Yes, the paparazzi have the right to take photos of celebrities in PUBLIC, but none of us support or condone their METHODS.
Yes, police have a DUTY to keep our streets safe, but, red light cameras are not the proper METHOD.
They have become the CopArazzi, lost is the spirit and intent of their job and purpose. Lost to the all mighty dollar. The perfect analogy.
IN FULL DISCLOSURE - I heard this term on Bob and Tom today, from comedian Augie Smith.
TAHL
Friday, June 26, 2009
Monday, June 1, 2009
I want to live in a community.................
Where the police know the residents, including the kids, by name; and watch, investigate, inquire, or contact strangers at night or if they suspect wrongdoing.
Where the police aggressively enforce traffic laws so its safe for me and my kids to drive, ride or walk on the sidewalk and streets on the way to the park; and where the community benefits from the investigations that start as traffic stops.
Where drunk, reckless, negligent, unsafe drivers know they should avoid my community because there is a higher risk the police are being vigilant and the chance of being discovered and prosecuted is real; so they choose to drive around my community.
All these things most every honest person would admit they too would like in their community. Yet they are the things being used to attack the Ottawa Hills PD in the wake of a shooting incident following a felony chase, in which a motorcycle rider may have become paralyzed.
I remain proud to live in a clean, safe, well maintained, lighted, diverse community with a pro-active police force. I thank them for their service every chance I get.
TAHL
Where the police aggressively enforce traffic laws so its safe for me and my kids to drive, ride or walk on the sidewalk and streets on the way to the park; and where the community benefits from the investigations that start as traffic stops.
Where drunk, reckless, negligent, unsafe drivers know they should avoid my community because there is a higher risk the police are being vigilant and the chance of being discovered and prosecuted is real; so they choose to drive around my community.
All these things most every honest person would admit they too would like in their community. Yet they are the things being used to attack the Ottawa Hills PD in the wake of a shooting incident following a felony chase, in which a motorcycle rider may have become paralyzed.
I remain proud to live in a clean, safe, well maintained, lighted, diverse community with a pro-active police force. I thank them for their service every chance I get.
TAHL
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Support our Cops -- Wait for the facts.
Standing in the street as cars go buy can get you killed. Thats called a traffic stop - the most dangerous activity a police officer does.
Driving fast on side streets in a 3000 pound car can get you killed. Its what cops do every day.
Confronting people who are drug crazed, angry, intoxicated or just simply bad people can get you killed. Its what cops do every day.
So before we race to judgment about the shooting of a suspect by Ottawa Hills police, the community I live in, and officers I know; lets wait to find out the facts. Recognize and revere their sacrafices, and wait to pass judgment in haste.
TAHL
Driving fast on side streets in a 3000 pound car can get you killed. Its what cops do every day.
Confronting people who are drug crazed, angry, intoxicated or just simply bad people can get you killed. Its what cops do every day.
So before we race to judgment about the shooting of a suspect by Ottawa Hills police, the community I live in, and officers I know; lets wait to find out the facts. Recognize and revere their sacrafices, and wait to pass judgment in haste.
TAHL
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Cops Subdue Young Teen
Fox news showed a story recently about the arrest of a 14 year old African American boy, which unfortunately lead to a physical confrontation between the officers and the young man.
www.foxtoledo.com/dpp/news/local/wupw_caught_on_tape_family_wants_justice_sharia_davis_may_2009
As stated by the reporter, we don't know all the facts, or how and why this incident escalated into a physical confrontation. I did notice two aspects of the video which are concerning. I am not a TPD academy graduate, or an OHP graduate. I attended the police academy in another state, however, most PMA tactics (Physical Means of Arrest) are standardized; and choking techniques are not generally taught anymore.
The video shows one officer both choking and smothering (hand over mouth) the subject. This is a problem. Granted, in a struggle technique often gets thrown out the window and in tough struggles at times you have to do what it takes to survive, but as shown the incident does not appear to be at a high enough level to require or justify choking. Chokes are very dangerous, and can lead to terrible, unintended consequences.
