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VOL. 42 NO. 2 FEBRUARY 2026

FEATURES/COVER

84 FEATURE/COVER STORY, U.S. MARSHALS

92 U.S. MARSHAL T. MICHAEL O'CONNOR

94 DEPUTY U.S. MARSHAL CAMERON WELCH

COVER PHOTO BY SHERINA

WELCH, FREESPIRITFOTO

DEPARTMENTS

PUBLISHER’S THOUGHTS

WEST COAST EDITOR - JESSICA

EDITOR REX EVANS THOUGHTS

WORDS OF FAITH - JOHN KING

OFFICER INVOLVED - DANIEL CARR

GUEST COMMENTARY - DONALD MIHALEK

NEWS AROUND THE US

BREAKING NEWS

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

REMEMBERING OUR FALLEN HEROES

WAR STORIES

AFTERMATH

NEW** BLUEPRINTS OF RESILIENCE

HEALING OUR HEROES

DARYL’S DELIBERATIONS

BLUE MENTAL HEALTH DR.

LIGHT BULB AWARD

ADS BACK IN THE DAY

PARTING SHOTS

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FOUNDER, PUBLISHER, EDITOR-N-CHIEF

MICHAEL BARRON

OUR TEAM

EDITOR-AT-LARGE

Chief Rex Evans(Ret)

SENIOR EDITOR

Dr. Tina Jaeckle

WEST COAST EDITOR

Jessica "JJ" Jones

COPY EDITOR

Lt. John King (Ret)

OUTDOOR EDITOR

Rusty Barron

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Lt. Daryl Lott (Ret)

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Sam Horwitz & Det. John Salerno (Ret)

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Doug Griffith

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Art Woolery

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Daniel Carr

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Emmanuel Gonzalez Sosa

FEATURE STORIES

Michael Barron

OUR CONTRIBUTORS

WAR STORY

Sgt. Michael Barron (Ret)

AFTERMATH

Det. Dave Evanson

CONTRIBUTING COMMENTARY

Daniel Carr, Donald J. Mihalek

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Joanna Putman, Police 1

Jenna Curren, Law Enforcement Today

Greg Hoyt, Law Enforcement Today

Sara Roebuck, Police1

Valerie Gonzalez

Jim Vertuno, Peter White

Jay Weaver, Mark Price

Holly Ramer, Libir Jany

Teri Fiqueroa, Karen Kucher

Katie Kull, Tyler Brown

Martin Bilbao, Dave O'Connor

Our Thanks to:

Fox News, Associated Press,

Police Magazine

The Law Officer, Police 1.com

& Law Enforcement Today

The BLUES is published monthly by Kress-Barr, LLC, PO Box 2733, League City Texas 77574. The opinions expressed in some

articles, op-eds, and editorials are those of the author and do not reflect the opinion of The BLUES or its parent company.

Rebuttals or submission of news articles and editorials may be submitted to: The BLUES @ bluespdmag@gmail.com.

The entire contents of The BLUES IS copyrighted© and may not be reprinted without the express permission of the publisher.


FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ICE PLEASE

In the last presidential

election, 77.3 million people

(roughly 49% of all who voted)

agreed with Donald J. Trump’s

plan to rid this country of illegal

aliens, to make America

safer again, and elected him

president. The remaining 48%

apparently thought it was OK

for illegals to continue robbing,

raping, and murdering

innocent Americans.

ICE agents on the ground

across America are doing

exactly what nearly half the

population elected Trump to

do: arrest and deport every

criminal illegal in this country,

while the other half is fighting

ICE every step of the way.

Like it or not, ICE agents are

federal police officers, and by

law you are required to comply

with all their commands.

When you are ordered to exit

a vehicle, you must exit the

vehicle. If you attempt to use

your vehicle as a weapon,

deadly force will be used to

stop you. It’s really that simple,

but not to the thousands

of crazies showing up daily in

cities across America doing

everything they can to prevent

ICE from doing their jobs. Every

day, ICE agents are injured

when said crazies throw rocks,


bottles, frozen water bottles,

fireworks, and anything else

they can bring to the party.

They scream, blow horns and

whistles, and use their cars to

smash into ICE vehicles transporting

the worst of the worst.

Imagine going to work today

and having citizens follow

you while on patrol and then

sit in their cars honking their

horns while you try to talk to a

wife who has just been beaten

by her ex, or having water

balloons thrown at you in 10°

weather. It would be impossible

to do your job, but this

is what ICE agents face on a

daily basis.

Then imagine working in cities

and states where the governor

and mayor call you thugs

and refuse to assist you when

you call for help, or threaten

to call in the National Guard.

So what? The National Guard

is going to intervene and stop

ICE from doing their jobs? No

soldier is going to do that.

But this isn’t about ICE arresting

illegals. It’s the radical

left attacking the conservative

right. It’s the woke vs. the unwoke.

Democrats vs. Republicans.

Just watch the news and

you'll see one Democrat after

another threatening to impeach

the President and Kristi

Noem.

And it carries over to social

media. People are either

on one side or the other, split

50/50. So what is the answer?

Until another 9/11 happens

or aliens land on the planet,

the divide in this country will

continue. As a law-abiding

citizen with conservative and

Christian beliefs, I can’t understand

what the other side is

even thinking. Ask one of them

the same question, and their

response is always the same.

There is no common ground at

all.

At some point, ICE will have

rounded up all the illegals in

the country, and they won’t be

the lead item on the news, but

the protests and riots will continue,

just with a new cause

and another reason to hate the

other side.

FROM THE WEST COAST

HOLD THE ICE

I’m Jessica Jones, West Coast

Senior Editor for The BLUES. My

assignment was to provide a

counterpoint to Sgt. Barron’s

“ICE Please” editorial. Living in

LA provides a smorgasbord of

radical left-minded individuals

more than willing to share their

distaste for ICE and the police in

general.

Meet Raylynn. Her pronouns are

“they” and “them.” Don’t say it, I

already know. Raylynn (formerly

known as Randy) is a barista at

the Starbucks I frequent, and it

didn’t take much encouragement

to get her to open up about ICE

and their raids on LA and now

Minnesota.

Raylynn, what do you think

about ICE arresting illegal

aliens in LA?

As far as I'm concerned, ICE

agents are just white terrorists

roaming the streets of America,

terrorizing Americans for

no reason. They wear masks to

hide their faces and their identities

so they can rain terror down

on innocent Americans. I have

friends who have lived in LA for

20 or 30 years, and suddenly they

are criminals. Why? Why are they

criminals? What have they done

to be beaten, dragged out of their

cars and taken to God knows

where? Why?

So don’t you want robbers,

rapists, and killers taken off the

streets of LA?

There’s no proof that’s who they

are arresting. They are taking

friends, neighbors, and employees.

These people have families, you

know. They don’t deserve this.

Just because they have jobs

and families doesn’t mean they

aren’t criminals Raylynn. Some

of those arrested are gang

members from Venezuela and

Colombia. They have killed

your friends, neighbors, and

even Carlos, who used to work

here. Remember? Surely you

want these people arrested and

thrown out of the country?

Yeah, but not by ICE. ICE are

terrible men doing terrible things.

Look at that woman they killed in

Minnesota. She was just driving

her car down the street, and they

shot her in the head for no reason.

That’s sick. She had a wife, kids,

and a family.

Raylynn, the woman tried to

run over an ICE agent with her

car, and that’s why she got shot.

Good, I hope he dies. I hate them

so much. They all need to die. I

hate all cops. All they do is harass

people. Beat people up. I see it on

YouTube every day.

Raylynn, is that where you get

your information? From You-

Tube?

Of course not. I watch videos on

TikTok too.

OMG, what in the hell is wrong

with you? That is all bullshit,

Raylynn. That ICE agent was

just doing his job. The woman

refused to obey the cops and

then tried to run, and when she

did, she intentionally tried to

run over an ICE agent. He is a

father, a dad, and has a family

that wants him to come home

safely. Doesn’t that matter to

you?

Not really. I don’t know why I’m

talking to you anyway. You date

a cop, and you’re just as evil as

they are. I hate all of you.

Raylynn is what’s wrong with

half of this country. They hate

everything and everyone that

doesn’t identify with their lifestyle

and ideology. I finished up

my coffee and headed out to my

car, only to find Raylynn standing

by her car with a smashedin

window, yelling into her

phone.

What’s up, girl? Who are you

yelling at?

The cops. Who else? It’s going

to be an hour before they can get

here, and why aren’t they watching

our cars so shit like this

doesn’t happen in the first place?

Wait, I thought you hate the

cops. Why are you even calling

them?

Duh, I need a report. That’s

their job, isn’t it?

Bye, Raylynn.


FROM THE EDITOR-AT-LARGE

Valentine’s Day Gift

February always brings us Valentine’s

Day. Since somewhere

around 2011 or 2012, Valentine’s

Day has reminded me of an incident

I was at where things were,

well… pretty heated. And NOT in

a very good way.

So, the setup to this scene was

a school bus, with a driver and

students, under fire from a farout-there

white supremacist

who, for whatever reason, put on

his Kevlar helmet, tac vest, and

loaded up his rifle. Unfortunately,

at the same time this guy was

having his “fit,” the school bus

drove down the road where his

trailer was located.

Of course, the cavalry responded.

Two detectives, a patrol sergeant,

a patrol deputy, and me—

their captain at that time. Upon

our arrival, a couple of shots

were fired by the suspect. We did

not return fire, as we had no idea

who, if anyone, was inside the

trailer.

Our main concern was the bus

driver and the students on the

school bus. After a quick assessment

of the incident, I notified

the Chief Deputy, the Sheriff, and

our local Texas DPS. I requested

a Special Response Team (SWAT)

from Texas DPS through our local

Texas Ranger. Once the request

was made and the circumstances

relayed, the team was called in.

ETA was about 60–90 minutes.

I remember thinking to myself,

“This will all be over way before


then…”

Well, a couple more shots later,

we took up defensive positions

while also blocking the roadway

leading toward the suspect’s

trailer. Then… we got a great

look at our suspect as he ran out

the back door of the trailer and to

a nearby large, fallen tree.

When he did so, one of our

detectives said, “I got him! I got

him!”

To which I responded, “Hold fire.

Do not engage the suspect.”

I had a couple of reasons, actually.

One, I didn’t want to make

this idiot a martyr by taking him

out. Two, I knew—and always

will know—what it’s like to have

to shoot another human being. I

didn’t want to give a “green light”

to someone who would have to

live with that same moment forevermore

in their career and life.

Now, here is where the whole

scene really got… well, funny.

The patrol sergeant was behind

one wheel of my old Crown Vic,

and I was behind the other. He

was on the phone, just as calm

and cool as could be, explaining

to his wife how he was going to

be a bit late for Valentine’s Day

dinner because we were in a bit

of a mess. But he loved her, and

he would get home to her as

soon as he could.

I have never forgotten that moment.

For me, it encapsulated everything

we are. Cops—yes. Placing

ourselves between a shooter and

a school bus without a moment

of hesitation. We were professionals

who didn’t lose our cool

over a little gunfire. But above

all that, we were human beings.

Capable of knowing we

still needed to let our loved ones

know, “We’re gonna be a minute.

Keep the Valentine’s dinner going.

We’ll get there.”

This incident resolved when the

idiot gave up. We put him in the

back of a car, at which point he

began trying to tear the car apart

from the inside out. A good dose

of OC spray took the fire right out

of him.

Funny—I remember thinking,

“All is well that ends well.”

My patrol sergeant was headed

home to his wife for dinner. We

were all headed to the station for

paperwork. The kids were getting

home safe and sound. And…

our suspect got a Valentine’s Day

gift from the Sheriff’s Office that

literally brought him to tears.

Anywho… Happy Valentine’s

Day to you all, my friends. God

bless. Stay safe out there.

START SHOPPING




WORDS OF FAITH

Chaplain's Corner

GREATER LOVE HAS NO

ONE THAN THIS . . .

Greetings fellow Blues readers!

As we all know, Valentine’s Day

falls on February 14th, and for that

reason some refer to February as

the month of love. On a personal

note, February 14th happens to be

my birthday. My mother referred to

me as her little Valentine’s present.

Although, by the time I hit my teens

and wanted to grow my hair long,

listen to rock ‘n’ roll music, and

ride and/or race motorcycles I’m

pretty sure she was rethinking that

moniker! But I digress.

I want us to take a look at the

English word “love” in the Bible.

First, the word “love” and a number

of its’ variants occur 311 times

in the King James Version of the

Bible. That’s a lot of love! And our

English word “love” is used for

several different Hebrew and Greek

words, the languages from which

our English bibles are translated.

Exploring all those words and their

meanings is beyond the scope of

this article, but I want us to take a

look at a few select Scriptures that

give us some insight into the love

of God and His Son, Jesus Christ.

Let’s start with what is possibly

the most quoted verse in the

whole Bible:

“For God so loved the world, that

he gave his only begotten Son, that

whosoever believeth in him should

not perish, but have everlasting

life.”

(John 3:16 KJV) Even people who


may have never opened a Bible

can often quote this verse, and

that’s good. What the verse tells

us is that God loves the world He

created (Did you get that? This

is HIS world, not mankind’s.) to

the extent that he gave His only

begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die

on a cross to pay the sin debt that

we cannot pay, for all those who

believe in His Son, Jesus Christ.

Next, let’s look at a verse that

should definitely speak to First

Responders:

“Greater love hath no man than

this, that a man lay down his life

for his friends. (John 15:13 KJV)

Now, as current and retired First

Responders we all know that we

have lost way too many brother

and sister First Responders. I don’t

believe any of us signed up for

the job thinking it would lead to

our death, but we knew it might;

it has for many and continues to

do so to this very day. Sadly, it is a

virtual certainty that First Responder

deaths will continue as

long as there are First Responders

and those in our world who

choose to perpetrate violence

against them. While it may seem

a little “touchy feely” for this

audience, the truth of the matter

is that First Responders do what

they do out of love for their fellow

human beings, and John 15:13 tells

us that it is indeed a great love!

Now, it’s fair to ask the question,

“What is the source of love?” Glad

you asked.

“We love because he first loved

us.” (1 John 4:19 ESV) The “he” in

this verse is God. That’s right, God

is the source of all love. He created

us to be loving beings and to

love Him because He loved us first.

And lastly let’s look at a verse

that speaks of the person who

says they do not love anyone,

probably not even themselves:

"Anyone who does not love does

not know God, because God is

love."

(1 John 4:8 ESV) It is indeed a

cold, bitter heart that claims no

love for anyone.

Remember, love is like the

show-and-tell we used to have in

school. This Valentine’s Day, or this

month, or for that matter, any day

of any month show and tell the

ones you love that you love them.

If you are a Chaplain for your department,

or know a Chaplain who

would like to contribute an article

for The Chaplain’s Corner please

contact our office at: bluespdmag@gmail.com


GUEST COMMENTARY Y

Police Law News

Daniel Carr

CBP OFFICER INVOLVED:

Alex Pretti

Now that we have all time to

digest this incident and undoubtedly

consume the most biased,

vile, and divisive commentary

on this incident…let’s take a few

minutes to truly see this case

from the other side.

Then we can go back to our

corners lobbing memes and

insults from anonymous devices

while our kids sit on adjacent

couches.

FACTS

Here are some objective facts:

• CBP officers were conducting

an operation.

• Alex Pretti attended to protest

and cause disruption.

• A CBP officer was involved in

a shoving match with a female

protester.

• Alex stepped in between the

officer and the female.

• The officer then pushed Alex

and deployed pepper spray.

• The officer then went to arrest

Alex.

• Alex actively resisted the arrest.

• Alex was armed with a handgun

(that was holstered).

• Multiple agents joined in the

scrum in an effort to arrest Alex.

• An agent yelled “Gun!”.

• Alex did not unholster the

weapon.


• A CBP officer disarmed Alex…

at the same time another officer

unholstered his firearm.

• As the first officer took a step

away with Alex’s gun…the other

agent fired multiple rounds at

Alex.

STEEL-MAN THE ARGUMENT:

ALEX PRETTI

• Alex was an ICU nurse.

• Alex was a legal gun owner.

• Alex attended the protest -

which was legal.

• Alex was carrying a holstered

gun - which was legal.

• Alex saw an officer pushing a

female and attempted to de-escalate

by stepping in between

the female and the officer.

• Alex did not actively attack

the officer.

• Alex was pushed and pepper

sprayed by the officer.

• Alex did not unholster or

reach for his gun.

• Alex was on the ground with

multiple agents attempting to

arrest him and he never punched,

kicked, or pulled his gun.

• An officer disarmed Alex and

took possession of his gun.

• After that - he was fatally

shot multiple times by another

officer.

*Alex lawfully attended a

protest, while lawfully carrying

a gun and attempted to non-violently

intervene and “help” a

woman that had been pushed by

an officer. Alex never pulled his

gun and was fatally shot after he

had been disarmed.

STEEL-MAN THE ARGUMENT:

THE CBP OFFICER

• The officer has been with

CBP (Customs & Border Patrol)

for 8 years and has never

been involved in an officer-involved-shooting.

• The officer was working

as part of a team conducting

an Operation that targeted an

illegal, who was wanted on an

assault charge.

• Despite that objectively reasonable

work assignment - protesters

flooded the street and

harassed the officers.

• Officers now had to deal with

a large, angry crowd that outnumbered

them.

• The scene was chaotic and

volatile.

• The officer observed one of

his partners attempting to arrest

Alex Pretti.

• Multiple officers jumped in to

help and attempted to get Alex

into handcuffs.

• Alex resisted arrest and would

not allow officers to control his

arms/hands.

• During this an officer yelled

that Alex had a “Gun!”.

• The officer saw the gun and

also observed that Alex was still

resisting arrest.

• The officer saw that Alex’s

hands were still not under control.

• The officer unholstered and

made the decision to utilize

deadly force.

• In between the 1 second that

the officer pulled his weapon…

and fired - another officer disarmed

Alex.

• The officer did not yell or announce

that he had possession of

the weapon.

• Due to the chaos and multiple

officers - the officer did not

see or realize that Alex had been

disarmed.

• At the moment that the officer

made the decision to utilize

deadly force - he honestly believed

that Alex was armed and

resisting arrest.

• The agent believed that if Alex

gained control of the gun..death

or great bodily injury was imminent.

• Due the fact that officers

were having such a difficult

time restraining Alex, the officer

believed Alex had the ability to

reach for/take possession of the

gun.

• If the agent knew that Alex

had been disarmed, one second

prior, he would not have utilized

deadly force.

*The agent was just trying to

arrest a violent criminal when

he was forced into this chaotic

situation that he did not initiate.

The officer honestly believed that

Alex was armed and resisting arrest

at the time he fired the shots

- that was true up until 1 second

before the shots were fired.

Those are some of the strongest

arguments from each side.

Hopefully that helps to humanize

the section of the other side

that is willing to have honest

discussion.

These cases are too important

to purely politicize.

MY TAKE

1. Labeling the officer a “murderer”

or Alex Pretti a “terrorist”

isn’t helpful.

2. Alex likely didn’t appreciate

the danger of resisting arrest

while armed with a gun.

3. The officer didn’t realize that

Alex had been disarmed.

THE LAW

A great synopsis from

self-defense expert/attorney

Andrew Branca:

“Officers were in a physical

struggle with an armed suspect

when a gun was perceived

and the word “gun” was shouted.

Under settled self-defense

law, officers are entitled to rely

on fellow officers’ reasonable

perceptions. They do not have to

personally confirm the threat.

Once a firearm appears during

active resistance, the legal

standard is simple: reasonable

perception of imminent deadly

force. That standard was met

here. Freeze-frame activism

doesn’t override real-time dynamics,

and the law does not require

officers to wait to be shot.

This was a tragic—but lawful—

use of force.”

FINAL THOUGHTS

Once the officer disarmed

Alex…did he say anything to

alert the other officers that this

gun was no longer in play? I

can’t tell from the cell phone

footage.

*ICE/CBP need body cams.


GUEST COMMENTARY Y

Police Law News

Daniel Carr

OFFICER VS MOVING VEHICLE

Let's Settle this Now!

This article is of course inspired

by the hysterical response

to the Renee Good/ICE fatal

shooting in Minneapolis, MN.

The concept of police officers

shooting at moving vehicles is

not new. Agent Ross was not the

first law enforcement officer to

break this barrier. It happens

more than you think. Often with

little fanfare. And the vast majority

of these cases are found to

be both: a (possible) violation of

department policy/training and

within the law.

*One such case was just resolved

a few days ago in Ohio.

It is objectively “worse” than the

Renee Good shooting…and no

one cares (more on that later).

I watched a few of the initial,

imperfect cell phone videos

from the Renee Good shooting

and within a matter of minutes I

came to the opinion that the use

of deadly force was very likely

objectively reasonable.

Here’s why:

• Agent Ross was standing in

front of the SUV (generally).

• Renee Good was given clear

orders to exit the vehicle.

• Renee Good disobeyed those

orders and instead…moved the

SUV forward…towards the general

direction of Agent Ross.


• In a situation like that…most

reasonable officers would feel

in fear of death or great bodily

injury.

That’s it. This is simpler than

you think.

Notice - I didn’t need to examine

the position of the steering

wheel, the direction that the tires

were facing, the applicable department

policy, or what memes

had been shared by Agent Ross.

If a resistant suspect drives a

car towards an officer, the officer

will probably perceive that they

could be injured/killed by the car.

That perception is reasonable.

REASON & ABSURDITY

The officer’s life is wholly in

the control of the suspect driving

the vehicle.

The officer doesn’t know if the

suspect: will accelerate rapidly

or steer the vehicle towards or

away from them in an instant.

Expecting an officer to trust

that the suspect will spare the

officer’s life out of the goodness

of their heart is absurd.

A QUICK DEBUNKING

If you believe that the Good

shooting was unreasonable or

unlawful and that opinion is

based on:

• Slowing down the video to .3

speed to show that the officer

wasn’t in the direct path of the

vehicle at the time that the last

shot was fired,

• Zooming in the video on the

angle of the tires,

• The fact that the officer

switched his cell phone to his

left hand - freeing up his gun

hand, before the vehicle moved

forward.

…you must listen to a ton of

anti-police activists and have

zero idea on how a use of force

investigation is conducted.

I’LL DEBUNK THESE QUICKLY.

1. The use of force is evaluated

from what a reasonable officer

knew or should have known at

Appointed by

President Trump

Christian

Conservative

Grew Up in Local

Oil & Gas Family

PROVEN CONSERVATIVE

AMERICA FIRST FIGHTER

TRUSTED BY PRESIDENT TRUMP

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the time. Not what you know

now, with the privilege of enhanced

video, and 20/20 hindsight.

2. No officer in a situation that

unfolds this quickly is looking

at the position of the tires or the

steering wheel. So, those factors

are simply not relevant.

3. Officers on traffic stops are

trained to have their “gun hand”

free and/or their hand on their

gun. This is standard. Not evidence

of malfeasance.

MEANWHILE IN OHIO

A few days ago the District

Attorney cleared a Sergeant that

was involved in a fatal Officer-Involved-Shooting

(OIS) in

Liberty, OH in December 2024.

In short, Jason Cain was driving

a stolen vehicle. Officers

were able to “box in” the vehicle

in the parking lot of a Harbor

Freight store.

Jason ignored commands from

police officers and instead reversed

into a police cruiser and

then accelerated forward, striking

another police cruiser. The

vehicle then proceeded forward

and a Sergeant fired five shots,

as Jason drove away, killing him.

The vehicle crashed into the

front windshield of the Harbor

Freight store.

The Sergeant was cleared and

the DA stated, “a vehicle is considered

a deadly weapon when

it is driven in a reckless manner

with an intention to harm another

person.”

The Sergeant in this case was

in less objective danger than

Agent Ross - as the vehicle was

moving away from him. The

shooting was found to be within

the law. And no one cares.

It is not the fact pattern that


ignites the activists - it’s the irrational

hatred of ICE.

DHS POLICY

A few things first:

• Policy is not law.

• Training is not law

• Often, the penalty for violating

a policy/training is a letter of

reprimand, a day off, termination

or additional training. Not prosecution!

According to the DHS policy,

deadly force cannot be used to

stop someone who is fleeing,

though it is authorized when an

officer believes that someone

who’s trying to escape poses a

serious threat to the officer or

others. The two narrow circumstances

outlined in the policy

are:

1. When a person in the vehicle

is using or imminently threatening

deadly force by means other

than the vehicle, or

2. When the vehicle itself is

being operated in a manner that

poses an imminent threat and

no other objectively reasonable

defensive option exists—explicitly

including “moving out of the

path of the vehicle.”

This policy is fairly standard

throughout law enforcement

agencies.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The reality is that law enforcement

officers have a ton of legal

leeway when it comes to shooting

at moving vehicles.

Officers are almost never prosecuted.

The “worst” cases are typically

handled as a policy violation but

not unlawful.

If an officer is for the most part

in front of a suspect vehicle and

the suspect accelerates in the

general direction of the officer..

not only will reasonable officers

utilize deadly force in response

to the deadly threat but reasonable

decision makers and jurors

will not be in a hurry to prosecute/convict

the officer.

There is a general understanding

that the victim forced the

officer into and awful and impossible

position.

ABOUT POLICE LAW NEWS

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GUEST COMMENTARY

Donald J. Mihalek

How politics in Minneapolis are

putting law enforcement at risk.

The City of Minneapolis, the

Department of Homeland Security,

politicians and the public have

been embroiled over the past few

weeks in a heated dynamic due to

ongoing ICE operations in the area.

This situation has become politically

charged due to the heated rhetoric

of politicians coupled with several

use-of-force incidents. The latest

incident involved a man who legally

possessed a weapon and was fatally

shot by U.S. Border Patrol (CBP)

agents assigned to ICE to support its

operations.

WHY HAS THIS OCCURRED?

According to federal officials, the

state of Minnesota and several local

jurisdictions have policies that limit

cooperation with federal immigration

enforcement. The federal

government has labeled Minneapolis

and other jurisdictions as “sanctuary

jurisdictions” because of those

policies, arguing they hinder the

enforcement of federal immigration

law. That designation has been cited

by DHS as part of the rationale for

increasing ICE and Border Patrol enforcement

activity in the area, with a

stated focus on locating and removing

criminal illegal aliens.

The state, of course, has pushed

back on that claim, asserting it has

cooperated with ICE on many levels;

however, each jurisdiction often has

a complex relationship with federal

immigration laws and ICE. These

policy disagreements have had consequences.

POLITICAL RHETORIC COLLIDES

WITH STREET-LEVEL POLICING

Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovina


has repeatedly alleged that local

police are not cooperating and

claimed that during their operations,

they called Minneapolis police to

help, but Minneapolis police failed to

respond. Minneapolis police stated

they have no record of the request.

The Border Patrol Chief has also

accused local officials of “collusion

and corruption” with “anarchists.”

Whether this reflects a communications

breakdown, documentation

failure or deeper trust issue, the

dispute itself underscores how fractured

inter agency coordination has

become.

Trump administration officials

called Alex Pretti, the man shot by

federal officials on January 24, an

“assassin” and “domestic terrorist,”

and DHS has maintained that it will

continue to “surge” ICE personnel

and operations. Meanwhile, the

Governor and the Mayor of Minneapolis

continue to tell ICE to leave. The

Governor went so far as to assert

that ICE personnel are “untrained,”

while following the fatal shooting of

Renee Good on January 7, the Mayor

said that ICE should “get the f… out

of our city.”

This hyper-charged political environment

has translated into a complex

and conflicting situation on the

street, creating dangerous tensions

between every level of law enforcement.

Federal and local agencies are

now blaming each other for their

engagement — or lack thereof —

with the public. “These types of civil

rights violations have to stop,” said

Mark Bruley, Chief of Brooklyn Park

Police Department. The law enforcement

leaders also said federal

agents don’t seem to be coordinating

their work across the metro, and that

a small group of federal agents are

causing problems by stopping com-

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munity members in traffic and in the

street with no cause and demanding

that they produce paperwork proving

they’re in the country legally.

WHY INTERAGENCY TRUST MAT-

TERS IN MODERN POLICING

Law enforcement, by its nature, is

a “team sport,” and agencies must

rely on each other to be effective in

keeping the streets safe. When that

“team” breaks down, it degrades law

enforcement operations and effectiveness

across every level — federal,

state and local. As the effective

C3 model of policing states, the

goal is to “facilitate unity of effort

and criminal intelligence gathering

by, with, and through inter agency,

community, and private enterprise

cooperation in order to detect, disrupt,

degrade and dismantle criminal

activity.”

Yet none of that can occur when

law enforcement agencies are bombarded

by heated political rhetoric

over policy disagreements that are

beyond their control. Mayor Rudy

Giuliani of New York City, who took

over a city in deep decay, was once

quoted as saying, “It’s about time

law enforcement got as organized

as organized crime.” Yet in Minneapolis,

we are watching a disorganized

law enforcement dynamic due to

politics being used to divide operations

rather than unite them.

Even the Minnesota Police and

Peace Officers Association has said

that politicians need to tone down

the rhetoric: “Irresponsible, reckless

rhetoric from political leaders attacking

law enforcement has real &

dangerous consequences for officers

on the street. When officers are vilified,

demonized, or used as political

props, it fuels hostility, emboldens

bad actors, and puts lives directly at

risk.”

ENFORCEMENT CLAIMS ARE

OVERSHADOWED BY POLITICAL

CONFLICT

Regarding their operations, DHS

Secretary Kristi Noem has said DHS

agents have “arrested over 10,000

criminal illegal aliens who were


killing Americans, hurting children

and reigning terror in Minneapolis

because Tim Walz and Jacob Frey

refuse to protect their own people

and instead protect criminals. In the

last 6 weeks, our brave DHS law enforcement

have arrested 3,000 criminal

illegal aliens including vicious

murderers, rapists, child pedophiles,

and incredibly dangerous individuals.

A huge victory for public safety.”

This victory is for all in Minnesota,

yet due to political rhetoric, it is lost

among viral videos and allegations

of non-cooperation.

The federal government has

made huge investments in federal-state-local

law enforcement

collaboration, most effectively under

various task force models. Under

these models, guns, drugs, gangs,

child predators, and wanted criminals

(both U.S. citizens and illegal

aliens) have been removed from the

streets, making the nation safer.

The International Association of

Chiefs of Police stated: “Effective

public safety depends on comprehensive

training, investigative

integrity, adherence to the rule of

law, and strong coordination among

federal, state, and local partners. In

times of uncertainty, officials at all

levels play a critical role in de-escalating

tensions by using measured,

responsible rhetoric that reinforces

lawful processes and public trust

rather than deepening division.”

Recently, Attorney General Pam

Bondi sent a letter to Governor

Walz laying out conditions for ICE

to change its operational posture

in Minneapolis. The Governor responded

in a press release and flatly

denied every request.

When Vice President JD Vance

went to Minneapolis, he urged local

and state officials to work with federal

officials. Perhaps it is time for

all parties to sit down and figure out

a path forward before the damage

done to law enforcement relationships

in the area becomes permanent.

What this means for chiefs and

sheriffs elsewhere

For law enforcement leaders

around the nation, the breakdown of

cooperation and coordination in Minneapolis

highlights what can happen

when political considerations

begin to override police work and

how political rhetoric can inflame

passions against law enforcement.

There is a lesson here that cooperation

and coordination across all

levels of law enforcement is critical

to avoid what we are seeing in

Minneapolis. Irrespective of policy

disagreements, if federal immigration

or other federal operations were

to surge in another city tomorrow,

the same divisions could take hold

without unity of effort, clear communication

and mutual trust — with

consequences for both public safety

and the agencies involved.

A LEADERSHIP WARNING, NOT A

POLICY DEBATE

This is not about taking sides on

the immigration policy. It is about

law enforcement leadership readiness

and willingness to support each

other. Chiefs and sheriffs must ensure

communication protocols with

federal partners are clear, tested and

functional — and that contingency

plans are in place — before operations

occur. Once a use-of-force incident

unfolds, it is too late to repair

broken relationships or delineate

lines of authority.

Minneapolis is a cautionary example,

not a blueprint for success.

Political debates may continue, but

law enforcement cannot afford

operational ineffectiveness, paralysis

and fragmentation. Agencies that fail

to work together and do not demand

coordination and unity of effort will

find their officers caught in the middle

of a dangerous dynamic when

federal operations occur, which are

meant to make local jurisdiction safer.

The cost of that leadership failure

can be high and measured in losing

public confidence, disorder, legal

exposure and officer safety risks.


AROUND THE COUNTRY

CALDWELL CNTY, TX

Deputy Constable Aaron Armstrong was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a

man at Club Rodeo at 9515 North Lamar Boulevard in Austin.

Another senseless loss, for

what? A Texas deputy was fatally

shot by a career criminal who

was mad he got kicked out of an

Austin bar.

At 2am, Caldwell County Deputy

Constable Aaron Armstrong

was working security at Club

Rodeo when he had to remove a

man who was in an altercation.

After pulling away from the

deputy, the shooter continued to

yell and cause a disturbance in

a crowd in the parking lot. Armstrong

warned him he could go

to jail. The shooter retrieved a

gun from one of the cars in the

parking lot and fired at Armstrong

multiple times.

Armstrong returned fire before

he collapsed to the ground.

While fleeing the scene, one of

the men in the shooter's group

ran over the fallen deputy's arm.

Deputy Constable Armstrong

was transported to the hospital,

where he succumbed to his

wounds.

The shooter, who had an

extensive criminal record with

33 prior charges, admitted his

involvement when apprehended

and was arrested on capital

murder and other charges.

The driver who fled the scene

was charged with assault of a

peace officer.

Deputy Constable Armstrong

had served with the Caldwell

County Constable's Office -

Precinct 3 for over one year

and previously served with the

DEPUTY AARON ARMSTRONG

Smithville Police Department. He

is survived by his father, mother,

and brother.

