Gary G. Smith, Criminal Justice Practitioner

Happy 4th of July

2009-07-04T10:42:00.000-05:00

Reagan Says...

2009-06-28T14:46:00.001-05:00

Government exists to protect us from each other. Where government has gone beyond its limits is in deciding to protect us from ourselves.

--Ronald Reagan

Lemonade is still 5 Cents

2009-06-27T11:27:00.004-05:00

Growing up in the 60's, Lemonade and Kool-aid stands were the main staple of income for most of us kids and certainly an oasis of relief on hot summer days for the maintenance workers and postal carriers in our neighborhood.

Of course a litigious society and fear of less-than-nice folks have changed that iconic symbol of our neighborhoods.

National Night Out is the first Tuesday in August. I would encourage you to reserve your spot with your local police department. Have a block party and socialize with your neighbors. Introduce your kids to the concept of a lemonade stand or Kool-aid stand during that event.

Encourage your neighbors to get together and stand firm to improve our neighborhoods and communities.

In Emporia, you may call Brendy Allison, 620.343.4211 at the Emporia Police Department.

Help give crime a going away party and have some lemonade at the same time.

Frustrations of a Police Chief

2009-06-23T23:16:00.003-05:00

Probably one of the most frustrating experiences any police chief has is the need to deal with second party vendors. In the past 30 days, I've had to threaten litigation against 3 vendors, just to get them to return calls and finish work.

I take my responsibility as a steward of taxpayer money very seriously and I can't think of any lower life form than a company who tries to screw public funds in a public safety venue that puts the lives of men and women at risk.

Over the years I've fought over shoddy light bars, bad ballistic vests, lousy radio systems, "vapor ware" and the list just goes on and on.

Next month, I'll be attending another International Chiefs of Police session. I plan on introducing a suggestion that the department of justice establish best practice standards for those wishing to do business with public safety entities and suggest that the DOJ tie in a provision of criminal prosecution for any company who receives dollars from recent grants or stimulus monies that will hold the officers and agents of those companies criminally liable for misrepresentation of products or performance.

Since my most recent assignment, I've been battling with a records management vendor that has over 1/2 million dollars tied up in software with the department. They charge us to go to their users conferences (hefty prices too) just to be indoctrinated into their products. I dealt with this product about 20 years ago and it wasn't good then and the service was even worse. In 20 years, they have only proven that worse can really get worse.

They seem to believe there are deep pockets in small local governments. In their arrogance their management team and apparently their sales staff believes all police chiefs are ignorant about information technology issues. As someone who used to develop records management systems, I can certainly tell them that the "emporor has no clothes" and their sweetheart deal is over.

The annual maintenance fees, nearing $100k are a joke since we receive virtually nothing in return. I could go out and buy another entire RMS for that amount alone and am close to doing so.

If they truly feel that being "locked" into one system deters leaving, I've got a surprise for them. Working with a dysfunctional system that isn't in sync with the state mandates of our location puts them in an instant disadvantage. I'm also thinking that I'd be happy to consult with them on the development of customer services skills for their sales staff and account reps.

At this point, I won't name the western US law enforcement software company. The irony is that most agency heads who have the experience with them will know. Once my national survey is complete with the satisfaction of this company and others, I'll post the information here.

It will take some time and quite frankly, I'm hoping that by the time I'm ready to release the information, I'll have a new vendor.

See You Later Down the Road, just don't spill the soda while you drive man.

A Plea for Help From Iran

2009-06-21T23:46:00.001-05:00

Here is a link to a Youtube posting from a woman saying she is in Iran. Please notice she wants to know where the rest of the world is, why they aren't helping them?

I wonder the same thing.

Iranian Update

2009-06-20T18:03:00.003-05:00

Twitter updates are indicating that a burning fluid, perhaps acid is being dropped on protesters in Iran from government helicopters. Again, the reports are unconfirmed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Iranian people!

Iranian Update

2009-06-20T17:56:00.001-05:00

A friend of mine connected to Iran sent the following message they received from Twitter. Please be clear, I cannot vouch for the accuracy for the information but it does give one pause.