I don't have the facts of this incident, but as it developed, there are some problems to be addressed. If TPD teaches or allows chokes, then perhaps this arrest was within policy. The smothering is both dangerous (human bites are very infectious) and unnecessary. While there is rarely a legitimate or smart reason to struggle with police, if the hood was hot enough to burn this young man's face, PERHAPS, it is understandable why he would continue to raise his head off the vehicle.
Regardless, I hope this incident is used in a positive way to address tactics, decision making, and techniques for TPD.
TAHL
www.foxtoledo.com/dpp/news/local/wupw_caught_on_tape_family_wants_justice_sharia_davis_may_2009
As stated by the reporter, we don't know all the facts, or how and why this incident escalated into a physical confrontation. I did notice two aspects of the video which are concerning. I am not a TPD academy graduate, or an OHP graduate. I attended the police academy in another state, however, most PMA tactics (Physical Means of Arrest) are standardized; and choking techniques are not generally taught anymore.
The video shows one officer both choking and smothering (hand over mouth) the subject. This is a problem. Granted, in a struggle technique often gets thrown out the window and in tough struggles at times you have to do what it takes to survive, but as shown the incident does not appear to be at a high enough level to require or justify choking. Chokes are very dangerous, and can lead to terrible, unintended consequences.
I don't have the facts of this incident, but as it developed, there are some problems to be addressed. If TPD teaches or allows chokes, then perhaps this arrest was within policy. The smothering is both dangerous (human bites are very infectious) and unnecessary. While there is rarely a legitimate or smart reason to struggle with police, if the hood was hot enough to burn this young man's face, PERHAPS, it is understandable why he would continue to raise his head off the vehicle.
Regardless, I hope this incident is used in a positive way to address tactics, decision making, and techniques for TPD.
TAHL
Friday, January 16, 2009
Dedicated Toledo Workforce
Its nice to see that not everyone is using the cold weather as an excuse not to head out to work. While closings are rampantly streaming across the bottom of our TV screens, the thieves of Toledo are hard at work.
My truck was broken into yesterday, during work hours, in the Port Lawrence parking garage downtown. Toledo thieves, undeterred by weather, are out doing their best to stimulate the underbelly of the economy. While I applaud the thief's dedication, I question his/her talent.
First, I drive an old truck. "Old" in this context does not mean "classic" or "vintage," it means crappy. A rusted out 1991 Ford Ranger to be specific. However, because the prior owner was a young kid, it did have a kickin stereo, so the choice was not completely unreasonable.
I must take issue, however, with how this citizen applies his craft. I naively still expect workers to know their trade, study the masters, and apply it with journeyman skill. My thief is either an apprentice, or is resting on his laurels.
Gone are the days when a man took pride in his work, sought excellence, and the results were self evident. My salvage technician obviously has not studied the masters. He surely has not watched: The Heist, Oceans 11, 12, or 13, or The Ref; as he clearly is unaware that the goal is to steal with such precision and finesse that the mark remains unaware that they have been had for days or even weeks.
Clearly, the person who is re-using my stereo did not do their homework. They obviously did not study the dashboard schematics of the Ford Ranger, and must not have called upon a collegue or former UAW Ford plant "source" who could provide them detailed diagrams of the Ford truck interior, thereby allowing him to effortlessly release the dash and remove its contents with speed and minimal effort. My recycler brutishly pried my dash from its moorings, braking it in the process, leaving clear evidence of his presence through tool marks on the trim, and even destroying his tool, lazily leaving it on my floorboard.
Additionally, he lacked the attention to detail and thoroughness required to excel in any profession. He missed several premium CD's affixed to my sun visor, including Botchelli and Dave Mathews, BOTCHELLI FOR GOD'S SAKE! With even a cursory look behind the seat it would have been clear that my speakers were ripe as fresh apples for picking, as I had not actually mounted them and they were simply resting behind the seat held in place by their magnets. Finally, the briefest glance into the glove box (step #3 in "Auto Burglary for Dummies") would have shown the treasure hunter that his new stereo included a REMOTE.
So not everyone is using the weather as a reason to rest at home on the couch watching Regis and Kelly. Some "go getters" are out braving the elements to ply their craft and provide much needed, gently used electronics, to themselves or their pawn dealer. All is not lost, Toledo does have dedicated, hard working, citizens willing to get out there and profit.