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AROUND THE COUNTRY

UXBRIDGE, MA.

Police Officer Stephen LaPorta was fatally struck by tractor-trailer

while helping a driver in need on a local highway.

UXBRIDGE, MA. (WHDH) - A

Massachusetts community is in

mourning after a police officer

was struck and killed by a tractor-trailer

while helping a driver

in need.

Officials say Uxbridge Police

Officer Stephen LaPorta, 43, died

shortly after midnight Wednesday

when he was struck by tractor-trailer

on Route 146 Northbound.

Police say LaPorta was

outside his car, assisting another

driver, at the time.

The driver of the tractor-trailer

was taken to the hospital for

minor injuries.

“This heartbreaking incident

reminds us of the risk that law

enforcement officers take every

day. Officer LaPorta gave his life

and service to this community, a

sacrifice that we will never forget,”

Police Chief Marc Montminy

said.

LaPorta had been with the

Uxbridge Police Department for

approximately two years. He is

survived by his wife and 13-yearold

child.

A tribute to LaPorta was set

up at police headquarters, with

black bunting draped on the

building and wrapped around

a police cruiser out front. Residents

left flowers and American

flags in tribute to the officer they

were calling a hero.

Gov. Maura Healey paid a visit

to the police station Wednesday

to pay her respects following the

tragedy.

“It’s a tough job that they do

every day, and again, we just are

grateful for those who serve and

who are willing to risk their lives

and well-being for the sake of

the rest of us,” Healey said.

OFFICER STEPHEN LAPORTA

As state troopers work to piece

together exactly what happened,

Montminy is urging anyone who

witnessed the crash to come

forward.



AROUND THE COUNTRY

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Police Officer Terry Bennett succumbed to injuries he received when

he was struck by the driver of a vehicle while assisting a disabled motorist

on Interstate 695 in Washington, D.C.


The Metropolitan Police Department

(MPD) is deeply saddened

to announce the line of

duty death of Officer Terry Bennett

after he was struck by a

vehicle while assisting a motorist

on I-695.

On Tuesday, December 23,

2025, at approximately 10:10 p.m.,

Officer Bennett was assisting a

motorist who ran out of gas in

the eastbound lanes of I-695 near

South Capitol Street. Officer Bennett

was struck by a secondary

motorist at a high rate of speed.

Fellow officers immediately began

rendering care and Bennett

was transported to a local hospital.

Officer Bennett succumbed to

his injuries on Wednesday, January

7, 2026.

32-year-old Terry Bennett was

a nearly 8-year veteran of MPD.

Bennett joined MPD in February

2018 and was assigned to the

First District after graduating

from the Metropolitan Police

Academy. Bennett was born and

raised in DC and was a graduate

of Ballou Senior High School.

Bennett graduated from Bucknell

University prior to joining MPD.

From the beginning of his career,

Officer Bennett demonstrated

a constant commitment to

building trust and strengthening

relationships between law enforcement

and the DC community.

Officer Bennett devoted over

a decade to mentoring young

people as a coach at Ballou

Senior High School where he

served as assistant head football

coach and defensive coordinator.

Officer Bennett was recognized

by his peers and the community

for his positive impact on countless

students. Officer Bennett’s

commitment to others is exemplified

by his decision to be an

organ donor, a selfless act that

will make a lasting impact for

years to come.

“The men and women of the

Metropolitan Police Department

stand shoulder to shoulder

with Officer Bennett’s family

and friends as they process this

unimaginable loss,” said Interim

Chief of Police Jeffery Carroll.

“Officer Bennett was a model

officer, a born and raised Washingtonian

who wanted to make

a positive impact on his community,

dedicating himself to bettering

the lives of young people.

This loss is devastating for both

our department and our city.

POLICE OFFICER TERRY BENNETT

I ask that all Washingtonians

reflect on Officer Bennett’s sacrifice

and keep his family in their

thoughts and prayers.”

MPD’s Family Support Team is

working with the Bennett family.

Information regarding funeral

arrangements is forthcoming.

MPD insists that media respect

the Bennett family’s privacy

during this time.

The crash remains under investigation

by detectives from MPD’s

Major Crash Investigations Unit.

There are currently no updates

on the investigation.

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AROUND THE COUNTRY

COPPERAS COVE, TX.

Police Officer Elijah Garretson was ambushed and killed in Copperas

Cove Texas while responding to reports of a suspicious person.

COPPERAS COVE, Texas

(KWTX) - Police officers attempted

to subdue a wanted

fugitive with a Taser moments

before the suspect fatally shot

a police officer, a Texas Department

of Public Safety report

obtained by KWTX states.

Jamison Cavazos, 26, fatally

shot Officer Elijah Garretson, 27,

at Great Hills Drive and Lost Trail

intersection on Jan. 10.

Police said Cavazos took his

own life after a “lengthy negotiation

attempt.”

Cavazos was wanted on warrants

for failing to appear and

engaging in organized criminal

activity.

He was spotted in Copperas

Cove and Officer Garretson

responded along with two other

officers, the report states.

OFFICER ELIJAH GARRETSON

The officers approached

Cavazos, and during the interaction,

“a taser deployment

occurred as well as an officer-involved

shooting involving

Cavazos and two of the responding

officers,” the DPS report

states.

Officer Garretson was wounded

during the gunfire, DPS said.

The police officers immediately

drove Garretson to Advent Hospital,

where he was pronounced

dead.

Cavazos fled the scene of the

shooting, but was ultimately located

“deceased of an apparent

self-inflicted gunshot wound,”

the DPS report states.

KWTX learned former 27th

District Judge John Gauntt

repeatedly denied prosecutors’

requests to revoke Cavazos’ probation

and send him to prison.

According to authorities,

Cavazos had been scheduled

for sentencing on Jan. 9, 2026,

but failed to appear in court,

prompting the current 27th District

Judge, Debbie Garrett, to

issue an arrest warrant.


The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund is dedicated to honoring the

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The National Law Enforcement

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officers who have made the ultimate

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The National Law Enforcement

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AROUND THE COUNTRY

PUERTO RICO

Agent Aníbal Morales Aponte succumbed to injuries he received when his

patrol motorcycle was struck by a driver who ran a red light.

Agent Aníbal Morales

Aponte succumbed to injuries

he received when

his patrol motorcycle was

struck by a driver who ran a

red light at Rafael Cordero

Avenue in Caguas.

At 6:20 a.m., Agent Morales

Aponte was driving on

Rafael Corero Avenue when

a driver made an illegal left

turn and crashed into Agent

Morales Aponte. He was

transported to the Rio Piedras

Medical Center, where

he died of his injuries six

days later.

Agent Morales Aponte had

served with the Puerto Rico

Police Department for 29

years and was assigned to

the Caguas Motorized Unit.

He is survived by his twin

daughters, mother, life partner,

and two stepdaughters.

Fellow officers said Aponte

was an incredible officer

that loved his job and his

family.

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There really is no way to put into

words the devastation left behind

by the floods in the Texas Hill

County. The loss of life, especially

those lost from the camps along

what was the peaceful Guadalupe

River, is just incomprehensible. If

you’re the sheriff or police chief

of the town in the center of the

disaster, you are obligated to hold

daily press conferences. You share

what you know and when you

knew it. That’s what Kerr County

Sheriff Larry L. Leitha tried to do.

But each time he stood in front of

the cameras, the idiots from the

mainstream media, launched into

their blame-game questions.

Owning a police magazine

means you must wear two hats,

one of a First Responder and

another as a representative of the

media. While I am proud to be a

member of the first, I am embarrassed

to admit I have anything

to do with the latter. The outright

disrespect I witnessed from the

media towards the officials in Kerrville,

just trying to do their jobs

in unimaginable circumstances,

was unbelievable.

Sheriff Leitha showed great

restraint in dealing with these

lowlife reporters. Most I assume

were not from Texas. His job was

hard enough without Monday

Morning Quarterbacks criticizing

him for his every move. I wish my

good friend Sheriff Grady Judd

from Florida could spend a day


SPECIAL MEMORIAL ON PAGE 229


AROUND THE COUNTRY

BOSSIER PARISH, LA.

Deputy Sheriff Tim Jordan was killed in a train collision on Highway

3 at Benton Road and Kingston Road in Benton.

On January 21, at approximately

8:00 a.m., troopers with the

Louisiana State Police Troop G

responded to a single-vehicle

crash involving a train on Louisiana

Highway 3 near Kingston

Road. The crash claimed the life

of 40-year-old Deputy Timothy

Jordan of Bossier City.

The preliminary investigation

indicates that Jordan was on

duty and operating his department-issued,

fully marked 2019

Dodge Charger while conducting

stationary enforcement when

his vehicle was struck by a train.

The circumstances leading up to

the collision remain under investigation.

Jordan was unrestrained at

the time of the crash and sustained

severe injuries. He was

transported to a local hospital,

where he later succumbed to his

injuries. Impairment is not suspected;

however, routine toxicology

samples were collected and

submitted for analysis.

This crash remains under investigation.

Deputy Jordan had served with

the Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office

DEPUTY SHERIFF TIM JORDAN

for four years.


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AROUND THE COUNTRY

WEEKLY COUNTY, TN.

Weekly County Sheriff's Deputy Derrick Bonham, was shot and

killed responding to a shots fired call.

WEAKLEY COUNTY, TN – Deputy

was shot and killed in the

line of duty early Friday morning.

Martin Police Chief Phillip Fuqua

said Martin police responded to

a disturbance at the Days Inn, located

at 800 University Parkway

for possible shots fired.

Fuqua said deputies from the

Weakley County Sheriff’s Office

(WCSO) responded to assist

Martin police with the call.

According to Fuqua, deputies

were responding to the scene

at approximately 3:09 a.m. and

they spotted an occupied vehicle

leaving Pocket’s Gas Station,

located at 821 University Street.

The driver fired shots at the

officers, striking a WCSO deputy.

“The WCSO Deputy was transported

to Volunteer Community

Hospital and later pronounced

deceased,” said Fuqua, in a press

release.

Martin police officers took the

suspect in custody. There is no

continued threat to the public.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation

(TBI) has been requested

to investigate the shooting.

Officials have not identified the

suspect or deputy at this time.

Martin police said additional

DEPUTY SHERIFF DERRICK BONHAM

information on the investigation

will be released by the TBI.

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AROUND THE COUNTRY

JEFFERSON PARISH, LA.

Deputy Sheriff Christopher Ohlmeyer was killed while serving in a

funeral escort on Airline Highway in New Orleans.

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - A

Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office

deputy died after a traffic accident

Friday (Jan. 30) while on

motorcycle duty during a funeral

escort in New Orleans, NOPD

Supt. Anne Kirkpatrick said.

The deputy later was identified

as 41-year-old Christopher

Paul Ohlmeyer of River Ridge.

A fundraising account for his

family has been established

here by Jefferson Parish Sheriff

Joe Lopinto.

New Orleans police said the

fatal crash occurred in the 9200

block of Airline Highway around

11:40 a.m.

A captain with the Jefferson

Parish Sheriff’s Office said

Ohlmeyer was a 16-year law

enforcement veteran, including

14 years with the JPSO. He was

married and had two children.

The driver of the other vehicle

was taken to a nearby hospital

for treatment. Authorities did

not release information about

that person’s condition.

Officials said the escort was

an off-duty assignment in

which officers volunteer to provide

funeral procession escorts.

Because the crash occurred in


New Orleans, the New Orleans

Police Department is leading

the investigation.

Authorities said traffic investigators

are collecting video,

analytic data and other evidence,

including drone footage

and vehicle data, to reconstruct

the crash.

Lopinto was out of town

when the fatal accident occurred.

Authorities from both

agencies asked for privacy

for the deputy’s family as they

grieve.

Kirkpatrick described the

incident as a difficult day for

both law enforcement agencies

and said they would work together

to support the deputy’s

family and honor his memory.

The New Orleans Police Department

extends its deepest

condolences to the Jefferson

Parish Sheriff’s Office, the deputy’s

family, loved ones, and

colleagues during this incredibly

difficult time.

Our thoughts and prayers are

with the deputy’s family and

with every deputy and officer

who is grieving this tragedy.

We honor the service, sacrifice,

and commitment that define

DEPUTY SHERIFF

CHRISTOPHER OHLMEYER

our profession, and we remain

united in support of our partners

during this time of mourning.

The JPSO said Ohlmeyer

spent nearly 15 years with the

agency, working across several

different areas of the department.

Starting in Corrections, he

attended the training academy,

graduating in August 2014.

Following graduation, he was

assigned to the Fourth District,

where he spent 11 years serving

the people of the east bank.

Last year, he transferred to the

Traffic Division. He recently

qualified as a motorman.

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AROUND THE COUNTRY

MINNEAPOLIS, MN.

ICE Operations continue despite Border Patrol shooting, protests,

assaults on officers and their hotel.

By Joanna Putman, Police1

MINNEAPOLIS — A fatal shooting

involving federal immigration

officers during a large-scale enforcement

operation in Minneapolis

has sparked legal challenges

and protests, as authorities

investigate how the encounter

unfolded.

The shooting occurred on Jan.

24 during a federal immigration

enforcement action, according to

the Department of Homeland Security.

The man who was fatally

shot during the encounter was

identified by family members as

Alex Pretti, 37, a local ICU nurse.

A DHS spokesperson said

officers fired “defensive shots”

after a man approached with a

handgun and “violently resisted”

efforts to disarm him. Minneapolis

Police Chief Brian O’Hara

said Pretti was believed to be a

lawful gun owner with a valid

permit to carry.

Federal officials identified the

agent who fired as an eight-year

Border Patrol veteran.

The shooting took place amid

a stepped-up federal immigration

enforcement effort in Minnesota

that is now the subject of

multiple court proceedings and

public statements by state, local

and federal officials.


Below is a summary of key developments

since the shooting.

President Donald Trump

weighed in on social media,

criticizing state and city officials

and questioning the response

from local law enforcement.

He also shared an image of the

firearm DHS says was recovered

at the scene.

In a post on Truth Social,

Trump urged lawmakers to

“immediately pass Legislation to

END Sanctuary Cities” and called

on Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz,

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey

and other Democratic leaders

“to formally cooperate with the

Trump Administration to enforce

our Nation’s Laws, rather than

resist and stoke the flames of

Division, Chaos, and Violence,”

Politico reported.

In his post, Trump demanded

that state and local leaders turn

over all unauthorized immigrants

with active warrants or

criminal records, including those

in custody, for immediate deportation.

He also called for full

cooperation with federal agents

conducting operations in sanctuary

jurisdictions.

While Minnesota has not formally

declared itself a sanctuary

state, the Justice Department

listed it as such in August. Several

cities and counties in the state,

including Minneapolis, restrict

local cooperation with federal

immigration enforcement.

DHS TO HANDLE SHOOTING

INVESTIGATION, TRUMP SENDS

BORDER CZAR TO MINNEAPOLIS

Trump, speaking on Jan. 26,

said the administration is reviewing

the shooting and has

dispatched border CZAR Tom

Homan to assess the situation,

CBS News reported.

“We’re reviewing everything

and will come out with a determination,”

Trump told The Wall

Street Journal.

The investigation is being led

by the FBI, with support from the

Homeland Security Investigations,

according to FBI Director

Kash Patel. Customs and Border

Protection (CBP) is also conducting

an internal administrative

review through its Office of

Professional Responsibility, CBS

reported.

COURT HEARINGS RELATED

TO MINNESOTA ICE OPERATION

A federal judge is hearing arguments

on Jan. 26 on whether

to temporarily block Operation

Metro Surge in light of the deaths

of Alex Pretti and Renee Good,

The National News Desk reported.

The case, brought by the State

of Minnesota and the cities of

Minneapolis and St. Paul the

large-scale immigration crackdown

launched in December,

according to the report.

Minnesota Attorney General

Keith Ellison, who is attending

the hearing, called the scale and

tactics of the operation “unprecedented”

and described it as a

“novel abuse of the Constitution.”

The lawsuit asks U.S. District

Judge Katherine Menendez to

restore federal immigration

enforcement levels in Minnesota

to pre-surge numbers and limit

the scope of operations. The

Justice Department has moved

to dismiss the request, calling it

“legally frivolous” and arguing

that Minnesota is trying to “veto

federal law enforcement.”

In a separate case on Jan. 16,

Menendez ruled that federal officers

in the state can’t detain or

use tear gas on peaceful protesters

who aren’t obstructing authorities,


An appeals court temporarily

suspended that ruling.

Meanwhile, a second federal

hearing will be held on Jan. 26

in a separate case concerning

the shooting of Alex Pretti. In

that matter, Judge Eric Tostrud

issued a temporary order on Jan.

24 barring federal officials from

destroying or altering evidence,

including bodycam footage and

forensic material.

Protester accused of attacking

officer after fatal shooting

During a press conference on

Jan. 25, U.S. Border Patrol Commander

Greg Bovino said chaos

erupted after agents fatally shot

Alex Jeffrey Pretti, FOX reported.

”As federal agents attempted

to control the crowd, a protester

tackled an ICE special agent

and allegedly bit off part of the

officer’s finger, officials said.

The agent received emergency

treatment and was taken to a

hospital. The injury is described

as permanent.

“The officer is recovering but

has lost part of his finger,” said

Marcos Charles, Executive Assistant

Director for ICE’s Enforcement

and Removal Operations.

Officials blamed local political

leadership and protesters for

escalating tensions and interfering

with law enforcement duties.

They warned of a rising trend

of violence directed at federal

agents amid ongoing immigration

operations.

Arrests following protest at

hotel alleged to be housing federal

agents

Multiple people were arrested

overnight after protesters

clashed with federal agents

outside a Minneapolis hotel believed

to be housing immigration

officers, FOX reported.

Tensions escalated late on Jan.


25 outside the Home2 Suites Hotel

on University Avenue, where

demonstrators gathered after

the shooting of Pretti. Protesters

accused agents of using excessive

force.

Protesters blew whistles, rang

bells and attempted to force

open the front doors, according

to the report. At one point, individuals

used a shovel to remove

the hotel placard, while others

threw snowballs at security personnel.

Federal agents deployed tear

gas and flashbangs in an effort

to disperse the crowd. Authorities

stated that some arrests

were made as protesters were

being pushed back from the entrance.

The Minnesota Department of

Public Safety said arrests were

justified due to property damage

and described the protests

as “not peaceful.” In a statement

on X, the department noted that

Minnesota State Patrol and the

Department of Natural Resources

(DNR) initially assisted Minneapolis

police in responding to the

situation.

DHS, LOCAL OFFICIALS CALL

FOR CALM

A senior Immigration and Customs

Enforcement (ICE) official

is urging demonstrators in Minnesota

to keep protests peaceful

amid growing unrest, FOX reported.

Speaking on Fox & Friends

Weekend on Jan. 25, Sam Olson,

ICE’s field office director in

St. Paul, acknowledged the right

of the public to monitor federal

operations but warned against

interfering with active enforcement

actions.

“We have no problem with the

public watching what we do,

filming what we do, talking to

us while we do it,” Olson said.

“But there is that line… when

they start to impede and get in

situations where, frankly, we

don’t want them to be, we can’t

have them to be, kind of in our

workspace. That’s when we have

issues.”

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian

O’Hara also appealed for calm,

both from the public and from

federal law enforcement.

“Our demand today is for those

federal agencies that are operating

in our city to do so with

the same discipline, humanity

and integrity that effective law

enforcement in this country demands,”

the chief said. “We urge

everyone to remain peaceful.”

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AROUND THE COUNTRY

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX.

Ex-Uvalde school officer acquitted in trial over response to Robb Elementary shooting.

By Valerie Gonzalez,

Jim Vertuno

Associated Press

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX. — A former

police officer was acquitted last

month of charges he failed in his

duties to confront the gunman at an

Uvalde, Texas, elementary school

during the critical opening minutes

of what would become one of the

deadliest school shootings in U.S.

history.

Jurors deliberated for more than

seven hours before finding former

Uvalde schools police officer Adrian

Gonzalez, 52, not guilty in the first

trial over the hesitant law enforcement

response to the attack that

killed 19 children and two teachers

at Robb Elementary School on May

24, 2022.

Flanked by his lawyers, Gonzales

appeared to be fighting back tears

after the verdict was read out in

court.

The trial was a rare case in the

U.S. of an officer facing criminal

charges on accusations of failing

to stop a crime and protect lives.

Gonzales had faced the possibility

of up to two years in prison if he

had been convicted.

The nearly three-week trial included

emotional testimony from

teachers who were shot and survived.

Prosecutors had argued in

laying out their case that Gonzales

abandoned his training and did

nothing to stop or interrupt the

teenage gunman before he entered


the school.

At least 370 law enforcement

officers ultimately rushed to the

school, where 77 minutes passed

before a tactical team finally entered

the classroom to confront and

kill the gunman. Gonzales was one

of just two officers indicted, angering

some victim’s families who had

said they wanted more officers held

accountable for the law enforcement

response.

Gonzales had been charged with

29 counts of child abandonment

and endangerment — each count

representing the 19 students who

were killed and 10 others who were

injured.

During the trial, jurors heard a

medical examiner describe the fatal

wounds to the children, some of

whom were shot more than a dozen

times. Several parents of victims

described sending their children to

school for an awards ceremony and

the panic that ensued as the attack

unfolded.

Gonzales’ lawyers argued he arrived

upon a chaotic scene of rifle

shots echoing on school grounds

and never saw the gunman before

the attacker went inside the school.

They also insisted that three other

officers who arrived seconds later

had a better chance to stop the

gunman.

They argued to jurors that Gonzales

risked his life when he joined

a group of five officers who tried

to reach the classroom before they

were driven back by rifle fire. Defense

attorneys also said Gonzales

helped evacuate children from other

classrooms before the gunman

was killed.

Gonzales and former Uvalde

schools Police Chief Pete Arredondo

are the only two responding officers

that day to face charges. Arredondo’s

trial has not yet been set.

Gonzales’ trial was tightly focused

on his actions in the early moments

of the attack, but prosecutors also

presented the graphic and emotional

testimony as the result of police

failures.

State and federal reviews of the

shooting cited cascading problems

in law enforcement training, communication,

leadership and technology,

and questioned why officers

waited so long.

By Jenna Curren

WASHINGTON, D.C. - A statement

sent to U.S. Border Patrol

agents that was obtained by

NewsNation states that border

patrol agents will stop using

body-worn cameras immediately

By

in

Matthew

all field operations.

Holloway,

Law

The announcement

Enforcement Today

comes

after

REVERE,

social

MA.

media

- An

posts

illegal

revealed

immigrant

how to identify

from

border

the Dominican

patrol

Republic

agents as

was

well

arrested

as Customs

for possession

and

Enforcement

of over

(ICE)

$1 million

agents.

worth

The

of

memo

fentanyl

stated,

and

"All

an

U.S.

AR-15

Border

rifle

on

Patrol

December

Agents

27

will

in

cease

a state

the

taxpayer-subsidized

use

of body-worn cameras

hotel room

(BWC)

of

Massachusetts’

in all operational

emergency

environments."

housing

The

program.

directive follows notification

"regarding

Leonardo

a

Andujar

potential

Sanchez,

security

28,

as

risk."

reported by Fox News, was

arrested

The statement

by the Revere

read, "Pending

completion

Police

Department and

of

was

investigation

arrested

on

and

firearm

risk mitigation,

charges, including

all Agents

an

alien

will stand

in possession

down the

of

use

a firearm,

of their

and

BWCs

for

[body-worn

possession of

cameras]

about 10

pounds

until further

of the

notice.

lethal

Additional

guidance and information

synthetic

drug.

will

According

be disseminated

to a press

as

release

it is

from

received."

Immigration

On the social

and Customs

media

platform Reddit,

Enforcement (ICE) Andujar

one user

Sanchez

claimed

is currently

that agents

in state

could

custody

be

identified

and is under

by using

an immigration

BLE Radar by

detainer.

F-Dorid. BLE Radar is a mobile

application

Enforcement

that

and

functions

Removal

by

Operations

scanning for

Boston

Bluetooth

acting

low-energy

devices

Field

Office Director

like

Patricia

phones,

H.

smartwatches,

Hyde

told reporters,

and speakers.

“Mr. Andujar

has

Other

been

social

accused

media

of serious

posts

crimes, and ERO Boston takes

stated that the devices can be

tracked from a distance of 100

yards or more and can trigger

improvised explosive device attacks.

Fox News reported that the

cameras used by border patrol

agents are Avon body cameras,

which the social media post

claims are devices BLE Radar and

can be detected.



AROUND THE COUNTRY

ALBUQUERQUE, NM.

On Patrol Live renewed for Season 5. First Shift also gets another year.

By Peter White

On Patrol: Live continues on

after Reelz renewed the police

series for another 90 episodes.

The series, which is hosted by

Dan Abrams, has been picked

up for its fifth season. Reelz has

also renewed spinoff series On

Patrol: First Shift, which serves

as its lead-in, for another 90 episodes,

which will take the franchise

through at least January 2027.

This comes after On Patrol:

Live, which is produced by Half

Moon Pictures, celebrated its

300th episode in October.

On Patrol: Live, which premiered

in July 2022, follows

live news-gathering protocols

as 50-plus cameras in regions

across the country document for

viewers in real time the nightly

work of law enforcement officers

on patrol. Abrams is joined

by analysts Deputy Sheriff Curtis

Wilson of the Richland County

Sheriff’s Department in Columbia,

South Carolina, Captain Tom

Rizzo from the Howell Township

Police Department in New Jersey,

Sgt. Sean “Sticks” Larkin,

retired Tulsa Police Department

lieutenant and a rotating panel

of experts.

The series airs live on Friday

and Saturday nights between 9

p.m. and 12 a.m. It also streams

on Peacock and is produced by

Dan Cesareo, John Zito, Lucilla

D’Agostino, Paul Gordon, Joe

Venafro and Abrams.

“In today’s fragmented media

landscape, a pick-up of 90 episodes

– 360 hours of live television

– is virtually unheard of; yet

Reelz has done this for four consecutive

years as On Patrol: Live

continues to deliver for the network

and create one of the most

engaged and loyal audiences in

television,” said Reelz CEO Stan

E. Hubbard. “We couldn’t be

prouder to renew OPL through

next January and bring viewers

along for the ride.”

Abrams added, “OPL not only

chronicles the experience of

law enforcement on the job, in

real time, the show continues to

make a real difference with our

‘Missing’ and ‘Be on the Lookout’

segments. We get the word out

every week about ongoing cases

of missing kids and unsolved

crimes. Between our viewers

and our #OPNation social footprint,

since our premiere in 2022

the show has helped return 48

missing people to their loved

ones and provided tips to law

enforcement that have led to the

capture of 96 suspects. We’re so

grateful to our incredible audience

and thrilled to be on Reelz

for another year.”



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AROUND THE COUNTRY

HOUSTON, TX.

Cops & Cops Sons, Caught Racing on Houston Freeways

HOUSTON, TX (KTRK) -- A

Houston police officer is off the

job after being arrested for allegedly

racing at extreme speeds

along the Grand Parkway with

his son in the backseat.

Authorities said the officer was

pulled over in late January after

a Harris County Sheriff's deputy

observed two vehicles racing at

speeds approaching 130 miles

per hour - double the posted 65

mph speed limit.

The officer has been identified

as Giovanni-Quinn Gumataotao,

a two-year veteran of the Houston

Police Department. He is

charged with racing on a highway

and endangering a child.

According to court records, a

patrol deputy with the Harris

County Sheriff's Department first

spotted Gumataotao driving a

black sedan alongside another

black sedan on the Grand

Parkway. The deputy reportedly

struggled to keep up as the vehicles

accelerated to nearly 130

mph.

Investigators said after one

of the drivers exited the freeway,

another vehicle pulled up

alongside Gumataotao's car and

the two allegedly began racing

again. The deputy continued following

the vehicle until it exited

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at Clay Road, where a traffic

stop was initiated.

During the stop, the deputy

discovered Gumataotao's 8-yearold

son seated in the backseat.

Authorities said the officer's wife

was called to pick up the child

while Gumataotao was arrested

and taken to jail. He has since

posted bond.

Houston police confirmed Gumataotao

has been relieved of

duty pending the outcome of the

case.

A week later, the son of Harris

County Precinct 1 Constable Alan

Rosen was arrested for allegedly

street racing on Highway 59 near

Montrose, according to court

records.

Court records show Samuel

Rosen and another man in his

20s, identified as Jacob Birsinger,

were arrested around 10:45 a.m.

on Jan. 6. According to those

records, the two were driving

luxury sports cars - a red Ferrari

and a yellow Porsche - when

they were pulled over by a Texas

Department of Public Safety

trooper.

Investigators allege the two

men reached speeds of up to 150

miles per hour over the course

of about a mile on Highway 59.

The trooper pulled them over

near Dunlavy. Both were arrested

and charged with misdemeanor

street racing. They were released

on personal recognizance bonds.

Rosen and Birsinger are members

of the Freedom Supercars

car club. The West Side Luxury

Car Club confirmed the Ferrari

and Porsche involved belong to

the group. The club said both

vehicles were returned the same

day the arrest occurred.



AROUND THE COUNTRY

ACROSS THE US

The Latest Breaking News as we go LIVE.

TWO CORPUS CHRISTI OF-

FICERS SHOT, THIRD INJURED

WHILE ATTEMPTING TO AR-

REST HOMICIDE SUSPECT,

REPORT SAYS

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – Two

Corpus Christi police officers

were shot, and another was

injured while attempting to stop

a homicide suspect, according to

KRIS 6 News.

Around 2 p.m. Friday near

the 4900 block of Ayers Street,

officers were searching for the

37-year-old suspect after he fled

the scene of a homicide.

KRIS 6 News reported that officers

located and pulled over the

suspect in the 3100 block of Port

Avenue. The suspect then drew

a firearm and opened fire on the

officers.

Two officers were shot, and

a third was injured from flying

debris, KRIS 6 News reported.

All three officers, along with

the suspect, were hospitalized.

One female officer remains in

critical condition, while the other

officers and the suspect are

in stable condition, according to

KRIS 6 News.

UPDATE

Corpus Christi Police Department,

Tx. Chief Mike Markle said


a suspect shot Police Officer

Castro in the head and another

male officer in the arm. The male

officer has been released from

the hospital and is recovering at

home. Officer Castro remains

hospitalized, receiving treatment

for a traumatic head wound, and

is expected to face a long road

to recovery. Please keep Officer

Castro, the injured officer, and

their families in your thoughts

and prayers.

ARK. TROOPER FIRED AFTER

PERFORMING PIT MANEUVER

ON WRONG VEHICLE DURING

PURSUIT

LITTLE ROCK, AR. — An Arkansas

State Police Trooper has

been terminated after mistakenly

performing a tactical vehicle

intervention (TVI) maneuver on

the wrong vehicle during a pursuit

on Interstate 630, the agency

stated.

The incident occurred on Jan.

18 when a trooper attempted

to stop a white Buick Envista

clocked at 92 mph in a 60-mph

zone on I-630 eastbound in Little

Rock, according to the release.

The suspect initially pulled over

but fled the stop after being

informed he was driving on a

suspended license.

According to ASP, the trooper

briefly lost sight of the vehicle,

then spotted a white SUV that

was not speeding and exited the

interstate at Exit 5. Mistaking

the SUV for the fleeing suspect’s

vehicle, the trooper initiated a

TVI to prevent a possible pursuit

through city streets.

After stopping the vehicle and

ordering the driver out at gunpoint,

the trooper realized it was

not the suspect but an uninvolved

female motorist, according

to ASP. The trooper immediately

apologized, and no injuries

were reported.

ASP officials said the trooper,

who was hired in October 2024

and still under probationary status,

was placed on administrative

duty and terminated on Jan.

21. The agency has since apologized

to the motorist, who has

asked to remain anonymous.

The suspect turned himself in

on Jan. 20 and was charged with

felony fleeing and several misdemeanors,

including failure to

obey a police officer, driving on

a suspended license and speeding.

“The Arkansas State Police

is committed to protecting the

public while holding itself to the

highest standards of professionalism

and accountability,” Col.

Hagar said. “In this incident, the

Trooper quickly recognized the

mistake, ensured the uninvolved

driver was safe, and took responsibility

on scene. We remain

focused on continuous improvement

to maintain the trust and

confidence of the communities

we serve.”

MILWAUKEE OFFICERS FACE

NEW GUIDELINES FOR HIGH-

SPEED CHASES

MILWAUKEE, WI – Earlier in

January, the Milwaukee Police

Department (MPD) revised their

pursuit policy in response to the

growing scrutiny towards police

pursuits resulting in fatal outcomes

for suspects and innocent

bystanders. While significant

changes in MPD’s pursuit policy

are slated to take effect the

following month, some critics

are still concerned the looming

changes don’t go far enough.

MPD’s updated pursuit policy

was reportedly debuted during

the city’s Fire and Police Commission

meeting on January

22nd, with the most notable shift

in pursuit policy being that a

driver’s speed alone will not be

grounds to initiate a pursuit.

Per the updated MPD policy,

when considering pursuit of

reckless drivers, MPD officers

will reportedly have to also consider

factors such as whether a

driver has caused any collisions

or whether their driving has

resulted in others on the road

having to employ evasive maneuvers.

Other typical reckless

driving behaviors such as ignoring

traffic lights at intersections

would also serve as grounds to

initiate a pursuit under the updated

policy.

In addition to observed driver

CLICK TO WATCH

behaviors, MPD officers will also

have to consider aspects such

as whether minors are present

in the vehicle sought for potential

pursuit, as well as whether

drone resources or additional

units are available to assist.

Given the numerous variables at

play when engaging or continuing

certain pursuits of reckless

drivers, officials have clarified

that MPD officers will not be

disciplined for terminating a

pursuit.

