A very good episode of This American Life. Specifically about Trenton, paying too much tax, paying too little tax, budget cuts, and policing. Notice (what is still denied by many academics) the basic link between cutting police, ineffective policing, and rising crime. Or course it could always be just coincidence. Except it isn’t. [thanks to…
Read more
I’m about to read the Village Voice’s one-sided new “scoop” about Adrian Schoolcraft. I’m going to predict it says 1) there was pressure to reduce crime stats, 2) the NYPD makes a surprisingly good faith effort to get to the bottom of the issue, and 3) keep in mind (this won’t in the article) everything…
Read more
When I was a cop, we got a memo stating the mayor’s young daughter thought we had a dirty parking lot. The best response (from Gotti, naturally) implied something that would definitely be illegal, even withconsent. Reminds me of this: The Superintendents will take the greatest care that nothing is permitted, either by noise at…
Read more
Funny how a few illegal searches for drugs might cost your job and next thing you know, you, the “good guy,” is in prison. Why did you do it, Sarge? Was it worth it? Did you really think you going to win the drug war? From the Times: Mr. Eiseman, who lost his job as…
Read more
Off-duty officer accused of some pretty bad stuff. From the Sun: Law enforcement sources say the .22-caliber rifle believed to have been used in the shooting was found inside his personal vehicle. Two boys, ages 12 and 13, have been charged with involuntary manslaughter; the officer has not been charged with any crime. So much…
Read more
In issuing to the Police Force the new badge to be worn when the men are on Duty, the Superintendents will fully explain that the object in view is to prevent the constant complaints that would be made by the public on seeing those of the Police Force who are not on Duty walking or…
Read more
I haven’t said anything about the NYPD’s surveillance of Muslims because, well, I have nothing to say. If it’s legal and good, I’m for it. If it’s illegal and bad, I’m against it. If it’s illegal and good, well then it better be damn good! But I have no clue. So I’ve kept my mouth…
Read more
#6. “Well, $500,000 a Year Might Sound Like a Lot, but I’m Hardly Rich.” #5. “Hey, I Worked Hard to Get What I Have!” #4. “If I Can Do It, So Can You!” #3. “You’re Just Jealous Because I Made It and You Didn’t!” #2. “You Shouldn’t Be Punishing the Very People Who Make This…
Read more
Pulaski Day was our favorite day off from school, growing up in Illinois. Even then we knew it was special. From the Chicago Sun-Times: But why is Casimir Pulaski honored here rather than any other Polish war hero from the Revolutionary War? Because Pulaski is easier to pronounce than Kosciuszko. There you have it. Here…
Read more
From the Holland tunnel in NYC. The picture from the story in the New York Times.