RECCE ROOM

What did we learn last week? Well, we learned two key things about "Law Enforcement" that this blog has been shouting from the rooftops for years.  Police have no duty to protect you... and they won't.  But Police do have a "duty" to arrest you for DUI - even if you are sober.  From the news: Jury acquits ex-officer of charges he failed his duty to confront gunman in Texas school shooting . In the article, it is mentioned that another officer is also charged, and that it is expected the prosecutor will drop those charges. Why? Well, the article states it a bit further down, plain as day:  "Juries are often reluctant to convict law enforcement officers."  Yes, a particular instance is cited, but no, it really does not matter the charge - police are rarely charged and even more rarely convicted, often despite overwhelming evidence. Also from the news:  THP colonel defends DUI arrests amid wrongful arrest allegations . Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) has ...

Every time there is a post on this blog about Police Quotas, some people lose their ever-loving minds. Some folks read the article (or part of it), then leave a completely false reply.  There will be comments submitted to the effect of "Police don't have quotas!" which are demonstrably false.  There will also be comments along the lines of  "well, quit breaking the law, and you have nothing to worry about!" Equally false. And here is the proof:  Back to the point at hand, Police quotas. This is all over the news:  419 sober drivers in Tennessee arrested for DUI in 2024, according to TBI . TBI admits undercounting sober DUI arrests by thousands in Tennessee Given these facts, it is the opinion of this blog that all DUI arrests and convictions in each of these counties and precincts, and all DUI arrests and convictions attributed to the Tennessee Highway Patrol since 2017, ought to be vacated.  Author's note: This author is not inclined to post #FakeNews , s...

The "JBT" entries this week got me thinking about a recent interaction with an acquaintance who is former LEO. We were speaking to a mutual friend, when the subject of what to say to police came up. I pointed out the 45-minute long YouTube video of old that bears the title of the same concept, how anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law, and how the rules of evidence (specifically Rule 804) mean that nothing you say can become exculpatory.  As a professional firearms instructor, we go over what to say to police in classes. It basically boils down to three statements: 1. At the advice of counsel I do not answer any questions and invoke my 5th Amendment right.  2. I need to speak with my attorney immediately.  3. I do not consent to any searches.  4. I need to get a medical evaluation (after a shooting or other violent incident).  These four statements are almost universally heralded by the legal community as court defensible, and what ...

Did you ever notice??? The only people who say you should talk to police: SOME Current / former police People who do not know whereof they speak.  The people who say do not talk to police: MANY current / former police MOST (if not all) criminal defense attorneys.  People who have seen the harm of talking to police.  Also, those who advocate speaking to police almost always cite one or more of the reasons: It "pisses off" the officer.  You "might" get out of the ticket.  You don't want to seem "disrespectful."  Asserting rights is something that must always be done, regardless of someone's FEELINGS (i.e. "disrespect" / "pissed off" ) on the matter. It is always more important to retain all your rights rather than give them up.  In this author's mind, please note that Criminal Defense Attorneys almost universally suggest not speaking with police. These people, more than any other, have witnessed firsthand what happens w...

Seen on social media: The Capitol Police on in January 6th:  Planted the pipe bombs .  Shot and tear gassed peaceful protesters in efforts to agitate them.  Removed barriers and literally waived people to go towards the Capitol building.  Opened giant magnetic doors from the inside to allow people in the building.  Shot and killed an unarmed female veteran (the only person that was killed this day).  Lied about all of this.  Also lied about the death of Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who died of natural causes.  Became celebrities that received Congressional and Presidential awards for their “efforts.”  Am I missing anything? What say you? 

A Tennessee Sheriff has arrested a man who posted a meme.  What in the United Kingdom is this $h!t??? As a reminder: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Amendment 1 - US Constitution.  The Leftists will say this is Rightwing Fascism. They will be correct.  If you read the article and/or listen to the interview with the JBT, it does not get any better. The JBT twists and turns things to mean that the meme was an attempt to threaten a school shooting. I dislike the Left as much as anybody, but I cannot warp my mind around that one.  What say you? 

Former Tennessee troopers say DUI quotas led to arrests of sober drivers .  From the article:  Two ex-officers claim internal pressure from the THP to increase DUI arrests is resulting in innocent people being charged with the crime. It's almost like we have seen something like that before. A LOT! "But they aren't 'quotas'," you whine... Again, from the article: WSMV4 Investigates obtained internal maps emailed to troopers in the Jackson district, and recorded audio from a trooper’s meeting in Chattanooga, which Smith and Potts say reveals the department’s insistence that DUI arrests increase. In the recorded meeting, officials told troopers to “arrest every DUI that you can get your hands on” and “load the jail full of them.” The meeting, led by Captain Patrick Turner out of Chattanooga, stipulated that troopers on the midnight shift would be required to make 100 DUI arrests each year. Not sure what else you would call it, unless you insist on verbal gymnas...

