Pulling Rank (and the plug)
To my family, friends and readers,
I've been told by my Lieutenant the content of my blog does not adhere strictly to the policy of the department and could subject me to an administrative investigation of wrongdoing.
I was told the opinion of the Precinct Commander, upon learning of my blog was, "shut it down."
His assessment was some of the content could be considered a violation of privacy.
I was careful to avoid using names, addresses, dates, or any other information I felt may identify a specific individual. Nevertheless, it was made clear to me a potential for liability exists for both the department and for me.
Although I was not provided with any specific policy, order, code, or rule I was in violation of it was implied the content of my postings was not appropriate.
I was not ordered to discontinue my blog but was given this sole restriction: I am free to write about whatever I want to as long as it is not "police related."
I've tried envisioning a written account of the observations and experiences of a police officer without including anything 'police related.' I have yet to visualize exactly how this would be done.
In any case, I'm not ready to jeopardize my career at this time for the sake of a web log. I also lack the motivation to turn this into a rebellious fight for freedom of speech. So for the time being, I've chosen to take a break from my writing until I've had a chance to figure out how it can be done in a harmless but interesting manner.
I wanted to take a moment to say 'Thank You" for the comments, feedback, praise, and even criticism you've shown me over the past few years. I never would have guessed I'd have over 100,000 visits to my blog.
82 Comments:
Sorry to hear that you're "bein' repressed!"
I've enjoyed reading your blog, but it's certainly not worth putting your career in jeopardy over. We need all the good cops we can get in this day and age.
Be safe!
Well, that sucks. I just finished your archives two days ago, and thoroughly enjoyed them. You are a good writer.
Your one mistake - and I thought about this as I was reading your archives - is that you outed yourself by using your real name and jurisdiction. Once your co-workers knew who you were, your blog's days were numbered.
Should you decide to start things back up in a more anonymous fashion - and it can be done - please drop me an email through my own blog and hook me up to your new site - I will keep your secret. I would hate to lose the pleasure of reading your perspectives on a cop's life.
I'm surprised it took this long. Great writing, thank you.
sorry to see a great blog end
I'm sorry to hear about this. I'm fortunate in that (so far) I haven't faced that sort of thing myself, but it is a risk all of us take.
I've greatly enjoyed reading your blog and I hope you are able to return in one form or another sir.
This comment has been removed by the author.
I knew that was going to happen. Every cop blog that is open about it's identity is eventually shut down. I hope you come back under an alias and generic department and share your thoughts again.
Sorry you have to leave all the good work you created on this site.
I question the validity of your department's liability if you clearly state on your blog that they are your opinions and not the opinions of your department. Usually, they don't have good legal advice and want to be super conservative about their exposure. Just ordering you to get rid of it seems to be a good solution while ignoring the resentment it builds within the department.
Good luck in the future.
Well Gary, I'm very sad to learn that you're Blog is ending. I'm always so proud to read about your dealings, good and bad, and how you've handeled them. You are right to put your career first...knowing how dedicated you are to being "One of Our Finest". Always be safe...Proud Mom
I'm really sorry to hear you have to close the blog. I've been reading almost since the beginning.
Thanks for all that you do, and most importantly, thanks for taking the time to let us know what was happening and why.
It's upsetting to get involved in a blog then suddenly see the words "blog no longer found" when you log on:(
Oh no! I've been following your blog for the longest time and have enjoyed everything you've written. Don't think I've ever written a comment before this.
I'm sorry to hear you're "closing" your blog but in any case, I think you're doing an awesome job, whether or not you're blogging about it. Keep up the great work :) Will keep you in my prayers.
So sorry to hear about this. Such a shame.
If you start again, drop me a line. I too shall follow.
Sorry to see this end. It was always interesting and well written. Good luck in the future.
Is your commander retarded? you can have a police blog just as long as its not police related! WTF? I guess I will start a pet blog thats not animal related!!
Very sorry to hear this. I have enjoyed your blog since I discovered it not long ago.
My site is linked in this comment - please feel free to browse and then email me if you see anything of interest. Policy like this is something I am hoping to change.
Either way, be well, take care & stay safe!
Dang, I really liked reading your posts too..
I really hope to come across a blog of yours in anonymity in the future, I enjoyed your stories.
But, it was a good run right? Thanks for the stories you have shared!
What a shame that this blog will not be continued. It's well written and informative. If you ever resurface, I hope you will contact your commenters so we can all find you.
I'm so sorry to hear that, but be grateful that they gave you a heads up first. I was fired over my blog. I started over here and am keeping it anonymous
Good Luck! I will definitely miss your posts.