MPD Chief Jeffrey Norman noted

that the new pursuit policy,

which will go into effect on February

6th, is “not an easy path to

navigate,” seemingly in reference

to the balancing act between

maintaining public safety while

also holding reckless drivers

accountable.

Despite the changes in MPD

pursuit policy, some members of

the Fire and Police Commission

were reportedly concerned that

the unveiled updates don’t go far

enough to address public safety

concerns. The skepticism isn’t

without warrant, as 2025 proved

to be a record-setting year for

MPD regarding police pursuit

fatalities, totaling in nine deaths


that year with six of the individuals

being innocent bystanders.

Commissioner Bree Spencer

was among the detractors of the

updated pursuit policy, alleging

that had this same policy been in

effect the year prior it wouldn’t

have changed the outcome of the

fatal crashes, emphasizing her

point with, “Which says to me

this is not restrictive enough.”

Fellow Commissioner Christopher

Snyder concurred with

Spencer, saying police pursuits

should only occur under “rare

circumstances.”

Back in December, the commission

hosted Josh Parker from

the New York University School

of Law's Policing Project, who

runs a program reviewing the

safety and efficacy of police

pursuits. While Parker is adamant

that blanket bans on police

pursuits is not the way to go, his

program stresses that officers

and officials need to address

“whether a pursuit makes the

situation better or worse.”

FORMER MIAMI PD OFFICER

SENTENCED TO 3 YEARS IN

PRISON FOR STEALING, SELL-

ING NBA JERSEYS

By Jay Weaver

Miami Herald

MIAMI — Retired Miami police

officer Marcos Tomas Perez has

been sentenced to three years

in prison and must repay the

Miami Heat about $1.9 million

after pleading guilty to selling

hundreds of stolen Heat jerseys,

including those worn in games

by LeBron James and Dwyane

Wade.

Perez, 62, a former Heat and

NBA security employee, was also

ordered to pay a $10,000 fine by


U.S. District Judge Jose Martinez

at his sentencing earlier this

month in Miami federal court.

In August, Perez pleaded guilty

to a charge of transportation of

stolen goods.

“This defendant was a former

police officer who betrayed the

public trust and exploited his

access to our beloved hometown

team for personal gain,” U.S.

Attorney Jason Reding Quinones

said in a statement released on

Friday.

After Perez’s 25-year tenure

with the Miami Police Department,

he joined the Miami Heat

organization as a security officer

in 2016.

From 2016 to 2021, as a Heat

security employee, and from

2022 to 2025, as an NBA security

employee, Perez stole more

than 400 game-worn jerseys and

other memorabilia, according

to federal prosecutors. He was

among a number of trusted few

who were allowed to access a

secure equipment room, they

said.

Over a three-year period, he

sold more than 100 stolen items

valued at about $2 million and

shipped them outside Florida.

Authorities seized about 300

game-worn jerseys and memorabilia

when he was arrested in

April by the FBI.

Some of the stolen items included

game-worn gear from

high-profile players such as

LeBron James, Shaquille O’Neal

and Dwyane Wade, among others,

and are believed to be worth

millions of dollars.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s

Office in Miami, Perez sold a

game-worn LeBron James Miami

Heat NBA Finals jersey for about

$100,000. That same jersey was

sold at a Sotheby’s auction for

about $3.7 million.

N.C. SHERIFF’S OFFICE RE-

CRUIT DIES DURING TRAINING

10 DAYS AFTER BEING HIRED

By Mark Price

The Charlotte Observer

FRANKLIN, N.C. — A 26-yearold

deputy cadet died after just

10 days on the job, when he

suffered “a medical emergency”

during training, according to

investigators in western North

Carolina.

It happened Thursday, Jan.

22, at Southwestern Community

College in Franklin, during

a physical abilities course that

involves timed chases, apprehensions

and rescues, officials said.

A cause of death for Cadet

Ryan Phillip Ferreira has not

been released.

“He appeared to suffer a medical

emergency during physical

training assessment,” the sheriff’s

office reported in a news

release. “Instructors and cadets

immediately administered

life-saving measures as Macon

County EMS and Fire-Rescue

personnel arrived at the training

center within seven minutes.

Ferreira was transported to

Angel Medical Center, where he

unfortunately passed away.”

Ferreira is a Franklin native

and 2019 graduate of Franklin

High School. He graduated from

Southwestern Community College

in 2023 with Criminal Justice

Degree, officials said.

He was hired by the sheriff’s

office on Jan. 12 and immediately

began a Basic Law Enforcement

Training course, officials said.

“This is an extremely difficult

day for Ryan’s family, the Jackson

County Sheriff’s Office, his

fellow cadets, SCC training staff,

and the Western North Carolina

community,” Jackson County

Sheriff Doug Farmer said in a

news release. “We are grateful

for his dedication to serve our

community, and his loss is devastating.”

Cadets are required to submit

a medical history in advance of

taking the course, revealing allergies,

medications, hospitalizations

and conditions, according

to the college’s website.

Franklin is about a 180-mile

drive west from uptown Charlotte.

WISCONSIN SCHOOL BOARD

DOESN'T WANT COPS IN ITS

SCHOOL

BY Jenna Curren

MILWAUKEE, WI - On Tuesday,

January 20, the Milwaukee Public

Schools Board of Directors' Committee

on Legislation, Rules and

Policies voted unanimously to

move forward with a policy that

would limit the role of school

resource officers (SRO) in their

schools.

The resolution directs administrators

to create a comprehensive

policy outlining what SROs

can and cannot do on school

campuses, as required under

Wisconsin's Act 12, WTMJ reported.

The state law mandates

that at least 25 officers can be

assigned to schools across the

district.

Under the new resolution,

which was introduced by Board

President Missy Zombor, the

student would be responsible for

criminal matters only and would

be prohibited from participating

in school discipline, classroom

instruction, or most non-criminal

student behavior.

School administrators would

retain final authority over discipline

decisions. The policy also

places strict limits on police

involvement with students, including

when officers can question

students, conduct searches,

make arrests, or use force. Strip

searches would be prohibited,

parents would be notified following

arrests or questioning,

and students would be informed

annually of their rights when

interacting with officers.

The resolution reportedly cites

national data showing black students

and students with disabilities

are referred to law enforcement

at disproportionate rates,

along with past evaluations recommending

clearer definitions

of officer responsibilities. It also

calls for increased transparency

and accountability, including a

formal complaint process and

quarterly public reports detailing

arrests, searches, use of force,

training materials, and the number

of officers assigned to each

school.

During public comment, students

and educators raised

concerns about over-policing

and the escalation of minor

school issues. "We don't want

our schools to be built on in-


timidation," said John Fleissner,

a teacher at Hamilton High

School and education advocate.

"We want schools based on

liberation. We believe in having

discipline, but we want self-discipline

and passion to be the

reason students come to school."

Students echoed similar concerns.

Elijah Shorts, a student at

Milwaukee Marshall High School,

told the board that the presence

of officers has not improved his

sense of safety. "Having officers

in my school hasn't made me

feel safer," Shorts said. "I saw

the overuse of non-lethal at my

school and I saw a bunch of the

officers using bodily force over

the smallest reasons."

"They are not trained enough

to deal with kids inside a high

school," he added. "Did y'all

know that they have like 40

hours for their training? I don't

think that's enough to deal with

kids with hormones inside of a

school."

District administrators are expected

to present a draft policy

to the board for consideration

later this spring, along with proposed

changes to the intergovernmental

agreement between

Milwaukee Public Schools and

the City of Milwaukee.

CALIF. SHERIFF WARNS

BYSTANDERS APPROACHING

SCENES TO RECORD VIDEO:

‘BULLETS CAN BE VERY UNFOR-

GIVING’


HOLLISTER, CA. — San Benito

County Sheriff Eric Taylor issued

a forceful message in response

to public criticism and bystander

behavior during a violent,

multi-jurisdictional incident


that left one suspect dead and a

San Jose police officer seriously

wounded, KSBW reported.

The events unfolded on Jan.

21 when a suspect armed with

a handgun stole a green Corvette

from a San Jose dealership,

prompting a pursuit that spanned

multiple counties, according to

the report. During the incident,

the suspect exchanged gunfire

with law enforcement in Hollister

and later again in San Jose,

where the suspect was killed.

A San Jose police sergeant was

shot and remains in critical but

stable condition.

Taylor confirmed one of his

deputies was fired upon by the

suspect during the Hollister

exchange but was not injured.

The deputy has been placed

on administrative leave, which

Taylor said is standard procedure

following an officer-involved

shooting.

In a video posted to social

media, Taylor condemned what

CLICK TO WATCH

he described as “disgusting”

online criticism directed at law

enforcement in the aftermath of

the shooting.

“Cowardly comments from

keyboard warriors,” he said,

were being made by individuals

who should “know better.”

Taylor urged critics to consider

the toll public comments can

take on officers who live and

work in the same communities.

“We are struggling in this office

to attract and retain talent

here,” Taylor said. “One of the

main reasons that cops flock to

communities and stay there is

directly tied to the amount of

support that community gives

them. I’m not sure how many of

you were almost murdered at

work yesterday, but I know one

of my guys was,”

Taylor also directed strong

words at individuals who enter

active crime scenes to film

for social media. He said such

behavior endangers both civil-

-escalate

smarter.

.

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ians and law enforcement, and

instructed his deputies to stop

trying to move bystanders to

safety in the middle of a threat.

“I have asked my staff, or directed

my staff, to stop trying to

herd you all to safety. They need

to focus on the threat that’s in

front of them, and they need to

stop trying to help people who

want to argue that it’s their right

to be allowed in the crossfire of

these rapidly evolving situations,”

Taylor said.

MAN FIRES SHOTS AT MO.

POLICE INSIDE WALGREENS

BEFORE FATAL OIS

MARYLAND HEIGHTS, MO. — The

St. Louis County Police Department

released body camera

video showing an officer fatally

shooting a man who fired multiple

shots at police.

The Nov. 30, 2025 incident

began when officers responded

to a 911 call reporting an armed

man inside a Walgreens, according

to the release.

Surveillance footage shows the

suspect entering the store, shopping

for a drink, and walking

into the pharmacy section of the

store. When officers arrived, the

suspect was seated in the pharmacy

area holding a handgun.

Video shows the officers issuing

multiple instructions for the

suspect to drop the weapon.

“I’m not dropping it,” the suspect

can be heard saying. The

officer then told the man to stop

pointing the gun at him and to

lower it.

Gunshots can be heard as the

suspect shot at an officer. One

officer on the scene returned fire,

before both officers backed away

and radioed for backup.


The officers again commanded

the suspect to drop the weapon.

Instead, the suspect fired two

more shots at officers.

An officer returned fire, striking

the suspect. The suspect was

pronounced dead at the scene,

according to the release.

Neither officer was injured in

the incident. An investigation

found that the suspect called 911

to report himself at the scene,

according to the release. A suicide

note was found at his residence,

and posts on his social

media in the hours leading up to

the incident.

NYC HOSPITAL ACCUSED OF

MISTAKING NYPD COPS FOR

ICE OFFICERS, SUGGESTING

THEY SHOULD LEAVE


NEW YORK — The NYPD is

criticizing a local hospital after

three detectives reported they

were mistreated at an emergency

room when hospital staff allegedly

mistook them for federal

immigration officers, the New

CLICK TO WATCH

York Post reported.

The incident occurred on Jan.

16 after the detectives were

assaulted during a narcotics

investigation in Brooklyn North,

according to the report. The suspect

allegedly scuffled with and

spat on the officers, prompting

the plainclothes detectives to go

to the NYU Langone/Cobble Hill

hospital’s ER for evaluation.

According to the NYPD, tensions

escalated when hospital security

staff told the detectives they

could not enter the emergency

room while armed. One detective

held his partner’s weapon while

another went back to receive

treatment. However, another

staff member later asked the

armed officer in the waiting area

to leave, prompting the officer

who was being treated to intervene.

The department told the New

York Post that the situation

worsened when hospital personnel

allegedly expressed concern

that the detectives were immigration

enforcement officers.

“Two detectives heard members

of the hospital staff say

something to the effect of believing

they were ICE and that

they should [seek] care elsewhere,”

the NYPD stated.

The Detectives’ Endowment Association

(DEA) condemned the

incident, calling the treatment of

injured officers “unacceptable”

and said it is investigating the

matter.

“No individual — especially

NYPD detectives injured in the

line of duty — should ever be

subjected to such treatment,” the

union said.

Former mayor Eric Adams also

weighed in, accusing the hospital

of politicizing emergency care

and calling on Gov. Kathy Hochul

to take action.

“A hospital that politicizes

emergency care is no longer a

hospital. It’s an activist institution

pretending to practice medicine,”

Adams posted online.

In response, a hospital spokesperson

acknowledged that

discussions with Police Commissioner

Jessica Tisch had taken

place and expressed regret.

“We reaffirmed our commitment

to continue providing the

highest quality care to the NYPD

and all law enforcement agencies,”

the hospital said, noting it

had treated nearly 1,000 NYPD

officers in 2025.

The hospital did not comment

on whether staff referenced ICE

during the encounter, according

to the report. The hospital did

say in a statement to PIX11 News

that no officer was denied care.

“Last Friday, three plainclothes

NYPD officers came to our Cobble

Hill ED, with one of them

seeking care. We provided care

to the injured officer, who was

asked to temporarily secure his

weapon, as per our policy. The

other two officers were allowed

to keep their weapons,” a

spokesperson stated.

An NYPD spokesperson confirmed

that the hospital apologized

to Tisch and described the

situation as a misunderstanding

of hospital policy. Tisch requested

that hospital staff receive

additional training to ensure

similar incidents do not occur in

the future.

The NYPD spokesperson also

said the department is reviewing

the incident.

“The members of the NYPD put

their lives on the line to protect

this city,” the statement said.

“The very least they deserve is

attentive medical care and to be

treated with respect.”

MAN TRIES TO NEGOTIATE

WITH MD. OFFICERS’ IN-

STRUCTIONS, REACHES FOR

OBJECT ON CAR HOOD BEFORE

FATAL OIS


SALISBURY, Md. — The Maryland

Attorney General’s Office

released body camera footage

CLICK TO WATCH

from a fatal police shooting of

a man who refused repeated

instructions to surrender to officers

and appeared to reach for a

gun, Delmarva Now reported.

According to the Independent

Investigations Division (IID), the

Nov. 2, 2025 incident unfolded

when officers from the Salisbury

Police Department encountered

a suspect outside a residence. He

was standing near a vehicle with

Body camera footage appears

to show the man initially raising

his hands in compliance with

officers’ instructions.

As officers instructed the man

to move toward them and keep

his hands up, the man insisted

that “it isn’t loaded,” asked

officers to come and get him. He

also requested to call his mom.

The suspect expressed concern

for a woman inside the vehicle.

That woman got out of the vehicle

and was escorted to safety

by officers.

After minutes of conversation

between officers commanding

that the suspect move away from

the vehicle and the suspect refusing

to do so while apparently

attempting to negotiate with

them, the man reached toward


the object, prompting three officers

to open fire.

All three officers are assigned

to the department’s Patrol Division

and were placed on administrative

duty pending the

outcome of the investigation,


After the shooting, officers

rendered medical aid until paramedics

arrived. The suspect was

transported to a hospital, where

he was pronounced dead. A

handgun was recovered nearby,

according to the IID. No officers

were injured.

The investigation into the officer-involved

shooting remains

ongoing.

DHS SAYS LARGEST ICE OP-

ERATION IN MINNEAPOLIS HIS-

TORY IS UNDERWAY

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Amid the

ongoing ICE-related unrest in

Minnesota, Secretary of Homeland

Security Kristi Noem announced

Monday that more than

10,000 illegal immigrants have

been arrested in Minnesota since

the start of President Donald

Trump’s second administration.

As reported by the New York


Post, Noem said roughly 3,000

of those arrests have occurred

within the past six weeks alone

as part of Operation Metro

Surge, which has been described

by federal officials as the largest

immigration enforcement operation

in Minneapolis history.

While she recognized the

success that Immigration and

Customs Enforcement (ICE)

and other federal agencies have

seen, Noem also sharply criticized

state and local leaders for

what she described as protecting

criminals over public safety.

“PEACE AND PUBLIC SAFETY

IN MINNEAPOLIS!” Noem wrote

in a post on X, praising federal

agents for what she called a

major victory for law enforcement.

She accused Minnesota

Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis

Mayor Jacob Frey of refusing to

protect residents while shielding

criminal offenders.

Noem further noted that those

arrested included individuals accused

of violent crimes, sexual

offenses, and child exploitation,

alleging that unchecked immigration

policies had allowed

dangerous offenders to operate

freely in the city.

As Noem put it, while federal

agents have worked to remove

criminal illegal aliens from local

communities, many of those

arrested are not only wanted for

their legal status but also for

murder, rape, and other serious

offenses.

Noem also addressed the ongoing

massive fraud problem in

Minnesota, alleging that billions

of dollars in taxpayer funds have

been siphoned off through abuse

of public assistance programs.

U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson

has previously put the estimated

losses from fraud targeting

Minnesota’s human services

programs at roughly $9 billion,

much of it allegedly tied to

organized schemes operating

within the state. Federal investigators

say those probes remain

ongoing, with Homeland Security

Investigations playing a central

role.

The intensified enforcement

has not been without push back,

both from protesters and from

the Somali community at the

center of the ongoing fraud controversy.

Federal officials also

allege that Minnesota Governor

Tim Walz and Minneapolis

Mayor Jacob Frey are fanning the

flames.

Frey stoked controversy over

the weekend after comparing

the federal immigration crackdown

to an “invasion” during

an appearance on CNN’s State

of the Union. Likewise, Walz

accused the Trump administration

of overreach, framing the

arrests as politically motivated

rather than focused on public

safety.

Despite the criticism, federal

officials have indicated that immigration

enforcement operations

in Minnesota will continue,

emphasizing that the arrests are

aimed at removing dangerous

offenders and protecting public

safety. As investigations into

fraud and immigration violations

move forward, the clash

between federal authorities and

Minnesota’s political leadership

shows little sign of easing.

IACP ASKS WHITE HOUSE

TO CONVENE LOCAL, FEDERAL

AND STATE LEADERS

ALEXANDRIA, VA. — The International

Association of Chiefs

of Police released a statement

on Saturday asking the White

House to use its authority to

bring together, as soon as

“practicable,” local, state and

federal law enforcement leaders.

The statement requests

“policy-level discussions aimed

at identifying a constructive

path forward.”

The statement doesn’t mention

any specific incidents or locations,

but does reference “the

ongoing challenges affecting

public safety, law enforcement

professionals, and the communities

they serve.”

The full IACP statement:

The International Association

of Chiefs of Police (IACP) is concerned

by the ongoing challenges

affecting public safety, law enforcement

professionals, and the

communities they serve. Periods

of heightened tension place significant

strain on public safety

systems and underscore the need

for stability, professionalism, and

respect for constitutional principles.

The IACP statement was issued

on the same day federal law enforcement

officers shot and killed

Alex Pretti, 37, in Minneapolis.

TENN. PD’S FIRST FEMALE

MOTORCYCLE OFFICER RETIRES

AFTER NEARLY 40 YEARS WITH

DEPARTMENT


MEMPHIS, TN. — After nearly

four decades with the Memphis

Police Department, Lt. Evertina

Halfacre is retiring as a trailblazer

in law enforcement and a pioneer

for women in the profession,

WMC reported.

Halfacre leaves the department

as its first and only female motorcycle

officer and supervisor in the

Motorcycle Squad, according to

the report. She also holds the distinction

of being the first woman

assigned to MPD’s Drug Interdiction

Unit and one of the first

two women in the department’s

Color Guard.

Halfacre joined the force in

1986, motivated by the need to

support her family following a

divorce. She later set her sights

on MPD’s Motorcycle Squad,

where the first test was lifting a

900-pound bike — a challenge

she passed, officially joining the

unit in 2010.

Her family background played

a role in her love of motorcycles.

Her grandfather, mother and five

brothers all rode, and she began

riding with them as a young

woman, according to the report.

Throughout her 39-year career,

Halfacre participated in traffic

enforcement, community outreach

and public events such as

the Liberty Bowl and visits to St.

Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

She often emphasized the

importance of building trust with

the community, especially children.

Though retiring from full-time

duty, Halfacre will continue to

serve as a reserve officer and


perform with the Color Guard

for two more years. She said she

looks forward to spending more

time with her grandchildren and

hopes her career inspires other

young women to pursue their

goals.

“My journey has been grand...”

Halfacre said. “I couldn’t have

chosen a better career.”

DEL. TROOPER’S KILLING AT

DMV WAS ‘DELIBERATE AND

TARGETED ATTACK’ ON POLICE,

INVESTIGATORS SAY

Holly Ramer

Associated Press

WILMINGTON, Del. — The man

who fatally shot a Delaware

State Police trooper at a DMV

office believed he was being

monitored and harassed by law

enforcement but had no prior

interaction with the officer he

killed, investigators said Friday.

State Police Cpl. Matthew

Snook was working an overtime

assignment at the New Castle

Department of Motor Vehicles

reception desk on Dec. 23 when

Rahman Rose entered as a customer,

approached him from behind

and shot him with a handgun,

state police last month. In

a final update Friday, police said

Rose had told others that he believed

police were targeting him

and had posted on social media

about being the victim of “gang

stalking,” which authorities

described as a belief that one is

being surveilled and harassed by

government entities.

“Based on the totality of the

evidence, detectives concluded

this was a deliberate and targeted

attack on law enforcement,”

the state’s homicide unit said.

A New Castle county police


officer shot Rose through a window

from outside the building.

Rose later died at a hospital.

Rose, 44, had previously lived

in Connecticut and was living

in Wilmington, Delaware, without

a permanent address at the

time of the shooting. His limited

contact with Delaware law enforcement

in the year prior to the

shooting involved no criminal

allegations or arrests, and none

of that contact involved Snook.

Investigators said he first

entered the DMV office on the

morning of Dec. 23 and left a

short time later. He returned

again a few hours later and

ambushed the officer, state police

said. Snook shielded a DMV

employee as he was shot at multiple

times.

Investigators earlier said Rose

allowed customers to leave but

fired multiple rounds at law enforcement

as they approached

the building.

Snook, who went by “Ty,” was

a 10-year veteran of the state

police force.

“Ty’s courageous act of

strength and sacrifice reflected

the core values he lived by every

day - protecting others with

bravery, selflessness and steady

integrity,” police said Friday.

SUSPECT ON THE RUN AFTER

OPENING FIRE, WOUNDING 2

ORE. OFFICERS


PORTLAND, OR. — Two Portland

police officers were injured in a

late night shooting, and the suspect

is still on the run, ABC News

reported.

The Jan. 19 shooting occurred

when an unidentified person

opened fire on officers. Responders,

including a crisis negotiation

team, arrived soon afterward

and set up a perimeter as the

search for the suspect continued,


An investigation into the shooting

incident remains ongoing,

and Portland Police have released

few details on the incident.

“This is a stark reminder of the

dangers of the job, the jobs that

our officers go out every day to

serve and protect our community,”

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson

said during a press conference.

The two officers were taken to

a hospital in stable condition.

FORMER DEPUTY KILLS

11-YEAR-OLD SON, IS FATALLY

SHOT BY POLICE

Elk Grove, CA. — Newly released

body-worn camera

footage is shedding light on the

final moments of a former Sacramento

County sheriff’s deputy

who authorities say killed his

11-year-old son before leading

officers on a high-speed chase

that ended in a deadly shooting.

The Sacramento County Sheriff’s

Office released an edited,

narrated compilation showing

deputies tracking 40-year-old

Marvin Morales after Elk Grove

police responded to a call from

the child’s mother on the morning

of December 2, 2025. Police

say the mother was watching

home security cameras when

she saw Morales assault their

son and then saw the child lying

unresponsive, prompting her to

call for help. Officers arrived at a

home on Ferrell Way and found

the boy suffering from multiple

stab wounds. He was rushed to a

hospital but did not survive.

Morales had left before officers

arrived, and investigators began

working to locate his vehicle.

According to the sheriff’s office,

deputies treated Morales as a

high-risk suspect due to his

prior law enforcement training,

military background, and potential

access to weapons.

Video shows deputies eventually

spotting Morales on Interstate

5 and initiating a pursuit

that investigators said reached

speeds exceeding 100 mph.

During the chase, an outside

agency deployed spike strips that

appeared to deflate at least one

of Morales’ tires. Not long after,

Morales lost control and crashed

down an embankment, rolling

his vehicle before it came to rest

between trees.

In the footage, deputies can be

seen exiting their patrol vehicles

and issuing loud commands

for Morales to show his hands.

Investigators said Morales then

produced what appeared to be

a rifle and pointed it toward

deputies, leading at least two

deputies to fire multiple rounds.

Additional officers from other

agencies also fired, officials

said. Sheriff Jim Cooper was not

among those who discharged

their weapons. Morales was later

transported to a hospital, where

he was pronounced dead.

Morales had previously been

fired for lying about fentanyl exposure

on duty.

AUGUSTA COUNTY SHERIFF

RELEASES BODYCAM VIDEO IN

DEC. 17 SHOOTING AUGUSTA

COUNTY, VIRGINIA

The Augusta County Sheriff’s

Office has released body-worn

camera footage connected to a

December 2025 officer-involved

shooting that left a deputy severely

wounded and a wanted

CLICK TO WATCH

suspect dead.

The incident happened on the

night of December 17, 2025, as

deputies with the sheriff’s office

attempted to take 42-year-old

Dustin Ross Griffin of Staunton

into custody on Parkersburg

Turnpike. Prosecutors said Griffin

was wanted in connection with

repeat-offense drug dealing, and

the deputies involved were part

of the Augusta County Sheriff’s

Office Narcotics Unit.

According to Augusta County

Commonwealth’s Attorney Tim

Martin, deputies arrived at Griffin’s

location, and one deputy

whom Griffin knew activated

emergency lights, which prosecutors

say prompted Griffin to

run. Two deputies caught up to

Griffin, and a physical struggle

began on the ground.

During that struggle, prosecutors

said Griffin reached into

his clothing, produced a firearm,

and fired at one of the deputies,

striking him in the arm and

severely wounding him. A third

deputy, standing nearby, fired at

Griffin while the gun was still in

Griffin’s hand, stopping him from

shooting again. The deputy en-


gaged in the struggle, then drew

his own firearm and fired one

round, with the entire exchange

unfolding in seconds.

Virginia State Police previously

reported the injured deputy was

airlifted to UVA Medical Center

for treatment. Griffin was given

life-saving measures at the

scene but was pronounced dead.

Prosecutors have announced

the involved deputies would not

face criminal charges.

MICH. DEPUTY CONVICTED

OF MISCONDUCT FOR CON-

DUCTING ILLEGAL TRAFFIC

STOP OF OFFICER

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI. — A

Wayne County deputy has been

convicted of misconduct in office

after conducting an unlawful

traffic stop outside his jurisdiction,

FOX 2 reported. The stop

targeted a police officer.

Sahil Massey, 36, of Canton,

was found guilty after initiating

a traffic stop on a local police

officer in Novi on Feb. 24, 2025,

despite having no legal authority

to do so, according to the Oakland

County Prosecutor’s Office.

Massey, who was off duty

and driving an unmarked “takehome”

vehicle, was initially

pulled over by a Novi officer due

to a suspicious license plate,

according to the report. After

verifying Massey’s identification,

the officer released him without

issue.

About 15 minutes later, Massey

stopped the same officer, despite

not being within his jurisdiction

and without any legal justification,

court records showed.

“Law enforcement officers are

entrusted with significant power

so they can keep us safe,”


said Oakland County Prosecutor

Karen McDonald. “And that’s

what they do, day-in and dayout,

even while putting themselves

at risk. When an officer

misuses that power and violates

someone’s rights, it’s up to other

officers and prosecutors to hold

them accountable.”

Massey faces up to five years in

prison and a $10,000 fine, according

to the report. Sentencing

is scheduled for Feb. 25.

FEDERAL JUDGE BARS LAPD

FROM USING 40MM LESS LE-

THAL LAUNCHERS FOR CROWD

CONTROL

By Libor Jany

Los Angeles Times

LOS ANGELES — A federal

judge has banned Los Angeles

Police Department officers from

using some so-called less-lethal

launchers at protests, after

finding that the department violated

previous court restrictions

by using such projectile weapons

to disperse crowds at last

summer’s mass demonstrations

against immigration enforcement.

In her ruling Wednesday, U.S.

CLICK TO WATCH

CLICK TO WATCH

District Judge Consuelo B. Marshall

sided with a contempt motion

filed by attorneys for Black

Lives Matter-Los Angeles.

That same day LAPD officials

sent a department-wide memo

announcing an immediate moratorium

on the use of the 40-millimeter

weapons in light of Marshall’s

ruling. The memo advised

those seeking further clarity to

contact the department’s risk

management and legal affairs

division.

“Accordingly, EFFECTIVE IMME-

DIATELY the 40mm SHALL NOT be

used during any CROWD CON-

TROL situation,” said the memo,

a copy of which was reviewed

by the Los Angeles Times.

A preliminary injunction handed

down by Marshall in 2021

placed certain restrictions on the

weapons’ use, including requiring

specialized training for handlers;

the issuance of a warning

before firing such weapons; and

restricting their use only to situations

in which “the officer reasonably

believes that a suspect is

violently resisting arrest or poses

an immediate threat of violence

or physical harm.”

The latest order halts the use

of a weapon, recognizable by its

neon green handle, that has been

used by police during recent

protests to clear crowds after

demonstrations were declared

unlawful. The weapon launches

projectiles the size of a mini

soda can at speeds of more than

200 mph.

But attorneys for Black Lives

Matters-L.A. argued that LAPD

routinely flouted the injunction —

citing numerous apparent violations

in their contempt motion.

Officers already were barred

from firing their weapons from 5

feet away or closer, or from targeting

a person’s head, groin or

spine, but attorneys argued that

police repeatedly did so.

One lawyer said the department

also seemed to be violating

its own guidelines governing

the 40-millimeter’s use by

shooting journalists and others

in sensitive areas such as the

head.

“And they’re certainly not supposed

to shoot them in the back

of the head as they’re trying to

leave,” said Carol Sobel, a prominent

attorney whose litigation

forced the LAPD to scale back

aggressive crowd-control practices

in the past. “The bottom

line is the LAPD is going to bankrupt

the city with its refusal to

follow the law.”

The motion also cited a 9th

Circuit Court of Appeals ruling

that found such weapons

shouldn’t be used to disperse

crowds. It was the latest legal

challenge to the use of the

40-millimeter, which the LAPD

also uses in day-to-day operations.

The order doesn’t apply to

such uses.

In the past the department

issued similar, if temporary

moratoriums on the use of other

projectile weapons that fire socalled

skip and beanbag rounds.

This week the City Council

voted in favor of new limits on

the deployment of LAPD officers

at protests, encouraging a “graded

response” in which officers in

riot gear would be deployed only

if needed.

Los Angeles police faced multiple

allegations of excessive

force during protests against the

Trump administration’s immigration

crackdown last summer. The

department’s response already

spawned lawsuits, including

from the Los Angeles Press Club,

which pointed to video evidence

and scores of testimonials suggesting

that law enforcement

violated its own guidelines and

state law.

Earlier this year a different

federal judge issued an order

barring the LAPD from using

less-lethal munitions against


journalists and nonviolent protesters

— a ruling that is under

appeal.

Lawyers for the City of Los Angeles

and Department of Homeland

Security previously argued

that the judge’s ban was impractical

and overly broad. Although

police still can use less-lethal

weapons to contain unruly demonstrators,

the city claimed the

rules put officers at risk of hesitating

in chaotic situations.

BWC FOOTAGE RELEASED

HOURS AFTER OIS SHOWS

MAN REACHING FOR OBJECT

THAT APPEARED TO BE A

FIREARM

By Teri Figueroa and Karen

Kucher

The San Diego Union-Tribune

SAN DIEGO — San Diego police

shot a suspect early Thursday

afternoon after a police pursuit

ended with a collision that toppled

a light pole onto a police

car in the La Presa neighborhood

of Spring Valley , police said.

The man who was shot

was taken to a hospital and

was treated for serious but

non-life-threatening injuries,

according to sheriff’s Lt. Juan

Marquez.

An officer at the scene was

injured by shattered glass when

the light pole fell onto the police

patrol vehicle, said San Diego

police spokesperson Officer Colin

Steinbroner.

In a highly unusual step, police

released footage of the shooting

just hours after it occurred, in

hopes, they said, of clearing up

concerns raised after bystander

video was posted on social

media.

The Sheriff’s Office is inves-


tigating the shooting under a

countywide memorandum that

prevents local agencies from investigating

their own officer-involved

shootings.

The incident started about

12:40 p.m. , when someone

called to report their vehicle

had been stolen in the vicinity

of Euclid and Imperial avenues

in southeastern San Diego, he

said. Officers in the department’s

new Real Time Operations Center

entered the stolen vehicle’s

information into the system so

officers could look for it.

Less than an hour later, just

before 1:30 p.m., police spotted

the car, and a pursuit ensued,

police said. During the pursuit,

officers deployed spike strips

to flatten the tires. The roughly

10-minute chase ended when the

vehicle collided with a light pole

in the vicinity of Jamacha Road

and Gillespie Drive in La Presa,

Steinbroner said.

On Instagram, police posted

footage from a camera worn by

one of the officers at the scene.

The roughly 90-second clip

shows the officer with his gun

drawn as the suspect is on his

CLICK TO WATCH

knees in front of a white vehicle,

his back to the officers and his

hands out to the side.

The man is repeatedly ordered

to get on the ground. Someone,

presumably an officer, asks

aloud if an item on the ground

a few feet from the man was a

gun. Another person, presumably

another officer, says it is. Officers

then order the suspect not to

reach for the gun.