CyrusDaGr8

Device updates

On Off

You will not receive CyrusDaGr8's updates via SMS.

The explosion in the khomaini's mosque was by gov't. they took bodies of protesters there to blame it on them. #iranelection #gr88 #tehran3 minutes ago from web

Turmoil in Iran

2009-06-20T16:38:00.003-05:00

Several friends of mine recently immigrated from Iran who subsequently surrendered their citizenship to become U.S. Citizens. For a number of years now they shared with me how things have been simmering in Iran. contrary to news reports you may be listening to right now, I've been told that although a lot of the population is young and was born after the Shaw of Iran was exiled, parents, grandparents and family members have told their youngsters about how freedoms of a secular society provided a modern more Western-style of living. Specifically, how the civilian police were courteous and respectful and were not religious zealots.

Based on what they have been told by family members, the mass outpouring of citizens of Iran are responding not just to the recent election but 30 years of persecution and repression.

Based on my friends impressions and those of their family members still in Iran, if this situation does not topple the Islamic regime from Iran, it certainly will be the precursor to a march toward secular government and more open, free society.

Our policy makers would do well to listen to folks like my family and their friends and not sell the will of common folks to seek basic freedoms.

President Reagen once said, Above all, we must realize that no arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women. It is a weapon our adversaries in today's world do not have. " Based on what I've been told, many people in Iran have the will and moral courage of freedom. There isn't a gun big enough to snuff it out forever.
Thanks to technology, the Iranian government is not able to suffocate the message of what is going on. the visual images are often graphic and appear to be very real. What makes this event so different is that the information and the images is coming from the people from Iran, rather than news organizations or what the government will allow. Just like the Reagan quote above. Those voices will not be silenced.

Those who are saying that the Iranian government is showing restraint may be right, or they may be wrong. Quite simply, if the governing counsel truly feels at risk. They cannot afford to escalate the level of violence. From viewing the video feeds and posts by Iranian people would indicate that the protesters often armed only with rocks and their cell phones. Appear to be relentless to in their quest.
As President John Kennedy once said, We are not here to curse the darkness, but to light a candle." I think that beacon of freedom is spreading in the Middle East and I believe that you have to give a great deal of credit for their courage. If in fact it is true that the Iranian government is finding it necessary to bring in other terrorists groups to maintain order due to the fact that the local police are refusing to force violence on their own people and the fact that some of the religious leaders are calling for respect for the right of people to protest. It would appear that there is a light in the darkness. The Iranian people are courageous and determined people. Do not underestimate their will to change their government and where their country is headed. Many Iranians do not like the idea of the development of nuclear weapons and the sponsoring of terrorism to other countries.

The More Things Change....

2009-06-14T23:22:00.004-05:00

I spoke to an old friend from a place long since evacuated by me and mine. Through his angst and frustration, an excerpt from George Orwell's Animal Farm came to mind. It is as follows:

In a very little while the animals had destroyed everything that reminded them of Mr. Jones. Napoleon then led them back to the store-shed and served out a double ration of corn to everybody, with two biscuits for each dog. Then they sang Beasts of England from end to end several times running, and after that they settled down for the night and slept as they had never slept before.

But they woke at dawn as usual, and suddenly remembering the glorious things that had happened they all raced out into the pasture together. A little way down the pasture there was a knoll that commanded a view of most of the farm. The animals rushed to the top of it and gazed around them in the clear morning light.

Yes, it was theirs—everything that they could see was theirs!In the ecstasy of that thought they gamboled round and round, they hurled themselves into the air in great leaps of excitement. They rolled in the dew, they cropped mouthfuls of the sweet summer grass, they kicked up clods of the black earth and snuffed its rich scent.

Then they made a tour of inspection of the whole farm and surveyed with speechless admiration the ploughland, the hayfeld, the orchard, the pool, the spinney. It was as though they had never seen these things before, and now they could hardly believe that it was all their own.

