, my rule is, the phrase, Where you from? is exposed his badge and gun, and identified himself as a police your signal to get your gun in your hand and be prepared officer. The gang charged Lopez and his friend and a fight to defend yourself (and maybe others) from one or more erupted. During the fight, one of the suspects, attempted armed suspects. But, you can only defend yourself, and any to wrest the officer s handgun. He was able to gain control family members or friends, if you have your gun with you. of his weapon, fire a round and hit the suspect. After being struck, the suspect ran from the scene. Ronald Hauser, Attorney at A Law few years ago, I overheard an officer say, I don t carry my gun off-duty unless I m coming into the city. While keeping Lopez detained a second suspect and waited for the arrival my composure, I asked him for his reasoning. He felt safe of the Los Angeles County Sheriffs to take him into custody. while in his city of residence. But, the officer was concerned During a follow-up, investigators received reports of a victim with his safety only when he was crossing back within our being treated for a gunshot wound to his torso at Saint city limits. I don t know if my follow-up discussion with him Francis Hospital. The victim turned out to be the suspect changed his mind or not. the officer shot. He has been identified as 21-year-old Pablo BANKRUPTCY Arroyo, who was subsequently arrested and charged with an I find that a handful of personnel believe in the philosophy assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer. that being armed off-duty can only get you in trouble. In Lopez suffered a cut to the top of his head and a fracture reality, reckless behavior gets a person in trouble. If you Even Numbered on his face. He was taken to a local hospital where he was don t do stupid things in stupid places, you won t get yourself treated and released. He is assigned to Months the Pacific Division in trouble. RONALD A. HAUSER and has been with the Department for one year and 11 The personal consequences Attorney are tremendous at Law if you go months. unarmed off-duty. I tell officers to give themselves a fighting Los Angeles County Sheriff s Department will handle chance because the shooter (619) will not give them any chance. the criminal investigation and the Los Angeles Police My Department, and others across the nation, have stories (619) Department Force Investigation will investigate the officer of officers, off-duty and unarmed, being confronted by involved shooting. armed National suspects. City The resulting San Diego assault have La Mesa left them and Synopsis: Young officer, off-duty, confronted by gang members, asked Where you from? resulting in shooting. This by no means is the only example of past shootings with this same scenario. Other off-duty officers have been similarly confronted by gang members when they were alone or with family members, parents and their own children. Pro Sound/Music For All Occasions Weddings Retirement/Birthday Parties Professional DJ/Gear/Engineer Indoor/Outdoor Events Reasonable Rates Please Call Or For Quote Odd Numbered anything else is just noise Months TMAG SOUND Phone: Fax: tmagproductions@cox.net Law Enforcement Owned & Operated price through your current contract is $113/month Incidents of this kind have occurred both on and offduty. We have had several incidents involving on-duty, plainclothes, vice and narcotics operators. While conducting enforcement/surveillance operations they are suddenly confronted by gang members with the opening line of, Where you from? The confrontations usually ended in an officer-involved-shooting (OIS) with the first shots fired by the gang members. anyone with them, robbed, kidnapped, raped, stabbed, and/or shot. Sadly some have been murdered. Now add being confronted by armed gang members because of your appearance and fashion choice. But, I m sure the un-armed, off-duty officer will feel safe right up until he s asked, Where you from? LIVING TRUST $ In-Home Appointments Available Includes Wills and Powers of Attorney RONALD A. HAUSER Attorney at Law (619) (619) National City San Diego La Mesa April