TAHL
My truck was broken into yesterday, during work hours, in the Port Lawrence parking garage downtown. Toledo thieves, undeterred by weather, are out doing their best to stimulate the underbelly of the economy. While I applaud the thief's dedication, I question his/her talent.
First, I drive an old truck. "Old" in this context does not mean "classic" or "vintage," it means crappy. A rusted out 1991 Ford Ranger to be specific. However, because the prior owner was a young kid, it did have a kickin stereo, so the choice was not completely unreasonable.
I must take issue, however, with how this citizen applies his craft. I naively still expect workers to know their trade, study the masters, and apply it with journeyman skill. My thief is either an apprentice, or is resting on his laurels.
Gone are the days when a man took pride in his work, sought excellence, and the results were self evident. My salvage technician obviously has not studied the masters. He surely has not watched: The Heist, Oceans 11, 12, or 13, or The Ref; as he clearly is unaware that the goal is to steal with such precision and finesse that the mark remains unaware that they have been had for days or even weeks.
Clearly, the person who is re-using my stereo did not do their homework. They obviously did not study the dashboard schematics of the Ford Ranger, and must not have called upon a collegue or former UAW Ford plant "source" who could provide them detailed diagrams of the Ford truck interior, thereby allowing him to effortlessly release the dash and remove its contents with speed and minimal effort. My recycler brutishly pried my dash from its moorings, braking it in the process, leaving clear evidence of his presence through tool marks on the trim, and even destroying his tool, lazily leaving it on my floorboard.
Additionally, he lacked the attention to detail and thoroughness required to excel in any profession. He missed several premium CD's affixed to my sun visor, including Botchelli and Dave Mathews, BOTCHELLI FOR GOD'S SAKE! With even a cursory look behind the seat it would have been clear that my speakers were ripe as fresh apples for picking, as I had not actually mounted them and they were simply resting behind the seat held in place by their magnets. Finally, the briefest glance into the glove box (step #3 in "Auto Burglary for Dummies") would have shown the treasure hunter that his new stereo included a REMOTE.
So not everyone is using the weather as a reason to rest at home on the couch watching Regis and Kelly. Some "go getters" are out braving the elements to ply their craft and provide much needed, gently used electronics, to themselves or their pawn dealer. All is not lost, Toledo does have dedicated, hard working, citizens willing to get out there and profit.
TAHL
Monday, December 29, 2008
Toledo Bucks a Trend
While the national numbers for murder are reportedly down, it seems Toledo is on the Rise!
Two more shootings this weekend in the Toledo area, added to many recent killings in our city. Reports of reduced police recruit classes and nation leading unemployment, bookend the daily accounts of violence and death on our streets. The victims are of all ages, with the two most recent being teenage males. Questions such as where were their parents? why were they out so late? and the myriad of excuses and rationalizations will no doubt abound.
For me, the questions blare in my mind; IS IT SAFE HERE? SHOULD I BE ARMED DAILY? and SHOULD I MOVE MY FAMILY SOMEWHERE ELSE?
Sure, my block might be safe generally, and my kids school a good place to attend; but I drive downtown every day, and home after dark every night. Thus, my answers are: NO, YES, and MAYBE. No, Toledo is not a safe city. Yes, I should be armed. And, maybe we should consider moving away.
My in-laws visited from Florida last week for Christmas, and explained how they had to turn back and head home initially after leaving because they forgot the handgun they travel with. Now, their decision to travel armed is not based on the fact that they were headed to Toledo, (they now travel armed on all trips) but I know it was a factor.
GENERALLY, I feel I can keep myself and my family safe by making good decisions as to when, where, and how we move about the city, its events, and its locations. But, I also know I cannot control others, cannot predict where and when violence will occur, and it seems more and more lately, I cannot count on my instincts and wits to ensure I get home safe every day. Regardless of my ability to make good decisions, I fear the day my rationality is overcome by the irrationality or drive of an assailant, and I find myself unprepared to defend me and my own.
I don't know how many spouses gave their loved ones tuition to a concealed carry course for Christmas, but Mrs. TAHL may have a late present coming, and a new New Years Resolution to adopt.