Oh shit. Been on the office carpet with you on that one. Sure have. I'm so sorry to hear you're having to deal with that. That's why all of my stuff is private now, and I still can't help but censor myself. You're right, I'm not willing to risk myself for one either. It was a horrible experience.
Gary,
I want to thank you very much for this blog. I have been reading your blog for a while now and it has been extremely informative and helpful seeing how I plan to go into a Law Enforcement Career.
Even though your commander telling you to shut down your blog when it does not reveal specific information is a blatant violation of the freedom of speech, I can understand why you would rather just be safe then fight it.
It was probably going to happen some day anyways and I can just be happy with how long it has lasted.
Good luck to you Gary, and if you ever start something up again - please let me know. I too would like to follow just as others have said.
I hate to hear this. I will miss your posts. I hope you can find a way to return to blogging.
You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
I agree...Come up with an entirely new identity (new profile too in case someone saved that) and set up an anonymous blog. You can even set up a false email so that no one can find you that way either.
I agree wholeheartedly with Joe Allen. When I discovered your blog, I took the time to read every back entry. Your writing style was enjoyable, and I hope you have a long and prosperous life and a safe family always.
Thank you for what you have shared with me.
Steve
I would suggest that you start a new blog. This time make it a fictional one. For an example > Today we ate at a restaurant that has been robbed 3 times in one week. After leaving it wasn't more than 2 minutes that a hot call was broadcast to respond code 3 for an attempted 211. When I arrived on scene the perps were GOA but my buddy located them about 4 blocks south of the crime scene. Needless to say we did a felony stop, and brought them out at gun point. The driver was deuce and could barely walk backwards to my voice. And so on and so forth. I gave no info that this was in Compton CA and I work for the Sheriffs. See what I mean? I hope this helps. Also be advised that after reading your blog I decided to become a Police officer. Take care!!!
Sorry Gary, had a major brain cramp when I posted my last comment - should have directed you specifically to my partner's post:
http://cops2point0.com/2009/02/13/social-media-vs-employer-2/
Hope you can use it to enlighten your admins. If not, like another commenter said, hope you'll be able to let us know of a new anonymous blog.
Bummer. It was nice reading your posts.
Stay safe out there, and thank you for all that you do for us.
Kim in Alaska
Sorry to hear you have to shut it down. I'm married to an officer and I like reading your blog. Sad to know that things suck everywhere relative to officers and their supervisors. Sometimes I wish I could go down to his department and give them all a piece of my mind! It's like their sole purpose is to harangue the patrol officers and make their lives miserable. Anyway, I wish you the best and thank you for your service.
This was my first day reading your blog and I am addicted! Can you just start an anonymous blog today then post on your blog the web site we can all go to for a "fellow officers blog you have heard of"! Please don't go Officer Gary!
It was nice while it lasted! Found you some months ago, read the archives...sorry to see you go. But it's not worth risking your job. Hope you find another creative outlet.
Dude, I am so sorry.
You were one of my long time reads that I really liked.
Maybe You can make the missus start blogging again.
You will be missed
Aww man, as somebody who is looking to become an officer, let me say that it was great while it lasted. I learned alot and loved reading. Thank you for what you have done, and while I don't live in your area, thank you for keeping the streets safe!
I wanted to take a minute to say "thank you" for all of the time and effort you put forth to share your perspective and give many of us civilians a window into police work. You clearly communicated your personal values and how you still try to live those through your chosen work.
What the Department may not realize is how powerful your blog may be as a recruitment tool. With so much of the recruitment information out there being too vague to be helpful, your accounts of the good & bad helped a lot of people (including myself) explore police work as a career.
Your updates will be missed!
I am sorry the plug was pulled on your blog. It's a shame. Officer blogs are education. They depict what really happens on the streets: the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Sorry to hear that.
Really liked reading your posts.
All the best to you and stay safe!
Tom
Its odd that someone would use the term "Outed" as gay officers have to hide. I have been reading what you have been posted. I have dated officers and work with them. The story are all the same. The problem is the people you are watching over and the ones who bitch all the time. I do not see the problem with this as there are website that post more info then you do.
A Officer life is hard. I know this 1st hand (I have never been a Police Officer, I was very close I just never took the job) you need a place to vent and its not all ways good to vent to your mate. This also shows and gives people the "Hay they are people also" outlook. Lets face it we live in a day and age when everyone wants to sue for anything.