A Tennessee State Trooper has arrested (at least) 8 SOBER people for DUI.  Here is a YouTube video on the false arrest.  Here is a video on the issue by Steve Lehto.  There are several questions that come to mind here.  1. How many more people were falsely arrested by this trooper? 2. How many people have been falsely arrested by other troopers in a similar manner?  3. Why has the Tennessee Highway Patrol not already fired this trooper, and made a public statement distancing themselves from this practice? 4. Why does Governor Lee refuse to acknowledge the problem? Is he simply unaware?  5. Was it just this trooper and just his ego?  6. Were quotas at the root of this problem?  That last question is the one I am most curious about.  Of course, someone will invariably come along and make the claim that since Tennessee has banned quotas by law enforcement departments, that there are simply no quotas being enforced. That, of course, would be a...

Durham’s Shame: A City Refuses to Pay for Its Mistake The city of Durham has found itself at the center of a troubling legal and moral scandal. After a wrongful conviction that cost an innocent man decades of his life, the city has now refused to honor a $6 million court-ordered verdict in his favor. Instead of owning up to its responsibility, Durham has doubled down on denial and legal maneuvering. The result is a stunning display of injustice, fiscal irresponsibility, and betrayal of public trust. The Wrongful Conviction of Darryl Howard The case centers on Darryl Howard, a man who was wrongfully convicted of second-degree murder after a Durham police officer, Darrell Dowdy, fabricated evidence to secure a conviction. Howard spent years behind bars for a crime he did not commit. On appeal, new evidence—including DNA—proved his innocence and revealed the misconduct that led to his imprisonment. This should have been a straightforward case of the system correcting itself. Instead, Du...

New Tennessee law eliminates the $350 fee for reclaiming seized property items . From the article: The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Justin Lafferty (R-Knoxville), removes the required $350 fee, as long as property owners go through a civil hearing to do so. The new policy will apply specifically to civil asset forfeiture cases and will not apply to any cases of criminal forfeiture. Law enforcement could continue seizing any property believed to be connected to a crime, even when no charges are filed against the owner. “Tennesseans shouldn’t have to pay a fee just to reclaim their own property, especially when they were innocent bystanders, which is often the case in civil forfeiture,” Lafferty said. “I appreciate my colleagues in the General Assembly for passing and funding this legislation to protect the rights of our citizens.” Civil Asset forfeiture is theft, plain and simple. Congrats to the Tennessee Legislature on having the guts to do this. And make no mistake, we need a l...

Recently a woman was arrested for offending members of a city council.  Some replies that you really need to think about: 1. They absolutely will kick in your door, arrest you, confiscate your arms, your assets and laugh about it, when mayors and governors tell them to. Prepare to defend yourselves and your neighbors. You can't do it by yourself. 2. I keep telling people. Cops hold their oath to their slave masters. Not those who pay into their livelihoods. 3.  The cops who carry out unconstitutional orders should be treated like rabid dogs.  (Author's note: as should those cops who stand idly by and allow it to happen) 4.  The perpetrator of the attack on Trump was spotted and photographed on the roof by law enforcement nearly 30 minutes before firing To the invariable "bad apple" commenters, that I am certain will reply: I used to be 100% pro cop... then I saw how they ALWAYS arrest the wrong person.  The phrase is "one bad apple spoils the whole bunch. ...

Everything they say is a lie. By "they," it means anyone in any arm of law enforcement.  Country singer Chris Young was arrested by Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission officers on Monday, January 22. The charges were disorderly conduct, assaulting an officer, and resisting arrest. It took the DA just a few days and a released video to conclude the officers were lying, and to drop all charges.  For future reference, here is a quick and dirty translation guide to "police speak:" Disorderly Conduct: You did something a cop didn't like, literally anything. Resisting arrest: While a cop was punching you in the face, you raised your arm to stop his punches. Assault an officer: Cop hurt himself punching you in the face.

Without a doubt, qualified immunity has been a major factor in some of the most egregious violations of human rights performed by the US "justice system" police officers. Qualified immunity stems from judicial fiat as opposed to representative legislation.  Similarly, there is judicial immunity. And similarly, that is abused daily by those who wield the power. This author has yet to meet a "family court" judge who did not believe his/her middle name was "god."  Well, one such judge got her comeuppance.  West Virginia Judge Robin Davis has lost her position, and been denied judicial immunity in a case stemming from a decision she made. When hearing a divorce case, Davis accompanied the wife to the residence of the husband, and proceeded to enter said residence, with a bailiff in tow, and remove items and otherwise direct the removal of items in question.  This is a clear violation of the 4th Amendment as the search was performed without a warrant.  There wa...

