"Court Case Friday" Some Cops Turn to Crime Throughout my legal career I encountered several crooked police officers. I seem to be a magnet for those cases. Outstanding Huntington Beach Police Police officers, especially detectives, are the finest group of people I have ever worked with. However, EVERY profession has “bad apples.” Police officers are … Continue reading My First “Crooked Cop” Case Was a “Real Doozy”
Police Officers --The Bad Apples I have been honored to serve along side law enforcement officers for over forty years. I cannot think of a finer group of men and women. However, in every profession there are bad apples. There is nothing worse for the reputation and credibility of law enforcement than “dirty” or “rogue” … Continue reading Rogue Cops Destroy a Family July 4th Celebration Creating an Ethical Dilemma for Me
Some criminals are dumber than others. I prosecuted some of the dumbest ones. An Orange County city had a problem with drug sales in a high-density area. So, the police decided to do a surveillance using their unmarked old beat up surveillance van. Three officers drove in the van to the target location. There was the … Continue reading Dumb Criminal Tries to Steal Undercover Police Van with Cops Inside
Body worn cameras aid the police and protect the public. Every patrol officer should be required to wear a body cam while on duty. In most cases, the video corroborates the officer and incriminates the defendant. The body cam can also record and deter police misconduct. Ultimately, body cams keep everybody honest. “A picture is … Continue reading Police Reform (4/10): “More Body Cams”
The worst thing for the reputation of law enforcement is a dirty, corrupt, or violent officer. A very small percentage of police officers are "bad apples." But "one bad apple can spoil the bunch.” A “bad apple” in law enforcement undermines public support for the police and taints the reputations of good officers. I am … Continue reading Police Reform (3/10): “Remove the Bad Apples”
"Defund the police" There is a tidal wave of negative publicity regarding police brutality and excessive force. Because of police misconduct, and criminal conduct, there is a growing movement to "defund the police. " Black Lives Matter has called for the "national defunding of police." "Defund" means to "withdraw funding from." Some activists want to completely … Continue reading Police Reform (2/10): “More Women Officers”
Winston Churchill observed that democracy is the “worst form of government – except all others.” That is how I view our law enforcement and criminal justice systems. This ten-part series of recommendations for improving law enforcement is based on my 10 years as a prosecutor and over 30 years as a criminal law judge. Saved … Continue reading Police Reform (1/10): “Support Law Enforcement Privately and Publicly”
The Dumb Defendant Destroys his Defense (Too many alliterations?) One year, a man came to rob a gas station mini-mart. He walked up to the counter, put his hand in his pants pocket under his untucked shirt, and said to the cashier, “I have a gun, give me all your money.” The young cashier was … Continue reading More Entertaining Stupid Criminals
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