Cop Talk

Houston Police Department is calling for more strict penalties for suspects who elude the police. Another police department suggests that all chases should stop because it's causing great harm to the suspect and other people. It wouldn't be smart to end all chases of suspects because people will begin to think that running is actually getting away with crime. Stiffer penalties is definitely a wise choice.

Pastor Tim's dad recently passed away, so after taking some time away to be with his mom and family in Texas he is back in the studio with more interesting police topics and discussion of what Dogwatch is all about!

The response was so positive to Tim's discussion last week of The Good, The Bad, The Ugly that he decided to do more of this. Sometimes bad people enter the world of law enforcement and make things sour for the community, but that's also few and far between. It's interesting that the law enforcement we have been taught to trust can also break that trust in the blink of an eye. As a reminder though, if it doesn't feel right it probably isn't and we should address it to the proper authorities immediately.

Tim Rupp talks about several stories throughout the country involving law enforcement officers. It's The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of law enforcement. There are bad apples in every bunch, and sometimes those bad apples reflect on a department as a whole, but that doesn't mean there's room for any disrespect to law enforcement and the job they are called to do. As Tim discusses these stories you, the listener, can decide if it's The Good, The Bad, or The Ugly!

Although it is important that police officers are physically and mentally fit, where does spiritually fit come into play? Tim discusses an article written from Police1 that lists these 5 ways the Texas PD is ensuring their officers are physically and mentally fit, even retirees because of the unfortunate possibility off suicide. We have to incorporate the spiritual side as well because it's actually one of the most important things officers should be concentrating on.

What's the probability of an officer hitting his/her target if they don't already have the subject in their sights? The lack of common sense indicates that subjects think they are much faster at drawing a gun, aiming, and shooting than an officer is. Police officers are becoming appropriately trained to draw their guns quicker, aim adequately, and fire sooner then previously understood. Tim Rupp talks about his experience as an officer in San Antonio and training to shoot. Not training to shoot to kill but to protect.

Police1 has been an excellent source for the latest news and stories on Police Departments and LEO's throughout the nation. This video and story on a Louisville, Kentucky police officer who gives chase to a vehicle is SHOCKING!!! Be aware that if you choose to visit Police1 and watch the video, it is graphic. The suspects stop their vehicle and take off on foot, so the officer takes chase. Shortly after giving chase the officer is shot at and hit, so he retreats back toward his car. He knows the shots came from a house not too far away. Another officer arrives and puts himself in the "war zone" by dragging the officer that was hit to safety, and he is also fired upon but isn't hit. Both the injured officer and responding officer fire back as they move to safety and wait for back-up.

Another officer-involved shooting?? There isn't much known about this case just yet, so there's no judgement based on what little information the news article gives. The FBI is involved in the investigation, along with a neighboring county sheriff office. We know that there were 2 officers at the scene. We also know that one of the officers attempted to use a tazer on the suspect, which didn't work. The suspect charged at the officers with a knife several times after both officers commanded him to drop the weapon and stop. Ultimately, an officer had no choice but to stop the threat.

Tim Rupp shares more personal safety types for women and girls. Protecting yourself doesn't ensure that something won't happen to you, but being aware of your surroundings and paying attention to your "gut" feeling will help avoid something bad from happening.

When was the last time that you thought about your own safety, as a woman, when you're out and about? Sometimes we forget to be aware of our surroundings, noticing people or vehicles that we don't recognize in the parking lot or in our neighborhood, having an accessible weapon and ready to use it just in case. Tim Rupp discusses the importance of protecting ourselves, especially as a woman, because we don't always think that bad things could happen. Bad things do, and can, happen to our mothers, sisters, friends, and wives. Protect yourself and be safe!