AMERICA, ARE WE DEMONSTRATING IN THE END ZONE TOO MUCH?
The tight end dropped off his blocking assignment and cut across the field in the open. The quarterback threw a perfect pass and the tight end loped into the end zone for a touchdown. Did the end turn to his teammates and acknowledge their blocks? No! Did he turn to the quarterback and acknowledge the perfect pass? No! Did he turn to the sideline and thank the coaches and other players for their input and training? No! He turned to the crowd , raised both hands like a conquering hero as if to say, "Look what I have done!" Well, I have news for him. He hasn't done anything by himself. Without the help of everyone mentioned so far he wouldn't have scored the touchdown. What ever happened to the guys like Earl Campbell who simply ran over to the ref and gave him the ball? What happened to the Earl Campbell's who then ran back to his teammates and patted them on the back saying, " Great job! look what WE have done!" Today, we have players who shake, dance, gesticulate, etc. to the crowd in order to captured the limelight. Sports announcers and newspaper writers defend this behavior and complain about the "NO DEMONSTRATING RULE?" "It is only good fun", they say. Well, I say it is an example of what our society is becoming and it doesn't speak well for America. Basketball players demonstrate when they score a basket. They taunt the other players and wave to the crowd. Remember when that was called POOR SPORTSMANSHIP?Baseball players hit home runs and stride around the bases with hands held high as if to say, "look at me!" Forget coaches, trainers, groundskeepers, ticket agents, equipment managers, teammates, etc. What ever happened to humility? What happened to team spirit? What are our young people learning from these role models? Are we becoming a society that exist for self? Are we becoming a society that no longer recognizes teamwork? Are we becoming a society that looks out for self at the expense of others? How do law enforcement officers deal with people who don't think of others; who don't respect the law? Who do not recognize the fact that consequences always happen when you break the law. In future articles I will talk about the Criminal Justice System, the School Systems, business conglomerates, etc. who are demonstrating to promote self instead of one another. Till then -- Stay safe and wait for back up. Mr. G., Still 10-8
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
Arrested Emotional Development Workshop
In two weeks I am going to hold an 8-hour workshop (for in service credit - 40 hrs. every two yrs. in Texas) on a topic I have been researching for over 20 years. This social phenomenon is, to a large extent, the reason we have so many adults acting like children in today's society. We have always had "jerks", however, we are now seeing educated, socially successful adults who will defend their inappropriate behavior. There are many examples presented in the workshop and I will be happy to come to your department to provide this workshop if you have your Training Supervisor call me at 512-282-3158 or 512-971-1918
IMPLICATIONS OF ARRESTED EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
According to Dr.Forest Tennant, Dr. Richard Hawley and Dr. Gabriel Nahas (among others) one of the most tragic results of adolescent chemical abuse is the advent of Arrested Emotional Development (frequently referred to as Post-Drug Impairment Syndrome - P.D.I.S. ). What this means is adolescents using chemicals before adolescence and/or after the onset of adolescence will more than likely develop problems in three essential areas:
· The ability to project into the future and plan, or into the past and correct past mistakes.
· The ability to establish lasting relationships.
· The ability to understand how their behavior impacts the lives of others.
The ramifications of these lost skills are devastating.
· FAMILIES CANNOT GROW IF EVERYONE IS AN ADOLESCENT (even the adults).
· EMOTIONALLY ARRESTED ADULTS TEND TO DISCIPLINE LIKE ADOLESCENTS (poorly defined boundaries, inconsistencies).
· EMOTIONALLY ARRESTED ADULTS TEND TO PHYSICALLY ABUSE THEIR CHILDREN (first reaction is physical).
· EMOTIONALLY ARRESTED ADULTS TEND TO SEXUALLY ABUSE THEIR CHILDREN (still trying to meet emotional needs).
· EMOTIONALLY ARRESTED ADULTS ALWAYS EMOTIONALLY ABUSE THEIR CHILDREN (put-downs, defensiveness, etc.).
Is there going to be an increase in FAMILY VIOLENCE due to the increase in the numbers of emotionally arrested adults -- of course.
Will professionals benefit by being able to understand and deal with these emotionally arrested adults -- without question.
IMPLICATIONS OF ARRESTED EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
According to Dr.Forest Tennant, Dr. Richard Hawley and Dr. Gabriel Nahas (among others) one of the most tragic results of adolescent chemical abuse is the advent of Arrested Emotional Development (frequently referred to as Post-Drug Impairment Syndrome - P.D.I.S. ). What this means is adolescents using chemicals before adolescence and/or after the onset of adolescence will more than likely develop problems in three essential areas:
· The ability to project into the future and plan, or into the past and correct past mistakes.