TAHL
Two more shootings this weekend in the Toledo area, added to many recent killings in our city. Reports of reduced police recruit classes and nation leading unemployment, bookend the daily accounts of violence and death on our streets. The victims are of all ages, with the two most recent being teenage males. Questions such as where were their parents? why were they out so late? and the myriad of excuses and rationalizations will no doubt abound.
For me, the questions blare in my mind; IS IT SAFE HERE? SHOULD I BE ARMED DAILY? and SHOULD I MOVE MY FAMILY SOMEWHERE ELSE?
Sure, my block might be safe generally, and my kids school a good place to attend; but I drive downtown every day, and home after dark every night. Thus, my answers are: NO, YES, and MAYBE. No, Toledo is not a safe city. Yes, I should be armed. And, maybe we should consider moving away.
My in-laws visited from Florida last week for Christmas, and explained how they had to turn back and head home initially after leaving because they forgot the handgun they travel with. Now, their decision to travel armed is not based on the fact that they were headed to Toledo, (they now travel armed on all trips) but I know it was a factor.
GENERALLY, I feel I can keep myself and my family safe by making good decisions as to when, where, and how we move about the city, its events, and its locations. But, I also know I cannot control others, cannot predict where and when violence will occur, and it seems more and more lately, I cannot count on my instincts and wits to ensure I get home safe every day. Regardless of my ability to make good decisions, I fear the day my rationality is overcome by the irrationality or drive of an assailant, and I find myself unprepared to defend me and my own.
I don't know how many spouses gave their loved ones tuition to a concealed carry course for Christmas, but Mrs. TAHL may have a late present coming, and a new New Years Resolution to adopt.
TAHL
Thursday, December 4, 2008
The Danger and Dissapointment of Distraction
As I drove home down Dorr street last night I found myself trailing a TPD cruiser, and I noticed how bright the in-car computer screen was. As I moved closer I saw that the computer was not displaying a LEADS or NCIC screen, but SOLITAIRE.
This made me think of many things. First, I have spent countless hours in a patrol cruiser and I know, even in a city the size of Toledo, Police work entails hours of boredom. So I get it.
And while boredom is common for cops, complacency and distraction are a dangerous combination for a cop's safety. I would hate to have a cop killed because he was playing on the computer and failed to see a dirtbag walk up to the car and stick a gun behind his ear, or to the window.
Secondly, although I did not see if there were two cops in the cruiser, I assume the driver was not playing cards while driving. Regardless, there is enough stuff going on each day and night in Toledo that a patrol cop needs to be focused on the job. I would likewise hate to have a TPD cruiser miss a back alley drug deal, drunk driver, or citizen in distress because he or she was working a computer card game.
Lastly, with all the budget talk, worries about police management and resources, and the common attacks of TPD on the Internet -- its disappointing to see a TPD cop put themselves and the department in a position to defend this occurrence.
Why is solitaire even on their systems?
I like cops. I support cops. I respect cops. But, lets be real, keep an eye on the ball and the street, not on whether a there is a black jack to put your red 10 under.
TAHL
This made me think of many things. First, I have spent countless hours in a patrol cruiser and I know, even in a city the size of Toledo, Police work entails hours of boredom. So I get it.
And while boredom is common for cops, complacency and distraction are a dangerous combination for a cop's safety. I would hate to have a cop killed because he was playing on the computer and failed to see a dirtbag walk up to the car and stick a gun behind his ear, or to the window.
Secondly, although I did not see if there were two cops in the cruiser, I assume the driver was not playing cards while driving. Regardless, there is enough stuff going on each day and night in Toledo that a patrol cop needs to be focused on the job. I would likewise hate to have a TPD cruiser miss a back alley drug deal, drunk driver, or citizen in distress because he or she was working a computer card game.
Lastly, with all the budget talk, worries about police management and resources, and the common attacks of TPD on the Internet -- its disappointing to see a TPD cop put themselves and the department in a position to defend this occurrence.
Why is solitaire even on their systems?
I like cops. I support cops. I respect cops. But, lets be real, keep an eye on the ball and the street, not on whether a there is a black jack to put your red 10 under.
TAHL
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