Police stop the video at this

point and zoom in to highlight

an object on the ground, then

show a close-up of what looks

like a gold gun with the text

“object that appeared to be a

firearm.”

The video starts again, and the

man appears to suddenly move

in the direction of the object. One

officer opened fire, the department

said on Instagram.

In the social media post, the

department said it “has chosen

to release a preliminary video of

today’s incident and will release

a more comprehensive critical

incident video in the coming

weeks.”

Under state law, policing

agencies generally must release

within 45 days video of an incident

in which an officer opens

fire, unless it will impede the

investigation. San Diego police

generally release the video within

a week or two.

On Thursday, police posted the

video in less than five hours after

the incident. Police officials said

they decided to quickly release

some video to show the shooting

from the officer’s angle after

another video from a different

angle was posted on social media.

“We just wanted to make sure

the public had the angle from the

officer that tells the full story,”

said police spokesperson Cesar

Jimenez.

One bystander video spreading

on social media, including

Facebook, shows the man at

gunpoint, but the camera swings

away briefly before the camera

swings back to focus on the man

just as two shots are fired. Commenter's

raised concerns that

police opened fire on a man with

his hands up.

Jimenez said the other video

did not clearly show what appeared

to be a weapon.

“There was a concern that

people were saying the person

was shot for no reason,” he said.

“So in order to make sure that

people knew a little bit more

about what occurred, we released

part of the video.”

17-YEAR-OLD ADMITS HE

STABBED, TRIED TO KILL N.J.

OFFICER AFTER SEEKING TO

JOIN ISIS BY ROBERT MORAN

The Philadelphia Inquirer

BURLINGTON COUNTY, N.J. —

A Virginia teen who admitted

in court that he wanted to join

ISIS pleaded guilty Thursday to

attempted murder and related

offenses for a stabbing attack

last year on a Florence Township

police officer, Burlington County

Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw

said Friday.

Fasihullah Safar, 17, of Alexandria,

Va., was charged as an

adult and will be sentenced to 18

years in prison under a plea deal,

Bradshaw said. He is scheduled

to be formally sentenced on

March 26 in Superior Court in

Mount Holly.

The police officer who was

stabbed several times in the

chest was wearing a ballistic

vest that prevented more significant

injuries, Bradshaw said.

On March 21, 2025, Safar, who

was 16 at the time, was driving

a stolen vehicle when he intentionally

caused a crash with another

vehicle, Bradshaw said. A

Florence police vehicle responding

to the scene was then struck

multiple times by Safar’s vehicle.

Safar’s vehicle became inoperable

on Route 130 near Station

Road. When officers arrived,

Safar charged them while armed

with a knife, Bradshaw said.

Besides the officer who was

stabbed, suffering a laceration to

his torso and facial injuries, two

other officers sustained minor

injuries. During the struggle, Safar

also cut himself.

In court, Safar admitted that in

the months before the confrontation,

he had begun following

the Islamic State organization,

Bradshaw said. Safar had indicated

on social media that he

planned to join the group.

Safar admitted that he shouted

“Allahu akbar” during the confrontation

with police, and that

he intended to kill one of the

officers, Bradshaw said.

Prior to the violent encounter

with police in Florence Township,

he was being sought by authorities,

including the FBI, after he allegedly

trespassed at a school in

Fredericksburg, Va., causing the

local district to close all schools.

A school resource officer approached

Safar, who then fled

and later allegedly stole a vehicle.

One report later said Safar

had been investigated by the FBI

after the teen allegedly posed on

social media with what appeared

to be a firearm.

OFFICERS OPEN FIRE AFTER

SUSPECT PULLS GUN DURING

DOMESTIC CALL

Jacksonville, FL – A suspect

is dead after authorities said he

pulled a gun on deputies as they

were investigating a domestic

violence incident in Jacksonville’s

Bartram Park area. JSO says

34-year-old Daniel Rodriguez

died at the hospital after being

shot during the confrontation.

The shooting occurred on Monday,

January 5, 2026, on Egrets

Nest Drive off Gran Bay Parkway.

According to the sheriff’s office,

multiple people at an apartment

complex called 911 because they

were concerned about a domestic

dispute between a married

couple. JSO said one caller was

an employee at the complex.

In a later critical incident briefing

release, JSO said residents

reported seeing Rodriguez arguing

with his wife and holding a

handgun at his side. That information

was relayed to responding

officers.

The released body-worn cam-


era footage showed officers

speaking with Rodriguez’s wife

in the parking lot, and she confirmed

they had been arguing.

While officers were speaking

with her, Rodriguez emerged

near the residence. The officers

approached him and asked

whether he was armed.

JSO said Rodriguez lifted his

shirt and pulled a firearm from

his waistband. The officers

grabbed him and struggled with

him for control of the weapon,

which JSO identified as a

.40 caliber handgun. During the

struggle, JSO said Rodriguez

fired one round. JSO reported

that the two officers then fired

their JSO-assigned firearms at

Rodriguez.

The Medical Examiner’s Office

conducted an autopsy where

they discovered a .40 caliber

projectile in his brain. JSO stated

both involved officers carried

9mm handguns and ammunition

and the suspect was in possession

of a .40 caliber handgun.

The suspect in this encounter

gave off a sentinel cue (high

probability for violence) early by

walking backwards and arguing.

Appropriately, the officers took

those cues seriously and immediately

attempted to detain the

suspect.

Controlling the hands immediately

after observing a sentinel

cue is a high priority.

SOUTH CAROLINA POLICE

ACADEMY EXAM CHEATING

HITS MOUNT PLEASANT PD

South Carolina police academy

exam cheating allegations have

led to the removal of 10 Mount

Pleasant Police Department

officers, after the agency said


CLICK TO WATCH

two internal investigations found

officers provided and received

test answers. Police Chief Mark

Arnold said the department will

not release further details because

the matters are subject to

appeal through the South Carolina

Criminal Justice Academy.

Mount Pleasant Police opened

an internal investigation after

receiving information about possible

cheating on a South Carolina

Criminal Justice Academy

test, according to a statement

from Chief Mark Arnold. The first

investigation resulted in the termination

of two officers, Arnold

said.

Arnold said information

learned during that initial inquiry

led to a second internal investigation.

That second review

determined eight additional officers

had provided and received

test answers. He said those eight

officers cooperated during the

process and were separated

from the department at the conclusion

of the investigation.

The department has publicly

confirmed only a limited set of

facts: the inquiry involved a state

academy test, the investigation

was initiated after the agency

received information suggesting

possible cheating, and the

outcome was the removal of 10

officers in total through terminations

and separations.

Arnold said the matters are

subject to appeal through the

South Carolina Criminal Justice

Academy, which oversees law

enforcement officer certification

in the state. The department indicated

it would not make additional

statements at this time.

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ILL. TROOPER FIRES SHOTS

AT WOMAN WHO RAMMED

CRUISER IN REVERSE, BEGAN

TO DRIVE FORWARD

By Katie Kull

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

EAST ST. LOUIS, IL. — Illinois

State Police on Saturday released

body camera footage of a

woman being shot and killed by

troopers earlier this month.

The woman, 40-year-old

Rachel E. Tarrence, of Maryville,

Illinois, was driving a white

Chevrolet SUV that had been

reported stolen.

Just after 10 p.m. Jan. 4, the

vehicle pulled into the side of a

convenience store in the 4500

block of South State Street in

East St. Louis, video footage

showed. Four patrol vehicles

pulled in behind, beside and in

front of her.

Seconds later, the SUV backs

into a squad car, the video

shows. The vehicle then pulls

forward, and troopers get out

of their cars, guns drawn. They

order Tarrence to “show hands,”

but her car slowly rolls forward,

the video shows.

One of the troopers opens fire.

Tarrence was taken to a hospital

where she died, state patrol

officials say. Her front seat

passenger, a man, was unhurt,

as was a child riding in the back

seat.

The trooper who fired his

weapon was taken off the street

pending an investigation, officials

said.

N.Y. WOMAN STABS MAN IN THE

HEAD WITH KNIFE BEFORE OIS


BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo

Police Department released


body worn camera footage

showing the moment an officer

shot a woman in the shoulder as

she attacked a group of people,

WIVB reported.

Just after 2 a.m. on Sept. 27,

2025, officers responded to a

disturbance call. Upon arrival,

they encountered a 38 year old

woman armed with a knife and

acting aggressively.

Officers repeatedly ordered the

woman to drop the knife, but

she ignored commands. Video

shows the woman holding the

knife while yelling at the officers,

insisting that “he touched

me.”

After arguing with officers, the

woman continued advancing

toward a group of people she

CLICK TO WATCH

CLICK TO WATCH

knew. Officers deployed pepper

spray, but she remained aggressive

and went on to stab a man

in the head.

At that point, an officer fired a

single shot, striking the woman

in the shoulder. She was transported

to Erie County Medical

Center with non life threatening

injuries.

In October, the Erie County

District Attorney’s Office determined

that the officer’s use

of force was justified under the

circumstances, according to the

report.

The woman was charged with

second degree attempted murder

and first degree attempted

assault in connection with the

incident.



DO NOT INTERFERE': WASH.

PD CHIEF URGES PUBLIC NOT

TO CONFRONT OFFICERS FROM

SPECIALTY UNITS DURING OP-

ERATIONS

By Tyler Brown,

The Columbian.

VANCOUVER, WA. — In a Thursday

video posted on social media,

Vancouver Police Chief Troy

Price said residents have been

interfering with ongoing investigations

conducted by police

specialty units.

Price said people have been

incorrectly identifying specialty

officers — members of the SWAT

team and Crime Reduction Unit

— as federal agents.

“Members of the public have

been following, yelling at, demanding

identification, and engaging

with our officers as they

travel and at locations where

they are working to arrest highrisk

and often armed suspects,”

Price said in the video. “These

units are responsible for apprehending

some of the most violent

offenders in our community,

and the work they do is already

extremely dangerous. Drawing

attention to them increases the

danger to everyone.”

Thursday’s video post follows

months of U.S. Immigration and

Customs Enforcement operations

in and around Vancouver. These

actions have drawn criticism for

their deceptive and aggressive

nature, including incidents in

which immigrants have been injured,

such as being mauled by a

dog or run over by a vehicle. ICE

agents arrested one man outside

the Clark County Courthouse

during a trial break.

ICE agents reportedly exploited

the proximity of the Vancouver

Veterans Affairs campus in

a recent incident involving a

Russian asylum-seeker. A witness

said a man in a dark-blue

uniform, claiming to be VA

campus police with a warrant

from ICE, knocked on his door

and “just needed something

signed.” Several business owners

who have witnessed ICE arrests

on Fourth Plain Boulevard said

agents were wearing uniforms

that made them look like Clark

County sheriff’s deputies. Others

described ICE agents wearing a

“corrections officer” label.

Although Price did not directly

mention ICE, he highlighted

the difference between federal

agents’ uniforms and local police.

Price said the police department

has observed a pattern

in other areas in which federal

agents wear uniforms and gear

that closely resemble those worn

by the department’s specialty

officers.

This isn’t the first time the police

department has issued an

educational video on uniform

identification.

Thursday’s video shows a local

officer in a SWAT uniform as an

example. The officer wears an

CLICK TO WATCH

olive drab green uniform with

a tactical vest, helmet, goggles

and body-worn camera on the

vest. The video noted the department’s

shoulder patches.

The video also showed a photo

depicting the attire and equipment

of Crime Reduction Unit

officers. The uniform includes

police-issue vests that display

" VANCOUVER POLICE” on the

back. Officers are also equipped

with police-issue firearm belts

and holstered firearms.

Vancouver officers can be

identified by the “VANCOUVER”

insignia visible on their outer

vest or shoulder patch, Price

said.

Their vehicles, including armored

vehicles, are also clearly

marked with the department’s

name, though unmarked vehicles

may be used in operations, Price

said.

Price emphasized that distractions,

including yelling or drawing

attention to the officers as

they conduct these missions, put

officers, suspects and bystanders

in immediate physical danger.

These interferences are hindering

the ability of Vancouver police

to perform their duties, Price


said. He also issued a warning

about potential consequences.

“These actions ultimately compromise

my mission to keep Vancouver

safe. Depending on the

circumstances, such actions may

be in violation of state law and

could result in your arrest,” Price

said in the video. “I cannot make

myself clearer. Do not interfere

in the work of law enforcement

officers while they are in the

middle of an incident. Let us do

our jobs so we can protect this

community.”

MAN WHO SHOT 2 ORE.

OFFICERS ARRESTED AFTER

WEEK-LONG MANHUNT


PORTLAND, OR. — Police have

arrested a suspect accused of

shooting and seriously injuring

two Portland officers in Northeast

Portland, KATU reported.

The arrest comes a week after

the shooting in the Sullivan’s

Gulch neighborhood, where

officers responded to a 911 call

on Jan. 19 reporting a person

threatening someone with a

knife, according to the report.

The suspect fired at officers and

fled the scene. Officers did not

return fire.

The suspect, a 41-year-old

man, is being held at the Multnomah

County Jail on multiple

charges, including two felony

counts of attempted murder,

according to the Portland Police

Bureau.

One officer was released from

the hospital shortly after the

shooting. The second officer was

expected to be released Jan. 26,

officials said.

Police said the suspect was

taken into custody shortly before


8 a.m. on Jan. 26 after officers

closed roads in the area. He was

transported to the bureau’s Central

Precinct for questioning.

Court records show the suspect

has a lengthy criminal

history dating back more than 20

years, including convictions for

violent offenses and firearm-related

crimes. Police also said

he had an outstanding warrant

related to a previous case.

The arrest followed a

multi-agency search that generated

nearly 200 public tips, according

to investigators. The U.S.

Marshals Service and other state

and federal agencies assisted in

the operation.

BWC FOOTAGE RELEASED

HOURS AFTER OIS SHOWS

MAN REACHING FOR OBJECT

THAT APPEARED TO BE A

FIREARM

By Teri Figueroa and Karen

Kucher

The San Diego Union-Tribune

SAN DIEGO — San Diego police

shot a suspect early Thursday

afternoon after a police pursuit

ended with a collision that toppled

a light pole onto a police

car in the La Presa neighborhood

of Spring Valley , police said.

CLICK TO WATCH

The man who was shot

was taken to a hospital and

was treated for serious but

non-life-threatening injuries,

according to sheriff’s Lt. Juan

Marquez.

An officer at the scene was

injured by shattered glass when

the light pole fell onto the police

patrol vehicle, said San Diego

police spokesperson Officer Colin

Steinbroner.

In a highly unusual step, police

released footage of the shooting

just hours after it occurred, in

hopes, they said, of clearing up

concerns raised after bystander

video was posted on social

media.

The Sheriff’s Office is investigating

the shooting under a

countywide memorandum that

prevents local agencies from investigating

their own officer-involved

shootings.

The incident started about

12:40 p.m. , when someone

called to report their vehicle

had been stolen in the vicinity

of Euclid and Imperial avenues

in southeastern San Diego, he

said. Officers in the department’s

new Real Time Operations Center

entered the stolen vehicle’s

information into the system so


officers could look for it.

Less than an hour later, just

before 1:30 p.m., police spotted

the car, and a pursuit ensued,

police said. During the pursuit,

officers deployed spike strips

to flatten the tires. The roughly

10-minute chase ended when the

vehicle collided with a light pole

in the vicinity of Jamacha Road

and Gillespie Drive in La Presa,

Steinbroner said.

On Instagram, police posted

footage from a camera worn by

one of the officers at the scene.

The roughly 90-second clip

shows the officer with his gun

drawn as the suspect is on his

knees in front of a white vehicle,

his back to the officers and his

hands out to the side.

The man is repeatedly ordered

to get on the ground. Someone,

presumably an officer, asks

aloud if an item on the ground

a few feet from the man was a

gun. Another person, presumably

another officer, says it is. Officers

then order the suspect not to

reach for the gun.

Police stop the video at this

point and zoom in to highlight

an object on the ground, then

show a close-up of what looks

like a gold gun with the text

“object that appeared to be a

firearm.”

The video starts again, and the

man appears to suddenly move

in the direction of the object. One

officer opened fire, the department

said on Instagram.

In the social media post, the

department said it “has chosen

to release a preliminary video of

today’s incident and will release

a more comprehensive critical

incident video in the coming

weeks.”


CLICK TO WATCH

Under state law, policing

agencies generally must release

within 45 days video of an incident

in which an officer opens

fire, unless it will impede the

investigation. San Diego police

generally release the video within

a week or two.

On Thursday, police posted the

video in less than five hours after

the incident. Police officials said

they decided to quickly release

some video to show the shooting

from the officer’s angle after

another video from a different

angle was posted on social media.

“We just wanted to make sure

the public had the angle from the

officer that tells the full story,”

said police spokesperson Cesar

Jimenez.

One bystander video spreading

on social media, including

Facebook, shows the man at

gunpoint, but the camera swings

away briefly before the camera

swings back to focus on the man

just as two shots are fired. Commenters

raised concerns that

police opened fire on a man with

his hands up.

Jimenez said the other video

did not clearly show what appeared

to be a weapon.

NYPD OFFICERS SHOOT FOR-

MER COP WHO THREATENED

SELF, OTHERS WITH SHARP

BROKEN TOILET SEAT IN HOS-

PITAL


NEW YORK — The NYPD released

body camera footage

showing an officer-involved

shooting of a former cop who

brandished a sharp, broken piece

of a toilet seat and threatened

himself, officers and others in a

hospital.

The Jan. 8 incident unfolded

when multiple 911 callers reported

that there was a person inside

NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn

Methodist Hospital was acting

violently and had cut himself

with a knife, according to the

NYPD critical incident release.

“I have a patient who’s suicidal,”

a 911 caller can be heard

saying in released audio. “He’s

actually hurting himself right

now. I need police here immediately.

“

Officers arrived at the scene

and found the suspect, identified

as Michael Lynch, blocking the

door to a hospital room with two

other people inside, brandishing a

sharp object.

Video shows officers instructing

Lynchto drop the weapon. Instead,

he stepped toward them with the

weapon extended.

One officer fired a shot at

Lynch, while two others deployed

TASERs. Lynch kept control of the

object and refused to leave the

room.

Officers continued to speak with

Lynch for about four minutes, attempting

to persuade him to drop

the weapon, before deploying

TASERs at him. The deployments

were ineffective.

Lynch again stepped toward the

officers with the object extended.

Two officers then fired shots,

striking the suspect. He fell to the

ground, but maintained control of

the sharp object.

Officers deployed TASERs at

Lynch before taking him into custody,

allowing him to be treated

by hospital staff. He was pronounced

dead at the scene, according

to the NYPD.

Lynch resigned from the NYPD

in the 1990s, ABC7 reports. He had

also served as a FDNY lieutenant

and was initially admitted for

head pain, according to News 12.

NEW ORLEANS PD RECRUIT

TAKEN INTO CUSTODY BY ICE


NEW ORLEANS — A New Orleans

Police Department recruit was

taken into custody by U.S. Immigration

and Customs Enforcement,

NOPD Superintendent Anne

Kirkpatrick stated.

The individual, not identified by

police, had lived in the U.S. for a

decade, Nola.com reported. ICE

has not released additional details.

Kirkpatrick said the recruit

would not be granted bond

and is expected to be removed

from the country. The department

was notified of the detainment

on Jan. 28 and shared

the recruit’s file with ICE, which

provided guidance on reviewing

immigration-related concerns.

The recruit began the hiring

process with NOPD in June

2025 and passed a background

check, including screening

through the FBI’s National

Crime Information Center and

E-Verify, a federal employment

verification system. He held a

valid driver’s license and Social

Security number.

“We did the due diligence,”

Kirkpatrick said. “We were not

lax on all the things we would

do.”

An immigration judge in

Atlanta issued a removal order

on Dec. 5. The recruit, who

previously lived in Georgia, was

taken into custody without

incident.

NOPD’s recruiting website

states that applicants must be

legally authorized to work in

the U.S. but are not required to

be U.S. citizens, according to the

report.

WASH. SHERIFF’S OFFICE

BWC SHOWS MAN WIELDING

HATCHET SET HOME ABLAZE

DURING EVICTION

By Martín Bilbao

The Olympian (Olympia, Wash.)

THURSTON COUNTY, Wash. — A

Thurston County resident allegedly

set fire to his own home

as deputies attempted to evict

him Wednesday morning.

The incident occurred at about

9 a.m. at a duplex in the 4800

block of Carpenter Road Southeast

near Lacey, according to a

news release from the Thurston

County Sheriff’s Office.

The 56-year-old resident allegedly

refused to exit his home

when the Sheriff’s Office Civil

Unit attempted to “conduct

a court-ordered eviction,” the

release states. After negotiating

with deputies, the resident reportedly

released his dog. A fire

then broke out inside the home,

while the adjacent duplex was

still occupied.

“The tenant refused to exit de-


spite nearly two hours of staling

and attempting to negotiate,”

Sheriff Derek Sanders said in his

own Facebook post. “Suddenly,

flames could be seen from the

couch in the living room and the

residence went up in flames.”

Sanders said deputies evacuated

the people in the adjacent

duplex unit and developed probable

cause to arrest the resident

for first-degree arson.

Joint Animal Services reportedly

took custody of the dog

and negotiations continued. The

resident eventually exited the

home while holding a hatchet,

the release states.

Deputies used “less-lethal

tools” on the resident when he

exited the burning home, according

to the release. Sanders said

deputies shot at him with multiple

40 mm “less lethal” rounds

and later a taser.

Sanders also shared deputy

body camera footage from the

scene. The video shows deputies

follow the resident toward the

back of the home and continue

negotiations from a distance. A

deputy can be heard urging the

resident to surrender.

“We can help you out,” a deputy

says. “It’s not over.”

A deputy tased the resident,

but he used the hatchet to cut

the taser wires, according to the

video and Sanders’ post. The resident

can then be seen walking

toward the street and is tased a

second time.

The video shows deputies

attempt to handcuff the resident

near the burning home before

dragging him toward the street.

Sanders said deputies dragged

him away because the flames

from the home were too hot.


The resident appeared to have

an injury to his right arm. Deputies

believe he sustained the injury

after being shot by the “less

lethal” rounds, Sanders said.

Lacey Fire District 3 responded

to the duplex when the fire broke

out, according to a LFD3 Facebook

post. Firefighters reportedly

provided medical care for the

resident, searched the structure

and extinguished the fire after

deputies secured the scene.

First responders transported

the resident to an area hospital

to be evaluated, per the Sheriff’s

Office release.

Deputies later booked the

resident into the county jail on

suspicion of first-degree arson,

first-degree malicious mischief

and obstructing a law enforcement

officer, according to the

jail log.

In his post, Sanders said the

resident previously received numerous

notifications throughout

the eviction process, including a

final notice to exit by Wednesday.

The landlord alleged the resident

damaged his duplex unit,

including by taking “edged

weapons” to the walls, and

neighbors accused the resident

CLICK TO WATCH

of abusive behavior, including

screaming racial slurs, Sanders’

post said.

EX-ILL. DEPUTY SENTENCED

TO 20 YEARS IN PRISON IN FA-

TAL OIS OF SONYA MASSEY

By John O’Connor

Associated Press

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — A former

Illinois sheriff’s deputy was sentenced

Thursday to 20 years in

prison for fatally shooting Sonya

Massey, who had dialed 911 to

report a possible prowler outside

her Springfield home.

Sean Grayson, 31, was convicted

in October. Grayson received

the maximum possible sentence.

He has been incarcerated since

he was charged in the killing.

He apologized during the

sentencing, saying he wished

he could bring Massey back and

spare her family the pain he

caused. His attorney had asked

for a sentence of six years, noting

that Grayson has late stage

colon cancer that has spread to

his liver and lungs.

“I made a lot of mistakes that

night. There were points when

I should’ve acted, and I didn’t. I

froze,” he said during the hearing.

“I made terrible decisions


that night. I’m sorry.”

Massey’s parents and two

children — who lobbied for the

maximum sentence — said their

lives had changed dramatically

since the killing. Her two children

said they had to grow up

without a mother, while Massey’s

mother said she lived in fear.

They asked the judge to carry

out justice in her name.

“Today, I’m afraid to call the

police in fear that I might end up

like Sonya,” her mother Donna

Massey said during the hearing.

Grayson’s attorneys had pushed

for a new trial, which Judge

Ryan Cadigan dismissed at the

start of the hearing.

In calling for the maximum

prison term, State’s Attorney

John Milhiser argued that Massey

would still be alive if the police

department had sent someone

else to respond.

“Sonya Massey’s death rocked

her family, but it rocked the

community, it rocked the country,”

State’s Attorney John Milhiser

said. “We have to do whatever

we can to ensure it never

happens again.”

When the judge read the sentence,

the family reacted with

a loud cheer: “Yes!” The judge

admonished them.

After the hearing, Massey’s

relatives thanked the public for

the support and listening to their

stories about Massey.

“Twenty years is not enough,”

her daughter Summer told reporters.

THE DAY OF THE SHOOTING

In the early morning hours

of July 6, 2024, Massey — who

struggled with mental health

issues — summoned emergency

responders because she feared


there was a prowler outside her

Springfield home.

According to body camera

footage, Grayson and sheriff’s

Deputy Dawson Farley, who was

not charged, searched Massey’s

yard before meeting her at her

door. Massey appeared confused

and repeatedly said, “Please,

God.”

The deputies entered her

house, Grayson noticed the pot

on the stove and ordered Farley

to move it. Instead, Massey went

to the stove, retrieved the pot

and teased Grayson for moving

away from “the hot, steaming

water.”

From this moment, the exchange

quickly escalated.

Massey said: “I rebuke you in

the name of Jesus.”

Grayson drew his sidearm and

yelled at her to drop the pan.

She set the pot down and ducked

behind a counter. But she appeared

to pick it up again.

That’s when Grayson opened

fire on the 36-year-old, shooting

her in the face. He testified that

he feared Massey would scald

him.

CONVICTED OF DOWNGRAD-

ED CHARGES AT TRIAL

Grayson was charged with

three counts of first-degree murder,

which could have led to a

life sentence, but a jury convicted

him of the lesser charge. Illinois

allows for a second-degree

murder conviction if evidence

shows the defendant honestly

thought he was in danger, even

if that fear was unreasonable.

Massey’s family was outraged

by the jury’s decision, raising

questions of racial injustice.

“The justice system did exactly

what it’s designed to do today.

It’s not meant for us,” her cousin

Sontae Massey said after the

verdict.

AFTER THE SHOOTING

The case generated a U.S. Justice

Department inquiry that was

settled when the county agreed

to implement more de-escalation

training; collect more

use-of-force data; and forced

the sheriff who hired Grayson to

retire. The case also prompted a

change in Illinois law requiring

fuller transparency on the backgrounds

of candidates for law

enforcement jobs.

17-YEAR-OLD SUSPECT

FLEES GA. LIEUTENANT AT

MORE THAN 115 MPH BEFORE

ROLLOVER CRASH

FAYETTE COUNTY, GA. — The

Fayette County Sheriff’s Office

released video showing a pursuit

of a 17-year-old suspect that

ended in a rollover crash.

The Jan. 21 incident began

when a FCSO lieutenant spotted

a vehicle matching the description

of a stolen vehicle. Video

shows the suspect fleeing down

a winding roadway for several

minutes.

The sheriff’s office stated

the pursuit reached speeds of

more than 115 mph. The suspect

can be seen on dashcam video

repeatedly crossing over the

center lines, even as traffic from

the other side of the road approached.

After several minutes, the

suspect made a slight turn at

a bend in the road. The driver

then lost control of the vehicle,

causing it to rapidly swerve back

and forth before rolling over and

landing on its roof.

The video then shows multiple

officers approaching the vehicle

to pull the suspect out.

HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF’S

OFFICE SERGEANT ACCUSED

OF SENDING EXPLICIT MES-

SAGES TO UNDERCOVER OFFI-

CER POSING AS TEEN

HOUSTON – A Harris County

Sheriff’s Office sergeant who

was arrested earlier this week

on state charges, has now also

been charged federally.

On Monday, Jan. 26, HCSO

Sergeant John Fedrick Black,

46, was arrested on child exploitation

charges in Tallahassee,

Florida. The Leon County Sheriff’s

Office, located in Florida, issued

the warrant, and Black was arrested

and booked into the Harris

County Jail.

According to a news release

from the Leon County Sheriff's

Office, earlier this month, the

departments trafficking department

started talking with Black

on an online chat platform while

posing as a 13-year-old child.

According to court documents,

the conversation began on Jan.

12, when Black allegedly asked

the undercover officer’s age.

Black: " How old are you?"

The undercover agent: “13

*Smiling face emoji*

Black: Oh wow lol. I’m 46. More

than twice your age lol. Not gonna

liie though. From what I can

CLICK TO WATCH

see, you look pretty hot.

The undercover agent: “Oh

really, I didn’t know it thought u

were like 30


U.S. MARSH

SERVICE

WORDS BY MICHAEL BARRON

As the oldest federal law enforcement

agency, the history of the U.S. Marshals

Service is the history of our country.

Their power and authority are rooted in the

U.S. Constitution, and their involvement in

many of our nation’s most historic events

helped shape our nation into what it is

today.


ALS

The BLUES The BLUES - FEBRUARY ‘26 ‘268585

The U.S. Marshals Service was established

on September 24, 1789, when President

George Washington signed the Judiciary

Act into law. One of their main duties

then, and now, was to protect the federal

judiciary—not only federal judges, but

the judicial process. In addition, U.S. Marshals

were responsible for paying all court

costs, juror and witness fees, district attorneys,

and court clerks. They also rented

courtroom space, jail space for federal

prisoners, and hired bailiffs. Though many

of their responsibilities have evolved over

the last 235+ years, their protection of the

judiciary has remained constant.

THE JUDICIARY ACT OF 1789

Officially titled “An Act to Establish the

Judicial Courts of the United States,” the

Judiciary Act was signed into law by President

George Washington on September 24,

1789. The Act established the federal court

system which, with some minor adjustments,

is still the same system we have today.

Article III of the Constitution established

the United States Supreme Court but left it

up to Congress to develop the rest of the

federal court system. The Judiciary Act did

the following:

• Set the number of U.S. Supreme Court

Justices at six: one Chief Justice and five

Associate Justices.

• Created 13 judicial districts within the

11 states that had ratified the Constitution

(North Carolina and Rhode Island were

added in 1790 and other states were added

as they were officially admitted to the Union).

• Established a circuit court and district

court in each judicial district. The circuit

court included a district judge and (originally)

two Supreme Court Judges. In 1891,

the appellate courts were created, and the

Supreme Court justices no longer had to

“ride the circuit.”

• Created the position of Attorney General,

and provided for the appointment of a U.S.

Marshal (sections 27 and 28), one or more

deputy marshals, and a U.S. Attorney for

each district.

SEC. 27 Stated: And be it further enact-


ed, That a marshal shall be appointed in

and for each district for the term of four

years, but shall be removable from office

at pleasure, whose duty it shall be to attend

the district and circuit courts when

sitting therein, and also the Supreme Court

in the District in which that court shall sit.

And to execute throughout the district, all

lawful precepts directed to him, and issued

under the authority of the United States,

and he shall have power to command all

necessary assistance in the execution of

his duty, and to appoint as there shall be

occasion, one or more deputies, who shall

be removable from office by the judge of

the district court, or the circuit court sitting

within the district, at the pleasure of either;

and before he enters on the duties of his

The The BLUES BLUES - FEBRUARY ‘26 ‘26 87 87

office, he shall become bound for the faithful

performance of the same, by himself

and by his deputies before the judge of the

district court to the United States, jointly

and severally, with two good and sufficient

sureties, inhabitants and freeholders of

such district, to be approved by the district

judge, in the sum of twenty thousand

dollars, and shall take before said judge,

as shall also his deputies, before they enter

on the duties of their appointment, the

following oath of office: “I, A.B., do solemnly

swear or affirm, that I will faithfully

execute all lawful precepts directed to the

marshal of the district under the authority

of the United States, and true returns make,

and in all things well and truly, and without

malice or partiality, perform the duties of

the office of marshal (or marshal's deputy,

as the case may be) of the district of ,

during my continuance in said office, and

take only my lawful fees. So help me God.“

SEC. 28 Stated: And be it further enacted,

That in all causes wherein the marshal or

his deputy shall be a party, the writs and

precepts therein shall be directed to such

disinterested person as the court, or any

justice or judge thereof may appoint, and

the person so appointed, is hereby authorized

to execute and return the same. And

in case of the death of any marshal, his

deputy or deputies shall continue in office,

unless otherwise specially removed; and

shall execute the same in the name of the

deceased, until another marshal shall be

appointed and sworn: And the defaults or

misfeasances in office of such deputy or

deputies in the mean time, as well as before.

In the early years, U.S. Marshals were of-



ten the only federal agent in their district.

As a result, they fulfilled numerous roles

outside of their primary responsibilities.

They were the original census takers (until

1870, and the creation of the U.S. Census Bureau),

they protected tax collectors leading

up to the Whiskey Rebellion, and they pursued

counterfeiters prior to the formation

of the Secret Service.

With the passage of the Fugitive Slave

Law in 1850, the U.S. Marshals were authorized

to enforce the law and return runaway

slaves to their owners. For marshals

in the Northern states this often put them

at odds with their friends and neighbors.

During a volatile time in our nation’s history,

U.S. Marshals often went against their

own personal beliefs as they upheld the

law and returned these enslaved men and

women to the South.

Fast-forward 100 years, and the U.S. Marshals

Service protected African-American

students during the desegregation of

Southern schools during the 1950s and 60s.



U.S. MARSHAL - THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT

T. MICHAEL O'CONN

Today, there are 94 U.S. Marshals across

the country—one for each federal district.