There is one thing that is sad about this more then anything. They are fast to put you job on the line. If you worked at McD do you think this would happen? (no)
Its odd that someone would use the term "Outed" as gay officers have to hide. I have been reading what you have been posted. I have dated officers and work with them. The story are all the same. The problem is the people you are watching over and the ones who bitch all the time. I do not see the problem with this as there are website that post more info then you do.
A Officer life is hard. I know this 1st hand (I have never been a Police Officer, I was very close I just never took the job) you need a place to vent and its not all ways good to vent to your mate. This also shows and gives people the "Hay they are people also" outlook. Lets face it we live in a day and age when everyone wants to sue for anything.
There is one thing that is sad about this more then anything. They are fast to put you job on the line. If you worked at McD do you think this would happen? (no)
It should be considered a violation of YOUR rights to free speech!! You have not mentioned any perps names, officers involved, nothing in my eyes that would jeopardize the Dept.
Have you ever thought of lateraling into another Dept?? I'm a S/Sgt. and I'd never infringe on my guys thoughts and blogs.
It is a God Damn Shame you have to leave!!
Come and visit my page.
S/Sgt. Tom Hanna RCMP-GRC 36739
It's a shame to hear that your blog is being pulled. Your accounts of the daily realities of police work, and ability to show the good, bad and ugly sides of what is often overlooked and thankless work with a touch of humanity and insight are inspirational. I have shared this blog with aspiring law enforcement officers and they resoundingly agree that your depth of insight and storytelling abilities gave them a much clearer view of their future professions and the realities of police work.
While I fully understand the necessity of confidentiality and risks of liability inherent in the sharing of any police stories it is disappointing that your organization felt this was a risk. You have a gift for sharing your experiences and would make an amazing communications and media relations officer in your department.
All the best from Canada
Stay safe out there.
This is exactly why I go to great lengths to remain "Officer Smith from Smithville PD". Every cop blogger I know does this as a release. It's not to invade privacy. It's not to violate policy. It's just to exercise the first amendment right we always get thrown in our face when someone says "Should I get my gun first, then my ID".
I'm glad they aren't taking it further, hopefully. But I still disagree with their thought process.
Be safe brother. Hopefully we'll see you back here.
I agree that you could start an anonymous blog, and simply transfer your posts to it, but keep in mind that your superiors are probably on the look out and checking your colleagues' online activity as well.
I was actually fired from my last job because of the content of my blog--- and I worked for a newspaper.
Sadly, the first amendment does have a few catches.
I would also like to suggest that you think about fictionalizing (if only to protect the privacy of real people) your accounts and see if you can't get a book deal.
You have a lot of talent and I hope you don't dismantle this blog before I have a chance to catch up on your archives.
what a bummer. I just found your blog and was very excited.... :(
Thanks man, I just read thru your entire blog just now. Pretty cool stuff. Wish you all the best.
I'm really sad they made you shut this down.
In my opinion, it's a disservice to the public. This is "public relations" in the best, most honest sense of the phrase.
Thanks and good luck.
Officer G -
Sorry to hear you have to close this down. Thank you for sharing these experiences from academy to present day. For someone like me looking to get in this line of work, I certainly enjoyed reading your stories and getting a real perspective from someone on the inside. Thank you for all that you do. Stay safe!
I hope your commanders realize that in writing this blog, you are creating a bond between police and citizens. I believe it's very beneficial to the public image of every police department to make itself more "human" to the citizens it protects and serves. Good luck and hopefully one day you can blog again with the blessing of your Lt.
Somebody should tell the commander he's a dolt!
That's too bad. A blog like yours was a rare opportunity for some of us civilians to get into the mind of an officer.
Gary:
As an avid reader, I see that there are MANY people out there who will be sad to see you depart the blogosphere, so I'm in good company there.
Like Johnny Law said...you should return in a totally ANONYMOUS venue, chronicling the "Officer Everyman" located in "Everytown, USA".
As you can see, you'd have a premade following.
In the meanwhile, we'll all be SIGNAL 23, when (and not if) you return (to duty here).
Be well, and stay safe.
B.G.
Hi Officer Gary,
I am a fiction writer... now working on my second book. (My first is called Murder at the Mikvah). I am in need of someone like you whom I can bounce ideas off of, or ask for clarification about issues relating to law enforcement. For example, in my new book, I have two sixty-something characters who are old buddies from the police academy. They havent seen each other in years, and I have to create fond memories of the old days. So my question is: What is the day to day experience of attending the police academy like? What courses are taken? What does active training look like? I don't need a ton of info, just enough to make my scenario believable to the reader. If assisting me is something you would be comfortable with, please email me at sarahsegal@comcast.net
Thank you!
