True Crime Blog
Lil stood tied to my trailer, shaded from the late afternoon July sun by a stand of pine trees along my west property line. I sat a few feet away, sipping an ice-cold beer but not enjoying it, fighting back the tears that I’d soon not be able to contain. They had already streaked my…
A former colleague recently asked for audiobook recommendations for himself and others who spend a lot of time traveling. I’m a big fan of audiobooks, and I’m always listening to something on audio when I’m driving or taking a walk. The following are some of the books I’ve listened to recently that you might enjoy…
George Ramos is a Firestone legend. He wasn’t a gunslinger nor a valiant leader of men, he didn’t hook and book and make the streets safe for women and orphans—at least not directly. At least not usually. He was our station mechanic, one who would respond to assistance requests armed with a crescent wrench. There…
I had a fun blog prepared for today but it’s going to have to wait. I’m angry about what is happening to our country right now, how a certain facet of society is destroying America, and I’m going to vent about it here. If you’re angry too, read on. If not, this blog isn’t for…
I recently had the pleasure of connecting with best-selling author Jake Needham. He writes a fantastic and very different crime series set in Southeast Asia. I’ve just recently finished the first book in his Mean Streets series, and am anxious to continue on. Jake has graciously—and entertainingly—answered a few questions for me so that I…
When I first started at Metro, Bobby Mallon broke me in. I’ve written about the Special Investigations Bureau before, an LASD Detective Division assignment that is now called Major Crimes Bureau. When I went there in 1996, the Metro detail had recently assumed the responsibilities of the Fugitive detail when it was disbanded due to…
Law enforcement is shooting itself in the foot over COVID-19 and the questionably lawful orders they are being asked to enforce. Governors are releasing convicted felons from prison and sheriffs are emptying their jails, all in the name of COVID-19. Meanwhile, some officials are going after otherwise law-abiding citizens who dare to defy their orders…
The last day of March was a tough day in this already difficult time in our country and in our world. But that day, in particular, hit especially hard for me and many of my colleagues. Not only was it the 28th anniversary of the death of Nelson Yamamoto, a young Firestone deputy who was…
For most cops, there is a fork in the road when it’s time to leave patrol. Cops who choose not to promote tend to either go into investigations or go tactical. For the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, tactical means the Special Enforcement Bureau. SEB comprises five details: Special Enforcement Detail (better known as SWAT),…
Not to be badmouthing my own department, but the Gun Grip Fiasco is such an excellent example of idiocy and red tape, I cannot resist telling the story. Recently there was a post in a Facebook group in which we were discussing department-issued weapons. I didn’t tell my convoluted story there, but some of you…