As in 1789, U.S. Marshals are still appointed

by and serve at the pleasure of the

President, while deputy marshals are civil

servants. They play a vital role in our democracy—preserving

the way our judicial

system functions, protecting our streets,

and so much more.

The Southern District of Texas is served

by US Marshal T. Michael O'Connor.

O'Connor was sworn in as the U.S. Marshal

In February 2020,

A fifth-generation South Texas rancher,

U.S. Marshal T. Michael O'Connor continues

his stewardship in public service and as a

businessman.

Marshal O'Connor is a graduate of Texas

A&M University Class of 77 and has been

involved in law enforcement for over 40

years. In 2005, O'Connor was sworn in as

Sheriff of Victoria County, Texas and immediately

implemented his theme; "Excellence

in Law Enforcement". His main

priority is to the residents of Victoria

County; to serve and protect. He is currently

serving as President of the South

Texas Coastal Sheriff's Alliance (STCSA)

which includes eighteen (18) counties in

the South Texas Coastal Bend, allowing

him to be an instrumental voice in addressing

common issues among local law

enforcement. "Criminal Justice" as well as

"Equal Justice" were some of the driving

forces to him launching the South Texas

Coastal Sheriff's Alliance. O'Connor serves

as Chairman of the Board of Law Enforcement

Alliance Project (LEAP/LInX) and of

Houston High Intensity Drug Trafficking

Area, (HIDTA). As a member of the Sheriff's


OF TEXAS

OR

Association of Texas, O'Connor serves on

the Jail Advisory, Legislative and Technology

Committees. He is actively involved with

Texas Association of Counties-Policy Action

Group (TAC-PAG) and the National Sheriff's

Association, serving on the Education

& Training and Governmental Affairs Committees.

Marshal O'Connor continues his

involvement in Victoria's local civic organizations.


DEPUTY U.S. MARSHAL - THE SOUTHERN D

CAMERON WELCH

Back when I was in Junior High, Houston

had a great mayor by the name of Louie

Welch. Welch served as Mayor of Houston

for five consecutive terms, from 1964 to

1974, a significant decade of growth for the

city, overseeing landmarks like the Astrodome

and the building of Houston’s Intercontinental

Airport.

During that time period, the mayor and

his family lived in the Oak Forest area

of Houston in a subdivision not far from

where my parents lived and I went to

school with two of his children, Shannon

and Tina. Some 28 years later, I remember

reading a story in the Houston Chronicle

where the former mayor was pinning

a Houston Police Department Badge on

his grandson Cameron Welch. At the time

I thought it was fitting that Louie Welch’s

grandson would follow in his footsteps in

service of citizens of Houston.

Cameron was the first in his family to

pursue a career in law enforcement that

followed three years of service to his country.

In 1995 he enlisted in the U.S. Army as

a Cavalry Scout and participated in UN and

NATO peacekeeping missions in Haiti and

Bosnia-Herzegovina. After his honorable

discharge in 1998, he enrolled in the law

enforcement academy at the University of

Houston where he graduated Valedictorian

of Class #155 and immediately was hired

as a Deputy Constable for Harris County

Precinct One. Four years later he would find

himself back in the academy at the Houston

Police Department. During his time with

94 94 The BLUES FEBRUARY ‘26

ISTRICT OF TEXAS

PHOTO BY SHERINA WELCH, FREESPIRITFOTO


HPD, Welch was assigned to the Houston

Police Scuba Dive team and deployed to

East Texas diving for wreckage from the

Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster.

In 2003, Welch was hired as a Deputy U.S.

Marshal for the Southern District of Texas.

Nine years after joining the Marshals,

Cameron was appointed as the Acting Supervisory

Deputy and led judicial security

operations and supervised deputies within

the Southern District of Texas-Houston

Division. His new assignment included

managing high-risk security assignments,

protection details for U.S. Supreme Court

Justices as well as high-profile government

officials. He also Implemented policies to

improve security measures, resource allocation,

personnel management and developed

a standardized field training program for

newly appointed Deputy U.S. Marshals.

In 2019, he served as the Team Leader for

the Gulf Coast Violent Offenders & Fugitive

Task Force, a specialized task force responsible

for high-risk fugitive investigations

and coordinated efforts with local, state,

and international agencies. During that

time, Cameron successfully orchestrated

the apprehension of over 2,000 fugitive arrests,

including 5 of The USMS Top 15 Most

Wanted Fugitives.

Today, Cameron will tell you hunting

down fugitives and criminals is what he

lives for.

Four years ago, Oscar Rosales ambushed

and killed Texas Deputy Constable Corporal

Charles Galloway in Houston. Rosales

had been armed with an AR type weapon

and opened fire on Cpl. Galloway as he

sat in his patrol car in Southwest Houston.

The cold-blooded killer was the subject of

a nationwide manhunt until he was taken

into custody at a hotel in Ciudad Acuña,

Mexico, a border city about 575 miles west


PHOTO BY SHERINA WELCH, FREESPIRITFOTO


of Houston. Welch told ABC station KTRK

in Houston at the time that his capture was

coordinated by the U.S. Marshals' Gulf Coast

Violent Offenders Task Force and its Fugitive

Task Force in conjunction with Mexican

authorities, officials said. Welch and the U.S.

Marshals had Rosales extradited back to

Harris County where he was charged with

Capital Murder of a Police Officer.

Another high-profile case that Welch was

involved in was the hunt for Willam Greer

who allegedly killed Tammy Myers in December

2006, just days before Christmas.

The 29-year-old mother of three had separated

from her husband and was living with

a new man, William Greer, in a suburb of

Houston. Within days of Myers' disappearance,

Greer also vanished. Investigators

believed Greer was responsible for Myers'

death and spent years hunting the fugitive.

In 2010, Welch heard about the case and

asked to be assigned. "This guy literally

thought that he could victimize not only

Tammy, but everybody else that he encountered

while he was on the run, and kind of

just thumbing his nose in our face," Welch

told "48 Hours" correspondent Peter Van

Sant in an encore of "The Day My Mother

Vanished," now streaming on Paramount+.

In 2012, Deputy Marshal Leslie Ramin

joined the search for Greer. "The family

wants somebody who's going to push hard

to do what needs to be done," he told Van

Sant. Ramin gave the search for Greer a

new nickname: "Operation Catch a Toe." It's

a reference to a toe the Marshals learned

Greer had lost in a bicycle accident. That

distinctive feature was mentioned on wanted

posters and Marshals hoped it would

help tip people off to Greer's identity.

"If you have a murderer in your house and

… this murderer is missing a toe … they're

going to easily put two and two together,"

Ramin said. He was right.

On Nov. 22, 2017, the Marshals received

a tip that Greer had been spotted in Mexico.

He had now been on the run for over a

decade. Within days, a swarm of undercover

Mexican police captured a man they all

hoped was William Greer.

"He completely denied that it was him."

Deputy Welch told Van Sant. "I just wish I

could have been there to see his face when

they removed his shoe."

"What did they see?" Van Sant asked. "The

missing toe," Welch replied.

"Operation Catch a Toe" had finally succeeded.

Greer was later convicted of second-degree

manslaughter after agreeing to

a plea deal.

In the past three years, Welch:

• Assisted Waller County authorities in

locating a registered sex offender who escaped

from a medical facility in Belleville,

TX.

• Participated in the Gulf Coast Violent

Offender Task Force’s arrest of a fugitive

wanted in California since 1988 for rape,

sexual assault, and lewd acts involving a

child. He was found working in a mechanic

shop in Kemah, TX, and taken into custody

without incident.

• Arrested one of four inmates who escaped

from the Raymond Detention Center

in Mississippi. The fugitive was located and

apprehended at a Houston hospital after

being spotted on surveillance.




VOTE MARCH 3, 2026

VOTERS GUIDE PRESENTED BY

THE BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE

VOTERS GUIDE


CANDIDATES FOR HARRIS COUNTY JUDGE

VOTE MARCH 3, 2026

VOTERS GUIDE PRESENTED BY

THE BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE

*Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.

**Candidates registered but now shown, did respond to the request for information for the Guide.

ALIZA DUTT, REPUBLICAN

OPENING STATEMENT:

I’m Aliza Dutt, and I have the experience

to run Harris County. As a

child, my family fled from Communism,

coming to America to achieve

a better life. My parents taught me

the value of hard work, perseverance,

and the freedoms we enjoy in

our great nation.

New York City just saw the election

of a true Communist as Mayor.

We cannot allow destructive ideology

to control Harris County; we

need strong, principled, conservative

leadership, and that’s what I’ll deliver.

I will stand for law enforcement and enforced immigration laws,

improving our flood infrastructure, increased affordability, and

empowering local authorities to solve the problems closest to them.

I know big government creates more problems than it solves, so I

am committed to cutting waste, improving efficiency, and returning

more money to you – the taxpayer.

My plan will put Harris County back on track and deliver real

results. That’s the Dutt Difference.

QUALIFICATIONS: WHAT TRAINING, EXPERIENCE AND CHARAC-

TERISTICS QUALIFY YOU FOR THE POSITION OF HARRIS COUNTY

JUDGE?

Harris County is at a crossroads. We can continue down the path

of crime and failed government, or pivot to a future of safety and

results.

I currently serve as the Mayor of Piney Point Village, where I have

taken a hands-on approach to disaster recovery, supported our

law enforcement, and overseen a balanced budget. When Hurricane

Beryl hit, I was out in the community – even chasing down

Center Point trucks – to get our neighbors back up and running. I’ve

supported our law enforcement officers and first responders, and

now, I am ready to bring that same level of service to the County

Commissioner’s Court.

The County Judge is the CEO of the county, responsible for operations

and the multi-billion-dollar budget. My time and experience

working on Wall Street has prepared me to handle extensive budgets

and put our house back in order.

I’ve worked in one of the toughest industries, run a city, and now,

I’ll bring conservative values and real results to the Harris County

Commissioner’s Court.

Q: PLEASE IDENTIFY WHAT YOU BELIEVE ARE THE TWO (2) MOST

IMPORTANT ISSUES DIRECTLY HARRIS COUNTY ?

Public safety and reliable infrastructure are the two most important

issues in Harris County.

It is critical that residents feel safe to live, work, and raise families

in our county, and that starts with supporting our law enforcement.

We must ensure our law enforcement officers and first

responders receive the resources, training, and equipment they need

to effectively serve the third largest county in the United States.

With over 5 million residents, it is also imperative that our infrastructure

is reliable and up to date. Our roads and bridges must

be prepared to handle the everyday traffic as well as any evacuation

needs. We live on the Gulf Coast; hurricanes and flooding are

inevitable, so it’s up to county government to ensure our drainage

systems and flooding infrastructure are prepared for the next storm.

Q: DESCRIBE YOUR “SPECIFIC” PLANS/IDEAS FOR ADDRESSING

THESE ISSUES.

The Harris County Commissioner’s Court currently has a massive

spending problem. We need to get back to the basics: public safety,

infrastructure, and fiscal conservatism.

Step one is cutting waste from the county budget. From spending

hundreds of thousands of dollars on liberal pet projects to

overpaying for services, there are plenty of opportunities to cut

our expenses and reallocate those funds to law enforcement, first

responders, and critical infrastructure projects.

From there, an audit to evaluate the needs of our law enforcement

units and key infrastructure projects should be conducted. All

projects should be put out for bid with incentives for timely or early

completion to create real competition and decrease the amount of

disruption in residents’ lives.

The overall goal must be to use tax dollars wisely to protect and

serve the residents of Harris County as efficiently as possible and

return money to hard working Texans wherever possible.


Q: HOW DO YOU PLAN TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR THE

PEOPLE LIVING AND WORKING IN HARRIS COUNTY?

People’s lives improve when they can keep more of their hardearned

money and when the government focuses on critical

services. As Harris County Judge, I will work tirelessly to make

government work for you by prioritizing public safety, improving

infrastructure, empowering local authorities to solve problems by

cutting bureaucratic red tape, and cutting waste to return more

money to your pocket. Together, we can make Harris County safe

and affordable for families and businesses.

OSCAR GONZALES, REPUBLICAN

OPENING STATEMENT

I’m a native Houstonian, raised in

the 5th ward, then moved to the

Heights when serial killers were

there. I graduated from Reagan H.S.

in 1980. I started my dream career

at the Harris County Sheriff’s Dept.

in 1988. I was trained by Marines

and other Military veterans in the

Sheriffs Dept. Academy. I’ve been

“Lokerized”. I was raised up by

the likes of Johnny Klevenhagen,

Tommy Thomas, Johnny Holmes,

Chuck Rosenthal, Pat Lykos, and

Mike Anderson.

My wife and I rescue and foster

animals, we sponsor adoption days, we sponsor a graduation day

for kids who were not adopted, we do events for veterans, we

sponsor school events and back to school events, we sponsor food

and supply drives for shelters and veterans, and we are always helping

others, because it’s the right thing to do.

I was a Harris County Deputy Sheriff for 30 years, and I have never

stopped serving the community. I’m entering my 38th year of serving

others. I bring 37 years of professional relationships to the table,

and I know how everything works in Harris County, from the inside.

From Commissioners Court, Flood Control, Hospital District, Law

Enforcement, Pretrial, etc.

“God calls us to serve, not when it’s convenient, but when it’s

necessary” Police are “Protectors” and the reason I’m running for

County Judge is because the people need to be protected. Crime is

off the rails, wasteful spending is unchecked, transparency doesn’t

exist, and accountability is but a dream. We were safer in 2018,

when I retired. I’m not doing this for power, glory, or prestige; I’m

doing it for us and our children.

Q: QUALIFICATIONS: WHAT TRAINING, EXPERIENCE, AND CHAR-

ACTERISTICS QUALIFY YOU FOR THE POSITION OF HARRIS COUNTY

JUDGE?

I’ve worked the jails, courts, streets, narcotics, executive bureau,

been to Commissioners Court many times, worked with the budget

office, was deployed to every natural disaster and man-made

threat during my tour of duty. I’ve also served on the boards of the

employee organizations. We worked with Commissioners Court and

Fought with Commissioners Court over the years, for the betterment

of the employees and the department, which in turn would make

things better for the citizens.

I know how things work, so for me walking the jails, walking

through the courts, riding in a patrol car, going through the hospitals,

cruising through the ship channel, or working on the budget is

not difficult. Therefore, my learning curve will be much lower than

all the other candidates.

Q: PLEASE IDENTIFY WHAT YOU BELIEVE ARE THE TWO MOST

IMPORTANT ISSUES DIRECTLY AFFECTING HARRIS COUNTY.

1. Crime is by far the most important issue facing everyone in the

county. Everyone is a potential victim of crime. Residents are moving

away because of crime. Businesses are closing and moving away

because of crime. The free bonds and revolving doors at the courthouse

must be fixed. Prosperity doesn’t exist in a crime-ridden area.

We have empty jails, yet we are shipping inmates to other states

which is costing the taxpayers of Harris County approximately 57

million dollars per year. Before the O’Donnell Decree, the fugitive

rate was less than 5%. Now the fugitive rate is approx. 85%. Monthly

between 4,000 to 6,000 warrants are issued. Pretrial services

budget was 9 million before the O’Donnell Decree, now the annual

budget is approx. 125 million. The O’Donnell decree, soft on crime

judges, and soft on crime D.A, have created chaos on the streets.

2. Wasteful Spending - 3 million dollars for murals to reduce

crime. Millions to plant trees and install lighting to reduce crime,

and lots of other non-statutory public programs have been funded

by taxpayers. Lots of new high-paying positions have been created

in the county, creating more bureaucracy and a top-heavy county

government. Some of those positions are working remotely from

other parts of the country. All departments need to be examined

and evaluated.

Q: DESCRIBE YOUR SPECIFIC PLANS OR IDEAS FOR ADDRESSING

THESE ISSUES.

1. I will walk through the jails to see for myself what is going on

and the conditions of the jails. I have worked in the jails, so I’m not

afraid to look for myself.

2. I will walk through the courthouses. I want to speak directly

with the court Deputies to find out what’s going on and what they

need.

3. I want to ride with the officers on the streets. I’ve been on the

streets, so I would like to speak with the patrol officers to get an

understanding of what they need.

4. I want to conduct a forensic audit of every department.

We need to examine every department to find out where the

wasteful spending is occurring, so that it can be addressed.

5. I want a full report on the way the courts are handling their

caseloads and details about dismissals and bonds. The information

will be published monthly for the public to view.

6. I want a full report on all activities of the District Attorney and

the Assistant District Attorneys’ cases, i.e. Dismissals, bond reductions,

refusal to accept charges, etc.

7. I would like to create an Office of Inspector General that would

have subpoena power, which would not be under the local District

Attorney nor the local County Attorney, and who could send information

directly to the State Attorney General or Federal Authorities,

depending on their findings.

8. Free us from the O’Donnell Decree. The O’Donnell Decree conflicts

with state law and needs to be vacated.

Like most cops, I’m a hands-on leader. I want to hit the ground

running on day one, because there’s a lot to do.



When you have safe streets, you have prosperity. When people

are no longer prisoners in their homes, and can go out when it’s

dark, they feel safe, and they will patronize various businesses.

Safety and security are paramount. Businesses thrive in safe areas.

People thrive in safe areas. Accountability of government is necessary.

The people need to KNOW their leaders are making decisions

in the best interest of the people. If a leader is corrupt, then that

leader must be held accountable. The citizens deserve to have leaders

in office who are true public servants, that will do the best they

can for the people.


WARREN HOWELL, REPUBLICAN

OPENING STATEMENT

Harris County is at a defining

moment. As the third-largest county

in the United States, our success

or failure sets the tone not only for

Texas, but for communities across

the country. At the center of that

responsibility is public safety. When

government loses focus, law enforcement

pays the price first, and

families pay the price last.

I’m Warren Howell—an Air Force

veteran, lifelong Houstonian, business

leader, and candidate for Harris

County Judge. I’m running because

Harris County government has

drifted away from its most basic responsibilities: protecting citizens,

supporting law enforcement, maintaining infrastructure, and

respecting taxpayers. Instead, we’ve seen unchecked bureaucracy,

wasteful spending, and policies that undermine morale, accountability,

and the rule of law.

I come from the private sector, where results matter and excuses

don’t. I’ve led teams, managed risk, balanced budgets, and been

accountable for outcomes. That mindset is exactly what’s missing

in Harris County government today. Law enforcement professionals

understand this better than anyone; clear mission, clear authority,

proper resources, and leadership that has your back.

As County Judge, my priority will be restoring disciplined leadership

to Commissioners Court, shrinking government to its core

functions, and ensuring law enforcement has the staffing, facilities,

and support necessary to keep our communities safe. That means

secure jails, functioning courts, adequate manpower, and policies

that hold offenders accountable, not systems that cycle criminals

back onto the streets.

Public safety is not political. It is foundational. My commitment is

simple: a county government that works for the people, stands with

law enforcement, and delivers results with integrity and resolve.

Q: QUALIFICATIONS — WHAT TRAINING, EXPERIENCE, AND CHAR-

ACTERISTICS QUALIFY YOU FOR HARRIS COUNTY JUDGE?

My qualifications are rooted in service, leadership, and execution.

I am a United States Air Force veteran who understands chain of

command, operational discipline, and accountability. Those principles

have guided my entire professional career.

For decades, I’ve worked in construction, risk management, and

insurance, industries that require constant attention to safety, cost

control, compliance, and performance. I have managed complex

operations, overseen large teams, negotiated contracts, and been

directly responsible for budgets that demanded precision and transparency.

When something failed, responsibility stopped with me.

Unlike career politicians, I understand how systems actually function

and how they break. Harris County government today reflects

what happens when leadership prioritizes politics over performance.

As County Judge, the role is not symbolic; it is executive. It

requires someone who can set priorities, demand accountability,

and coordinate across departments that affect law enforcement,

courts, jails, and emergency response.

My leadership style is direct, disciplined, and solutions oriented. I

believe in empowering professionals to do their jobs while holding

leadership accountable for outcomes. Law enforcement officers

deserve clarity, consistency, and support, not shifting policies and

political interference.

The County Judge must be a steward of taxpayer dollars, a

defender of public safety, and a stabilizing force in government. My

background uniquely prepares me to fulfill that responsibility with

competence, seriousness, and respect for those who serve on the

front lines every day.

Q: WHAT ARE THE TWO MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES DIRECTLY

FACING HARRIS COUNTY?

The two most critical issues facing Harris County are public safety

system failure and unchecked government expansion, and they

are deeply connected.

First, public safety. Harris County’s law enforcement ecosystem,

jails, courts, staffing, and infrastructure, has been strained to the

breaking point. Inadequate jail capacity, delayed prosecutions, and

policy decisions that weaken accountability have created a revolving

door for offenders. This puts officers, deputies, and the public at

risk while eroding morale across agencies.

Second, runaway government growth. Harris County has expanded

far beyond its constitutional role, diverting resources into

nonessential programs while core responsibilities suffer. Bloated

administrative structures consume funding that should be directed

toward law enforcement facilities, personnel, and infrastructure.

When government grows without discipline, frontline services pay

the price.

These issues are not abstract. They show up as understaffed

patrols, overcrowded jails, broken roads, delayed emergency response,

and rising costs for taxpayers. Law enforcement professionals

are asked to do more with less, while bureaucracies continue to

grow unchecked.

Harris County does not suffer from a lack of funding; it suffers

from a lack of focus. Until leadership re-centers government on

safety, accountability, and lawful authority, these problems will

persist. Addressing public safety requires confronting waste, restoring

priorities, and making difficult but necessary decisions.

Q: DESCRIBE YOUR SPECIFIC PLANS TO ADDRESS THESE ISSUES.

My approach is structured, measurable, and immediate.

First, I will establish a Department of County Efficiency (DOGE)

to conduct a comprehensive audit of every county department,

contract, and program. The goal is simple: identify waste, redundancy,

and misuse of funds, and redirect resources back to statutory

responsibilities, especially law enforcement, courts, and detention

facilities.

Second, I will prioritize jail capacity, court efficiency, and law

enforcement staffing. Public safety collapses when offenders are

released due to system failures. That means expanding and modernizing

facilities where needed, accelerating case processing, and

ensuring judges and prosecutors have the infrastructure required to

do their jobs effectively.

Third, I will end county involvement in programs that fall outside

constitutional authority, including taxpayer-funded benefits that

incentivize lawlessness. Government must enforce the law, not

undermine it.

Finally, I will restore disciplined leadership at Commissioners

Court; setting agendas, enforcing accountability, and ensuring

decisions are data-driven, not political. Law enforcement leaders

deserve predictable governance and a county partner they can rely

on.

This is not theoretical. It is operational. Harris County needs an

executive mindset focused on outcomes, not optics.

Q: HOW WILL YOU IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR PEOPLE LIVING

AND WORKING IN HARRIS COUNTY?

Quality of life begins with safety, stability, and trust in government.

When communities feel secure and government functions

properly, families and businesses can thrive.


My administration will improve quality of life by restoring public

safety as the county’s top priority. Safe neighborhoods, reliable

emergency response, and accountable justice systems are foundational

to economic growth and community confidence.

I will also reduce the tax burden by eliminating waste and

shrinking government to its core functions. Lower taxes and efficient

services mean families keep more of what they earn, and

businesses are more likely to invest and grow locally.

Infrastructure matters. Roads, drainage, and emergency facilities

must work, especially during disasters. By redirecting funds away

from bureaucratic expansion and toward essential services, Harris

County can rebuild with resilience and foresight.

Equally important is restoring trust. Citizens deserve transparency,

predictability, and leadership that respects the rule of law.

Law enforcement officers deserve leadership that understands their

mission and supports it without hesitation.

When government is disciplined, limited, and focused, everyone

benefits. My goal is a Harris County where people feel safe raising

families, confident building businesses, and assured that their government

works for them, not against them.

MARTY LANCTON, REPUBLICAN

OPENING STATEMENT

I was raised with a deep sense

of service and responsibility that

has guided every chapter of my

life. From an early age, I learned

that leadership is not about titles

or ambition, it’s about showing

up for others. Especially when it’s

hard. I lost my mother at a young

age, and during her illness I often

found myself waking in the middle

of the night to check on her

IV machine, making sure she was

safe. Caregiving and responsibility

were not abstract concepts in

my life; they were personal and formative.

That same sense of duty shaped my educational and professional

path. I attended Strake Jesuit, where the principle of being “Men for

Others” reinforced what I was already living. Although I earned a

scholarship to Saint Louis University, family circumstances required

me to stay in Texas to care for my father and younger brother

through my father’s illness and passing. That decision ultimately led

me to the fire service, which is a career built on service, sacrifice,

and accountability.

Over 26 years as a firefighter and public safety leader, I’ve led

through emergencies, disasters, and political adversity. Along the

way, I saw firsthand how first responders - the very people communities

rely on in their most vulnerable moments - were undervalued

and underpaid. That realization compelled me to step into civic

leadership, not out of ambition, but out of responsibility.

Now, I’m running for Harris County Judge because leadership

matters most when stakes are high. Harris County faces recurring

emergencies, rapid growth, and complex infrastructure challenges.

Families deserve a county judge who is calm under pressure,

decisive in crisis, and accountable to the people every day, not just

during elections. My commitment is simple.

Tell the truth, lead with integrity, and deliver results.

Q: QUALIFICATIONS — WHAT TRAINING, EXPERIENCE, AND CHAR-


JUDGE?

I bring 26 years of real-world leadership experience to this race

with experience grounded in crisis management, public safety, and

delivering results within complex systems. As a firefighter and public

safety leader, I’ve spent my career making high-stakes decisions

where lives depended on competence, preparation, and calm execution.

That experience directly aligns with the core responsibilities

of the Harris County Judge, particularly in emergency management

and intergovernmental coordination.

I’ve had the privilege of leading more than 20,000 first responders

at the local and state level, advocating for their safety, fair

treatment, and dignity. That work required discipline, negotiation,

and the ability to build relationships across city, county, and state

government. I’ve worked with officials at every level (local, state,

and federal) to pass legislation, secure funding, and implement

solutions that delivered measurable outcomes.

One of the defining accomplishments of my career was helping

secure a $1.5 billion settlement for firefighters after decades of

neglect, all without raising taxes. That outcome required accountability,

persistence, and an unwillingness to accept excuses. It also

demonstrated my ability to confront corruption head-on while

remaining focused on results.

Beyond public safety advocacy, I’ve led charitable and community

initiatives, including founding the Red Hot Gala, which has raised

nearly $5 million to support firefighters and under served children.

My leadership style is grounded in service, transparency, and execution,

not political theater.

The Harris County Judge must lead during emergencies, manage

complex systems, and restore public trust. I’ve spent my career

doing exactly that.

Q: PLEASE IDENTIFY THE TWO (2) MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES DI-

RECTLY FACING HARRIS COUNTY.

The two most important issues facing Harris County today are

public safety and infrastructure resilience, particularly flood mitigation.

Public safety is the foundation of a functioning community. When

emergency response systems are underfunded, understaffed, or

poorly managed, families pay the price. Harris County residents

deserve confidence that when they call for help, whether during

a crime, medical emergency, or natural disaster, the system will

work. That requires proper funding, accountability, and leadership

that prioritizes preparedness over politics.

The second critical issue is infrastructure, especially flooding.

Harris County faces repeated flooding events that disrupt lives,

damage homes, and threaten economic stability. Despite billions

of dollars allocated for flood mitigation, too many projects remain

stalled due to bureaucratic dysfunction, duplication, and poor coordination

between local and state entities. Families don’t experience

funding announcements; they experience flooded streets and

damaged homes.

Both of these challenges are compounded by a lack of trust in

county leadership. When residents don’t believe their government

is competent or transparent, confidence erodes and solutions stall.

Harris County needs leadership that can coordinate across agencies,

eliminate waste, and ensure resources are being directed where

they actually make a difference.

Addressing public safety and infrastructure is not about ideology.

It’s about execution, accountability, and leadership that understands

the stakes. These are the issues that directly affect whether families

feel safe, secure, and confident in the place they call home.

Q: DESCRIBE YOUR SPECIFIC PLANS OR IDEAS FOR ADDRESSING

THESE ISSUES.

Addressing public safety begins with accountability and proper

resource allocation. My approach is to ensure first responders like

firefighters, paramedics, and law enforcement, are fully supported,

properly staffed, and fairly compensated. Leadership means asking

hard questions about where taxpayer dollars are going and ensur-


ing public safety funding is prioritized over waste and duplication.

I will work collaboratively with city, state, and law enforcement

leaders to strengthen coordination, improve response times, and

ensure emergency systems are prepared for both daily incidents

and large-scale disasters.

For infrastructure and flood mitigation, my focus is execution.

Harris County does not lack funding; it lacks follow through. As

County Judge, I will work directly with state leadership, the Texas

Land Commissioner, and local officials to move flood mitigation

dollars into active projects. That means cutting through bureaucracy,

eliminating overlapping responsibilities, and holding agencies

accountable for timelines and outcomes.

I will also emphasize transparency, so residents can track progress

and understand where projects stand. Families deserve clear

answers, not excuses, about why projects are delayed and when relief

is coming. Strong relationships across government are critical,

and I’ve spent years building those relationships to get results.

These plans are rooted in experience. I’ve delivered outcomes in

complex systems before, and I will bring that same discipline and

urgency to Harris County government.

Q: HOW DO YOU PLAN TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR


Improving quality of life starts with restoring trust in county

government. People want to know that their leaders are competent,

transparent, and focused on results. My approach is to manage

Harris County the way families expect, by setting clear priorities,

following through, and eliminating waste that drives up costs without

delivering value.

Public safety and infrastructure improvements will directly

enhance daily life by making neighborhoods safer, reducing flooding,

and ensuring emergency response systems work when they’re

needed most. Families should feel secure in their homes, confident

that roads, drainage, and public services can support the region’s

growth.

I also believe quality of life depends on effective collaboration.

Harris County doesn’t operate in isolation. I will work closely

with city leaders, state officials, and regional partners to reduce

duplication, align priorities, and ensure taxpayer dollars are used

efficiently. When government agencies compete instead of cooperating,

residents lose.

Finally, leadership matters. The County Judge sets the tone during

both routine governance and crises. My commitment is to lead

calmly, decisively, and transparently—especially when challenges

arise. Harris County deserves leadership that shows up, tells the

truth, and gets to work.

Quality of life isn’t improved by political theater. It’s improved by

results. That is the standard I bring to this role.

ANICE PARKER, DEMOCRAT

OPENING STATEMENT

Harris County is one of the

largest, most complex local governments

in the country, and it requires

leadership that understands

how to manage scale, respond to

crises, and deliver results across

diverse communities. I am running

for County Judge because I believe

this moment calls for experienced,

steady leadership that can

align resources, coordinate across

agencies, and plan for the challenges

ahead.

I spent 18 years in nonpartisan municipal office serving the people

of Houston as an at-large City Council member, City Controller,

and Mayor. In those roles, I managed multi-billion-dollar budgets,

led during floods and major storms, worked closely with law enforcement

and first responders, and made difficult decisions with

real consequences for public safety, infrastructure, and quality of

life. I know how local government works, where it succeeds, and

where it needs stronger coordination and accountability.

Harris County faces increasing pressures from climate risk, population

growth, public health needs, and affordability challenges. The

County Judge plays a critical role as the county’s chief executive

and emergency manager, responsible for setting priorities, building

consensus on Commissioners Court, and ensuring county government

is prepared to protect residents in times of crisis.

My approach to leadership is pragmatic and disciplined. I focus

on preparation, clear communication, and follow-through. I believe

in using data to guide decisions, measuring results, and adjusting

course when needed. Above all, I believe public service is about

responsibility, not performance.

I am seeking this office to bring my experience, judgment, and

commitment to effective governance to Harris County, and to ensure

county government is prepared to meet today’s challenges and

tomorrow’s risks.

Q: QUALIFICATIONS: WHAT TRAINING, EXPERIENCE AND CHAR-


JUDGE?

I have extensive experience leading large public institutions and

managing complex governmental operations. Over the course of 18

years in nonpartisan elected office, I served as a Houston City Council

member, City Controller, and Mayor, roles that required fiscal

discipline, executive decision-making, and crisis management.

As Mayor, I oversaw a city workforce of more than 23,000 employees

and managed budgets comparable in size and complexity

to Harris County’s. I worked closely with police, fire, emergency

management, and public works departments, particularly during

floods, severe storms, and other emergencies. That experience is

directly relevant to the County Judge’s role as chief executive and

emergency manager.

My training and background have also emphasized accountability

and financial oversight. In my private sector career, I worked in project

economics—calculating capital and operating expenses against

potential returns. As City Controller, I was responsible for auditing

city operations and ensuring public dollars were spent responsibly

and transparently. That perspective continues to inform how I

approach budgeting and performance measurement.

Equally important are the characteristics I bring to the role. I am

calm under pressure, focused on preparation, and committed to

clear communication. I value collaboration, but I also understand

that leadership sometimes requires making difficult decisions and

being accountable for the outcome. Harris County needs leadership

with experience, judgment, and the ability to coordinate across

departments and jurisdictions, and that is the work I have done

throughout my career.


IMPORTANT ISSUES DIRECTLY HARRIS COUNTY.

The two most important issues facing Harris County today are

public safety and emergency preparedness, and infrastructure resilience,

particularly related to flooding and climate risk.

First, Harris County must be prepared to protect residents during

emergencies. The County Judge serves as the county’s emergency

manager, and recent years have shown how critical that role is.

Floods, extreme heat, industrial incidents, and other disasters place

increasing demands on law enforcement, first responders, public


health systems, and emergency communications. Ensuring clear

coordination, reliable information, and continuity of operations is

essential to keeping people safe.