Keep in mind old friend that although they tried to eradicate all memories of Farmer Jones, before too long the pigs were living in the house, making merry, associating with all of Farmer Jones' old friends and try as they might, they didn't successfully kill the memories before the old swine got their way.

Chin up!

When Things Look Darkest

2009-06-05T00:04:00.002-05:00

A recent tragedy in our community has reminded me of the fragility of life and how quickly our joy can turn into despair. It is easy when something unexpected and terrible happens to question why bad things happen to good people. It is easy to get bitter and to give up hope.

Psalm 34:18 says "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

I've mentioned before that God will never burden you more than you can handle so long as you trust in Him and seek his guidance. You should always remember that the power that raised Christ from the dead dwells within you.

During dark times, it's good to remember that Proverbs quote: "It's always darkest before the Dawn."

You will find the light in Jesus Christ if you remain steadfast in your faith and trust that God will see you through. It won't be easy but God will not forsake you and he will help you through the hard times.

Torch Run Arrives in Emporia!

2009-06-04T09:59:00.002-05:00

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Torch Run participation by the Emporia Police Department. EPD has the distinction of being one of the longest, continuous supporters of the Kansas Torch Run to benefit the Special Olympics.

Law Enforcement officers from both the Lyon County Sheriff's Office as well as Emporia Police Department joined with officers from across the state to meet in Emporia on Wednesday Evening. The torch run then proceeded out of town on Thursday morning, heading south out of town on their way to Wichita.

The law enforcement officers who donate their time to ride across the state to raise money to be used to send our local Special Olympians to the Special Olympics is a truly heroic gesture and represents what is best about our local law enforcement officers.

I've posted pictures below of Wednesday's arrival. I also want to thank Pizza Ranch who donated the meals to the Torch Run participants who were very ready for a carb refill by the time they reached town. Thanks to Lt. Koelsch who has worked on this project for 25 years. Once I get all the names I'll put a postscript here.

Murder

2009-06-01T23:26:00.001-05:00

They claim God ordered “Thou Shalt not Murder”, and what do they do? Murder in the name of God

The Economy

2009-05-27T10:06:00.000-05:00

I was recently checking a few other blogs the other day and came across the one from a collegue in Minnesota. I posted a link here if you are interested. Mr. Neal talks about tough choices he has had to make because of the tough economic times in Minnesota right now. His community is an affluent community and he is a damn good manager but sometimes stuff happens. In this case, the State of Minnesota happened. The governor there has unalloted 2008 and will unallot 2009 monies that had already been committed to the communities to try to balance a multi-billion (yup a B) revenue shortfall. The legislature and the governor cannot agree on a budget solution so things just stop. A few years ago the state actually shut down...literally. It was a big mess and the voters didn't forget it. When the next election came around the voted a big block of representatives and senators out the door.

Makes me appreciate the business planning of our commission and our mangers. Hopefully we can weather the economic downturn without having to go through what folks up north are dealing with.

Scott is a good guy and I know such decisions are hard for him to make as it is with any manger.

Officer Memorial

2009-05-26T21:55:00.002-05:00

Trooper Kyle P. Barber, 46, of the North Carolina Highway Patrol died on May 19th as a result of injuries he sustained when he was struck by a vehicle on January 2o, 2007.

Trooper Barber was assisting another trooper who had stopped an ATV on a rural road. During the stop, the ATV rolled over and pinned Trooper Barber against his patrol car, causing him major injuries. As a result, Trooper Barber had undergone 10 surgeries and other treatment to his lower legs. He passed away from complications of the most recent surgery.

Trooper Barber had served for 24 years and is survived by his wife and three children.

Memorial Day

2009-05-25T12:13:00.002-05:00

Please take time today to remember those who have given their lives in sacrafice to keep us safe and free.

Mother's Day

2009-05-10T22:04:00.002-05:00

This is the first Mother's Day without my mom. We went to church and listened to the platitudes of motherhood and watched as all the kids went back to their parents after the kids' sermon and told their moms and grandmothers they loved them. It was touching.

