Articles by publisher

Legal Update May/June 2023

Larry E. Holtz, Esq. Clarifying the Process for Malicious Prosecution Claims In Thompson v. Clark, 142 S.Ct. 1332 (2022), the plaintiff, Larry Thompson, lived with his fiancée and their newborn baby girl in an apartment in Brooklyn, New York. At the time, Thompson’s sister-in-law was also staying there. The sister-in-law apparently suffered from a mental illness. On the day in question, the sister-in-law called 911 and claimed that Thompson was sexually abusing his one-week-old baby daughter.When several EMTs and four…


BUSTED! Real Stories of Genuine Absurdity May/June 2023

James L. McClinton, Ph.D. But, they were helping to save the environment… Criminal masterminds in Gwinnett County, Georgia, carried out a foolproof plan. The criminals broke into a store and stole several pieces of gaming equipment. However, it seems that their departure was quickly stopped in its tracks. These eco-friendly thieves made their getaway in a Tesla. But, as it is with all electric vehicles, it needed to be charged. And, that’s where the police located them – at a…


…AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH May/June 2023

Ramesh Nyberg Just the Facts… The percentage of audiences – in print or in person – who recognize the name Joe Friday or the TV show “Dragnet”are dwindling faster than my eyesight. For that reason, allow me to provide a quick preamble to this column. Sgt. Joe Friday was the hard-nosed, no-nonsense LAPD detective from the show “Dragnet,” one of the most popular police shows of all time. Friday was famous for conducting interviews of witnesses and, when they rambled…


Season Two of The Debrief Announced

Following the success of its first season, The Debrief with Jon Becker came back for season two which started February 1, 2023.The new season will feature interviews of Medal of Honor Recipient MSgt. Earl Plumlee debriefing his actions on August 28, 2013, in Afghanistan; RCMP Inspector Kevin Cyr discussing RCMP-ERT and tactical decision making; Chief Phil Hansen on the history of LASD-SEB and modern leadership challenges; as well as an operator from Brigade de Recherche et D’intervention (BRI) with a…


New Grant Funding Opportunities

The COPS Office recently announced that the following grant funding opportunities are now open and accepting applications. The 2023 Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act program is a competitive grant program which provides funding to improve the delivery of, and access to, mental health and wellness services for law enforcement through the implementation of peer support, training, family resources, suicide prevention, and other promising practices for wellness programs. The 2023 LEMHWA program will include two open solicitations: The LEMHWA…


National Firearms Commerce and Trafficking Assessment (NFCTA) – Crime Gun Intelligence and Analysis – Volume 2

Published by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), this report is a complete assessment of firearms dealings in the United States and the diversion of firearms to illegal markets. Volume I, “Firearms in Commerce,” published in May 2022, focused specifically on the regulated firearms industry. According to the report, a crime gun is any firearm used or suspected to have been used in a crime. This NFCTA volume is the first all-inclusive report to include crime gun…


Implementing Peer Support Services in Small and Rural Law Enforcement Agencies

Published by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), this publication discusses peer support as an important part of an officer wellness strategy. Employees may feel more comfortable initially seeking support from a peer who understands the context and has experienced the same stressors. This guide provides a road map for small and rural law enforcement agencies implementing or enhancing peer support services. It highlights promising practices and provides brief case studies of peer support programs in three small…


How to Help Your Law Enforcement Loved One

Published by the National Suicide Awareness for Law Enforcement Officers Program (SAFLEO), this brief discusses the reluctance of some law enforcement officers to seek mental health treatment. The people closest to them often hold a special kind of influence when trying to convince their loved ones to seek help. This SAFLEO issue brief provides ways for family members, friends and others to support their law enforcement loved ones and shares practical strategies for helping officers in need.  The brief can…


Documenting and Advancing Promising Practices in Law Enforcement Victim Support – Agency Self-assessment Tool for Law Enforcement Victim Support

Published by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), this publication discusses the importance of victim centered, trauma informed approaches to crime. These approaches enhance victim and community safety while helping law enforcement solve and prevent crime. The Agency Self-Assessment Tool for Law Enforcement Victim Support is designed to assist law enforcement agencies in reviewing practices related to victim response – specifically the integration of victim centered, trauma informed practices into the overall operating philosophy and culture of the…


BUSTED! Real Stories of Genuine Absurdity Marcha/April 2023

James L. McClinton, PH.D. It’s shocking – criminals will break the law even while in court… A Georgia man and a fellow codefendant are facing new allegations that they conducted a hand-to-hand drug deal inside the courtroom while jury selection was taking place. Courtroom surveillance footage shows the alleged drug deal, with one man sliding something into the other man’s hands. A deputy spotted the transaction and confiscated what was later determined to be a Percocet pill. Deputies reportedly found…