Are You Ready for the Unexpected? This Week’s Critical Lessons for Cops

🎯 Today’s Scenario

Good Morning it’s Monday, November 25th. Last week we covered Heien Vs North Carolina, the US Supreme Court case that addressed whether a reasonable mistake of the law by a police officer can justify a traffic stop under the Fourth Amendment.

• This Week's Scenario:
  You are a police officer responding to a call about an individual with an active warrant.

• During the encounter, the suspect provides a false name and then flees when you momentarily step away.

• You pursue the suspect on foot, and as they continue to flee, you deploy your Taser, striking them in the upper back and head. The suspect falls, sustains injuries, and you proceed to handcuff them.

Analysis in our legal update section below...

🗓️ WHAT TO EXPECT

• 🔑 Today's Essentials: A California officer ambushed outside HQ turns the tables. Learn critical lessons about staying alert—even at home base.

• 📰 News You Need: Detroit cops working without licenses, free cybersecurity training for officers, and the DOJ halting DEA airport searches.

• 🧑🏼‍⚕️ Officer Wellness: The importance of protein for recovery and strength—and why supporting 50Cal Labz means supporting fellow officers.

• 🏛 Legal Update: Get a deep dive into Brown v. Giles and what the Sixth Circuit says about qualified immunity in use-of-force cases.

• 🎓 December Webinar: Preparing for First Amendment Auditors—learn how to handle these challenging encounters like a pro.

• 💔 Honoring Heroes: Remembering this week’s fallen officers and their sacrifice.

🔑 Today's Essentials

🎥 California Officer Stabbed Outside HQ; Shoots and Kills Suspect
A California officer was ambushed just outside police headquarters by a knife-wielding suspect. Despite being stabbed, the officer managed to neutralize the threat with lethal force. Bodycam footage shows the intensity of the encounter. Watch here

⚠️ A Critical Warning for Officers
First, hats off to the officer involved for staying in the fight and successfully stopping the suspect. However, let’s use this as a teaching moment.

• Stay Alert, Even at Home Base
  In the video, the officer does a great job recognizing the threat, but it appears the suspect's hands weren't closely monitored until moments before the attack. Why? It’s likely because this happened just outside police HQ—a place we naturally feel safe. But as this video proves, even “home” isn’t off-limits for violent encounters.

• Mindset Matters
  When responding to calls in the field, we’re hyperaware of potential threats. Yet at the station—whether it’s a lobby call or outside headquarters—we often let our guard down. Don’t assume that suspects won’t try something “that stupid.” They will.

🚨 Takeaway for All of Us
Treat every interaction—no matter the location—as a potential threat. Watch hands, maintain distance, and keep your awareness sharp, even during routine lobby calls or walk-ins. Let’s learn from this to protect ourselves and our partners.

 NEWS
 📰 Latest in Law Enforcement

📈 Policing Updates

🚨 Detroit Cops Working Without Licenses: How Did This Happen?
A bombshell report reveals dozens of Detroit officers lack valid law enforcement licenses. What’s next for accountability and public trust? Read more

🖥️ Hackers Beware: Free Cybersecurity Training for Officers
Johnson & Wales University steps up to help officers fight cybercrime with free cutting-edge training. Don’t miss this opportunity. Learn more

💼 Legal and Policy Updates

🛑 DEA Airport Searches Suspended: What Officers Need to Know
The DOJ halts DEA searches at airports over civil rights concerns. Could this limit drug busts at key transit points? Details here

🌍 Crime Tourism Hits Colorado: A New Trend in Organized Theft
International theft rings are targeting high-end Colorado neighborhoods. What local cops are doing to fight back? Read the story

👀 ICYMI

💔 Tragedy on Duty: Officer Suicide in Ohio
An officer in Napoleon takes his life while on duty—a heartbreaking call to action for better mental health support in law enforcement. More info

👊 Cartel Family Drama: Fugitive Nabbed After Faking Death
A cartel boss’s son-in-law thought he could fake his way out—but California authorities had other plans. Full story

 Featured Resource
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 🧑🏼‍⚕️ Officer Wellness Tip of The Week
🍳 80% of Adults Don’t Get Enough Protein to Support Muscle and Recovery

Protein is vital for strength, endurance, and recovery—key for officers staying sharp and ready for anything. Starting your day with a high-protein breakfast or grabbing a quality shake can keep you fueled and mission-ready.