It is also a time to reflect on memories. Out of the blue I remembered a particular time when we were living in Lincoln, Nebraska. It was the summer and it was hot. Absent decent air conditioning, I remember Mom packing up a lunch and taking us to Pioneer Park. It was a good lunch and time to cool down. With our mom, it wasn't just peanut butter and jelly sandwiches either. We had homemade lemonade, ham salad sandwiches and homemade potato salad. It was cool sitting in the park between the huge pine trees and playing memory games with Mom and my sister and brother. I'm sure she could have found better things to do that day but chose to spend that time with us.

That was just the way our Mom was and I'm sure glad we had the time we did to spend with her.

Happy Mother's Day

I Am An American

2009-05-02T11:40:00.000-05:00

I am an American.

A product of a proud legacy of the struggle of an ever changing republic founded on principles of democratic governance and the rights of the individual and the common good of the many. Our path has been often less than idealistic but it has been open, public and very much a family affair. Our strength comes from the willingness to put aside our differences for the common good of our namesake.

As an American I honor the legacy left to me by the sharing of my time, talents and yes, my money to further the hope of the future and leave a legacy to my children and their children. I want to make that investment as my parents and their parents before them did to make sure that my life was better than theirs.

It is an honor and a responsibility to provide for the sustainability of our nation. Supporting the operation of our government is a right and an obligation. We are judged by how we treat those in need and exercise the freedoms we have been given by God by the sacrifice of our youth to protect those same freedoms for our brothers and sisters across the seas.

If as an American I claim my right to freedom, I must allow that freedom to be tested to the breaking point by someone shouting their hate of me and my country. I must allow that freedom to be tested while the very symbol of our greatness is burned right in front of me. It must be tested by the sacrifice of our young men and women on battlefields far from our shores and judged by the level of restraint and professionalism when force is necessary to protect our rights. It must be tested as our borders strain to accommodate those seeking a better life. I must exercise my legacy by practicing tolerance, patience and a willingness to share my faith in our freedoms with those who will someday take my place.

I am an American....our greatness comes from our diversity and the fact that united, we cannot fail.

Are Newspapers Extinct or Just the Truth

2009-04-29T23:54:00.002-05:00

According to the Associated Press The Baltimore Sun just laid off 60 people in their news bureau. The article goes on to say that a good number of management level employees were also put out on the street. It’s ironic, in my view, that the AP finds itself reporting on what appears to be the eminent demise of another newspaper in the throes of “downsizing” by its parent group, The Tribune Company who finds itself in Chapter 11 purgatory.

I recently learned through a colleague that the Minneapolis Star Tribune is also in bankruptcy proceedings after having been purchased by a larger news organization a few years ago. Honestly, I got a bit of smug satisfaction in learning that bit of information, given my experiences with the “Strib” during my Northfield Days. It did get me thinking though if the theories about the race of the consumers away from print media to the mindless world of Google and Yahoo for their news source are valid.

I freely admit that my expertise in reference work came from the periodical index reference books in the hard cover editions in the library: writing down the reference numbers and soliciting the assistance of the librarians to find the text or magazines. There is still something enjoyable about the smell of a good magazine that is about 20 years old and the satisfaction of actually taking notes after reading the articles for reference, rather than cutting and pasting the information. I know that the most recent APA style affords the ability of referencing URLs and that’s fine, but back to the topic of why I think the print newspapers are having a hard time.

Could it be that it’s not so much about reader access? Could it be that it’s not really about reader time constraints? I wonder if it might be more along the lines of the same disillusionment that I’m witnessing with any variety of issues in our daily lives. In today’s Emporia Gazette, syndicated columnist Leonard Pitts Jr., of the Miami Herald commented on the difference between celebrity and being notorious. Pitts Jr. used the example of celebrity movie stars versus the recent attempt of disgraced former Illinois Governor, Rod Blagojevich’s attempt to land a spot on a NBC reality program. Is it perchance the fact that, as Pitts Jr. indicates, the line between being recognized as notorious and being recognized as a celebrity or even someone of a position of respect has been blurred?