I have written about the terrible actions of Jack-Booted Thugs (JBTs) on this blog for over 10 years. From time to time, I will happen across someone in or near law enforcement and have a conversation. This will almost always result in hurt feelings and the like. Why? Because I hold every adult accountable for their own actions.  Police often get very prickly about this. The ones who don't get upset have always fallen into one of two categories: those who are out of law enforcement, and those who are looking to get out of law enforcement. In either event, the fact of the matter is that the system is broken, and these are the people that enforce the brokenness.  Here are some common statements made, and my reply to each: "Well, that officer might have been having a bad day." Why do we have thousands of videos of bad days? It happens all the time. When do they have good days? "Officers are getting fired for violating rights all the time!" This, when there has been...

From a reader: "What are your thoughts on this video ?"  Let's discuss on each topic, as the video has several examples of police getting justice served on them.  First - Cop Plants Evidence On the video, this is from time 0:00 - 4:45. The cop is a defendant as he had many charges of planting evidence against him. I was made aware of this cop about 10 months ago or so from the "Audit The Audit" channel video here . Justice was served, but the penalty was too light, IMO.  Second - Cop Wastes the Court's Time Time stamp 4:45 - 9:32. The cop clearly feels he is above the law, and must be heard in his entirety. I wonder how many suspects he did not listen to? I'm surprised the judge did not find him in contempt. And I am surprised that he was allowed to face the jail time from the plea bargain. Had you or I done that, we would have had the book thrown at us.  Third - ADA Gets Spicy Time stamp 9:33 - 11:45. The State's Deputy Attorney General ("ADA...

This video covers the illegal stopping of an open carry advocate by jack-booted thug "police" officers. While there is a LOT to unpack in that video, the focus of this post is to make a point that is discussed in that video.  In the video, when the JBT is trying to take the AR15 pistol off of the open-carry advocate's body and unload it, the JBT points the gun at the advocate, as well as at fellow officers. Completely unsafe gun handling. Totally out of line.  This author has observed as a firearms instructor, that some of the worst gun handling is by current and former police and military. In fact, so much so, that the following statement is true: Former police and military are usually demonstrate more unsafe firearms handling than untrained civilians. 

  Found on social media, this meme provides some opportunity to logically evaluate some critical thinking errors.  "I will never sit with my back to the door." Show me one mass shooter incident where the first victim targeted was facing away.  "I will never leave home without my weapon." Even thinking of a gun as a weapon is problematic. I am the weapon, the gun is simply one of my tools.  "I will never quit watching out for you..."  This is the most common misconception in law enforcement - that they do what they do to protect. Nothing could be further from the truth, and police have no duty to protect .  "I am always watching, scanning, making sure, that everyone, everywhere I go, is safe." See previous. The scanning is to look for possible problems. Not safety. There is a difference.  "I am always ready to act on your behalf, whether I know you or not."  One word: Uvalade. "I might be retired, but my oath has no expiration date....

The FBI Raid on Mar-a-Lago was wrong.  The botched raid that wound up with police killing Breonna Taylor was wrong.  Derek Chauvin was wrong.  If you are on the Left: You cannot cheer what happened to Trump, and then be ACAB. Pick one.  If you are on the Right: You cannot correctly criticize what the FBI did, what LEO across the country have done in failing to arrest rioters, then want more police funding. Pick one.  If you are on the Right, and you are smart: Let the Left have their way on defunding law enforcement on every level. Then laugh at them when they pass gun control laws - because who is gonna enforce those laws?!?!

From a reader of   this article - "Aren't you being too harsh on the police?" First: Noted firearms instructor Greg Ellifritz had this to say: This is looking worse and worse. They let the guy go for up to 90 minutes because they said they didn't have a key to the classroom door that the killer locked. This is the prime example why I no longer train police agencies or write articles about best practices in police response.  The cops don't care and refuse to learn lessons from past tragedies.  We've long known that cops responding to school shootings need breaching gear.  This became apparent after the 2006 Nickel Mines school shooting (link in comments). I wrote about cops needing breaching tools in the first month I started my website.  That article (linked in comments) was in 2012.  Since then I have written 18 different articles on my site about the importance of breaching capability for responding cops. We've known since Columbine (1999) that ...

  Yesterday, Joe Biden signed an executive order aimed at police reform. Per his tweet, pictured above, the EO will  "increase accountability, ban chokeholds, restrict no-knock entries, and more for federal law enforcement officers — and it incentivizes state and local officers to do the same." This is an excellent move and possibly the first time I have agreed with the potato.  I can hear the wailing from the boot-licking right: "Oh, that's terrible! Stop the criminals! etc." But here are the facts. Police organizations have had years to fix these problems, yet they refuse to do so.  Chokes, when properly applied, are one of the safest martial arts moves that exists. However, cops kill people with poorly applied chokeholds every year. We have had Gracie Jiu-Jitsu for 30 years... they have had more than enough chances to learn the proper technique. Heck, Rener Gracie just recently broke through red tape to make GJJ available for POST training. It is probably to...