Not only does protein power your performance, but it also helps you feel fuller longer, curbing cravings and promoting weight loss. Personally, I try to start my mornings with eggs for a protein boost. But when life gets hectic, I rely on protein shakes to stay on track.

🔥 Recommended: 50Cal Labz Protein Powder
50Cal Labz is owned and operated by an active law enforcement officer and proudly supports first responders and veterans. Instead of giving your money to big corporations, support your brothers and sisters in blue while fueling your body with the best.

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They’ve even got a Glazed Donut flavor—if you try it, let us know how it is!

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 🏛 Legal update
In Brown v. Giles (2024), the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit addressed the use of a Taser by law enforcement on a fleeing suspect and the application of qualified immunity.

Case Background

• On August 21, 2019, Jorden Brown, who was homeless and struggling with addiction, appeared outside his mother's workplace seeking assistance.

• Aware of an outstanding arrest warrant for her son, Brown's mother contacted the Coal Grove Police Department in Ohio.

• Officer Samuel Giles responded to the call. During their interaction, Brown provided a false name and denied knowledge of the warrant. Despite Officer Giles's instructions to remain still, Brown fled when the officer stepped away to take a phone call.

• Officer Giles pursued Brown and, while running, deployed his Taser, striking Brown in the head and back. Brown fell, hitting his head on the ground, and sustained injuries. While handcuffing him, Officer Giles held the Taser against Brown in case he continued to resist

• Brown filed a lawsuit under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 against Officer Giles, the police chief, and the Village of Coal Grove, alleging excessive use of force in violation of his Fourth Amendment rights. He also claimed that departmental policies or customs enabled these violations.

Sixth Circuit Court's Analysis

The Sixth Circuit affirmed the district court's decision, focusing on two primary issues:

1. Use of the Taser During Flight

   The court noted that it has previously held that deploying a Taser on a fleeing suspect can be reasonable. Brown argued that the Taser probe striking his head constituted excessive force. However, the court found it unrealistic to expect an officer, during a chase, to aim a Taser with precision to avoid the head. The court emphasized deference to officers' split-second decisions in fast-paced situations.

2. Alleged Continued Use of the Taser After Incapacitation

   Brown claimed that Officer Giles continued to tase him after he was incapacitated. The court reviewed bodycam footage provided by Brown, which showed that Officer Giles tased Brown only once. The court noted that active Tasers make audible noises when deployed, and the video contained only the sound of one Taser discharge. Therefore, the court concluded that Brown's claim was contradicted by the video evidence.

🎯 Scenario Answer: Brown Vs Giles

The correct answer is A: Yes

The Sixth Circuit concluded that Officer Giles was entitled to qualified immunity, as Brown failed to demonstrate a violation of clearly established law regarding the use of a Taser on a fleeing suspect. Consequently, Brown's claims against the police chief and the municipality were also dismissed.

🎓 December Webinar
Handling First Amendment Auditors Like a Pro

🗓️ Date: TBA | Time:
📍 Hosted Online

👀 Webinar Overview
Ever been confronted by a First Amendment Auditor? These individuals intentionally push the boundaries of their rights, camera in hand, aiming to provoke a response and go viral on social media.

This webinar equips officers with the tools to handle these encounters professionally and confidently. Learn from experts about the laws that apply, best practices to stay within legal boundaries, and how to ensure you don’t end up the next viral “gotcha” moment.

🔑 What You’ll Learn:

• The dos and don’ts of dealing with First Amendment Auditors.

• Key legal insights to protect yourself and your agency.

• Real-world strategies to de-escalate and maintain control of the situation.

💻 Don’t Miss Out
Seats are limited, and this is a must-attend for every officer who wants to be prepared for these challenging interactions. Reserve your spot today!

👉 Register Here

Let’s learn together to handle First Amendment Auditors with professionalism and poise.

 OFFICER DOWN: THIS WEEK’S FALLEN HEROES
 Weekly LODDS: 4
Total for the year: 123