16 SDPOA Discount Tickets ATTRACTION AGE MEMBER REGULAR EXPIRES Limits CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE -OR- DISNEYLAND 1 DAY PARK PASS ADULT (10+) CHILD (3-9) $59.00 $51.00 $69.00 $ /11/2009 8/Member per month CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE -OR- DISNEYLAND 1 DAY HOPPER ADULT (10+) CHILD (3-9) $69.00 $61.00 $94.00 $ /11/2009 8/Member per month CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE AND DISNEYLAND 2 DAY HOPPER* ADULT (10+) CHILD (3-9) $ $ $ $ /11/2009 8/Member per month * Second visit MUST be used within 13 calendar days following the first date of use CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE & DISNEYLAND ANNUAL PASSES - Please visit Disneyland.com to determine which annual pass best fits your needs, then come into the SDPOA to purchase tickets. Credit Cards ONLY! BIG BEAR MOUNTAIN/SNOW SUMMIT (Black Out Dates Apply) ADULT (22+) STUDENT (13-21) $44.00 $34.00 $53.00 $ /15/2009 8/age group per month KNOTT'S BERRY FARM ADULT (12+) CHILD (3-11) $24.99 $17.99 $51.99 $ /31/2010 8/age group per month LEGOLAND-BUY 1 DAY, SECOND DAY $1 ADULT (13+) CHILD (3-12) $44.00 $44.00 $62.00 $ /31/2010 8/age group per month MAGIC MOUNTAIN ADULT CHILD (-48") $24.99 $15.00 $59.99 $ /31/2009 8/age group per month MEDIEVAL TIMES CA ADULT (13+) CHILD (-12) $41.65 $30.40 $54.65 $37.40 No expiration 8/age group per month PIRATE S DINNER ADVENTURE ADULT (12+) CHILD (3-11) $47.00 $32.50 $56.95 $ /30/2009 8/age group per month SAN DIEGO ZOO ADULT (12+) CHILD (3-11) $29.00 $21.50 $35.00 $ /31/2010 8/age group per month SEA WORLD - 2 DAY (Black Out Dates Apply) ADULT (10+) CHILD (3-9) $51.00 $45.50 $65.00 $ /31/2009 6/30/2009 8/age group per month SEA WORLD FUN CARD ADULT (10+) CHILD (3-9) $60.00 $55.00 $65.00 $ /31/2009 8/age group per month UNIVERSAL STUDIOS 1 DAY ADULT CHILD (- 48") $54.00 $54.00 $67.00 $ /1/2009 8/age group per month UNIVERSAL STUDIOS 1 DAY FRONT OF THE LINE PASS ALL AGES $ $ /1/2009 8/Member per month UNIVERSAL STUDIOS BUY A DAY GET A YEAR PASS ALL AGES $64.00 $ /1/2009 8/Member per month WILD ANIMAL PARK ADULT (12+) CHILD (3-11) $29.00 $21.50 $35.00 $ /31/2010 8/age group per month MOVIE THEATERS MEMBER REGULAR EXPIRES Limits AMC $6.25 $11.00 No expiration ULTRA STAR $5.75 $ /31/ /Member REGAL / EDWARDS / UNITED ARTIST Restricted $6.25 $11.50 No expiration per 7 days REGAL / EDWARDS / UNITED ARTIST - Unrestricted $7.25 $11.50 No expiration You must show POA membership card before purchasing any member tickets - NO EXCEPTIONS! Please call the POA store to verify ticket availability. All prices are subject to change without notice Flex 2009 F150 DREW AUTO CENTER Our Goal... Customers For Life Fleet Pricing Large Service Department State-of-the-Art Collison Repair Center Extended Warranty & Security Protection For an appointment, call one of your POA representatives: 16 The Informant Huge Inventory Complete Parts & Apparel Store Finance & Lease Programs FLEET DEPARTMENT Mike Safford x7729, 25 years Jerry Miller x7727, 20 years Toll Free (888 Drew Ford)

17 Real Estate Market Update By Ray Shay Don t believe everything you read in the newspaper. The investors are out and they are definitely buying. The lower priced properties are moving within days of being listed with multiple offers. Purchasing a property with positive cash flow is tough to beat when you compare it to losing money in the stock market. New Home Buyers Should you buy now? Look at the scoreboard. Interest rates below 5%, home prices at a 12 year low, multiple local cities offering First Time Home Buyer s Programs, with incentives up to 5% and place on top of that an additional $8,000 Federal tax benefit. After looking at all of the facts, if your decision is Yes, make sure the home you select is the right one at the right price. Tell your Realtor to show you the hard numbers. The prices of other homes in the area listed for sale should NOT be considered as comparables. Confine your search to what has actually sold recently and have your Realtor make sure there were no give backs, which are frequently not reflected in the sales price. It is tedious and time consuming work, but a home purchase is probably your biggest investment and you want to make sure you get it right. Do your Homework Before you buy or sell a home, interview at least three Realtors. A client who recently employed our services said their prior Realtor who assisted them failed to notice the bathroom in the master bedroom had only a half bath, which means no bathtub or shower. The clients were moving here from out of state and simply trusted him. It sounds almost comical, until you are the one walking down the hallway of your own INVEST NOW! Search Foreclosures and Short Sales at: SDPDhomes.com SELL 7355 home to take a shower. Find a Realtor who is experienced and looks past the commission in seeking a long term relationship. Do not hesitate to ask him or her tough questions, Can you provide me with a list of the homes you have sold in the past year and their location? Their title representative can provide this information in minutes. Another good question is, How is the workload distributed in your office? Listen to make sure the