Second, Harris County’s infrastructure must be strengthened

to reduce risk and support long-term growth. Flooding remains

the most immediate and costly threat to families, businesses, and

public resources. Aging drainage systems, land-use pressures, and

climate-driven weather events require sustained investment and

disciplined prioritization. Infrastructure decisions today will determine

whether the county reduces risk or continues to face repeated

losses.

These two issues are closely connected. Strong infrastructure

reduces emergency response demands, and effective emergency

management protects communities when infrastructure is overwhelmed.

Addressing both requires experienced leadership, longterm

planning, and accountability for results.


THESE ISSUES.

Harris County has multiple overlapping public safety and emergency

operations agencies, many led by independently elected

officials. I would focus on coordination, communication, and

accountability. That includes ensuring a clear command structure

during emergencies, strengthening interagency coordination with

law enforcement and first responders, and improving multilingual

emergency communications so residents know what to do and

where to go. I would also prioritize after-action reviews following

major incidents and track the implementation of recommendations,

so lessons learned lead to real improvements.

On infrastructure resilience, my focus would be on accelerating

flood mitigation and drainage projects using clear, public criteria

based on risk and impact. Harris County has made significant

investments in recent years, and the next step is ensuring those

investments are delivered efficiently and evaluated consistently. I

support using data to prioritize projects, coordinating with municipalities

and regional partners, and maintaining transparency so

residents can see progress.

Both efforts require disciplined budgeting and performance

measurement. I would insist on clear timelines, regular reporting,

and course correction when projects fall behind or fail to deliver

expected outcomes. The goal is not just spending money, but reducing

risk, improving safety, and delivering measurable results.



Improving quality of life means making Harris County a place

where people feel safe, services work as intended, and government

is prepared to meet their needs. That starts with public safety and

emergency readiness, but it also includes access to healthcare,

stable housing, and reliable infrastructure.

As County Judge, I would focus on strengthening public health

systems, including access to preventive and mental health services,

because healthier communities are safer and more resilient. I would

support housing stability efforts that prevent displacement and

reduce the strain on families and neighborhoods. I would also work

to ensure county services are accessible, efficient, and responsive,

particularly for residents who rely on them most.

Quality of life is also shaped by trust in government. Clear communication,

transparency, and follow-through matter. Residents

should know how decisions are made, how resources are allocated,

and whether programs are delivering results. My approach to governance

emphasizes accountability and continuous improvement, so

county government works better over time.

Ultimately, improving quality of life is about preparation and

execution. When infrastructure holds, emergencies are managed

effectively, and services are delivered fairly, people can focus on

their families, their work, and their future. That is the standard I

would bring to the office of Harris County Judge.

ORLANDO SANCHEZ, REPUBLICAN

OPENING STATEMENT

Orlando Sanchez is the former

Harris County Treasurer and former

Houston City Council member. He’s

also veteran of United States Air

Force, honors graduate of the University

of Houston, member of the board

of directors of Capital Bank, HCA

Hospital and past chairman of the

investment committee of the University

of Houston Foundation. Orlando

is a certified County Investment Officer

and has won state and national

awards for government transparency. Additionally, as a Houston

City Councilman, he won the Republican Party’s Political Courage

Award for cutting property taxes for the first time in decades. Orlando’s

experience in regional government is unmatched and is the

only candidate that can help put Harris County back on track after 8

years of waste and corruption.



JUDGE?

What training, experience and characteristics qualify you for the

position of Harris County Judge? B.A. degree with honors from the

University of Houston, Certified County Investment officer, 18 years

as an elected officials working with all levels of government.


IMPORTANT ISSUES DIRECTLY HARRIS COUNTY.

Property Taxes are too high and Crime is out of control. Hold the

line on property taxes and reduce the annual tax rate. Ensure the

public’s money is spent on priorities important to taxpayers. Ensure

that taxpayers receive a return on their investment, for example,

hold the Sheriff’s department accountable for the poor performance

in the clearance rate of crimes. Rapes are solved at a rate of

30% and homicides at just over 50%. Finally, reduce Harris County

Toll Road fees.


THESE ISSUES.

Ensure the County Auditor undertakes a comprehensive audit of

the nearly 70 departments in Harris County before the next fiscal

budget is set to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse. Curtail travel by

county officials and department personnel to only necessary and

required training. Remove Harris County from the O’Donnell federal

consent agreement that went way beyond what the plaintiffs in

the case had requested. Put the financial burden back on criminal

defendants for legal representation and not the taxpayers; we don’t

need to victimized twice.



Focus county expenditures on quality-of-life issues by reducing

crime, lowering taxes, toll road fees, reduce flooding and improving

public parks. Address mental health issues by providing services to

the mentally challenged and stop incarcerating people that need

mental health assistance.


CANDIDATES FOR U.S. HOUSE DISTRICT 8



JESSICA HART STEINMANN, REPUBLICAN

I am running for Congress because

Texas Congressional District

8 deserves a proven conservative

fighter who will put America First,

stand up to the radical Left, and

deliver real results for the MAGA

agenda and for the people who

live and work here.

For more than a decade, I have

been on the frontlines of the conservative

movement, not talking

about the fight but leading it. I was

trusted and appointed by President

Trump to serve as a senior official in his first administration,

where I led the largest effort to combat human trafficking as the

Director of the Office for Victims of Crime. I continued to fight for

our values at America First Policy Institute, where I took on the

Left’s most aggressive attacks on President Trump, our Constitution,

parental rights, and the rule of law.

This is a critical moment for our country. The next two years are

decisive for President Trump and for the future of America. With

a narrow window to finish securing our border, rein in inflation,

restore law and order, and dismantle the radical policies of the Left,

we cannot afford Republicans who need to learn on the job or find

their footing. We need leaders who are ready on day one and can

lead from the front.

I will go to Congress ready to work alongside President Trump,

just as I have throughout my career. I am running to lead, to fight,

and to deliver real conservative wins for Texas and for America

from day one.


ACTERISTICS QUALIFY YOU FOR THE POSITION OF REPUBLICAN

CONGRESSIONAL TEXAS 8TH DISTRICT?

My qualifications are rooted in real experience, proven results,

and a demonstrated commitment to conservative principles.

I was appointed by President Donald Trump to serve at the Department

of Justice, where I led efforts to combat human trafficking

and support crime victims. Following my service in the Trump

Administration, I fought for the America First movement as Executive

General Counsel at the America First Policy Institute, where

I took on the radical left in court and defended our Constitution

every day. I have fought to protect girls’ sports, to stop the secret

transitioning of our children, to secure our border by suing sanctuary

safe havens, and to secure our elections, including helping draft

Texas’ landmark election integrity law so strong that Democrats

fled the state in protest.

I have spent my career fighting these battles before ever asking

for a vote. That experience, combined with my policy background,

legal training, and unwavering commitment to conservative values,

uniquely qualifies me to represent Texas Congressional District 8

and deliver results from day one.


IMPORTANT ISSUES DIRECTLY TEXAS 8TH DISTRICT?

The two most important issues facing my district are border

security and the rising cost of living driven by the Biden Administration’s

failed federal policies.

First, border security remains a pressing issue for Texas and our

nation. President Trump has done an exceptional job reversing the

chaos created by the Biden administration and restoring order at

the border through decisive executive action. Illegal crossings are

down, enforcement has been restored, and Border Patrol has been

empowered to do its job. However, executive action alone is not

enough. To permanently secure the border, Congress must codify

President Trump’s border policies into law so they cannot be

undone by a future administration. A secure border must be the law

of the land, not a temporary policy dependent on who occupies the

White House.

Second, families are being crushed by the cost of living after

years of reckless federal spending and economic mismanagement.

Inflation, high energy costs, and over regulation have made it harder

for families to afford groceries, housing, healthcare, and transportation.

These policies hurt working families, seniors on fixed

incomes, and small businesses trying to grow. Texas thrives when

government gets out of the way, energy production is unleashed,

and families are allowed to keep more of what they earn.


THESE ISSUES.

A: To finish securing the border, I will codify President Trump’s

successful border policies into law so they cannot be undone by

future administrations. I bring real experience to this fight. Former

Acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf endorsed my campaign because he

knows I will deliver and lock in President Trump’s border policies.

As Director for the Office of Victims of Crime at the Department of

Justice, I oversaw nearly $9 billion and directed record funding to

combat human trafficking and support victims of violent crime. I

have met families whose children were murdered by illegal immigrants

and seen firsthand the devasting human cost of open-border

policies. That experience informs my resolve to put Texans’ safety

first.

On the economic front, my focus will be on lowering costs and

restoring economic freedom. I will fight to rein in reckless federal

spending that fuels inflation and burdens future generations. I will

support tax relief for families and small businesses, reduce unnecessary

regulations that drive up costs, and protect American energy

production so Texans are not forced to rely on hostile foreign nations.

I will also push back against radical environmental and labor

policies that kill jobs and raise prices.


PEOPLE LIVING AND WORKING IN TEXAS 8TH DISTRICT, AS WELL AS

FOR ALL TEXANS?

A: Improving quality of life in my district starts means restoring

the American Dream that so many families feel slipping away. It

is the dream of a safe neighborhood, kids playing in the cul-desac,

and parents confident that if they work hard, their children

will have a better future. For generations, that promise defined our

country. Today, it is under threat from radical Left policies that drive

up costs, weaken public safety, and undermine families.

President Trump is leading the fight to restore that dream right

now. His administration is securing the border, restoring law and

order, and putting American families first. However, the next two


years are critical. With a limited window to deliver results, we cannot

afford members of Congress who need time to learn the job or

figure out how Washington works.

I bring the experience to be effective on day one. I have already

served in President Trump’s administration, fought the radical Left

in court, written and defended America First policy, and led on the

issues that matter most to Texans. I know how to turn President

Trump’s agenda into action, and I know how to deliver real wins.

In Congress, I will work alongside President Trump to finish securing

the border, unleash American energy starting here in Houston,

the energy capital of the world, lower the cost of living, and

defend parental rights and common-sense values. The American

Dream does not need to be reinvented. It needs leaders who know

how to fight for it and win.

That is why I am running. I am ready to lead from day one and

deliver real results for President Trump, the America First movement,

and the families of Texas’ Eighth District.

CANDIDATES FOR U.S. HOUSE DISTRICT 38



BARRETT MCNABB, REPUBLICAN

OPENING STATEMENT:

Public safety, personal freedom,

and opportunity are the foundations

of a strong Texas and a strong

nation. When communities are

safe, families can thrive, businesses

can grow, and children can build

futures grounded in responsibility

and respect for the rule of law. I

am running for Congress to protect

those foundations and ensure they

are never sacrificed to ideology or

political convenience.

I believe government exists to serve the people, not to control

them. That means enforcing the law fairly, defending constitutional

rights, and standing firmly with the men and women who put on

a uniform to protect our communities. Law enforcement officers

deserve respect, resources, and leadership that supports them, not

policies that undermine authority or excuse criminal behavior.

District 38 faces real challenges. Families are struggling with

affordability. Criminal organizations exploit weak borders. Radical

ideologies seek to divide Americans, politicize classrooms, and

erode equal justice under the law. These threats require leadership

guided by principle, clarity, and moral courage.

My life has been shaped by service, discipline, and accountability.

Those values inform how I will serve in Congress. I will prioritize

public safety, economic freedom, and national security while

remaining accountable to the people of this district rather than the

Washington establishment.

I am committed to spending my time in the district, listening to

residents, engaging with law enforcement and community leaders,

and ensuring that Texans shape the decisions made in Washington.

Representation should be active, accessible, and grounded in

shared values.

Texas remains strong because its people value faith, family, freedom,

and the rule of law. I am running to defend those values and

ensure District 38 remains safe, prosperous, and free.

Q: QUALIFICATIONS

I bring a combination of military leadership, law enforcement

education, diplomatic experience, business success, and conservative

values that uniquely qualify me to represent Texas’s 38th

Congressional District.

I served as an Infantry Officer and Paratrooper in the 82nd

Airborne Division, where I led soldiers in demanding environments

requiring discipline, accountability, and respect for lawful

authority. I later served as an Army Foreign Area Officer assigned

to United States Embassies in Africa, gaining firsthand experience

with national security threats, counter-terrorism, and geopolitical

competition while working alongside United States agencies and

partner nation security forces.

I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a

specialization in Law Enforcement and Police Science from Sam

Houston State University. This education provided a strong foundation

in constitutional law, criminal procedure, and the critical role

of policing in a free society. Combined with my military and diplomatic

service, it informs my strong support for law enforcement

and the rule of law.

Following my military career, I became a small business owner

and CEO, creating jobs and managing the real-world impact of

federal taxes, regulations, and economic policy. I understand how

government decisions affect families, employers, and communities

because I have experienced it firsthand.

I am a principled constitutional conservative who believes in

limited government, individual liberty, strong borders, energy independence,

and unwavering support for law enforcement. District 38

deserves a representative prepared to lead with integrity, experience,

and courage from day one.

Q: WHAT ARE THE TWO MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES DIRECTLY

IMPACTING DISTRICT 38

The two most important issues directly impacting District 38 are

affordability and public safety.

Affordability is a growing concern for families across the district.

Inflation, high fuel and energy costs, rising food prices, increasing

property taxes, and housing affordability challenges are placing

real pressure on working families, retirees, and small businesses.

When basic necessities become harder to afford, economic freedom

is diminished. These pressures affect daily life, long-term financial

security, and families' ability to build wealth and stability.

Public safety is the second critical issue. Safe communities are

the foundation of quality of life and economic growth. District 38

residents expect laws to be enforced, criminals to be held accountable,

and law enforcement officers to be supported. Concerns include

crime, border security, fentanyl trafficking, human smuggling,

and policies that weaken respect for the rule of law. Failures in

national security and border enforcement have direct consequences

for Texas communities.

Affordability and public safety are inseparable. When crime rises

and borders remain unsecured, costs increase, and communities

suffer. Addressing these challenges requires leadership that understands

both economic realities and security responsibilities at the

local, state, national, and international levels.


Q: DESCRIBE YOUR SPECIFIC PLANS AND IDEAS FOR ADDRESSING

THESE ISSUES

To address affordability, I will support policies that lower costs

by restoring fiscal discipline and expanding domestic energy production.

Reducing inflation starts with stopping reckless federal

spending, opposing massive spending packages, and eliminating

fraud, waste, and abuse across federal agencies. I will push for

mandatory audits, program accountability, and regulatory reform

that lowers costs for housing, transportation, and small businesses.

Affordable and reliable energy is critical because lower fuel and

electricity costs reduce prices across the entire economy.

On public safety, my approach begins with enforcing the law.

I will support securing the border, ending catch and release, and

aggressively combating fentanyl trafficking and human smuggling.

Border security is national security, and failure in Washington directly

impacts Texas communities.

I will be a strong advocate for law enforcement by opposing policies

that weaken policing, supporting officer safety and training,

and ensuring federal resources assist rather than hinder local and

state agencies. Criminals must be held accountable and victims

must come first.

Nationally, I will support rebuilding military readiness and confronting

adversaries who exploit instability and weakness. A strong

America deters threats abroad and reduces risks at home.


PEOPLE LIVING AND WORKING IN DISTRICT 38 AND ALL TEXANS

Improving quality of life begins with safety, affordability, and

opportunity. Families cannot thrive without secure neighborhoods,

a stable economy, and confidence in the future.

I will work to improve affordability by fighting inflation, lowering

energy costs, and supporting private-sector-driven job growth.

When businesses succeed, and workers keep more of what they

earn, communities grow stronger and more resilient.

Public safety will remain a top priority. I will stand firmly with

law enforcement officers who protect our communities and ensure

they have the resources, respect, and legal backing needed to do

their jobs effectively. Safe streets, secure borders, and accountability

for criminals improve the quality of life for everyone.

I will also prioritize infrastructure resilience, including flood mitigation

and energy grid reliability, to protect homes, businesses, and

critical services from disasters and outages. Reliable infrastructure

supports public safety and economic growth.

Finally, I believe representatives should remain accessible. I will

spend my time in the district, not inside the Washington beltway,

listening to residents, meeting with community and law enforcement

leaders, and using technology to ensure constituents have a

voice in major decisions.

By focusing on safety, affordability, and accountability, we can

ensure District 38 and Texas remain strong places to live, work, and

raise families.

VOTE

MARCH 3

JEFF YUNA, REPUBLICAN

OPENING STATEMENT

My name is Jeff Yuna and I am a

small business owner and 6th

generation Texas running for Congress

in the Texas 38th district.

Normally these introductions

are full of candidates boasting of

how great they are, all the great

things they have done, and what

great things they will do once in

office. But I am neither a politician

nor a typical candidate.

I believe American has a trust

problem. We can’t trust the media,

we can’t trust “the science,”

and we have never been able to trust politicians. Trust is built on

relationships.

My website www.jeffyunafortexas.com contains a complete bio,

and many of my MAGA, America First, Conservative values. I am extending

an invitation to get to know each. You are welcome to visit

with me at my store Tomball Pawn & Jewelry located at 14011 FM

2920, Tomball, Texas 77377 or give me a call at 281-886-9996. This

gives me the opportunity to learn what issues most impact your

life, and you the opportunity to gain trust in me.

Tomball Pawn became one of Texas’ largest firearms dealers

because I operate on the philosophy: work hard, tell the truth, and

do what I say I am going to do. If you elect me as the Republican

primary nominee on March 3rd, I will apply this philosophy to winning

the seat and everything I do in DC.

Let me earn your trust, and your vote on March 3rd.

God Bless! Jeff Yuna



DISTRICT 38?

As a sixth-generation Texan, Christian, husband, father of four,

and successful small business owner, I bring real world experience

and proven conservative values to represent Texas's 38th Congressional

District.

I am the owner of Tomball Pawn & Jewelry, one of Texas's largest

firearms dealers. I built businesses in multiple industries through

hard work, integrity, and navigating complex regulations. This

taught me the importance of economic freedom, Second Amendment

rights, and fighting bureaucratic overreach that burdens families

and entrepreneurs.

My philosophy is simple: work hard, tell the truth, and do what I

say I'll do. These principles have earned community trust and driven

success in a competitive industry. Unlike career politicians, I have

no ties to big donors or DC insiders unlike my opponents. I'm accountable

only to the people of our district, including communities

like Tomball, Cypress, Katy, Klein, Jersey Village, and the Memorial

Villages.

Key characteristics qualify me: deep faith, love for country, and

unwavering commitment to America First priorities like secure

borders, fiscal responsibility, energy independence, property tax

relief (I'll push for a constitutional amendment to ban homestead

property taxes nationwide), and limited government. As a licensed

minister and community advocate, I've championed causes that

matter to Texas families. As a firearms dealer, I am a staunch supporter

of Law Enforcement and Law & Order.

The 38th needs a fighter who understands everyday struggles,

not another establishment voice. I'll apply my proven track record

to serve with honesty and courage in Congress.



IMPORTANT ISSUES DIRECTLY DISTRICT 38?

From my conversations with voters across Texas's 38th Congressional

District the two most critical issues are immigration and

property taxes (closely linked to the broader economy).

Immigration ranks as the top concern. I stand firmly with President

Trump: we must finish the southern border wall, end benefits

for illegal aliens funded by our hard-earned tax dollars and enforce

stricter entry standards for future legal migrants. Crimes by illegal

immigrants erode community safety, create instability, and leave

families fearful. These issues hit our neighborhoods hard.

Property taxes and the economy are inseparable. A family earning

$160,000 today is barely middle class, yet many struggle. At Tomball

Pawn & Jewelry, 59% of my loans go to customers earning over

$100,000 annually, and 19% to those over $160,000. Far too often,

hardworking families pawn heirlooms just to pay skyrocketing

property taxes. Our homes deserve protection. That's why I'll push

for a constitutional amendment to ban property taxes on homesteads

nationwide. I'll also fight to reduce the $38 trillion national

debt through spending cuts, eliminating fraud and waste, and delivering

real economic recovery that benefits the middle class - not

Washington insiders.

These issues demand a fighter who listens to voters, not elites. I'll

bring that same integrity to Congress.


THESE ISSUES.

My specific plans target the two top issues voters in Texas's 38th

District raised with me: immigration and property taxes tied to the

economy.

On immigration: Houston is ground zero for human trafficking

and cartel crime. Cartels exploit our porous border, fueling

exploitation in our communities. I will fight to finish the southern

border wall, fully fund border security, end all federal benefits for

illegal immigrants, and impose stricter vetting and entry standards

for legal migration. I'll sponsor legislation to deport criminal illegal

aliens swiftly, increase penalties for sanctuary policies, and reallocate

federal funding currently wasted on nonsense like certain

NGOs and ridiculous grants, redirecting those dollars to bolster

local law enforcement in Harris County and our suburbs. No more

catch and release. Secure borders mean safer families in Tomball,

Cypress, Katy, Klein, Spring and the Villages.

On property taxes and the economy: Property taxes punish

homeownership and force families to pawn heirlooms just to pay

bills—I've seen it firsthand at Tomball Pawn, where high earners

struggle. My signature plan is to propose the 28th Amendment to

the U.S. Constitution (calling it "Homestead Security") to ban property

taxes on primary homesteads nationwide, protecting families

from runaway assessments. I'll push aggressive federal spending

cuts to reduce the $38 trillion debt, eliminate waste and fraud,

lower regulations on small businesses, and promote energy independence

to drive down costs and create jobs. Real recovery means

less Washington spending, more in your pocket.

These aren't vague promises—they're my promise to the voters.


PEOPLE LIVING AND WORKING IN DISTRICT 38, AS WELL AS FOR ALL

TEXANS?

Improving quality of life in Texas's 38th Congressional District

starts with executing the plans I've outlined: securing our borders,

banning homestead property taxes via the 28th Amendment

("Homestead Security"), and delivering real economic relief to the

middle class.

The nation faces a K-shaped recovery: the wealthy thrive while

middle-class families’ lag. In District 38 the median household

income hovers around $96,000, yet many feel squeezed. At Tomball

Pawn, I see hardworking families (often earning six figures) pawning

heirlooms for basics like property taxes or groceries.

Government created monopolies in health-care, beef processing,

energy, and more shield big corporations from competition, driving

up costs for insurance, food, and utilities. My plan: roll back Green

New Deal-style regulations that inflate housing and auto prices;

slash bureaucratic red tape; eliminate climate-change-based rules

that harm energy independence and jobs; open markets to foster

competition; and cut federal spending to restore dollar value and

ease inflation.

District 38 is the energy corridor, with high paying jobs in energy

companies. These jobs, and university spots to train for these jobs,

are being lost to foreigners via H1-B & Student visas. America First

means prioritizing qualified Americans. Our high school and college

graduates should not be displaced from universities and quality

jobs by Visa holders. Federal funds to any institution that would do

so must be denied.

These steps will put more money in pockets, make homes affordable,

and ensure middle-class families in District 38 and across

Texas see real gains. No Texan left behind!

JON BONCK, REPUBLICAN

OPENING STATEMENT

I am a Christian conservative

running to represent Texas’ 38th

Congressional District because I

believe our country is strongest

when leaders are grounded in

faith, committed to family, and

protect our freedom. For more

than a decade, my wife and I have

called Houston home. We are

raising our children here, worship

here, work here, and invested in

making this district the best place

to do all of those things. We are

proud small-business owners operating right here in TX-38, helping

hardworking Texans achieve the American dream of homeownership.

That experience has shown me firsthand how burdensome

regulations, rising costs, and government red tape make it harder

for families and businesses to get ahead. Washington doesn’t need

more career politicians, it needs people who have lived under the

policies they vote on. I intend to bring real-world experience to

Congress and fight to make government work for the people, not

against them. My faith is central to who I am. I serve as a deacon

at Second Baptist Church, where our children attend school. I am a

strong advocate for parental rights, unapologetically pro-life, and

firmly believe that life begins at conception. Families, not bureaucrats,

should decide what values their children are taught, and

parents deserve a seat at the table when it comes to education. In

Congress, I will stand with President Trump to secure our borders,

protect children from radical and woke curricula, and move the line

forward for conservative values. Texas deserves representation that

will push back against Washington excess spending and restore

common sense. I am running to serve our country, and to fight for

the values that matter most to the families of Texas’ 38th District.



DISTRICT 38?

My experience as a business owner right here in the district has

given me firsthand insight into what it actually takes to start, grow,

and sustain a business in today’s world. Every decision matters,

from payroll to managing rising costs, and planning for the future.

Too many of the laws coming out of Washington are written by


people who have never had to sign the front of a paycheck or take

care of their employees. Because I have dealt with the same policies

and regulations that local employers face every day, I understand

how government overreach can snuff out growth. That experience

gives me a practical, real-world perspective that is missing

in Congress and is essential to creating policies that allow small

businesses to thrive, create jobs, and strengthen our local economy.

As a father, I bring that same real-world perspective to the challenges

facing families. Parents today are being pushed aside while

bureaucrats and activists impose radical agendas in our schools

and restrict families’ medical freedoms. I know what parents are

dealing with because I live it every day. I will fight to ensure parents

have a voice, children are protected, and common sense is restored.


IMPORTANT ISSUES DIRECTLY DISTRICT 38?

The two most important issues that directly affect Texas 38 are

affordability and immigration. Affordability is an issue that the

families of TX 38 feel every day. Homeownership has long been the

foundation of the American Dream, but rising interest rates, inflated

housing costs due to corporations buying up single family homes,

and reckless spending in Washington have pushed that dream

further out of reach for the next generation. Parents want to know

that their children will have the opportunity to own a piece of our

country, put down roots, and achieve the American dream right

here in TX 38.

Immigration is the second major issue impacting TX 38 and it

begins with restoring the rule of law. I stand with President Trump

and with our law enforcement, who work every day to protect our

country. Texans should not be forced to live with the consequences

of policies that allow dangerous illegal aliens to flood our streets.

When illegal immigrants commit crimes they should be detained,

and removed. A nation that fails to enforce its borders fails its

citizens. I will prioritize public safety, support our law enforcement

officers, and fight for American people.



TEXANS?

Improving the lives of people here in Texas’ 38th Congressional

District starts with restoring affordability, prioritizing safety, and

protecting the values that matter to families in this district. Families

are working hard and doing their part to achieve the American

Dream, yet it feels further out of reach than ever before.

I will fight to rein in reckless federal spending, eliminate unnecessary

red tape, and support policies that allow families and small

businesses to get ahead. When government gets out of the way,

opportunity grows and communities thrive.

Improving TX-38 also means empowering parents and strengthening

families. Parents, not bureaucrats, should be making decisions

about their children’s education, healthcare, and upbringing.

By restoring affordability, enforcing the rule of law, and putting

families first, I will work to ensure that Texas’ 38th District remains

a place where people can live, work, and raise their families with

prosperity.

CANDIDATES FOR TEXAS SENATE DISTRICT 4



BRETT LIGON, REPUBLICAN


OPENING STATEMENT

I am running for the Texas

Senate because Senate District 4

deserves experienced, principled

leadership that delivers results. For

nearly two decades, I have served

the people of Montgomery County

as District Attorney, enforcing the

law and standing up for public

safety without apology. That experience

has shown me firsthand

how decisions made in Austin

directly affect communities across

our state.

Texas is at a critical moment.

We face unprecedented challenges

at our southern border, rising property taxes that strain families

and seniors, threats to parental rights and religious liberty, and

devastating floods. Texans deserve leaders who understand these

challenges not in theory, but through real-world experience.

As District Attorney, I led one of the largest law enforcement

offices in the region. Our team responsibly managed taxpayer resources

while modernizing operations and strengthening partnerships

with local and state agencies. I have worked directly on cases

involving human trafficking, cartel activity, and violent crime, and I

have seen how weak border policies and soft-on-crime approaches

endanger our local communities.

My commitment to conservative values is rooted in faith, family,

and service. I believe in limited government, personal responsibility,

fiscal discipline, and the constitutional rights that make Texas

strong. I have proudly voted Republican in every primary and general

election for decades and have consistently supported pro-life and

pro-liberty principles.

Representing Senate District 4, I will bring proven leadership and

the courage to stand firm for Texas. Texans deserve a fighter who

will protect our values and defend our freedoms.


ACTERISTICS QUALIFY YOU FOR THE POSITION OF TEXAS SENATE

DISTRICT 4?

I am uniquely qualified to serve Senate District 4 because I bring

nearly two decades of executive-level experience enforcing Texas

law and protecting public safety.

I began my career working the night shift for the Montgomery

County Sheriff’s Office as a jailer. After graduating from law school

and completing an internship with Harris County District Attorney

Johnny Holmes, I served as a prosecutor in Harris County. In 1999, I

had the honor of joining the Houston Police Officers’ Union, where

for ten years I represented the men and women of the Houston Police

Department with the same skill and determination I brought to

the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office.

As Montgomery County District Attorney for 17 years, I led a major

law enforcement office responsible for prosecuting violent crime,

human trafficking, and organized criminal activity, while working

closely with local, state, and federal partners.

My role required sound judgment, decisive leadership, and the

ability to balance public safety priorities with fiscal responsibility.

I managed budgets, implemented modernization initiatives, and

ensured taxpayer dollars were used efficiently—responsibilities that

mirror the disciplined decision-making required of a Texas Senator.

I have also worked directly with legislators to advance laws that

strengthen public safety, protect victims, and support law enforcement

statewide. I have personally visited the Texas border and

prosecuted cases tied to cartel and smuggling operations, giving

me firsthand insight into how border failures affect communities far

beyond South Texas.

My conservative values and proven leadership prepare me to represent

Senate District 4 with competence and conviction.


IMPORTANT ISSUES DIRECTLY DISTRICT 4 AND ALL OF TEXAS ?

The two most important issues facing Senate District 4 and all of

Texas are border security and property tax relief.

First, border security is not just a border issue — it is a statewide

public safety crisis. Failed federal policies have allowed cartel

activity, human trafficking, and fentanyl to spread deep into Texas

communities. Law enforcement agencies across the state are dealing

with the consequences, from increased crime to overwhelmed

resources. Texas must continue to lead with strong, state-driven

border enforcement that prioritizes sovereignty and public safety.

Second, property taxes are placing an unsustainable burden on

families, seniors, and small businesses. Texans are being taxed out

of their homes due to excessive appraisal increases and a system

that relies too heavily on property taxes to fund government. This

directly affects the quality of life in District 4, where homeowners

and business owners alike are feeling the pressure.

Both issues cut to the core of what Texans expect from their government:

safety, fairness, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer

dollars. Addressing these challenges effectively will strengthen

communities and preserve the economic freedom that makes Texas

a place people want to live, work, and raise a family.


THESE ISSUES.

To address border security, I will support and advance strong

state-level enforcement efforts that target cartel operations, human

trafficking networks, and drug smuggling. This includes fully

funding border security initiatives, supporting law enforcement

and National Guard resources, and ensuring Texas continues to take

action when the federal government fails to do its job. Public safety

must always come first.

On property taxes, I will work to deliver meaningful, lasting

relief by limiting excessive appraisal increases and reducing the

state’s reliance on property taxes. This includes supporting appraisal

reform, increasing transparency, and ensuring that any surplus

revenue is returned to taxpayers rather than expanded government

spending. Texans should not be punished for owning a home or

running a small business.

In both areas, I will apply the same disciplined, results-driven

approach I used as District Attorney: identify the problem, demand

accountability, and implement solutions that actually work. Government

should focus on core responsibilities and avoid wasteful or

ineffective programs that do not serve taxpayers.



TEXANS?

Improving quality of life begins with safe communities, economic

opportunity, and respect for individual freedoms. I will fight to

ensure Texans can work and raise families without fear of crime or

crushing tax burdens.

Public safety is foundational. I will continue to be a strong advocate

for law enforcement, victims’ rights, and policies that deter

crime.

Economic freedom is equally important. By promoting limited

government and a free-market approach, Texas can continue to

attract jobs and investment while allowing families to keep more of

what they earn. Government should remove barriers to growth, not

create them.

I am also committed to defending parental rights and constitutional

freedoms. Texans should have confidence that their values are

respected and their voices are heard in Austin.

Finally, I will advocate for infrastructure investments — such as

flood mitigation — that protect communities and ensure long-term

resilience, especially in fast-growing areas like Senate District 4.

By focusing on safety, affordability, freedom, and responsible

governance, I will work to improve quality of life not only for District

4, but for all Texans.

CANDIDATES FOR FIRST COURT OF APPEALS PLACE 3



TODD FRANKFORT, REPUBLICAN

OPENING STATEMENT:

I am the only candidate running in

the primary who has over 30 years of

civil law practice experience covering

a wide range of areas from corporate

law to family law. I’m also the only

board certified and nationally recognized

attorney in this race. I believe

it’s important that we elect qualified

and experienced attorneys to serve

on the 1st Court of Appeals while ensuring

the candidates we elect share

our conservative values and prioritize

public safety to make our region a

safer place for our families.


ACTERISTICS QUALIFY YOU FOR THE POSITION OF JUSTICE FIRST

COURT OF APPEALS PLACE 3?

I bring more than 30 years of experience practicing law across

multiple disciplines, including real estate, corporate matters, and –

most significantly – family law litigation. That breadth matters on

an appellate court that reviews a wide range of civil cases affecting

Texans’ lives and property.

Throughout my career, I have taken cases from initial investigation

and client intake through trial and, when necessary, through

appeal. I have firsthand experience working within the trial record,

evaluating evidence, and understanding how trial court rulings

affect parties – and law enforcement – on the ground.

As a justice, I will apply the law as written, respect the constitutional

role of the legislature, and give due deference to lawful

actions taken by trial courts and by law enforcement officers acting


within the bounds of Texas law. Public safety depends upon clear,

consistent appellate guidance, and I am committed to providing it.

