After working on a number of news stories for Ronnie Garrett, former editor of Law Enforcement Technology (LET) magazine, she offered me the chance to take over a column for a departing contributor. The column, called Managing in the Millennium, originally dealt with management issues, but eventually the focus became more general and the column rebranded as “On Your Watch.”
I liked the second version best because it allowed me to address many different issues important to me when I was an officer. I had served 12 wonderful years as a LEO and loved every moment of it, especially knowing I’d contributed positively to the lives of others and my community in general. Through LET magazine, my connection to a profession I loved remained open.
During my tenure at the magazine, I received lots of email. Many readers agreed with my points and wanted to share their own experiences. One of my favorite messages came from a retired female officer who was in the first wave of women patrol officers. She shared her thoughts about paving the way for other female officers. As someone who benefitted from her pioneering contribution, I felt truly grateful.
Over the years, I made great friends with many of my correspondents. I have to admit some of my best columns grew out of those electronic conversations. Today I value those exchanges and the relationships that developed more than they will ever know. But not all of my reviews were favorable: I also met some here and there who didn’t agree with me and, in a few cases, one or two who weren’t afraid to tell me they didn’t think much of my work. And that was okay, too. I liked stirring a bit of controversy here and there. Often their contrarian opinions provided new avenues to contemplate. I was and am now grateful to them all, supporters and detractors alike.
I also had the opportunity to work with some great staff members at LET and Officer.com. I had the honor to consider them both editors and friends. These fine people have worked very hard over the years to provide readers with the very best editorial content, while contributing to the overall welfare and knowledge of the profession in general.
Be assured that the editing and writing staffs at both LET and Officer.com are some of the profession’s most enthusiastic and vocal supporters. They really do walk the walk.
In 2016, I started reducing my workload as a full-time writer. I phased out magazine and newspaper articles and began to concentrate more on the essay/creative writing side of things. I knew the time to step down from LET fast approached. Now that moment has come and it’s bittersweet. It really is hard to say goodbye. So, I’m going to make it short and to the point: I’d like to thank this magazine and its owners and staff for the opportunity you gave me. I gained much more out of my association than any of you will ever know.
And to all of those who’ve read my column over the years, especially those among you who’ve taken the time to contact me, my thanks and appreciation to you for making this one sweet ride. It has been a pleasure, officers, and you will always be in my thoughts, my heart and my prayers.
Stay safe out there.
Editor’s Note : For the last decade, Carole Moore has taken readers in the law enforcement industry on a journey through her fiery, passionate, informative and well-written columns. The editorial staff at SouthComm Law Enforcement Media would like to thank Carole for her fine work throughout these years and wish her the best in her new chapter. Check back here next month for a new column penned by Editorial Director Lt. Frank Borelli (ret.).
