Frank Borelli
Editor-in-Chief
Officer.com
I remember, oh so well, in the early ’90s when “Community Oriented Policing” became the new buzzwords in law enforcement how so many agencies all of a sudden started teaching classes for the subject. As a person who had been a municipal police officer for my entire police career to that point, I couldn’t for the life of me figure out why agencies who dealt with HUGE jurisdictions felt they should be teaching classes on something COMMUNITY oriented. Let me explain. Read the rest of this entry »
Frank Borelli
Editor-in-Chief
Officer.com
According to online resources, Memorial Day was first celebrated as Decoration Day to honor the Union dead after the end of the Civil War. The name “Memorial Day” wasn’t used until 1882; became more common after World War II but wasn’t made a federal holiday until 1967. For some, Memorial Day means nothing more than a chance to have a three day weekend, cook out, open their pool, etc. For others, the meaning hasn’t been lost and - although the celebrations still occur - the reason for them is always at the forefront of their minds. What reason? To remember and honor those service men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Read the rest of this entry »
Frank Borelli
Editor-in-Chief
Officer.com
Given that I have to write anywhere from 52 to 104 blogs per year I’m always on the look out for new topics and ideas. Sometimes they come from the unlikeliest of places. The inspiration for this blog came from a Harry Potter book. Laugh hard… and when you’re finished laughing, read on. Read the rest of this entry »
Frank Borelli
Editor-in-Chief
Officer.com
National Police Week has arrived once again. We honor with sadness the 181 officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in 2007. There have been a number of articles written about the value of attending Police Week and what it means to remember and honor the fallen. That’s not what this blog entry is about. Read the rest of this entry »
Frank Borelli
Editor-in-Chief
Officer.com
Just today I was talking with some folks and in the course of conversation the topic of how well various public safety members get along was brought up. There was a belief put forth that police officers and deputies don’t tend to get along with firefighters all that well, and that firefighters don’t tend to get along so well with EMS Responders. I took issue with that. Read the rest of this entry »
Frank Borelli
Editor-in-Chief
Officer.com
“Training should be like a bloodless battle so that battle is just like bloody training.” (A maxim of the Roman Legion.) Some time back I wrote an article about firearms training and how many agencies simply don’t approach it correctly. Many focus on meeting and documenting their ability to meet whatever minimum state standards have been set. Instead, in my humble opinion, they should be focusing on instilling maximum skill in their officers. Read the rest of this entry »
Frank Borelli
Editor-in-Chief
Officer.com
When I was in junior high school I had friends that I was sure would be in my life FOREVER… and none of them are. In high school I knew guys and had friends that I was sure would be in my life FOREVER… but none are. When I was in the Army I made friends I was sure would last FOREVER… but none have. When I was in the police academy I made friends I was sure would last at least through my career… but I haven’t talked to any of them in years. Read the rest of this entry »
Frank Borelli
Editor-in-Chief
Officer.com
“It’s not what you take when you leave this world behind you; it’s what you leave behind you when you go.” - Randy Travis
Call me corny but I’m a country music fan for the lessons that can be learned from many of the songs’ lyrics. Since 9-11 Toby Keith has written a number of patriotic songs I really enjoy. Songs that contain small lessons about life have been put out by Montgomery Gentry, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill and others. For some reason, this music appeals to me more than the classic rock I grew up with - even though that’s still fun too. Read the rest of this entry »
Frank Borelli
Editor-in-Chief
Officer.com
Have any of you seen the movie, “Demolition Man” starring Sylvester Stallone? It’s a wonderfully imaginative science-fiction movie in which every human being is tagged with a microchip embedded in their skin. If anyone commits a violation of law (such as violating the “morality statue” by cussing) their bank account is automatically debited a specified fine amount. In the movie, Stallone’s character refers to this as “fascist”. What scares me is that we may well indeed be on our way to such a system. Read the rest of this entry »
Frank Borelli
Editor-in-Chief
Officer.com
Mentor:
- A wise and trusted counselor or teacher.
- To serve as a trusted counselor or teacher.
Welcome to April; the beginning of spring – a time for new growth from what has been dormant since fall. Pardon the reach, but isn’t this something new growing from that which is old? Last year’s maturity being passed into this year’s youth? Throughout the ages this has been a path of education, wisdom – and to some extent – likes and dislikes. Yet here I sit, as a man who has served in one uniform or another for more than 25 years now, and as I look back there are only one or two mentors I remember having. Why is that? Read the rest of this entry »