Tag: officer

Another “Dumb Criminal” – Sold Heroin to a Cop in Uniform

"Court Case Friday" I had a case where a uniformed Garden Grove Police Officer was on foot patrol in a large multi-apartment area adjacent to Santa Ana.  The residents were predominantly day laborers and poor working families. There was significant drug trafficking and gang activity in the area. At the request of the law-abiding residents, … Continue reading Another “Dumb Criminal” – Sold Heroin to a Cop in Uniform →

“My” “Dumb Criminal” – He Sold Drugs to an Officer in Uniform

"Court Case Friday" If criminals are dumb, then young, inexperienced juvenile criminals are often the dumbest. As a young attorney, I prosecuted a dumb teenage marijuana dealer. A police officer was on patrol near the parking lot of Huntington Beach High School. The officer was in full uniform, and he was driving a black-and-white police car. … Continue reading “My” “Dumb Criminal” – He Sold Drugs to an Officer in Uniform →

DUI Drivers Versus the Alphabet

"Court Case Friday" “Drunk Driving” (DUI) cases are some of the most tragic. They are also some of the most entertaining. Field Sobriety Tests In the “old days,” reciting the alphabet was a standard field sobriety test (FST). This FST tested mental impairment. Mental impairment occurs before observable physical impairment. Years ago, the National Highway … Continue reading DUI Drivers Versus the Alphabet →

Motorcycle Officers Can Be Rigid

"Court Case Friday" Motorcycle traffic officers have a reputation for strict, “no tolerance” enforcement.  They also develop “thick skins” because angry drivers are constantly arguing with them.  They calmly respond, “Tell it to the judge.” However, “no tolerance” sometimes means “no judgment.” “Robocop” There was a very intense Huntington Beach motor officer who was in … Continue reading Motorcycle Officers Can Be Rigid →

Officer Shot and Killed a 5-Year-Old Boy

"Court Case Friday" In 1983, my colleagues and I in the OC District Attorney’s Office evaluated a heartbreaking, tragic case. Stanton Police received a 911 call complaining about suspicious noises coming from an “empty” apartment where a single woman lived with her 5-year-old son.  The caller was also worried that the boy had not been … Continue reading Officer Shot and Killed a 5-Year-Old Boy →

Law Enforcement’s Secret Weapon — Bilingual Returned LDS Missionaries

Orange County police departments love to hire LDS returned missionaries. They are mature and seasoned. They have a balanced outlook on life. They can handle hardship and discouragement. They get along with people. They aren't easily corrupted by sex, alcohol, or drugs. They are sober and law abiding In short, LDS returned missionaries are just about everything a … Continue reading Law Enforcement’s Secret Weapon — Bilingual Returned LDS Missionaries →