True Crime Blog
Policing is probably much simpler in countries where dissenters are machinegunned to death on the streets and a dictator nods his approval. Being a cop in America, on the other hand, has become an impossible job, and—as it turns out—freedom might be nothing more than a two and a half-century failed experiment. As a former street…
In 1988 the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department began the painful transition from the Smith & Wesson .38 caliber revolver, to the Beretta 9mm pistol as the primary duty weapon of its deputies. It would be the death of the wheel gun. The Transition With nearly 10,000 sworn deputies, nothing happens overnight. But over the…
On National Daughters Day I posted on Facebook a lovely picture of me and my two daughters. Of course, there were the expected shots by some of my friends, giving thanks that the two beautiful young women gained their looks from their mom. I’m thankful for that myself. But also, there were several comments about…
Police and detective stories have withstood the test of time, and they are not going away anytime soon. If you’re writing crime novels but have no law enforcement experience, how do you get it right? Most crime writers have no personal experience with the crimes about which they write, nor with the resulting investigative processes…
The lines have been drawn and it’s time to pick a side. Either you stand for law and order, or you are advocating for anarchy, chaos, and the destruction of civil society. Two L.A. County Deputies Ambushed Before I continue, you should know that I am writing this just hours after two Los Angeles County…
The most popular blog I’ve ever written, hands down, is 8 WAYS TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER, a parody of the endless self-help features offered by every blogger and her dog. Although clearly a spoof, this blog has drawn the attention of some ne’er-do-wells scheming to harm their fellow man. The Original Murder Blog Spoof…
NOTHING LEFT TO PROVE is a law enforcement memoir to be published sometime in the near future. It is the story of my career as a deputy sheriff with Los Angeles County, but it isn’t just a collection of war stories; rather, it is a compelling story of pain and healing, self-doubt and certainty, love…
When you arrive at the blank page in the back of this book, you won’t have come to it lightly. BOUND BY WAR is a memoir by Todd Lander, who served in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division, also known as the Screaming Eagles. In Vietnam, the 101st airborne comprised battalions of airmobile infantry, artillery,…
Last week’s blog about gun sales stimulated some peripheral discussion about training, concealed carry permits, and liability. This week’s blog is a follow-up to briefly address some of the issues and questions that came from it. Or, simply put, this is Part II of last week’s blog. Concealed Carry for Law Enforcement Active-duty or honorably…
Gun sales are brisk, to say the least, due to the chaotic times we are living in. Many of those who are now buying guns are doing so for the first time. Occasionally I’ll be asked for my opinion about the best gun for home defense, or what I carry concealed, or what I would…