Realtor is not being overloaded, doing everything from transaction coordinating, client interaction, marketing, farming, website development, etc. With all this going on, who will follow-up on showings of your home or search for short sales and pre-foreclosure properties? Realtors who are successful in a down market have an operational plan and a team to implement the plan much like what is followed at a police department s special event. Every task is outlined with a matrix of who handles it and when. In most transactions, timelines and proper actions of your licensed Realtor can make all the difference. Finally, if you are purchasing or selling a home, do not to skimp on your representation. Use a full-time professional, who is a licensed Realtor with references and take the time to check them. Time put in before you sign the contract can pay you and your family huge dividends later. Ray Shay retired from the SDPD as a Lieutenant in He now is a Realtor at RE/MAX Ranch and Beach. For more information go to Exclusive Discount20% OFF 20% OFF VACATION CONDO RENTALS *! HAWAII MEXICO BEACHES ARUBA LAS VEGAS AND MORE! Ray & Theresa Shay CALL ENTER PROMO CODE: SDPD20 for discount. *Valid for new bookings only. Based on availability and subject to change without notice. Not combinable with other offers. Valid for travel through 12/15/09. April

18 POA Choir Practice The SDPOA s inaugural Choir Practice was held in the Hall on February 19 and over 50 POA members turned out to partake in beer, soda, pizza and cop camaraderie. Choir practice admission is free, but you must be an SDPOA member to attend. These choir practices will likely be held on a monthly basis with the second one recently held on March 23. The days will be switched around regularly to accommodate our members varying schedules. Drop in to hang out with your family in blue and there will always be POA directors on hand Diamonds to answer Ltd. any POA-related questions. Keep an eye out for the next Choir Practice announcement, cheers! Diamonds Ltd. Fine Jewelry and Law Enforcement Family for Three Generations All Diamond Earrings on Sale. Save up to 50% Right Now! Diamonds Gemstones Custom Design Appraisals Repairs We are located across from Parkway Plaza mall at the intersection of Fletcher Pkwy and Pioneer Way 450 Fletcher Parkway, Suite 104 El Cajon, CA Ed Zwibel, SDPD #5475 Eastern Division 18 The Informant POA Members never pay sales tax in our store! (Loose diamond sales excepted)

19 ISRAEL TOUR for 1ST RESPONDERS November 8-21st, 2009 (Optional 2 day extension to visit civilians, police & military personnel serving near Gaza, Nov ) We are returning to Israel with a small group of police officers and their families to see the Holy Land and interact with Israeli police and Defense forces. Nazareth, Sea of Galilee, Bet She an (Roman ruins), Golan Heights, Petra (Jordan), Masada, Dead Sea, Jerusalem, Western Wall, Mt. of Olives, Bethlehem $3250 per person from San Diego (single supplement $750) Tour includes roundtrip air from San Diego to Tel Aviv, transfers on arrival and departure, air-conditioned motor coach, 11 nights accommodations, daily breakfast & dinners per itinerary, sightseeing including entrance fees per itinerary, English speaking Israeli guide, travel coverage during tour per description Tour cost does not include: passport, visa/fees, air taxes including fuel surcharge (estimated at $440 subject to change), lunches, beverages, phone calls, personal expenses, tips & gratuities (estimated $120) or trip cancellation insurance. A deposit of $300 per person and completed form is required immediately to hold your place. Final payment is due August 1, See application for terms and conditions. Trip cancellation insurance is recommended and available. Arrangements by Golden Eagle Travel & Tours For additional information contact: Phil Bozarth at philbozarth@yahoo.com The Buick Invitational was held February 2-8, 2009 with the San Diego Police Department providing special event assistance. In pictures: Officer Mike Pridemore and KUSI weatherman Dave Scott; retired SDPD Sergeant Bob O Donnell (now working with Elite Security) and Officer Marcus Ramsey; and Officer Ken Hofer, Officer Brian Freymueller and stop to talk with Sergeant Carlos Chacon on the Segway. Photos by: Sandy Kistner, SDPD Special Events Unit ASK ABOUT A 5% DISCOUNT FOR POLICE OFFICERS! Family owned and operated for 25 years April