I recognize that law enforcement officers make difficult,

split-second decisions in a real=world context, which appellate

courts review only through a written record. Appellate justices

must evaluate those cases with respect for the role officers play

in protecting public safety and with fidelity to the legal standards

governing searches, seizures, and use of force. Clear, principled

appellate decisions provide the guidance officers and trial courts

need in order to do their jobs lawfully and effectively.

Q: PLEASE IDENTIFY WHAT YOU BELIEVE ARE THE TWO (2)

MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES DIRECTLY THE JUSTICE FIRST COURT OF

APPEALS?

Issue 1 – It is important to me (and should be to all Texans) that

the First Court of Appeals faithfully uphold the Constitution and

Texas statutes - as written – without legislating from the bench.

When appellate courts apply the law consistently and follow binding

precedent, they provide the clarity and stability that trial courts

and law enforcement rely upon in carrying out their duties lawfully

and effectively.

Issue 2 – Ensuring that the 1st Court of Appeals serves as a

necessary and principled “backstop” by correcting trial court rulings

that are not in accordance with Texas law. A strong appellate

court provides uniformity, predictability, and clear guidance to trial

courts, litigants, and law enforcement by upholding legal standards

consistently and based on the record before it.


THESE ISSUES.

• Apply Texas law as written—every time. I will start with the

statute and the Constitution, follow binding precedent, and decide

cases based on the law and the record, not politics or personal

views. Clear rules from appellate courts help everyone – including

law enforcement – to know where the legal lines are before they

act.

• Stick to the record, not second-guessing from hindsight. Appellate

courts review what happened in the trial court based on the

evidence and testimony presented—not Monday-morning quarterbacking

to what they THINK should have happened.

• Give proper deference where the law requires it. When trial

courts and law enforcement act within the law, they deserve fair

and respectful review. I will apply the correct standards of review

and not substitute my judgment for theirs.

• Correct legal errors clearly and directly. When a trial court

misapplies the law, I will correct it and clearly explain why—so

the mistake is not repeated. Clear appellate opinions help officers,

prosecutors, and judges do their jobs lawfully going forward

• Provide timely decisions. Delays create uncertainty for officers,

victims, and communities. I will work to move cases efficiently and

issue opinions promptly.

• Focus on clarity, consistency, and public safety. Strong appellate

courts don’t pick sides—they enforce the law consistently. That

consistency supports constitutional policing, officer safety, and

public trust.

Q: HOW DO YOU PLAN TO IMPROVE THE JUSTICE FIRST COURT OF

APPEALS?

I will improve the First Court of Appeals by bringing real, practical

experience to the Court’s work. As a nationally recognized,

Board-Certified family lawyer, I bring a perspective that is currently

missing and which will strengthen how cases are reviewed. I understand

how records are made in the trial court, how rulings affect

real people, and how appellate decisions guide future conduct. By

issuing timely, clear opinions grounded in Texas law and precedent,

I will provide guidance trial courts can rely on, reduce unnecessary

reversals, and promote consistency. A disciplined appellate court—

one that respects the record, the jury, and the rule of law—supports

public safety and builds confidence in the justice system.

EARLY VOTING STARTS

TUESDAY FEB. 17TH

ELECTION DAY

MARCH 3RD



WHAT'S NEW

Products & Services

Meet MdE's Vice-President

A Q&A with VPJean Reaver


Q: Jean, for readers who may

not be familiar with MdE, can

you start by telling us who you

are and what MdE does?

Jean Reaver: Absolutely—and

thank you for the opportunity

to share our story. MdE began

in 1999, and from the very beginning,

our mission has been

simple: make life easier for

public safety professionals. We

build software designed specifically

for law enforcement and

public safety agencies—software

that helps departments manage

the administrative, compliance,

and accountability aspects of

their work, allowing officers and

supervisors to focus on the tasks

that truly matter.

We’ve always believed that

the men and women serving

their communities already carry

enough responsibility. They

shouldn’t have to fight with

outdated systems, duplicate paperwork,

or disconnected platforms

just to stay compliant or

organized. Our role is to remove

friction, save time, and ultimately

save departments money by

giving them tools that actually

work the way they need them to.

Q: MdE has been in business

since 1999, which is significant

in a fast-changing technology

landscape. How has the company

stayed relevant for so

long?

Jean Reaver: Longevity in this

industry really comes down to

listening. Technology changes

quickly, but the core needs of

public safety agencies are remarkably

consistent—accountability,

efficiency, transparency,

and compliance. What changes

is how those needs are met.

Since 1999, we’ve evolved

alongside our clients. We didn’t

start with a rigid, one-size-fitsall

product and expect agencies

to adapt to us. Instead, we’ve

continually adapted to them.

When policies change, when

training philosophies evolve, or

when departments identify gaps

in their workflows, we pay attention.

That ongoing conversation

with our users is what keeps

MdE relevant year after year.

Q: Many software companies

describe themselves as “built

for public safety.” What makes

MdE genuinely different?

Jean Reaver: The difference is

that we don’t just serve public

safety—we partner with it. Our

software isn’t repurposed corporate

technology with a badge

slapped on it. It’s purpose-built,

shaped by real-world input from

supervisors, training officers, administrators,

and command staff.

When a sergeant calls us and

says, “Is there a way your software

could do this?” our answer

isn’t an automatic no. It’s a

conversation. We ask questions,


we look at the operational need

behind the request, and we explore

how the software can be

adjusted or expanded to support

that need. That mindset—being

willing to listen and adapt—is

foundational to how MdE operates.

Q: Can you give an example

of how customer feedback has

directly shaped MdE’s software?

Jean Reaver: There are many,

honestly, but one clear example

is our equipment and fleet tracking

module. Agencies started

telling us they were struggling

to keep track of issued equipment,

vehicle maintenance, and

accountability—especially as

departments grew or staffing

changed.

Rather than telling clients

to use a separate system or a

spreadsheet workaround, we

built a dedicated module that

could track equipment assignments,

maintenance schedules,

and fleet data in one centralized

place. It came directly from client

requests. They told us what

they needed, and we built it.

Q: MdE has a “Wish List” for

clients. How does that work,

and why is it important?

Jean Reaver: The Wish List is

one of my favorite things about

MdE. It’s exactly what it sounds

like—a place where clients can

submit ideas for future updates,

enhancements, or entirely new

features.

What’s important is that the

Wish List isn’t symbolic. It’s

active. We review submissions

regularly, look for patterns, and

evaluate how requested changes

could benefit not just one agency,

but many. Some of our most

popular features started as a


single request from a department

trying to solve a specific

problem.

It reinforces something we

truly believe: our clients are the

experts in their own operations.

Our job is to take their insight

and translate it into software

that supports them more effectively.

Q: How does this approach

benefit agencies on a day-today

basis?

Jean Reaver: Time is the biggest

benefit. Every minute saved

on administrative tasks is a minute

that can be spent in training,

supervision, or community engagement.

Well-designed software

reduces duplication, minimizes

errors, and keeps critical

information accessible.

There’s also a financial benefit.

When agencies use one integrated

system instead of multiple

disconnected tools, they reduce

costs—not just in software licensing,

but in staff time, audits,

and compliance management.

We’re very intentional about

helping departments do more

with what they already have.

Q: You recently met retired

Sergeant Michael Barron at the

TCOLE Conference, which led to

MdE being featured in The Blues

Police Magazine. What stood

out to you about that interaction?

Jean Reaver: That conversation

was a great example of why

we value relationships so much

in this profession. Sgt. Barron

understands the realities of policing,

training, and leadership.

Our discussion wasn’t about

selling software—it was about

challenges agencies face and

how technology can realistically

support them.

When he offered to feature

MdE in The Blues Police Magazine,

it felt like a natural extension

of that conversation. It’s an

opportunity to share not just

what we do, but why we do it,

with an audience that understands

the stakes.

Q: Looking ahead, what can

readers expect from this quarterly

article series?

Jean Reaver: This first article

is about introducing MdE—who

we are, where we came from,

and how we approach serving

public safety. In future articles,

we’ll dig deeper into specific

areas like training, accountability,

equipment management, and

how software can support evolving

departmental needs without

adding complexity.

Our goal isn’t to pitch products.

It’s to share ideas, lessons

learned, and practical insights

that resonate with the realities of

law enforcement work. If readers

walk away thinking, “That

makes sense,” or “We’ve faced

that challenge too,” then we’ve

done our job.

Q: If you had to sum up MdE

in one sentence for our readers,

what would it be?

Jean Reaver: MdE exists to listen

to public safety professionals

and build software that works as

hard as they do.

LEARN MORE

CLICK HERE

AD SPACE RESERVED FOR

5.11 AD



CALENDAR OF EVENTS


BLUE HONOR

Join us for a formal evening of honor

and tribute to our fallen heroes

during National Police Week.

Thursday, May 14th

6:00 PM

Washington Hilton

$150/Ticket - $1,400/Table

Must be purchased by May 1, 2026.

Blue/Black formal attire is expected.

Uniforms are acceptable.

Purchase tickets by scanning

the QR code or visit:

concernsofpolicesurvivors.org

Musical guest will be announced at a later date.

GALA


National Police Week 2026

General Sponsorship Opportunities

May 13th Sponsorships:

- Helping Hand Sponsor // $5,000


- Healing Sponsor // $15,000

- Hope Sponsor // $10,000

- Helping Hands Sponsor // $5,000

- Support Sponsor // $2,500






Kids and Teens Sponsorships:





Blue Family BBQ Sponsorships:



- Critters for Kids // $6,000


Blue Honor Gala Sponsorships:

- Platinum Sponsor // $25,000

- Blue Sponsor // $15,000

- Gold Sponsor // $10,000

- Silver Sponsor // $5,000

- Bronze Sponsor // $2,500

General Conference Sponsorships:

- Outreach Sponsor // $20,000

- Speaker/Singer Sponsor // $2,500

- Blue Ribbon Sponsor // $1,000

- Partners in Law Enforcement // $250+

All law enforcement organizations at the $250 level or above will receive recognition.

- Chapter Sponsor // $250+

All Chapters at the $250 level or above will receive recognition.





TUNNEL TO TOWERS

HONORS AMERICA’S HEROES

IN THE

LINE OF

DUTY

Providing mortgage-free

homes to Gold Star and

Fallen First Responder

families with young

children and building

specially-adapted Smart

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severely injured.

WORKING TO ERADICATE

VETERAN HOMELESSNESS.

MORE THAN 3,300 RECEIVED HOUSING

AND SERVICES IN 2023 ALONE;

THOUSANDS MORE ARE BEING HELPED.

NEVER FORGET

FDNY Firefighter Stephen Siller

gave his life while saving

others on September 11, 2001

THE FOUNDATION HAS BEEN SUPPORTING OUR

NATION’S HEROES EVER SINCE.

OUR EVENTS INSPIRE

AMERICA TO REMEMBER.

THE TUNNEL TO TOWERS 9/11 INSTITUTE

EDUCATES FUTURE GENERATIONS.

DONATE $11/MO TODAY T2T.ORG


HONORING OUR

DEPUTY CONSTABLE AARON ARMSTRONG


CALDWELL COUNTY CONSTABLE - PRECINCT 3, TEXAS

END OF WATCH: SUNDAY, JANUARY 4, 2026

AGE: 51 TOUR: 5 YEARS BADGE: N/A

Deputy Constable Aaron Armstrong was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man at Club Rodeo at 9515 North

Lamar Boulevard in Austin. At 1:59 a.m., Deputy Constable Armstrong, who was in uniform and identified himself as

a peace officer, removed a subject from the club who was causing a disturbance. When Deputy Armstrong attempted

to arrest the man, the group prevented him from reaching the subject, who pulled out a gun and fired multiple times at

Deputy Armstrong. Deputy Armstrong returned fire before he collapsed. One of the men in the group ran over Deputy

Constable in his vehicle when he fled the scene. Deputy Constable Armstrong was transported to the hospital, where

he succumbed to his wounds. Deputy Constable Armstrong had served with the Caldwell County Constable's Office -

Precinct 3 for over one year and previously served with the Smithville Police Department. He is survived by his father,

mother, and brother.

FALLEN HEROES

POLICE OFFICER STEPHEN LAPORTA

UXBRIDGE POLICE DEPARTMENT, MASSACHUSETTS

END OF WATCH: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2026

AGE:43 TOUR: 1 YEAR BADGE N/A

Police Officer Stephen LaPorta was struck and killed by the driver of a vehicle on Route 146 around 12:40 a.m.

On northbound Route 146 past exit 6, Officer LaPorta was helping a disabled motorist in the freezing rain when a tractor-trailer

hit him. Despite emergency responders providing life-saving measures, he died at the scene.

Officer LaPorta had served with the Uxbridge Police Department for over one year. He is survived by his wife and child.

The The BLUES - FEBRUARY ‘26 129

HONORING OUR

POLICE OFFICER TERRY L. BENNETT

METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT, D. C.


AGE: 32 TOUR: 8 YEARS BADGE:5631

Police Officer Terry Bennett succumbed to injuries he received when he was struck by the driver of

a vehicle while assisting a disabled motorist on Interstate 695 in Washington, D.C., on December

23, 2025.Around 10:10 p.m., Officer Bennett stopped in the eastbound lanes of I-695 near South

Capital Street to help a motorist who had run out of gas. While standing outside his police cruiser, a

speeding driver, attempting to change lanes, struck him. The disabled motorist was not injured.

Officer Bennett was immediately transported to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries on

January 7, 2026. Officer Bennett had served almost eight years with the Metropolitan Police Department,

D.C., assigned to the First District. He is survived by his wife and children


FALLEN HEROES

POLICE OFFICER ELIJAH GARRETSON

COPPERAS COVE POLICE DEPARTMENT, TEXAS

END OF WATCH: SUNDAY, JANUARY 11, 2026

AGE: 27 TOUR: 7 MONTHS BADGE: 118

Police Officer Elijah Garretson was ambushed and killed near the intersection of Lost Trail and Great Hills Drive in Copperas

Cove while responding to reports of a suspicious person. After lengthy negotiations with officers, the suspect was

discovered dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The suspect was on probation and wanted on a DWI warrant.

Officer Garretson was a United States Army veteran and had served with the Copperas Cove Police Department for

seven months. A recent graduate of the Central Texas College Police Academy, he received the Academic Award for the

highest grade point average in the class. He is survived by his wife and daughter.

The The BLUES BLUES - FEBRUARY ‘26 ‘26 131

HONORING OUR

AGENT ANÍBAL MORALES APONTE

PUERTO RICO POLICE DEPARTMENT, PUERTO RICO

END OF WATCH: TUESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2026

AGE: 53 TOUR: 29 YEARS BADGE: 23726

Agent Aníbal Morales Aponte succumbed to injuries he received when his patrol motorcycle was struck by a driver who

ran a red light at Rafael Cordero Avenue in Caguas. At 6:20 a.m., Agent Morales Aponte was driving on Rafael Corero

Avenue when a driver made an illegal left turn and crashed into Agent Morales Aponte. He was transported to the Rio

Piedras Medical Center, where he died of his injuries six days later.

Agent Morales Aponte had served with the Puerto Rico Police Department for 29 years and was assigned to the Caguas

Motorized Unit. He is survived by his twin daughters, mother, life partner, and two stepdaughters.


FALLEN HEROES

DEPUTY SHERIFF TIM JORDAN

BOSSIER PARISH SHERIFF'S OFFICE, LOUISIANA


AGE: N/A TOUR: 4 YEARS BADGE: N/A

Deputy Sheriff Tim Jordan was killed in a train collision on Highway 3 at Benton Road and Kingston Road in Benton.

Around 8:00 a.m. Deputy Jordan was conducting a traffic stop when a train traveling south struck his vehicle. He was

transported to Ochsner LSU Health in Shreveport, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Deputy Jordan had served with the Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office for four years.

The The BLUES - FEBRUARY ‘26 133

HONORING OUR

DEPUTY SHERIFF DERRICK BONHAM

WEAKLEY COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, TENNESSEE

END OF WATCH: FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2026

AGE: 38 TOUR: 2 YEARS BADGE: 615

Deputy Sheriff Derrick Bonham was shot and killed responding to a shots fired call. Deputy Bonham was assisting the

Martin Police Department on a call about gunfire at the Days Inn. Around 3:09 a.m., he tracked a driver of one of the

vehicles reportedly involved in the shooting to the Pockets Gas Station at 821 University Street in Martin. When Deputy

Bonham approached the driver, she opened her door and fired at Deputy Bonham. While he was on the ground,

she walked up to him and shot him again. Deputy Bonham was transported to Volunteer Community Hospital, where

he passed away. Deputy Bonham was a United States Army veteran and had served with the Weakley County Sheriff's

Department for two years. He is survived by his wife and three children.


FALLEN HEROES

DEPUTY SHERIFF CHRISTOPHER OHLMEYER

JEFFERSON PARISH SHERIFF'S OFFICE, LOUISIANA

END OF WATCH: FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2026

AGE: 41 TOUR: 15 YEARS BADGE: N/A

Deputy Sheriff Christopher Ohlmeyer was killed while serving in a funeral escort on Airline Highway, near the 9200 block

in New Orleans, at 11:40 a.m. As a member of the motor squad, Deputy Ohlmeyer was stopping traffic to allow for the

funeral procession when he was struck by a vehicle from behind. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

Deputy Ohlmeyer had served with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office for 15 years. Survivors include his wife and two

children.


WORDS BY SGT. MICHAEL BARRON, RET

Chance Meeting in NOLA with

LAPD Detective Joesph Wambaugh

My goal of following in my

grandfather’s footsteps became

a reality in the early 80’s when I

was sworn in as a deputy at the

sheriff’s department in Harris

County. The very same department

in fact, my grandfather

worked at under Sheriff Buster

Kern. Hell, I even wore his badge

number. But a couple of years

into the job and making far less

than I did in retail management,

I began to wonder if this was

really my dream job after all.

In 1981, I attended the National

Sheriff’s Association Annual Convention

in New Orleans where

my life would ultimately change

course. I was staying at the New

Orleans Marriott and on the first

day of the conference I stepped

into the elevator and as the door

was about to close I hear “hey

can you hold that for me please.”

I pushed the open button and in

walks the famous writer, Joseph

Wambaugh.

Wambaugh was a former LAPD

detective turned writer. A damn


good writer as a matter of fact.

He had just released his latest

novel ‘The Glitter Dome’ and I

heard it was another best seller.

He reads my name badge and

says, “what brings you to the

Crescent City Deputy Barron?”

I replied, “I guess for the same

reason you are here, the NSA

Convention.”

He was there to sign autographs

and hand out copies of

his new book. Over the course

of the next couple of days, I had

the opportunity to sit and talk

with him several times about his

career and working for LAPD.

Wambaugh was a former

LAPD detective sergeant and was

widely considered the "father

of the modern police novel." He

transformed the genre by moving

away from idealized "stick

figure" portrayals, like those in

Dragnet (google it), to show the

raw, psychological, and often

darkly humorous reality of being

a police officer. His books were

known for their unflinching

honesty about the emotional toll

of police work and the cynical

humor used as a defense mechanism.

"I don’t believe policemen are

danger lovers, more that they

were seekers of the awesome,

the incredible, even the unspeakable

in human experience... to

be there was the thing," he said.

"If you want love, join the fire

department. People needy of approval

should not become cops."

Joseph Wambaugh’s take

on being a cop was defined by

the idea that police work is the

"most emotionally hazardous

job on earth". He famously shifted

the focus of police fiction

from how an officer acts on the

job to "how the job acts on the

cop," exploring the psychological

toll, dark humor, and systemic

pressure that shape an officer's

life. He portrayed dark "gallows

humor" as a vital survival mechanism

for officers facing the

daily drudgery and trauma of the

streets.

He often noted that while most

officers never fire their weapon

in combat, they suffer extreme

"emotional violence."He cited

high rates of suicide, divorce,

and alcoholism as the true "hidden

costs" of the profession.

On my drive back to Houston,

I realized what was missing in

my life and my job. I wanted to

be an author and write books

just like Wambaugh. But that

dream took a very different turn

three years later when my desire

to write turned into a monthly

newspaper called The COUNTY

BLUES. I never imagined that over

the course of 42 years, I would

write over a million words and

create the world’s largest police

magazine.

But my desire to be an author

was always top of mind. I remember

the last thing Wambaugh

said to me before we left

New Orleans, “I never dreamed

I’d become a writer because I

thought being a cop was the

greatest job in the world. But

what I didn’t realize at the time,

was that being a cop was just

the vehicle that led me to becoming

an author. If you have

a dream pursue it. Don’t spend

your entire life dreaming, instead

make the dream your reality.”

I honestly believe that I ‘lived

the dream’ and the ‘reality’ will

be in bookstores soon. Look for

my new book- THIN BLUE LINE:

LIFE BEHIND THE BADGE.


WORDS BY DAVE EVANSON

AIRPLANE CRASHES

The smell of jet fuel was over whelming but there was no sign of

the airplane or survivors.

I’m a retired fire fighter, paramedic,

police officer and pilot.

I read the Blues every month

cover to cover, and I always

start with the war stories and

aftermath columns. Michael

Barron’s story about plane

crashes in Galveston brought

back memories of working an

airliner crash in my city back in

the early 2000’s. For the privacy

of the victim’s families, I won’t

share the name of the airline or

city, although you may figure it

out on your own.

At the time of the crash, I

was employed as firefighter in

a large city. We had just sat

down to dinner with the crew,

and it was Italian night, which

meant we each contributed

something to the menu and my

donation was my grandma’s

spaghetti and meatballs. But

before we could take the first

bite, alert tones rang out across

the fire station of a reported

plane crash on the south side of


town. It was a 3-alarm callout,

and dozens of firehouses were

dispatched.

Having been a pilot for the past

dozen years or so, I thought I had

an idea of what the scene might

look like, but when we arrived

it wasn’t anything like what I

imagined. The accident involved

an airliner that had crashed 2

miles short of the runway into

a neighborhood located just

outside the airport property. Two

city blocks were an inferno with

multiple structure fires, vehicle

fires, and hell you name it and it

was on fire.

The smell of jet fuel was over

whelming but there was no sign

of the airplane. Just flames and

sounds of explosions most likely

from the tires of vehicles that

were on fire all up and down the

street. The fire chief in charge

deployed teams to start searching

for victims while he called

for the ARFF truck from the

airport to lay down foam on the

burning jet fuel.

As a pilot, I kept looking for

pieces of the airplane. Engines,

windows, wings, anything that

would indicate where we might

find survivors. But that wasn’t

going to be the case. The plane

had struck the homes with such

force that it was impossible

to distinguish what anything

was. But what was apparent

was that the plane had carved

a path through the surrounding

trees before bursting into flames

and if there were any survivors

to be found, it would be along

that path. Maybe someone was

thrown from the plane as it

broke apart. I was thinking more

as a pilot than a fire fighter.

As my team worked thru the

debris, not only were there small

pieces of aluminum from the

skin of the airplane, but there

were also tiny white pieces of

something everywhere. Like

thousands and thousands all

mixed in with mud, fuel, grass,

and plants. I just couldn’t wrap

my head around what I was seeing.

I learned later that it was the

hundreds of miles of thin wiring

that ran through the airplane.

Also scattered in the mud were

shoes, apple watches, clothes,

hairbrushes, pieces of luggage,

and what looked like sections

of the floor of the cargo section

of the plane. It hit me that

we were standing in the middle

of the area of the initial impact

with the trees. The bottom of

the aircraft was the first to go.

If there were any survivors, they

would be another hundred feet

or so towards the burning inferno

of houses. As we made

our way through the destruction

carved out by the falling plane,

we found one of the engines, and

parts of the landing gear. That’s

when we encountered human

remains.

In the event that somehow one

of the families might find this

story, out of respect I won’t go

into detail on what the condition

was of the victims we found.

But I will say that nothing prepares

you for the devastation

left behind in a plane crash. It’s

a sight that is forever burned in

your memory that will haunt you

for the rest of your life. I have no

idea how investigators from the

NSTB do their job repeatedly, day

in and day out.

In all, 12 people on the ground

were killed, and another 10 were

injured or badly burned. All 35

passengers and 8 crew members

all perished in the crash. In all 55

people died that night. No one on

that flight thought that it would

be their last. The people asleep

in their homes, never thought

a plane would crash into their

neighbor and kill entire families.

This tragedy happened years

and years ago. But hardly a night

goes by that I don’t relive at least

part of that night. Two of the

first responders that worked the

crash ended up taking their own

lives. I guess they couldn’t find a

way to cope with the PTSD that

follows all of us from that night.

I encourage each and everyone

of you reading this story,

to reach out and get help if you

ever experience a night in hell

like we did. You owe it to yourself

and your family to find a way

through the hell we live through

each and every day. God Speed.


BLUEPRINTS OF RESILIENCE

Emmanual Gonzalez Sosa

Eating Well on the Beat:

A Guide to Healthy Eating Habits for Police Officers

Police officers are entrusted

with public safety yet often face

significant challenges in maintaining

their own health. Demanding

work schedules, irregular

mealtimes, high stress and

the need for rapid energy on the

job make nutrition a complex

issue for law enforcement. Despite

knowing what constitutes

healthy eating, many officers

struggle to put concepts into action

due to occupational barriers

that are unique to policing life.

This article offers a comprehensive

examination of the nutrition

challenges faced by officers, and

practical, evidence-informed

strategies for healthier eating.

THE OCCUPATIONAL NUTRI-

TION PARADOX

At first glance, the importance

of sound nutrition for police

might seem obvious. Law enforcement

requires alertness,

strength and endurance, attributes

closely linked to dietary

habits. Yet the everyday realities

of police work often make

healthy eating difficult.

Academic research consistently

highlights that police officers

understand the value of healthy

food choices. In a cross-sectional

study of U.S. law enforcement

personnel, 91% of surveyed

officers reported that consuming

nutritious foods was important,

and 80% reported valuing foods

high in vitamins and minerals.

However, this awareness often

fails to translate into healthy

eating behaviors because of

workplace constraints.

In the same study, 60% of respondents

cited a busy lifestyle

as a barrier to healthy eating,

and 41% cited irregular work

hours as a complicating factor.

In practice, this means that even

officers with strong nutritional

knowledge often rely on convenience

foods, skip meals, or default

to fast food when on shift.

The cumulative effect of these

dietary choices can significantly

impinge on their physical health

and overall job performance.

SHIFT WORK AND DIET: A

MISALIGNED CLOCK

One of the most documented

challenges in police nutrition research

is the impact of irregular

shifts on eating behavior. Police

departments often operate on

rotating shifts, meaning officers

eat at different times of the

day or night, disrupting natural

circadian rhythms and metabolic

processes.

Research shows that officers

working night shifts consume

their meals significantly later in

the day than those on rest days.

For example, eating around 2308

hours on night-shift days compared

to 1525 on rest days.

These irregular mealtimes have

important implications. According

to Kosmadopoulos and colleagues

(2020), “the biological

timing of food intake, rather than

its quantity or composition, may

be a differentiating dietary factor

in health outcomes for shift

workers” (p. 1). In other words,

when officers eat could be as

important as what they eat, especially

for weight management

and metabolic health.

Furthermore, shift work has

been associated with a higher

prevalence of obesity, diabetes,

hypertension and other metabolic

disorders in law enforcement

populations. The consequences

of these health issues are profound,

affecting both personal

well-being and professional

effectiveness.

DIET QUALITY AND CAR-

DIOMETABOLIC RISK

A compelling dimension of diet

in policing is diet quality’s association

with long-term health

outcomes. In a large analysis of

British police officers, researchers

found that poor diet quality

significantly increased the odds

of having multiple markers of


cardiometabolic risk, including

elevated blood pressure, cholesterol

abnormalities and body fat

levels.

Additionally, extended working

hours (≥49 hours per week) and

high job strain, common conditions

in policing, were associated

with poorer diet quality.

These associations are not just

statistical curiosities; they have

real consequences. High blood

lipids and obesity raise the risk

of heart attacks, stroke, and a

range of chronic diseases that

directly affect officers’ fitness for

duty and long-term quality of

life. Therefore, emphasizing dietary

improvements is not merely

a health recommendation; it is

a public safety imperative.

SELF-REPORTED EATING

PATTERNS ON DUTY

Data from thousands of

line-level officers reveal concerning

patterns. A recent survey

of 2,833 law enforcement professionals

found:

51% reported skipping meals.

37% consumed more fast food

or convenience foods.

26% reported overeating after

shifts (Lexipol, 2024).

66% cited time constraints as a

major barrier to eating healthily.

52% cited stress and fatigue as

obstacles to better eating.

Only 32% reported that their

agencies provided some nutritional

resources.

These statistics reflect a broader

trend: many officers are not

fueling their bodies in ways that

support sustained physical and

cognitive performance. The implications

for individual health,

departmental efficiency and

community safety are significant.

WHY HEALTHY EATING MAT-

TERS FOR COPS

1. Cognitive Performance and

Decision-Making

Balanced nutrition supports

both short-term cognitive function

and long-term brain health.

Low blood glucose, for example,

impairs attention and reaction

times, a serious concern when

officers must make split-second

decisions. According to public

safety nutrition guides, poor diet

can lead to symptoms such as

dizziness, impaired vision, or fatigue,

which may impair on-duty

performance. Through better

nutrition, officers can enhance

not only their health but their

decision-making and response

capabilities during high-pressure

situations.

2. Cardiovascular Health

Police officers have elevated

risk for obesity, cardiovascular

disease, hypertension and diabetes

relative to the general

population. Occupational stress,

shift schedules and poor diet all

contribute to this risk profile. A

healthy diet (rich in fruits, vegetables,

lean proteins and whole

grains) can help reduce these

risks, improve cholesterol levels

and manage weight.

3. Injury Prevention and Physical

Readiness

Weight management is also

tied to injury risk. Officers with

excess body fat are more likely

to sustain injuries during physical

activity and may have slower

recovery times. Furthermore,

a diet high in processed foods

and saturated fats contributes

to inflammation, another factor

in injury and chronic pain. Good

nutrition supports musculoskeletal

health and resilience.

PHYSICAL HEALTH AND RE-

SILIENCE

A well-balanced diet contributes

to better physical health,

allowing officers to respond

more effectively in physically

demanding situations. Nutrition

plays a key role in recovery from

injuries and reducing the impact

of occupational stressors. For instance,

a diet rich in antioxidants

can help combat inflammation

and promote recovery after

strenuous activity or prolonged

stress.

PUBLIC IMAGE AND COMMU-

NITY ENGAGEMENT

Officers who prioritize their

health and wellness set a positive

example for the communities

they serve. By engaging

in healthy eating and wellness

routines, they can foster better

relationships with community

members and enhance public

trust, presenting themselves

as role models for health and

fitness.

BARRIERS TO HEALTHY EAT-

ING: WHAT OFFICERS REPORT

Even when officers know what

they should be eating, workplace

realities often make implementation

difficult. Research suggests

barriers fall into several

categories:

1. Irregular Schedules and Shift

Work

As described above, rotating

shifts affect meal timing and

quality, contributing to erratic

eating patterns.

2. Busy Workloads and Lack of

Breaks

Officers frequently skip breakfast

or lunch because calls

take priority. In one study, 57%


reported often or sometimes

skipping breakfast, and over half

reported eating multiple restaurant

meals weekly.

3.Convenience and Time Constraints

Convenience heavily influences

food choice. Officers often select

easily accessible, high-calorie

options over nutrient-dense

foods, particularly when meal

breaks are not guaranteed.

4.Cost and Lack of Resources

Healthy food is often perceived

as more expensive, and many

departments offer limited nutritional

support or facilities (e.g.,

refrigeration, microwaves) to

support prepared meals.


PRINCIPLES OF HEALTHY

EATING FOR OFFICERS

Despite the challenges, evidence-based

strategies can

help officers make better dietary

choices that align with both

health and duty demands.

1. Prioritize Meal Preparation

Preparing meals in advance is

one of the most effective ways

to avoid fast food and processed

snack choices during shifts.

Using bulk meal preparation on

days off can ensure nutrient-rich

meals are ready for long shifts,

even when breaks are unpredictable.

Small coolers or insulated

lunch bags help sustain food

quality across long tours.

2. Emphasize Balanced Macronutrients

A healthy meal includes:

· Complex carbohydrates for

sustained energy (whole grains,

legumes).

· Lean protein to maintain muscle

and satiety.

· Healthy fats (e.g., nuts, seeds,

avocados) for brain and cardiovascular

health.

These macronutrients support

sustained energy without the

blood sugar spikes associated

with sugary snacks.

3. Focus on Micronutrients and

Hydration

Vitamins and minerals play

key roles in immune function

and metabolism. Officers should

aim for 2–3 servings of vegetables

and 2 servings of fruit daily,

though research indicates more

than half of officers fall below

this level. Hydration is equally

crucial. Dehydration can worsen

fatigue and cognitive performance.

4. Mind the Clock: Meal Timing

Matters

Research suggests that eating

patterns that align more closely

with circadian rhythms may

reduce metabolic risk. When

working night shifts, limiting

high-calorie meals late at night

may help reduce circadian misalignment

effects.

5. Seek Departmental Support

When Possible

Wellness programs that include

nutrition education have

been shown to reduce weight

and cholesterol levels among

police personnel participating in

structured programs (e.g., nutrition

seminars and counseling).

Departments should consider

investing in wellness resources

that include registered dietitians

and practical nutrition workshops.

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR OFFI-

CERS ON THE JOB

Here are actionable suggestions

based on research and best

practices:

Pack meals weekly: Set aside

a few hours each weekend to

prepare meals for the week—

healthy wraps, grilled proteins,

quinoa salads, and fruit.

Invest in portable nutrition:

Nuts, Greek yogurt, hard-boiled

eggs and fruit are portable,

shelf-stable options that resist

spoilage and offer balanced

energy.

Drink water first: Avoid sugary

drinks. Hydration supports alertness

and reduces unnecessary

calorie intake.

