Feb 2024. Blues Vol 40 No. 2

not know I was a rogue.

not know I was a rogue. This may also be the case for many of you reading this. When we are amped up and pressing to arrive at a call for assistance, we may take chances. Not slowing at a red light or stop sign or operating at dangerous speeds. I am not sure when I began to understand I was not as good as I believed, but it happened, and I want others to see that rogue behavior exists in the law enforcement profession and it can be overcome. Rogue behavior, if continued, will ultimately end up in one of three places. You may find yourself on the unemployment line, in the defendant’s chair trying to defend your actions, or in a casket leaving those who love you to survive on their own. Below 100 has been around for many years now and we are no closer to achieving that goal than we were when the seminar began years ago. We can not do anything to prevent assailants from shooting us other than wearing protective equipment. There is only so much we can do to prevent impaired drivers from crashing into our patrol units while on the side of the road except keeping your head on a swivel, using the patrol car for what protection it can offer. Discussing Spike deployment regularly, discussing the difference between cover and concealment while deploying spikes to end a pursuit. Lastly, we should consistently train to focus on the task at hand, the safe operation of the patrol unit. These things should be discussed early and often with your patrol staff. I read a story about a police officer while responding to a call, blew a red light, no audible signal, and no emergency lighting, without slowing for safety. The police officer killed two teenaged girls who were not involved in the event. The police officer was fired, indicted, and sentenced to 10 years in prison on 2 counts of involuntary manslaughter. During discovery, the defense found where this police officer was reprimanded twice and had a history of aggressive driving. (So why were they allowed to continue to drive)? The family of the two girls sued the department and the officer’s supervisors for vicarious liability. To say none of these events should have occurred would be an understatement. Supervisors while reviewing dash-cam video should have honest conversations with officers who operate on the edge of danger, even when there are no negative consequences. There are those who do the right thing, at the right time, for the right reason, and there are others who do what they want, when they want, and give very little thought to the consequences. There are many law enforcement officers who understand and respect the dangers associated with emergency operations. Then there are those who possess an air of superiority. Every leader of your agency should lead by example, drive to their skill level, and educate those who continue to push the envelope. If you care for the welfare of your staff, team, friends, and family let’s make 2024 the year we eliminate senseless car crashes in law enforcement. I challenge everyone who reads this article to host our 8-hour mental aspects of emergency vehicle operation seminar “The Law Enforcement Driving Concern”. This training can and has changed the attitudes of the rogues, the officers who are on the edge, and provide inspiration to all in attendance to understand driving an emergency vehicle is not just driving. It can be as deadly as an encounter with an armed suspect. The difference, an out-of-control patrol unit with a rogue driver rarely lives to talk about it. Until next time, please be safe, drive to your skill level and keep the dirty side down. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Garry Parker has served the citizens of Texas more than four decades in law enforcement and retired from the Texas Department of Public Safety in 2009. He holds a commission from the Texas Department of Public Safety as a Special Ranger. Garry served as a Law Enforcement Liaison and Instructor with the Texas Municipal Police Association and retired in 2020. Garry is certified as speaker, trainer and coach, through the Maxwell Leadership Team, the International Speakers Network, and the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. Garry is a nationally recognized trainer and consultant in traffic safety, crash prevention, law enforcement tasks, and emergency vehicle operation. Garry is a motivational speaker, trainer and coach on communication and leadership. Garry has served as keynote speaker for many conferences around the country. He has been recognized for excellence in program development and presentation by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement and nationally by Uniform Safety Education Officers inc. Gary can be reached at: www. garryparkerandassociates.com 62 The Blues - February ‘24

The Blues - February ‘24 63