20 Questions BEFORE You Testify And They re Not Ones You ll Get in Court By Val Van Brocklin Reprinted courtesy of Officer.com What you are thunders so loud The goal of any officer in court is to have the jury believe her. Sounds simple, but in simplicity lies some of the greatest mysteries. On the one hand, an officer can testify accurately and still be doubted. Yet, another officer can make honest mistakes in her testimony and still be found credible. An explanation can be found in an oftcited study conducted by UCLA Professor Albert Mehrabian in which he and his researchers concluded that what we communicate is made up of: 7% WHAT we say 38% HOW we say it - our voice volume, tone, pitch, etc., and 55% NON-VERBAL body language, gestures and demeanor. The Reid Technique of interrogation recognizes this. Investigators don t decide whether they believe a suspect based primarily on WHAT he says but instead look to cues of voice and body language. While trained police may be more consciously attuned to such cues, we all rely on them - as Mehrabian s study concluded. Jurors may well decide whether they trust and believe an officer based on the 93% of communication that has nothing to do with WHAT the officer says. This explains why some testifying officers can make honest mistakes in WHAT they say and still be found credible. It also explains how an officer may tell the objective truth - get the 7% WHAT correct - and still be disbelieved. Ralph Waldo Emerson stated this science poetically, What you are thunders so loudly I cannot hear what you say to the contrary. To be found credible, officers must be aware of what influences the 93% of their testimony that is not WHAT they say. Preparing for the courtroom interview Frances Cole Jones helps clients develop communication skills that will en- 20 The Informant hance their professional and personal life. In her book, How to Wow, she suggests that prospective job interviewees ask themselves a number of questions before a crucial job interview. Cole understands that the answers to these questions can impact the prospective employee s interview performance in ways they might not be aware of had they not addressed the questions. The same is true of officers testifying in court. Courtroom testimony is no less crucial an interview given what is at stake for the officer, her agency and the case. Adapted for courtroom preparation, the questions are: What 3 words would you use to describe yourself? What 3 words do you think others would use to describe you? Has anyone every commented on these qualities positively or negatively? What 3 words would you like a Judge or jury to use to describe you when you re finished testifying? A coaching session Cole spent with a client who sought her help preparing for a job interview is instructive. The client had lost millions of dollars of investors money in a self-started Internet venture. Cole asked him how he would describe himself. He discussed being: Aggressive Alpha Outspoken The client thought these qualities would show potential employers he was still tough; he still had nerve. When Cole asked him why a prospective boss should hire him, he answered, I m not afraid of risk. I may have failed but at least I tried. As this client spoke, his body language ranged through: Shifting side to side Leaning in too close Lolling back in his chair Looking out the window Cole concluded the client thought his answers would be effective, but they weren t entirely comfortable for him. If he went to an interview like this, a potential employer wouldn t trust him. The employer might not be able to articulate why he didn t trust her client, but he wouldn t. Cole and her client then discussed what it was like to appear aggressive, alpha, and outspoken to people. Were there times, people, and situations in which being less alpha might be a more effective choice? At the end of the discussion, when Cole asked why a prospective interviewer should hire the man, he replied, Because I know the value of a dollar. I know what it means to lose investors retirement money, or the money for their children s education, and I will never let that happen again. As he said this, his body didn t shift and he looked her steadily in the eye. He also got the job. Street credibility may not equal courtroom credibility. In street confrontations, officers often need: Command presence Quick decisiveness Firmness Authority Invincibility Warrior mind and spirit But warriors also know the power of humility. Humility is freedom from pride and arrogance. It s an understanding that you are not above or more important than anyone else. Robert Peele, the father of modern policing, understood this power when he said: The police are the public and the public are the police; the police being only members of the public who are paid to give full time attention to duties which are incumbent on every citizen in the interests of community welfare and existence.