Sarah
If you go anonymous, please leave a way for people to "find" you.
Be safe.
Hello,
We just launched our new PoliceOne Blog Directory and we would like to feature your blog on it! We would first like to know if you would want to display our RSS feeds or do link exchange. I think that PoliceOne’s Blutube.com videos would work really well on your site as well as our News Widget with up-to-the-minute law enforcement news feeds. All of our Blutube videos are law enforcement related and I believe they will be able to add more content for your viewers. I hope to hear back from you soon so we can add you to our blog directory.
Here is the link to the PoliceOne blog directory: http://www.policeone.com/law-enforcement-blogs
Blutube video link: http://www.policeone.com/law-enforcement-police-rss-feeds/blutube.xml
Here is an example of a fellow blogger who has used the News Widget: http://apolicewife.blogspot.com/
Best,
Darcy Carroll
darcy.carroll@praetoriangroup.com
Officer Gary,
Well what can I say? Everyone else has said it all already, but I wanted to say something since I've been reading your blog since the very beginning, but never until now have I posted a comment. I'm sad. I have absolutely loved it! You are an amazing writer, and you crack me up all the time. Thank you for the years of sharing, and know that a lot of people obviously feel the same way. So many people in this world claim to hate cops (a HUGE pet peeve of mine cause come on, cops are awesome), but just look at how many people are in love with you?!
Best of luck,
Heather :)
The 4th floor was fussing over you when you started this thing, probably shouldn't have used a PPD car as your photo, PPD managers are very insecure. Hang in there.
Whatever happened to the 1st Amendment?
I'm not sure if you come back and check these comments out of shear curiosity from time to time, but I felt the need to leave a note just in case. You blog has been a major influence in my life as of late. Unfulfilled in my current profession, I have been searching for meaning and direction. A father to a young daughter myself, I awoke one day to the nagging feeling that I needed to do something to improve the world that she will grow up in. For lack of a better term, I was feeling "called" to make a career move to become a police officer. During one of the first days that I was tossing this idea back and forth in my head, I stumbled upon your blog. It was almost as if fate had lead me to your writing. I was enthralled with your stories of going through the academy and the pride you felt when you finally hit the streets. All of your posts confirmed to me that I had indeed found the path that I was meant to undertake. I wanted to thank you for sharing what you have gone through. Hopefully by this time next year I will be just like one of those fresh faced rookies that you now have the pleasure of putting up with. Who knows what the future will truly hold, but I wanted you to know that, in no small part because of you, there will be one more good guy out on the streets... Thank you very much, your words will be missed...
It has been a joy to read your blog, it gave us civilians a peek at what it is like to be a police officer. I would think that with a little work your higher ups could be made to see your blog as a major public relations success.
Thank you for what you do and for having shared it.
Hi Officer Gary,
My name is Marilyn, a student located in Los Angeles. I've been reading your blog since before I came to LA and have enjoyed every post you put up :)
I'm intrigued and appreciate what people like you (the police) do for our community. I currently own a set of books titled "Take Up the Shield" that's written by a police officer for police officers. I plan to distribute them to officers here in LA when I'm given the opportunity. You're not in LA but I still thought it would be a great encouraging read for you and am willing to send it to you if you're interested.
I thought about this for a long time and decided my offer may be a long shot, but it's worth a try. I hope you get to read this and respond to my offer. If you'd like to contact me, you can do so at ee.marilyn@gmail.com
Keep a private blog of all these things. When you retire publish them as a book. I stumbled upon this blog today and have read the whole thing...
Gary,
My friend shared a link to your blog. I just wanted to share that I had a similar experience blogging against the 'man.'
I want to suggest that you pitch your blog as a case for PR/Communications for the department because it has a good personal brand that definitely showcases some of the experiences that Phoenix Police endure.
If you want my help pitching the case, let me know. I support you in this and plan to read every entry.
If that never works out, I hear Gilbert could always use more police as a growing Phoenix suburb and you could transfer and keep the blog.
Wish you the best,
Joe
Officer Gary,
Thank you for your service and thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences.
After reading your entire blog, I am a few steps closer to signing up for a career which I believe will be challenging and rewarding.
Your insight has been invaluable.
Thank you.
I only just now stumbled upon your blog. I couldn't stop reading after I started. In my opinion you did your Department and the community a service with the writing in this blog. Funny, I had never heard that about David Spade before. I have heard that he dated Heather Locklear, but his generous contribution to the fallen officers family and the Department, no. Weird. I hope you can find another medium for your writing. You have a talent that shouldn't be bureaucratically silenced.