I think that the business of reporting the news has become a business that just happens to represent itself as reporting the news. Perhaps the concept of the one person, small town newspaper business succeeded because it was the primary news source. Heck sometimes it was the only official news source. It was the place to secure the facts because the person reporting the facts was directly accountable to his clientele as often was the case with the tar and feather approach and a rail when the community didn’t always like the truth or agree with the editor/publisher. As technology grew, there were consolidated news agencies like the Associated Press to provide the news away from home. Somewhere along the way, the individual newspapers figured it was sexier to have their own reporters on the scene in the distant bureaus rather than relying on their peers. “Scooping” became an international game and has taken it’s toll I think. The bigger papers fought the gangs, the bad politicians and have unearthed some pretty sophisticated bad guys over the years; they also promoted racism, segregation, xenophobia and scared the hell out of people when communists were reported on every corner during the 1950’s.

Maybe a little more passion on the part of the editor to seek the truth, expose the emperor when he has no clothes and challenge the intellect of the readers could bring the readers back whether it is through print or through IPod. I submit we need the truth, even when it hurts. That takes courage, ethics and a willingness to lay it on the line. I think that is why there are a lot of media outlets in Chapter 11 and why the AP finds itself reporting as news the demise of the very tool in which we have always received the news.

Spring Rain Storms

2009-04-18T22:49:00.002-05:00

There was some thunder off in the distance this evening and the slight hint of rain in the air. It brings to mind the memories of staying at my grandmother's home back in Nebraska. My grandparents had 15 acres left of their farm after retirement. I've written before about some of the experiences but this one came to mind tonight.

I recall sleeping in one of the south upstairs bedrooms. One with a feather mattress and a sloped ceiling leading into an attic storage area. There was a gas stove for heat in the winter and large, long, rectangular windows to keep things cool in the summer. On this June evening, one could smell the dirt in the fields, recently tilled. It's a sweet scent when mixed with a hint of moisture. The aroma of the fields found its way into the room by the soft breeze blowing from the south that night.

The white sheer curtains moved in rhythm of the the breeze as soft crack of thunder began to echo off in the distance. As the thunder cadence became more regular and closer, the wind got cooler and the sound of rain began to pelt the roof of the house. Off in the distance you could hear the sounds of birds making their displeasure known of their interrupted sleep and the rain came down and the thunder and lightning rolled by.

The pelting of the rain and the soft rhythm of the wind, the rain and the smell of the freshness of a new season teased me into a soft state of slumber as I drifted off to sleep.

Many of you will probably scoff at this experience. Unless you've lived a summer storm on the prairie, it's hard to describe. For those who have; you already know.

Grapes of Wrath

2009-03-08T23:01:00.003-05:00

There are a lot of folks out there talking about parallels to the 1930's and what is called the "Great Depression." Take a minute and click here to watch a clip from the movie "Grapes of Wrath." John Steinbeck was the author of the book of the same name. Steinbeck is one of my favorite authors.

After the Wall Street crash of 1929, there was a lot of optimism. John D. Rockefeller commented that all through his life there was always tough times but prosperity always followed. Small consolation for folks like the ones portrayed in Steinbeck's book. I remember my grandparents telling me what it was like as young adults growing up during that time. My parents were born in the early 1930's and told me of the difficult times they had; although they were quick to add that living in the middle of the country, as tough as it was, they still had gardens, food to eat, schools to go to and friends and family to help each other through. Those stuck in larger cities didn't have the luxury. Those who faced foreclosure on homes and farms didn't have that luxury and often found themselves at the doorsteps of friends and family, if they were lucky.

Those facing losing their homes and or their jobs probably don't have time to reflect on how history often repeats itself. The excesses of the 1920's: the blind eye turned by those in charge not dealing with the looming crisis of inflated stocks and crazy buying....focus on profit for shareholders rather than investment in the future and employees. One of my grandfathers worked much longer into his late 60's because he lost his first pension because of the depression in the 30's. I suspect there will be those these today who will find themselves in that same position.