Choose fiber-rich snacks: Fiber

helps satiety (choose wholegrain

crackers, fresh vegetables,

or fruits).

Be mindful of late-night eating:

When working night shifts, aim

for light, nutrient-dense meals

instead of heavy, high-fat fastfood

options.

Advocate for departmental

resources: Encourage wellness

programs, fridge space and nutrition

workshops at the agency

level.

CONCLUSION: NOURISHING

OFFICERS FOR THE LONG HAUL

Police work demands unwavering

alertness, physical readiness

and cognitive acuity. Good

nutrition is not a luxury, it is

foundational to officers’ health,

safety and effectiveness on duty.

While barriers such as shift

work, time pressure, and convenience

foods challenge even the

most well-intentioned officers,

a combination of knowledge

and strategic planning can lead

to meaningful improvements in

eating habits.

As research shows, officers are

willing to change, they simply

need systems that enable healthy

choices. By prioritizing balanced

meals, meal preparation, practical

departmental support and

awareness of meal timing, police

officers can nourish not only

their bodies but their careers and

communities.

The road to healthier eating for

police officers is fraught with

challenges, but it is also lined

with opportunities. By recognizing

the unique barriers, they

face and implementing practical

strategies for healthier eating,

officers can better navigate their

demanding schedules while

prioritizing their well-being. It

is crucial for law enforcement

agencies to support their officers

in this endeavor, offering resources

and encouraging a culture

of health that benefits both

officers and the communities

they serve. With informed dietary

choices, police officers can

enhance their fitness, improve

their decision-making capabilities

and ultimately serve their

communities more effectively.


A BADGE OF HONOR

Healing Our Heroes

Deflate your Balloon

As a First Responder, the

stress from your job can become

overwhelming at times.

We continue to internalize our

stress allowing it to fill up in our

system until one day it POPS.

Just like a Balloon, as we fill

it up it gets bigger and bigger,

expanding, getting tense until

without warning the Balloon

explodes. As First responders we

are no different. We never know

how many more incidents it will

take before we explode either

internally or externally.

If we view our system, the

way we look at a balloon as it is

filling, we need to regulate and

adjust just how much (air) or in

our case, stress each can handle.

Our careers will never be without

stress or tension, so the key

is to let the air out as it is needed.

We can see and feel when a

balloon is at its popping point,

so we know that if I keep adding

air to it, it will soon explode. We

need to be able to recognize our

bodies the same way.

By releasing some of our daily

stress, it can make a big difference

in the way we perform at

work and at home. There is no

right or wrong way to release

the tension, so if it is not harmful

or can’t lead to any additive

issue. Go for it.

The reason I say that is, Alcohol,

gaming, social media, Porn,

gambling etc. are all types of

stress relievers which someone

may use, and if used in proper

moderation can all be a release.

The types of mental health releases

are unlimited. Individually

you will need to find what works

for you.

First responders by nature have

a type ‘A” high energy personality.

If we were the type “B” we

would most likely have chosen a

different career. So, we tend to

release our stress with activities

that may border harmful, so we

need to tread with caution.

This is the reason we try and

stick to activities that will not

place us in harm’s way.

Walking, Running, Weightlifting,

Yoga, or any exercise has

SAMANTHA HORWITZ &

JOHN SALERNO

been proven to not only release

stress but provides overall better

physical health as well.

If you are not the physical

type, maybe tap into your artistic

side. Learn to draw, play an

instrument or any other creative

projects. Theatrical art such as

drama or comedy, providing

laughter is a huge stress release.

Our balloons should never

reach the point of “Bust.”

Educate those around us in

Mental Health so they can also

help boost our support network

giving us an extra layer in our

safety net.

The more people watching

over our balloon gives us the

best chances to not overfill it.

John Salerno, Retired NYPD,

A Badge of Honor



DARYL'S DELIBERATIONS

Head Hopping

Everyone seems to know

what everyone else was

thinking—except the people

who were actually there.

I heard a national news

commentator discuss the

recent ICE shooting in Minnesota.

When the news anchor

asked whether he was familiar

with the incident, the commentator

said he was—and

added that after watching the

video footage multiple times,

he was struck by something

troubling. Both sides of the

debate spoke with absolute

certainty about what either

the ICE agent or the young

woman who was killed was

"thinking."

That stopped me cold.

The anchor agreed with him.

And I agreed with both of

them.

We have grown accustomed

to letting others do our thinking

for us, and as a result,

we’ve grown lazy. Ralph Waldo

Emerson warned against

this long ago:

“In this distribution of functions,

the scholar is the delegated

intellect. In the right

state he is Man Thinking. In the

degenerate state… he tends

to become a mere thinker, or

still worse, the parrot of other


men’s thinking.”

We see this everywhere now.

For example, the AI built into

my iPhone recently suggested

a route for me to take—to

a place I wasn’t even going.

Later, it queued up music it

thought I’d like. Wrong again.

I can’t write a text or an email

without it trying to change

my words. I know how to use

words. I know how to spell

them. Don’t change them,

iPhone—you don’t know what

I’m thinking.

Facebook, Google, and

countless apps attempt to

anticipate our needs. But they

don’t know what we’re thinking

either.

Many of my readers are police

officers or retired officers.

We were taught early on that

the first rule of conflict resolution

is "never presume what

another person is thinking—

and never tell someone what

they’re thinking."

“He thinks I’m _____.”

A phrase we’ve heard ad

nauseam throughout our careers.

Over the last three years, I’ve

been writing a book (more on

that soon). I thought I knew

how to write. I’m a certified

English teacher with degrees

DARYL LOTT

and credentials. But professional

writing is different

from police reports, essays,

or Facebook posts. To meet

industry standards, I invested

thousands of dollars in private

instruction. I learned quickly

that editors don’t care about

feelings. There’s a higher standard.

One of the very first lessons

every aspiring professional

writer learns is how to write a

scene.

A scene must be written

from the point of view of one

person—usually the protagonist.

It cannot include information

outside that character’s

knowledge. If the character

cannot see it, hear it, touch it,

smell it, or otherwise sense

it, it does not belong in the

scene. Period. This is a cardi-

nal rule, and amateur writers

break it almost immediately.

Closely related is another

rule: you cannot state what

another character is thinking.

Why? Because it’s impossible.

When a writer does this,

an editor draws a big red “X”

across the page and writes

"Head Hopping." It’s the hallmark

of amateur writing and

earns an instant “F.”

This is exactly what the news

commentator was reacting

to—our culture’s addiction to

head hopping.

What he didn’t say—but

should have—is that our legal

system doesn’t require us to

know what anyone was thinking.

In the ICE case, there is

only one relevant question:

Was the action the agent

took reasonable under the circumstances?

Everything else is irrelevant.

Why President Trump sent

ICE? Irrelevant.

Whether the woman was an

activist or operative? Irrelevant.

Whether other options existed?

Irrelevant.

What the governor said or

did? Irrelevant.

Those may be topics for other

forums, but legally, they do

not matter—because we cannot

head hop.

Since we cannot access the

minds of either party, the only

thing left is to test the officer’s

actions against the reasonable

person standard.

That requires thinking for

ourselves, as Emerson urged.

It means refusing to outsource

our judgment to talking heads,

algorithms, or politicians. It

means not becoming parrots

of other men’s thinking.

Our country is deeply polarized

not only because of head

hopping, but also because of

another philosophical problem:

radical skepticism. This is

the belief that no one—citizens

or government—can be trusted

at all. Society, however, requires

a minimal level of trust

to function. Without it, conspiracy

theories flourish, institutions

collapse, and anarchy

becomes inevitable. History

shows what happens next.

So what’s the answer?

Think for yourself.

Stop parroting others.

Apply the reasonable person

standard.

It really isn’t that hard.


BLUE METAL HEALTH

Survivors of LODD:

We Honor Your Journey to Healing

We continue to honor our survivors

by dedicating this monthly

mental health column to sharing

the first-person journeys of those

who have been deeply impacted

by a line of duty death and

will continue until Police Week

2024. As we listen to their voices,

I am hopeful you will gain

powerful life lessons and

perspective, appreciation,

and respect for those who

continue to serve every day,

and for those who have

made the ultimate sacrifice.

We should also never forget

those left behind in the

aftermath. This story is the

third in the series, Kimberly

Hornsby Wagner, the wife of

Officer Robert Hornsby, graciously

agreed to offer her

insight and road to recovery

in her own words.

“Before my husband was

killed, the term “survivor”

seemed somewhat hyperbolic

to me, almost a paradox.

It wasn’t until after my

husband, Robert “Bobby” Hornsby,

was killed that I realized the

term “survivor” doesn’t do justice

to the excruciating journey that

follows. Bobby was a member of

the Killeen Police Department’s

SWAT team in Killeen, TX. On

July 14, 2013, he was deployed

as part of that SWAT team to


an apartment complex where

a young soldier was walking

around the complex pool with

an AK-47, pointing it at innocent

people and asking them if they

were ready to meet their maker.

After some different interactions

took place, this young soldier,

who blew well over the legal

Police Officer

Robert Layden Hornsby

Killeen Police Department,

KilleenTexas

End of Watch

Sunday, July 14, 2013

DR. TINA JAECKLE

limit for alcohol, fired that

same weapon into the

sea of officers outside his

apartment complex. Bobby

was hit twice; the first

bullet was a flesh wound,

something he would have

easily survived. How desperately

I wish that would

have been his only wound.

The second bullet was

the shot that ultimately

would kill him instantly. In

an attempt to provide us

some solace, the doctor

told us he probably just felt

sleepy. I feel like I should

be thankful that he didn’t

suffer, but sometimes my

mind wonders and asks,

“Did his body trick him?” I struggle

with wondering if it ever

crossed his mind he wasn’t coming

home.

Thanks to social media, I

was expecting a knock at the

door. After watching Facebook

for some time trying to get an

update on the situation, some-

one had posted that two officers

had been shot. I turned on the

scanner to hear anything out of

the ordinary, hoping this was a

careless post of misinformation.

It didn’t take long until two

badge numbers were given over

the scanner: one badge number

for each officer shot. One lived,

and one died.

When Bobby was killed, he

was 32 years old, and I was 31.

Two weeks before his murder,

we had celebrated our 6th wedding

anniversary, and we were

preparing to take our first vacation

as a family of 4 just four

days after his death. At the time

of his death, we had a 4-yearold

daughter, Layden, and a

15-month-old son, Braxx. Truly,

the hardest part of losing him

was explaining to my children

that there had been an accident

and that their dad was now living

with Jesus.

The term survivor isn’t hyperbolic

at all. We survived burying

a husband, a dad, a brother,

a son, an uncle and a friend.

I survived figuring out how to

mow my yard once all the newness

faded and people returned

to their everyday lives. I survived

the first days of school,

the first holidays, and empty

chairs where he should have

been sitting. And each milestone

that he misses reminds me we

are still surviving. I don’t survive

because I have some superhuman

strength or because I am

rigid and devoid of all emotions.

I survive, may I say, thrive because

I have been lifted by those

around me when I was too weak

to stand alone. Exodus 17 gives

this account: “When Moses’

arms grew tired, Aaron and Hur

brought a stone for him to sit

on, while they stood beside him

and held up his arms, holding

them steady until the sun went

down. In this way Joshua totally

defeated the Amalekites.” I am

incredibly thankful for the Aarons

and Hurs of my life that held me

up. I hope that telling our story

allows us to be someone’s Aaron

or Hur and gives, even if it’s

just one person, the courage not

only to survive, but survive well,

the unimaginable”. -Kimberly

Hornsby Wagner, Wife of Officer

Robert Hornsby

For more information on the services

and resources offered by Concerns

of Police Survivors, please visit

Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.)


NOT SO BRIGHT AWARD

Light Bulb

All These Morons Get a LB Award

Each one of these idiots deserves a Award for just being stupid.

ZOHRAN MAMDANI

EX CNN HOST DON LEMON

PORTLAND POLICE CHIEF

BOB DAY

14 people died because the

new mayor said 'leave them on

the street"

Interrupts a church service to

get clicks and gets arrested

instead.

FORMER NURSE

MALINDA COOK

FORMER NURSE

LEXIE LAWLER

CONGRESSWOMAN

ILHAN OMAR


Creates fake attack

My eyebrows? I paid a lot of money for them.


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Trophy Club Police Department Police Officer 03/15/2026

Harris County Fire Marshal's Office K-9 Canine Handler 02/27/2026

Amarillo Police Department Police Recruit 03/27/2026

Amarillo Police Department In-State Lateral Entry Officer 03/27/2026

Amarillo Police Department Out of State Lateral Entry 03/27/2026

Methodist Health System Police Department Police Officer 03/31/2026


NOW HIRING

WELCOME OUR NEWEST DEPARTMENT

LE job positions

WELCOME ABOARD PASADENA PD


NOW HIRING


job positions





NOW

HIRING

BIG SPRING PD IS NOW HIRING POLICE OFFICERS

• 100% PAID ACADEMY TRAINING FOR NON-

CERTIFIED CADETS

• LATERAL POLICE OFFICER RECRUIT PROGRAM

• EQUIPMENT AND UNIFORMS ARE PROVIDED

• TAKE HOME VEHICLES WITH A ONE HOUR

RESPONSE TIME

• TMRS RETIREMENT (2:1 CITY MATCH)

• 100% EMPLOYEE MEDICAL AND LIFE INSURANCE

PREMIUM PAID BY THE CITY

• PAID VACATION AND HOLIDAYS

• PAID SICK LEAVE

• LONGEVITY PAY FOR YEARS OF SERVICE

• EMPLOYEE WELLNESS PROGRAM

• TUITION REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM


• PROGRESSIVE ANNUAL IN-SERVICE TRAINING AND

EXTERNAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES.

• DIVERSE ASSIGNMENTS SUCH AS SWAT, NARCOTICS,

TRAFFIC, AND CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION

• $5,000 ACADEMY REIMBURSEMENT AND

$4,500 RELOCATION PAY FOR CERTIFIED OFFICERS

• CERTIFIED OFFICERS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR $800

MONTHLY HOUSING ALLOWANCE FOR ONE YEAR

• FREE DORMITORY HOUSING FOR NON-CERTIFIED

CADETS IN THE ACADEMY

• LATERAL RECRUIT PROGRAM FOR EXPERIENCED

OFFICERS

Cadet Pay: $54,109/year ~ Certified Officer Pay: $65,538/year

ENTRY LEVEL TESTING ON MARCH 5, 2026

The application deadline is March 2, 2026

Testing for Certified Police Officers is scheduled as needed. Certified

Police Officers are strongly encouraged to apply at anytime.

APPLY TODAY AT WWW.MYBIGSPRING.COM


BIG SPRING POLICE DEPARTMENT

JOIN OUR TEAM!

LATERAL ENTRY POLICE OFFICER

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

BENEFITS

• Health/Vision/Dental Insurance

• Paid Life and AD&D Insurance

• TMRS (2 to 1 match)

• Deferred Compensation with a

6.7% match

• Vacation Buy Back (up to 68

hours annually)

• 12-hour shift schedule, every

other Friday, Saturday, and

Sunday off

• Longevity Service Pay

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Uniforms & Equipment Supplied

• Upfront vacation leave:

• 5yrs—80 hours

• 5 to 10 yrs—120 hours

• 10+yrs—160 hours

3 YEARS EXPERIENCE

$70,578

5 YEARS EXPERIENCE

$72,989

7 YEARS EXPERIENCE

$75,479

10+ YEARS EXPERIENCE

$81,282

• Take home patrol car within one hour response radius

INCENTIVE PAYS

Relocation Pay $4,500

1 yr. Housing Allowance $800/mo

Academy Reimbursement $5,000

Firearm Allowance $800

Associate Degree

Bachelor Degree

Shift Differential

FTO Pay

$1,200/yr.

$2,400/yr.

5% Increase

$50 daily

*The BSPD lateral pay scale pays

for 2 to 10+ years of experience.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Subject to the same hiring process as all other police officer applicants.

• Must have 12 months certified, full-time, law enforcement experience from a comparable size agency.

• Must not have pending disciplinary actions or investigations for misconduct.

APPLY TODAY

www.mybigspring.com

BIG SPRING POLICE DEPARTMENT

3613 West Highway 80, Big Spring, TX 79720

432-264-2347 ▪ sking@mybigspring.com


PATHWAYS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Law Enforcement Career Fair Series

Explore careers in public safety at the Pathways in Criminal Justice Career Fair, with two

opportunities to attend. The Career Fairs connect aspiring law enforcement professionals with

local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Enjoy free admission to the Museum and

engage with officers through interactive programs.

Live Programs

In addition to speaking with prospective employers and

enjoying the Museum, join the local community in the

theater for special law enforcement career programs:

9:30am – 10:30am: Coffee and Conversations, with activeduty

officers sharing their lived experiences and honest

reflections from the field.

10:45am – 12:00pm: Forged in Struggle, Empowered

by Strength, Defining Our Future: Celebrating NOBLE’s

50-Year Legacy, celebrating the achievements of

black Americans who have shaped the profession and

commemorates NOBLE’s five decades of leadership and

advocacy.

February 18 and March 18, 2026

9:30am – 4:00pm

National Law Enforcement Museum

444 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20001

Admission is free but registration is highly

encouraged as space is limited!

REGISTER NOW nleomf.org

1:00pm – 2:00pm: Tradition Meets Transformation, a panel

discussion with law enforcement and young adults about

the future of the profession.

2:30pm – 3:15pm: Community Town Hall, a public forum

about community concerns and lived experiences.


ADCRR is Hiring

Correctional Officers

1-888-545-RUSH





ALDINE ISD

POLICE DEPARTMENT

JOIN OUR TEAMAPPLY AT

EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

• Sick Leave

• Paid Vacation

• Paid Holidays

• Personal Days

• Teacher Retirement System

TCOLE CERTIFICATION INCENTIVE

• Intermediate PO: $2,400

• Advanced PO: $4,800

• Master PO: $7,200

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Must be 21 Years Of Age

• Must Hold an Active Tcole Peace Officer License

• Must Complete the Following:

• Pass Physical Agility Test

• Background Investigation

• Psychological Evaluation

• Drug Screening

ALDINEISD.ORG

STARTING SALARY $55,000 WITH NO EXPERIENCE

UP TO $85,000 DEPENDING ON EXPERIENCE

ALDINE ISD PD OFFERS

DEPARTMENT BENEFITS

• Uniforms Provided, Including Duty Weapon

• Department Provided Training

• Starting Pay Depends on

Qualifications / Experience

• TCOLE Certification / Education Pay

• Most Officers work Day Shift with Weekends Off

(INCENTIVE PAY FOR DETECTIVES, K-9 HANDLERS, AND

FIREARM INSTRUCTORS.)

FOR MORE INFO CONTACT

SGT. HALL AT 281.442.4923

OR VISIT ALDINEISD.ORG

SPECIALIZED DIVISIONS

• Criminal Investigations

• Emergency Response Team

• Honor Guard

• Gang Task Force

• Community Outreach Division

• K-9 Division

• Firearm Instructor

$1,000 SIGNING BONUS


WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO

Make a DIFFERENCE

Provide SERVICE to YOUR community!

MEANINGFUL careers

Growing Organization

Career DEVELOPMENT

*Our agency is a certified OJT training agency for qualified Veterans


BUDA POLICE DEPARTMENT

NOW HIRING - POLICE OFFICER

Starting Salary

$64.5K to $74.8K

*TCOLE Licensed Only

We are proud to be one of the safest cities in the State of Texas

and have tremendous support from our community.

Benefits

Retirement

2-1 City Match with TMRS

Medical/Dental/Vision

100% Medical Coverage

Offsetting Copays

Educational Pay

$50- $150 Per Month

Incentive Pay

$75-$150(max) per Month for

assignments such as:

FTO, Bike Patrol, SWAT

Annual Leave Accruals

15 Paid Holidays

80 Hours Vacation

120 Hours Sick Leave

Bilingual Pay

Shift Differential Pay

Lateral Entry Program

On-site Gym

Officer Wellness Program

www.budatx.gov/92/Employment




Your Department's

Recruiting Ad

could be right here!

email us today at

bluespdmag@gmail.com


BRAZORIA COUNTY

CONSTABLE PCT 3

2436 S. GRAND BLVD. PEARLAND TEXAS 77581

Recruiting

deputy constables

Full & Part Time Positions


Must be 21 years of age

Must hold an active TCOLE Peace Officer License

Pass Background Investigation

Psychological Evaluation

Drug Screen

EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

Pension & Retirement Benefits (401k)

County Alternate Retirement (SSN Alternate)

TCDRS Transfer

Healthcare, Dental, Vision and other Benefits (+ AFLAC)

Take Home Vehicle Program (If within Brazoria County)

Uniform Allowance

Certification Pay

A Career that Gives You

a lot of Pride & Benefits


Hiring

Police Officers

Annual Salary $57,592 - $62,899 range + Benefits | Certification Pay | Longevity Pay | Bilingual

Certification by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE)

Pay 12 Hour Shift Schedule - Alternating weekends off and good life/work balance

All equipment/uniform provided | Take home patrol car program | Visible tattoo & beard policy

Benefits at NO COST TO EMPLOYEE:

• Education Reimbursement Program

• 80 hours of Vacation (accrued annually)

• 96 hours of sick leave annually (accrued annually)

• 14 Paid Holidays

• Life Insurance 2x annual base salary

• Employee Assistance Program

• Paid Training Opportunities

Additional Benefits

• TMRS retirement system - 5% employee

contribution - City matches 2:1 at retirement

• Medical Insurance: - United Health Care

† Ask about our Lateral Transfer Program

requirements

Questions? Contact Lt. Kelvin Raven at kraven@cityofbrenham.org | 979-337-7363


jobs.cityofbrenham.org


$

U

T

S

v

e

b

o

w

FRIENDSWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRIDE DEDICATION PROFESSIONALISM

UP

TO

$ 15,000

* FOR QUALIFIED TCOLE-CERTIFIED OFFICERS

HIRING

INCENTIVE

C

AVAILABLE PROGRAMS

• Special Weapons & Tactics Team

• Crisis Negotiation Team

• K-9 Program

• Drone Pilot Program

• D.O.T. & Traffic Safety Unit

• School Resource Officers

• Bicycle Patrol

• Marine Patrol

• Honor Guard








Place your department’s recruiting ad

in The BLUES for only $250 for an

entire year, only $20 a month.



LATERAL DEPUTY


WE ARE

HIRING!

LATERAL DEPUTY

REQUIREMENTS

• Must be a licensed Peace Officer by the Texas Commission on

Law Enforcement (TCOLE) in good standing

• Must be currently employed as a Peace Officer (any break in

service will be considered on a case-by-case basis)

• Must have a minimum of 12 consecutive months experience as a

Peace Office at any one agency

• Must successfully pass the HCSO Physical Abilities Test (PAT)

• Meet HCSO firearms qualification standard

• Must pass a thorough background investigation (criminal

background check, fingerprinting, personal interview, etc.) as

required by TCOLE

• Must pass a physical and psychological evaluation as required by

TCOLE

• Valid driver’s license and liability insurance (Texas by start date)

• Eyesight must be correctable to 20/20, normal color, and

peripheral vision

• Correctable normal audible range in both ears

• A two (2) year minimum commitment to Patrol before being

eligible to transfer to other Bureaus

For additional information contact

Harris County Sheriff’s Office

Recruitment Unit

(713) 877-5250


TO APPLY

www.harriscountyso.org | www.hcsojobs.com

SCAN

THIS CODE Harris County

@HCSOTexas

Sheriff’s Office

HCSOTexas HCSOTexas @HCSOTexas






THE KILLEEN POLICE DEPARTMENT

IS NOW

Hiring

FOR THE POSITION OF

Police Officer

Online Applications

will open:

July 31, 2023

Application Deadline:

September 15, 2023

Civil Service Exam will

be:

September 24, 2023

To apply, go to:

www.killeentexas.gov/16

8/Job-Opportunities

Wear The Badge,

Make a Difference

D

b

th

a

Officer De'Vonte Johnson

Recruiter

254-200-7987

DJohnson@killeentexas.gov

The Killeen Police Department is an

196 Equal The BLUES Opportunity FEBRUARY ‘26Employer

Starting pay - $57,889

Paid: Vacation, Holiday & Sick Leave

$15K Sign-on incentive for TCOLE

certified Peace Officers

College Degree pay incentive

7% retirement plan through TMRS

with a 2:1 match ratio

Comprehensive Benefits Package

Opportunity to work in various

specialized units

The Killeen Police

epartment is dedicated to

uilding a partnership with

e community to fight crime

nd improve every citizen's

quality of life.

Follow us at:

KilleenPD

KilleenPolice

JoinKilleenPD

Visit www.KilleenPD.com for further The BLUES details

- FEBRUARY ‘26 197


NOW HIRING

LEAGUE CITY POLICE

ositions

D E P A R T M E N T

RECRUITING

LATERAL OFFICERS

LATERAL INCENTIVES:

Salary Equal to Years of Service (3 - 7 yrs)

$5,000 Hiring Bonus

REQUIREMENTS:

To be Considered as a Lateral Applicant, You Must Meet the Following Qualifications:

Lateral Pay Credit Will be Granted Only for Whole Years of Qualified Experience.

Cannot Have a Break of Service More Than 180 Days to Qualify for Experience Credit.

Must Have at Least Three Years of Qualified Law Enforcement Experience (Commissioned,

Full-time, Paid).

TCOLE Licensed Peace Officer or Equivalent Out-of-State Certification Accepted by TCOLE

will Qualify.

CHECK BACK FOR

FUTURE TESTING DATES

3 YEAR PAY --

4 YEAR PAY --

5 YEAR PAY --

6 YEAR PAY --

7 YEAR PAY --

VISIT LCPDJOBS.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION!



Patrol Officer

The City of Manvel Police Department is looking to find qualified candidates to fill the ranks of the patrol

division.

The City of Manvel is a rapidly growing and diverse community. The current population is estimated at a

little over 16000 and is located in the northern part of Brazoria County along the State Highway 288

corridor approximately 4 miles South of the City of Houston.

The Manvel Police Department has a competitive pay structure for cities of the same size. Salary is based

on experience and certification levels.

Requirements:

High school diploma or GED

Valid Texas Driver’s License

with good driving record

TCOLE certified OR currently

enrolled in Academy

program

Preference for LE experience

Hiring Process Includes :

Written test

Oral board interview

Physical agility test

Thorough background

investigation

Accelerated Field Training

Program for experienced officers

One year probationary period

Pay and Benefits:

Competitive pay with an employment

improvement step program

TMRS retirement up to 7% with 2:1 match

by city

Retirement vested after 5 years of service

Medical Insurance covered 100% for

employees and 100% paid for employees

and dependent by the city after 3 years

12 hour shifts (DuPont Schedule)

Personal time off - Vacation and Holiday

accruals

Paid sick time

Lateral transfers

For more information you can contact

The City of Manvel Police Department at

281-489-1212

Rochelle Carr-Lacy

rcarrlacy@manvelpd.org




APPLICATION PROCESS WILL RESUME LATER IN '26


APPLICATION PROCESS WILL RESUME LATER IN '26


Serving Bunker Hill, Piney Point, and Hunters Creek Villages

Opportunity for Experienced Police

Officers

Benefits:

$89,432 - $108,585

Starting Salary Range DOQ

Requirements:

Strong Community and Department Support

5 Years Patrol Experience

Hiring Bonus $1500

(Night Shift Differential $12,000)

Bi-Lingual Pay

Educational / Certification / Longevity Pay

Health care Insurance 100% for Employee, 75%

for Spouse/Dependents

TMRS Retirement 7% 2:1 match, 20-year

retirement. COLA 50% of retirement

TCOLE Certified

Valid TX Driver’s License

US Citizen

Positive Attitude

Strong Work Ethic

Problem Solver

Desire to Succeed

Department Funded 457 Deferred Compensation

Plan with employer contribution of 2.5% annual

salary

Tuition Reimbursement

Work life balance with 12 Hour shifts every other

weekend off

WWW.MVPDTX.ORG

EOE/M/F/D

11981 Memorial Dr.

Houston, Tx 77024


713.365.3700


SALARY RANGE

$79,201 - $105,716

ADDITIONAL PAY

(MONTHLY)

ASSOCIATES DEGREE

$99-$250

BACHELOR’S DEGREE

$180-$400

MASTER’S DEGREE

$230-$500

TCOLE CERTIFICATES

$60-$150

OTHER INCENTIVES

FIELD TRAINING OFFICER

$700

FIELD TRAINING SERGEANT

$600

TACTICAL UNIT ASSIGNMENT

$200

LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY

$200

HONOR GUARD

$200

W W W . M I D L A N D T E X A S . G O V / 1 3 1 7 / L A T E R A L - O F F I C E R S


NOW HIRING

ositions



STARTING SALARY $66,497.60 WITH NO EXPERIENCE

BENEFITS

• Competitive pay with scheduled increases every 2 years

• Friday/Saturday or Sunday/Monday days off

• Flexible work schedules

• Overtime available

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Tuition Reimbursement - $5000/yr

• Paid vacation, employee days, well day, sick days, and holidays

• Uniforms and Equipment

• Department Provided Training

TCOLE CERTIFIED POLICE OFFICER POSITIONS

FULL TIME

INCENTIVE PAY

• Bilingual

• TCOLE Certificate

Intermediate $1,560

Advanced $3,420

Master $6,000

• Education

Associate $1,320

Bachelor $3,180

Master $4,500

$8,000.00 HIRING INCENTIVE*


21 YEARS OF AGE

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR GED

MUST HOLD AN ACTIVE TCOLE PEACE OFFICER LICENSE

VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE

MUST PASS BACKGROUND CHECK, PSYCHOLOGICAL,

DRUG AND MEDICAL SCREENING

*$2000.00 after 3 months, $2000.00 after 6 months, $4000.00 after 1 year


Your Department's

Recruiting Ad


email us today at





MAKE A

DIFFERENCE

IN YOUR

COMMUNITY

We are looking for outstanding individuals to

join our team! As a Pearland Police Officer your

mission will be to prevent crime and disorder, build

partnerships within the community, and positively

impact the quality of life for all our residents.

CITY OF PEARLAND, TEXAS

• Competitive Salary • Outstanding Training

• Career Advancement • Exceptional Benefits

The City of Pearland is one of the fastest growing

communities within the region. Pearland is located

approximately 20 minutes south of Downtown Houston

and the current population is approximately 130,000

residents.

JOIN OUR TEAM

HIRING POLICE OFFICERS AND CADETS

$5,000 Hiring Incentive for T.C.O.L.E Certified Police

Officers who qualify with at least 2 years of experience.

TEST DATE:

SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 8:30 A.M.

Register by: April 12.

Pearland Recreation Center & Natatorium

4141 Bailey Road, Pearland, TX 77584.

Doors Open: 7:15 a.m. No admittance after 7:45 a.m.

Candidates must park in the north parking lot.

SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES WILL APPLY

• Attendance limited to first 150 arrivals

• Mandatory temperature checks

• Masks required, hand sanitizer available

• Candidates seated 6 feet apart

For additional information and to register for an upcoming Civil Service Exam, visit

pearlandtx.gov/PDCareers



PORT HOUSTON

POLICE DEPARTMENT

Thinking of retiring?

Want a change but still want to serve?

Put on a NEW uniform and JOIN US!

YOUR CAREER

OUR PORT

ONE MISSION

NEW!

• No BMI Requirements

• No Polygraph Required

• No Physical Agility

STARTING PAY*

$71,000 up to $81,000

* Salary depends on experience

EMPLOYMENT

TESTING

Employment is contingent on pass

any post-offer pre-employment

screening as listed below:

• Criminal background check

• Motor vehicle record check

• Drug screening

• Physical exam

• Psychological exam


BENEFITS:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

eligible first day of employment

• Vacation & Sick Leave, PLUS Paid Holidays.

(12 days/year).

• 401a & 457 Plans

• Tuition Reimbursement

(Up to the IRS annual limit and a maximum lifetime

reimbursement $25,000)

REQUIREMENTS

• Must be 21 years old

• Must have 2+ years of police officer

experience

• Must have valid Texas Driver’s

• License & be a U.S. Citizen

• Must have an honorable discharge from the

military (if applicable)

• Must never have been convicted of a

• Class A Misdemeanor or above

• Not been convicted of a Class B

misdemeanor within the last 10 years

• Must have a GED or high school diploma

ing

SIGN UP TODAY!

www.porthouston.com/careers-2


SEGUIN PD

NOW

HIRING

POLICE OFFICER

STARTING PAY IS $67,012

LATERAL: UP TO $73,968

UP TO $3,000 SIGN ON BONUS

INCENTIVE PAY FOR TCOLE CERTIFICATION,

BILINGUAL SPEAKERS, & EDUCATIONAL PAY.

100% EMPLOYEE MEDICAL/DENTAL PREMIUM

COVERED BY CITY

EQUIPMENT AND UNIFORMS ARE PROVIDED

INCLUDING TAKE HOME VEHICLES, HANDGUN

WITH RED DOT SIGHT & SUPPRESSED PATROL

RIFLE

TMRS RETIREMENT (2:1 CITY MATCH)

PROGRESSIVE IN-SERVICE AND EXTERNAL

TRAINING EXCEEDING NATIONAL TRAINING

AVERAGES

OPPORTUNITIES FOR DIVERSE EXPERIENCE IN

SPECIALIZED UNITS AND ASSIGNMENTS

SUCH AS SWAT, K9, NARCOTICS, SPECIAL

CRIMES, MENTAL HEALTH, TRAFFIC, AND

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DIVISION

APPLY NOW AT:

WWW.APPLITRACK.COM/SEGUINTEXAS/ONLINEAPP




Your Department's

Recruiting Ad


email us today at








Feb 2026. Blues Vol 42 No.2

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