From the Field: Lessons Learned and Tools for Your Next Shift

 Good Morning, it's Monday, December 9th, 2024!

Quick scenario for you: 
An officer explains a protection order to someone. The guy says he understands. 18 days later, he's back - with a hatchet. Was that verbal warning enough to make the arrest?

Let's dive in. But first...

👊 WE’RE BUILDING SOMETHING SPECIAL

We’re at 1,500 subscribers and aiming for 2,000 by the end of the year. If this newsletter helps you be a better cop, forward it to another officer who’d benefit. Let’s grow this community together. If this was sent to you sign up here to keep getting updates.

🤝 MEET YOUR FELLOW OFFICERS

We’re planning a virtual Meet & Greet to connect cops from across the country. Think of it as a no-brass, no-BS session to share stories, tips, and laughs.

🗓️ What to Expect in This Issue:

• 🎯 Today’s Scenario: Can verbal notification of a protection order hold up in court?

• ⚖️ Legal Update: The verdict on this week’s scenario.

• 🚨 Crush Your Shift: A 3-step formula to dominate your day.

• 👮 Last Week in Policing: Major incidents and key takeaways from December 1–7.

🎯 TODAY'S SCENARIO

Your Call:
Subject enters dad’s house, violating a protection order. Here’s the twist: The only notification they received was verbal, delivered by another officer.

➡️ Answer in the legal update section below.

(Psst... This is based on Ohio law. Want to know how it applies in your state? Reply to this email, and we’ll look into it for you.)

🏛 Legal Updated
You’re Covered

Answer: YES – you can make the arrest.

Here’s why (from a recent Ohio case):

• Deputy verbally informed the subject of the protection order.

• Explained the requirements clearly.

• Subject acknowledged understanding.

• 18 days later, subject violated the order.

The court upheld the arrest.

Service is not a Statutory Requirement

Pursuant to the version of O.R.C. §2919.27(D) in effect at the time of Mr. James entering the home, service of the CPO is not a requirement for conviction as long as one of the statutory exceptions to service is proven:

1. The defendant was shown the protection order or consent agreement or a copy of either.

2. A Judge, Magistrate, or Law Enforcement Officer informed the defendant that a protection order or consent agreement had been issued and proves that the defendant recklessly violated the terms of the order or agreement.

Key takeaway: Document everything—body cam, report, CAD notes—the works. When someone shows up with a hatchet (yes, this happened), you’ll want your legal bases covered.

➡️ Learn more about the case here.

⚡️ How To Have a Successful Shift
Make every shift count with these tips

1️⃣ Start Hard
Do something tough before your shift. I’m into cold plunges lately, but if you’re new to this, start with a cold shower. 😂 Everything feels easier after that.

2️⃣ Get Hyped
Music sets the tone. We’ve got you covered with playlists: Check them out here. Got a playlist that slaps? Share it in the Facebook Group, and we’ll feature the best one next week.

3️⃣ Set the Tone
Make a traffic stop within your first hour. Even if it’s just a warning, it’ll put you in the right mindset and show your community you’re on it.

Here’s your updated newsletter incorporating elements from the other example to create a refined, engaging, and value-packed email that aligns with your goals:

🔥 SHIFT CHALLENGE

We’re throwing down the gauntlet:

• Share your go-to shift playlist in our Facebook Group.

• Post your first traffic stop stats of the day.

• Best submissions get featured next week.

➡️ Join the Facebook group here.

 📚 Last Week’s Recap: Dec 1 – Dec 7, 2024

Here’s what went down in law enforcement last week:

👮‍♂️ Line of Duty Deaths:

• 0 reported deaths.

🚨 Officer-Involved Incidents:

• Cicero, Illinois Shooting (December 7, 2024):
  An undercover Cicero police officer was seriously injured early Saturday morning while investigating an illegally parked vehicle near 35th Street and 61st Court.

  • The officer was shot in the back and transported to Loyola Hospital in serious but stable condition.

  • Two suspects were taken into custody as they attempted to flee the scene.

  • Read more about the Cicero shooting here.

• Oak Park, Illinois Fatal Shooting (December 1, 2024):
  Detective Allan Reddins, a five-year veteran of the Oak Park Police Department, was fatally shot while confronting an armed suspect near the Oak Park library.

  • Detective Reddins was the first Oak Park officer to lose his life in the line of duty in 86 years.

  • The suspect, Jerell Thomas, has been charged with first-degree murder.

  • Read more about the Oak Park shooting here.

• Akron, Ohio Police Shooting (Thanksgiving Evening):
  Although this incident predates the specified week, it remains under heavy scrutiny.

  • 15-year-old Jazmir Tucker was fatally shot by an Akron officer, sparking community concerns over police tactics and de-escalation practices.

  • Read more about the Akron case here.

 💪🏽 Help us Keep This Going

If you find value here, here’s how you can support us:

1️⃣ Grab the AI Cop Toolkit. Learn how to use AI without getting into trouble.

2️⃣ Join our First Amendment Auditor webinar. Don’t end up the next viral video for the wrong reasons.

3️⃣ Share this newsletter. Forward it to your squad or anyone who could use it.

4️⃣ Follow us on social media for updates throughout the week.
(Social Media Links in the footer below)