· The ability to establish lasting relationships.
· The ability to understand how their behavior impacts the lives of others.
The ramifications of these lost skills are devastating.
· FAMILIES CANNOT GROW IF EVERYONE IS AN ADOLESCENT (even the adults).
· EMOTIONALLY ARRESTED ADULTS TEND TO DISCIPLINE LIKE ADOLESCENTS (poorly defined boundaries, inconsistencies).
· EMOTIONALLY ARRESTED ADULTS TEND TO PHYSICALLY ABUSE THEIR CHILDREN (first reaction is physical).
· EMOTIONALLY ARRESTED ADULTS TEND TO SEXUALLY ABUSE THEIR CHILDREN (still trying to meet emotional needs).
· EMOTIONALLY ARRESTED ADULTS ALWAYS EMOTIONALLY ABUSE THEIR CHILDREN (put-downs, defensiveness, etc.).
Is there going to be an increase in FAMILY VIOLENCE due to the increase in the numbers of emotionally arrested adults -- of course.
Will professionals benefit by being able to understand and deal with these emotionally arrested adults -- without question.
10-8 0n Dec. 26 Montgomery Co. PD, Maryland
Hope you all had a safe Christmas and those of you who were 10-8 had a chance to celebrate with your families.
Today's massage is to the fine men and women of Montgomery County PD, Maryland. As the Chief Instructor of the Capitol Police Academy in Austin, Texas, I had a great interest in how other academies were operated. I had the opportunity to speak to Sgt. Domer and one of your recent graduates. According to the curriculum of your academy I would rate it as excellent. I would love to visit you all some day. I have since retired and have time to write this blog. If you get a chance to read some of my offerings please know that my offer to counsel with officers by phone includes you people. We are all brothers and sisters in law enforcement and we share many of the same stressors and experiences. Sometimes it just helps to talk to someone who understands and just unload. Don't take negative vibes home. You can share your feelings with them -- share the nitty gritty with me. Take care, watch your back and, above all, wait for backup!
Mr. G.
Still 10-8
Today's massage is to the fine men and women of Montgomery County PD, Maryland. As the Chief Instructor of the Capitol Police Academy in Austin, Texas, I had a great interest in how other academies were operated. I had the opportunity to speak to Sgt. Domer and one of your recent graduates. According to the curriculum of your academy I would rate it as excellent. I would love to visit you all some day. I have since retired and have time to write this blog. If you get a chance to read some of my offerings please know that my offer to counsel with officers by phone includes you people. We are all brothers and sisters in law enforcement and we share many of the same stressors and experiences. Sometimes it just helps to talk to someone who understands and just unload. Don't take negative vibes home. You can share your feelings with them -- share the nitty gritty with me. Take care, watch your back and, above all, wait for backup!
Mr. G.
Still 10-8
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Still 10-8 - My Mission
A note to those who might read this blog.
I started conducting inservice training classes for police officers in Pasadena, Texas as a favor to my friend from church (He was the Chief Instructor of the Pasaena Academy). At that time I was an Instructional Supervisor for the Deer Park ISD. After conducting a few classes I was encouraged to get my Police Instructor's Certificate which I did. As I taught classes in Stress Management (my Masters Degree is in Counseling), as well as what was then know an the old 10-20 required inservice classes. The more I taught the more I realized that I needed to know first hand how these dedicated men and women were using this knowledge in their work so I began to participate in their "Ride-Along program". I immediately learned two things; first I learned how dedicated these people were. They were cops in order to help people. That hasn't changed by the way. After 4,000+ hours riding patrol and over 20 years studying officer stress management I can honestly say that I rarely rode with an officer of whom I wasn't proud. The second thing I learned was how lucky the citizens of American cities are to have the people in blue (brown, green,etc.) to watch over them. In Texas, we have about 60,000 sworn law enforcement personnel and 40,000 jailers who work to PROTECT AND SERVE. They make a small to moderate income and receive little if any recognition. Believe me when I say, we the people of Texas have the best deal going. We have law enforcement, fire fighters and emt's risking thier very lives to make this a better state in which to live. In my city, we have a new Police Chief who has raised the morale and professionalism of our police department 100% and a Sheriff who is second to none. I know this Sheriff as a family man, a man of strong faith and a real cop's cop. The people of my town did themselves proud when they re-elected this sheriff.