If one looks a bit farther down the road, historically speaking, you will find that the recovery of the 40's was later offset by the depression of the 50's: again following a postwar reduction in jobs and factory production. Ironically, I find the interest in community gardens and shared purchase of beef and other products and access to farmers' markets reminiscent of the Victory Gardens of the WWII era.

There were movie celebrities who openly urged Americans to buy war bonds to help fund the war effort and ease the national debt.

At church today, our pastor talked about helping out each other and how the difference just one person makes can have a exponential impact on others. Perhaps now is the time to take that lesson to heart. Volunteer, give of your time and resources if you can so 60 years from now, our grand kids and great grand kids can say we did it right.

Yet Another Example That Truth is Stranger Than Fiction

2009-01-26T19:54:00.003-06:00

This news article linked from Fox News outlines a story where a woman shot her boyfriend because he would not let her sleep. It would be funny if it wasn't for the seriousness of a person using a firearm to resolve an issue that should have been resolved with reason and intelligent conversation. Just another reason why law enforcement officers have to exercise so much caution in dealing with reports of domestic violence.

Martin Luther King Jr.

2009-01-19T06:32:00.000-06:00

Today we mark the birthday of a truly great American. Dr. King contributed much to our society and our way of life. His non-violence message resonates yet today. I remember standing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC a few years ago in the very location marked there as the place Dr. King gave his remarkable speech so many years ago. As a kid, I remember how I was struck by the words "I have a dream..."

Take time to remember Dr. King today and the legacy he has provided us.

Nunsense

2009-01-18T18:16:00.004-06:00

Ruth and I had the opportunity to attend Nunsense this afternoon at the Granada Theater here in Emporia. Sally Struthers and the rest of the cast played to a packed audience of over 800 in attendance. We knew it was going to be a full house when we arrived about an hour early and the line to get into the theatre was already wrapped completely around the block.

The Granada has quite a history here in Emporia and its restoration has been amazing. I'd encourage you to visit their website and read the chronicles that brought the facility back to its glory.

Missing Person – Adji Desir

2009-01-17T16:33:00.003-06:00

January 10, 2009
Immokalee, Florida

ADJI DESIR

DESCRIPTION

Date of Birth:

October 15, 2002

Place of Birth:

Naples, Florida

Sex:

Male

Hair:

Black

Height:

3'0"

Eyes:

Brown

Weight:

45 pounds

Race:

Black (Haitian descent)

THE DETAILS

Adji Desir has been missing from outside his grandmother's residence in Immokalee, Florida, since Saturday, January 10, 2009, at approximately 5:30 p.m.. Adji reportedly went outside to play with neighborhood kids after dinner. He was reported missing a little while later and his whereabouts remain unknown.

REMARKS

Adji was last seen wearing a blue and yellow t-shirt, blue and yellow shorts, and black and gray sneakers. He is mentally handicapped and functions at a two-year-old level. He has very limited vocabulary and is non-verbal.

REWARD

The FBI is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of Adji Desir.

Individuals with information concerning this case should take no action themselves, but instead immediately contact the Collier County, Florida Sheriff's Office at 1-239-793-9300, the FBI's toll-free hotline at 1-866-838-1153, or the nearest FBI Office or local law enforcement agency. For any possible sighting outside the United States, contact the nearest United States Embassy or Consulate.

Police Officer Deaths

2009-01-10T10:41:00.005-06:00

The 2009 officer fatality report states that police officer deaths were down in 2008 compared to 2007. There were 140 officer deaths in 2008 compared to 181 in 2007. Although it is good the number of officers killed in the line of duty is smaller, it is still tragic that so many police officers are killed each year. This article from Fox News does a good job of reporting the information.

It is a stark reminder that police work is inherently dangerous. There are other occupations where dedicated folks are placed in danger but outside of the military, only law enforcement are charged to deal with armed confrontations and deal with situations that are required to intervene and have the authority to use deadly force.