This comment has been removed by the author.
Hi Gary,
I was wondering if you could provide me with your email address. I'm interested in becoming a police officer and am in a similar situation such as yourself (older than most new recruits, career change, etc.) and was hoping I could ask you some questions. Thanks!
This is really surprising considering the number of law enforcement officers who blog online. perhaps if your superior was shown some examples of this he would allow you to blog again.
Hi Gary,
I just found your blog and I've read the whole thing. It was fantastic and i'm really sorry to see that you had to shut it down!!
I just wanted to say thanks for taking the time to blog (and for leaving it up!) I hope that you're keeping your stories for sometime in the future where you can share them with-out admin bull!
xx
Jaxs
Wow that's crazy. I would guess it's because you directly represent your department. I'm curious how they found out. Maybe writing autonomously would have been the key. However it sounds as f the cat is out of the bag so to speak. Good luck.
I've just browsed through some of your entries and wow! If anything you are getting others to look at LEOs in a positive light.
I'm paranoid about all of my internet adventures and have stopped my blogging because of how many of my future readers (I'm a novelist) would judge me based on my entries and comments. Kinda dumb I know.
You're evidence that great officers do in fact exist.
Hello.
I can tell you its a risk management issue. By identifying yourself and your department, and by the David Spade post that further identifies your department, you are essentially opening your department to potential risk. I say potential risk because that's really all it is. Additional steps you might want to take are to post a general disclaimer. Something to this effect:
"The stories posted here may not be real. I may not be a real police officer. The opinions and stories related here are are not representative of any police department of law enforcement office."
I would suggested that if you want to continue right now, you should simply close your blog to everyone but invited readers. Later, as things die down, you can reopen your blog elsewhere using a proper pseudonym with no identifying information.
Its unfortunate. I've enjoyed what I've read thus far. You are a captivating writer.
Please reconsider, and let me know if I can help at all.
Good luck.
sounds like a classic cop story... telling you not to do something that you know is not wrong, only to threaten you if you do not do it their way. I say screw all of you and im glad your blog is done
Pay no attention to the rantings of Sgt Hanna of the RCMP. According to reports, he was recently arrested for impersonating a RCMP Sgt.
The article below should confirm.
http://texasghostrider.blogspot.com/2010/11/thomas-hanna-as-police-diver.html
Sir i have a question and i hope you can answer it. A peer of mine was selling and he's the son of a lead detective, the son told me the dad (detective) received this notice by somone the kid sould too. Now im not suppose to saw anything but it's pretty fucked up nothing came out of it, what can i do to put this Sheriff in jail?
Booooo words can't despite how much I loved reading this! You're writing skills are brilliant and you come across so eloquently! I flew through this journal in no time! I'll miss you Officer Gary!
I enjoyed reading your blog!
Hate to here this happened. I read anything that might give insight on how to become a cop and its sad if police officers can't share their real experience online
I am so fed up with the police they are the biggest gang in America. We have an unregistered sex offender living in our neighborhood and even though they said they know he lives there they have done nothing about it. They are truly the least efficient government workers. The unregistered child molester is a drug dealer and has made that very clear and the only reason I can think they don't make him follow the law is because they must be buying from him and not for a raid.
This comment has been removed by the author.
I was looking for a police blog where I could read from an officer's perspective on his job. I have had so many bad experiences with getting harassed by police officers, I wanted to start a blog and website helping people report the bad apples if they are harassed in certain towns. But to be more open minded I wanted to read a blog written by a police officer. Because my experiences with police officers hurting me and harassing me as a young woman driving all over the country alone, have been horrendous.
I think it is a shame that you can't share your work-relate experiences.
I was looking for a police blog where I could read from an officer's perspective on his job. I have had so many bad experiences with getting harassed by police officers, I wanted to start a blog and website helping people report the bad apples if they are harassed in certain towns. But to be more open minded I wanted to read a blog written by a police officer. Because my experiences with police officers hurting me and harassing me as a young woman driving all over the country alone, have been horrendous.
I think it is a shame that you can't share your work-relate experiences.
I read this post fully concerning the difference of latest and former stuff, it is awesome article.
term life insurance
It's been a bad article for me. I wish to continue. You are writing good useful content blog. Thank you.
Thanks, admin!!! The blog is really informative. Joining the Institute is essential for the student to make the career. It gives guidance and study atmosphere.
Indian Navy Training Institute Lucknow | ssc coaching institute in lucknow
This comment has been removed by the author.
Post a Comment
<< Home