I frequently get calls from the family members of officers and firefighters who are worried about the stress in their homes. I am always available and pleased to provide counseling for no charge. If they have a problem for which I do not feel qualified I can refer them to proven professionals who will charge a nominal fee if any. If you know of anyone who is in need of a shoulder to lean on or has a problem with a child in school, a marriage which is threatened, or worries about the job please show them this article and encourage them to write me or call me at 512-971-1918.
Stay Safe
Mr. G.
I started conducting inservice training classes for police officers in Pasadena, Texas as a favor to my friend from church (He was the Chief Instructor of the Pasaena Academy). At that time I was an Instructional Supervisor for the Deer Park ISD. After conducting a few classes I was encouraged to get my Police Instructor's Certificate which I did. As I taught classes in Stress Management (my Masters Degree is in Counseling), as well as what was then know an the old 10-20 required inservice classes. The more I taught the more I realized that I needed to know first hand how these dedicated men and women were using this knowledge in their work so I began to participate in their "Ride-Along program". I immediately learned two things; first I learned how dedicated these people were. They were cops in order to help people. That hasn't changed by the way. After 4,000+ hours riding patrol and over 20 years studying officer stress management I can honestly say that I rarely rode with an officer of whom I wasn't proud. The second thing I learned was how lucky the citizens of American cities are to have the people in blue (brown, green,etc.) to watch over them. In Texas, we have about 60,000 sworn law enforcement personnel and 40,000 jailers who work to PROTECT AND SERVE. They make a small to moderate income and receive little if any recognition. Believe me when I say, we the people of Texas have the best deal going. We have law enforcement, fire fighters and emt's risking thier very lives to make this a better state in which to live. In my city, we have a new Police Chief who has raised the morale and professionalism of our police department 100% and a Sheriff who is second to none. I know this Sheriff as a family man, a man of strong faith and a real cop's cop. The people of my town did themselves proud when they re-elected this sheriff.
I frequently get calls from the family members of officers and firefighters who are worried about the stress in their homes. I am always available and pleased to provide counseling for no charge. If they have a problem for which I do not feel qualified I can refer them to proven professionals who will charge a nominal fee if any. If you know of anyone who is in need of a shoulder to lean on or has a problem with a child in school, a marriage which is threatened, or worries about the job please show them this article and encourage them to write me or call me at 512-971-1918.
Stay Safe
Mr. G.
Still10-8-Book Review
“ Tired Cops”
Book review by : Mr. G.
When you ride by a patrol car on the highway or on your city streets it isn’t unreasonable to expect that officer to be well rested and free from fatigue. When you call for the police, it isn’t unreasonable to expect the officer who responds to be well rested and free from fatigue. Are we in law enforcement living up to this expectation? According to Bryan Vila, author of “ Tired Cops” the average officer is anything but well rested. His book covers such topics as; Approaches to Shift Work, Sources and Expected Impact of Fatigue on Police Officers, The Pervasiveness of Fatigue Among Police Officers and much more. Dr. William Dement of Stanford University says, upon completion of his review of this book, “ It is totally reprehensible that the cops we expect to protect us, come to our aid and respond to our needs when victimized should be allowed to have the worse fatigue and sleep conditions of any profession in our society.” Although it sounds as if he is being critical, and he is, Dr. Dement is really trying to encourage support for greater public awareness and consideration when it comes to our men and women in blue. He isn’t being critical of the police, just the conditions under which they are required to perform.
The author of the book, Bryan Vila, has many fascinating statistics to share. Many of which will give the average law enforcement leader pause to reflect. One table, comparing the proportion of officers killed feloniously vs. accidentally from 1974-1998 shows felonious deaths dropping and accidental deaths rising. The link between fatigue and accidents has been acknowledged at least since early in the last century. Research has shown that fatigue tends to undermine a person’s ability to make sound decisions, control his/her emotions, and perform complex motor tasks (like driving a vehicle).
We control the number of hours a trucker can legally operate his/her “rig” without rest, however, few, if any rules govern the number of hours a police officers can work without rest. An officer completing an eight-hour shift, then pulling 4-6 hours on an off-duty job, then squeezing in a little on-the-job overtime at the P.D. the next day is on the street in a condition which could lead to poor decision making, citizen complaints, missed clues, minor driving accidents, excessive use of force, etc. These can all be the result of fatigue.
Vila ends his book with a positive report on the changing trends towards reducing police fatigue. His “Check List For Managers” (supervisors) is worth the price of the book alone. This book is highly recommended for officers, supervisors, city councilmen and spouses. If an officer starts his/her shift well rested, he/she has a greater likelihood of reaching the daily goal for every officer in every police department – GO HOME AT THE END OF THE SHIFT.
Book review by : Mr. G.
