True Crime Blog
The radio code “10-33” is used to clear the airwaves for emergency radio traffic. “10-33 Go” is one dispatcher’s response over the frequency. “Unit with emergency traffic, go” is another. These exclamations crackling over the radio are chilling even for the most seasoned street cops.
The highly-anticipated book 7 in the Dickie Floyd series, THE PROGRAM, is now available! “Nothing less than brilliant storytelling.” “Outstanding! Very Highly Recommended.” “Few writers can take you into the minds of police and criminals. None do so as well as Danny R. Smith.” The wait is finally over! It’s been more than two and a…
Linda Healy was part of a law enforcement experiment: in 1974 the California Highway Patrol held its first academy class that included women. Her book, THE EXPERIMENT, chronicles her rise from a meter maid to being a commander in the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. I am honored to share with you my interview of…
Wayside Honor Rancho, later named the Peter J. Pitchess Detention Facility, is one of several jail facilities spread throughout Los Angeles County. It is also where I joined the ranks of “The Winos.” Wayside Located in the Santa Clarita Valley, it is unique in that it contains on its sprawling acreage several academy training firing…
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…
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…
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…
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…
The Fox TV Series, Deputy, has sparked some strong opinions from many of my colleagues from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the agency which is portrayed. Deputy: The Television Series Before the premiere episode, a trailer was circulating on Facebook, especially in some of our LASD groups. Many were upset by the way our…