When you ride by a patrol car on the highway or on your city streets it isn’t unreasonable to expect that officer to be well rested and free from fatigue. When you call for the police, it isn’t unreasonable to expect the officer who responds to be well rested and free from fatigue. Are we in law enforcement living up to this expectation? According to Bryan Vila, author of “ Tired Cops” the average officer is anything but well rested. His book covers such topics as; Approaches to Shift Work, Sources and Expected Impact of Fatigue on Police Officers, The Pervasiveness of Fatigue Among Police Officers and much more. Dr. William Dement of Stanford University says, upon completion of his review of this book, “ It is totally reprehensible that the cops we expect to protect us, come to our aid and respond to our needs when victimized should be allowed to have the worse fatigue and sleep conditions of any profession in our society.” Although it sounds as if he is being critical, and he is, Dr. Dement is really trying to encourage support for greater public awareness and consideration when it comes to our men and women in blue. He isn’t being critical of the police, just the conditions under which they are required to perform.
The author of the book, Bryan Vila, has many fascinating statistics to share. Many of which will give the average law enforcement leader pause to reflect. One table, comparing the proportion of officers killed feloniously vs. accidentally from 1974-1998 shows felonious deaths dropping and accidental deaths rising. The link between fatigue and accidents has been acknowledged at least since early in the last century. Research has shown that fatigue tends to undermine a person’s ability to make sound decisions, control his/her emotions, and perform complex motor tasks (like driving a vehicle).
We control the number of hours a trucker can legally operate his/her “rig” without rest, however, few, if any rules govern the number of hours a police officers can work without rest. An officer completing an eight-hour shift, then pulling 4-6 hours on an off-duty job, then squeezing in a little on-the-job overtime at the P.D. the next day is on the street in a condition which could lead to poor decision making, citizen complaints, missed clues, minor driving accidents, excessive use of force, etc. These can all be the result of fatigue.
Vila ends his book with a positive report on the changing trends towards reducing police fatigue. His “Check List For Managers” (supervisors) is worth the price of the book alone. This book is highly recommended for officers, supervisors, city councilmen and spouses. If an officer starts his/her shift well rested, he/she has a greater likelihood of reaching the daily goal for every officer in every police department – GO HOME AT THE END OF THE SHIFT.
Who Isn't Home Today?
Well, it is Christmas day and daddy or mommy have to be on duty. It is hard to have a parent who is in law enforcement. They sometimes miss birthday celebrations, holidays, school functions, etc. They miss these occasions because they are out there making the area a better, safer place so you and I can enjoy it. It is hard to be a kid of a cop. We just have to remember our Friends and neighbors are living in a safer, saner world because one or more of our parents is 10-8. Have your celebrations early if possible. School functions can't be changed so they just have to make sure they maker it when they can and hope their child understands. With email parents can now talk to their child's teachers. Helping a child make a scrap book of school functions helps. This gives you both a chance to talk about the functions and to share quality time. If it helps, have your child call me. I'm an ex-teacher and I understand how it feels to have a parent miss your functions. Better yet, why don't you call or e-mail me and get rid of the guilt you may be experiencing. There is always a time to make up for missed activities, however, we don't always realize it. Remember officer, deputy, agent, what every your title is, my family appreciates your sacrifice and I am here for you to talk to. Sounds corny, but it might help. Let me know. Go 10-6 and take the time to call or write an email. More later. Merry Christmas from one who is still 10-8.
Mr. G.
Mr. G.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
STILL 10-8
This blog is for anyone interested in law enforcement, actively involved in law enforcement, family member or a friend of a law enforcement officer.
I have been working with law enforcement personnel for over 20 years, have a Masters in Educational Psychology and am currently involved with counseling officers and their families. My primary goal is to provide a place for officers and/or their families to air their feelings in a completely anonymous setting. You never have to identify yourself in this blog. If you want to talk to me, you can call me and we can arrange to give you an outlet for your feelings or, if the situation warrants, I can suggest additional help. My secondary goal is to give the public information which will help them better understand the field of law enforcement.
I have studied officers at every level (local, state and federal) and have spent over 4,000 hours riding patrol. I have been the state inspector of police academies and a Chief Instructor of a police academy. In addition I have worked in the public school system as a teacher, a counselor and an administrator. Let me hear from you. By the way officers, if you have had "one of those days" and you need a place to get it off your chest, this is the place. Dump it here and don't take your negative feelings home. I'm glad you got to go home after your shift, don't cut your family out of your life by trying to protect them from "cops" work. Tell me about the details and tell them about your feelings. They love you no matter what, they just want to know how to make life better for you. I am always 10-8. Mr. G.
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