Tips for Navigating National Police Week

It’s time again for National Police Week here in the United States.  This year the event runs May 15-21, 2011 although events in Washington, D.C will be held from May 13th until May 16th.

According to the Fraternal Order of Police D.C. Lodge #1 website  “In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. Currently, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge on Washington, DC to participate in a number of planned events which honor those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

The Memorial Service began in 1982 as a gathering in Senate Park of approximately 120 survivors and supporters of law enforcement. Decades later, the event, more commonly known as National Police Week, has grown to a series of events which attracts thousands of survivors and law enforcement officers to our Nation’s Capital each year.”

Last year at this time we prepared an article and series of interviews with survivors and police officers who have “been there” to help guide “first timers” through the maze of events and seminars during National Police Week.  We even included a down-loadable tip sheet.  That information is timeless and we are inviting you to revisit that information if you would like to learn more and prepare yourself for a trip this year or in the future.

Our article from last year with interviews and a down-loadable tip sheet can be found by CLICKING HERE or by searching our site (see the “Investigate Our Site” box in the upper right corner).

Use this QR code to quickly download our Tip Sheet into your phone.

CopsAlive NPW Tip Sheet QR Code

Don’t know what a QR code is?  CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION from Wikipedia

Here are some other websites with current information… Continue reading

New Book “My Life For Your Life” by Clarke Paris

Clarke Paris the creator of the documentary film and training seminar “The Pain Behind The Badge” has just released his first book entitled “My Life For Your Life”.

My Life For Your Life is the first book to ever address police suicide on such a personal platform.

Order online at www.ThePainBehindTheBadge.com

This book will definitely have an impact on all who read it.

With a synopsis of the author’s career and the struggles he and his family endured as a result of his chosen profession, a chapter written by his wife giving her perspective of that career, and a chapter by David Joseph, a respected psychologist, readers are somewhat prepared when they begin to read about ‘Our Heroes’.

‘Our Heroes’ are 8 featured police officers who took their own lives. Each one of the officers are portrayed as the amazing human beings they were and it is a complete waste and disappointment that they are not with us today.

The most heart wrenching portions of this book however, are the letters from the officers’ loved ones. Letters were written to each officer after their death. Questions like “Why”, “What were you thinking”, “Why didn’t you talk to me”, and “Was it really that hard to ask for help?” are asked and of course, will never be answered by the one they are asking.

My Life For Your Life not only tells a story, but explains to police officers,…  Continue reading

How Comprehensive are Your Officer Survival Skills?

John Marx along with three other speakers have been invited to present an eight hour program on Comprehensive Survival Skills at the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association (ILEETA) conference this April 11-16, 2011 in Chicago Illinois.  This conference is huge, offering more than 150 courses (including more than two dozen instructor certification/armorer courses) with up to 20 sessions running simultaneously!

John Marx, Christian Dobratz, Lisa Wimberger and Dale Graff will present four two-hour blocks entitled:
“Tactical Wellness: To Serve with Valor, Protect Yourself Now” (Marx);
“The Cumulative Effects of Stress – Recognition, Intervention and Survival” (Dobratz);
“Emotional Survival and Stress Management” (Wimberger); and
“Optimizing Survival: Enhancing External and Internal Awareness” (Graff).

Please join us for what is going to be an eye-opening discussion on Law Enforcement Wellness and Career Survival.

John S. Marx, CPP is Executive Director of The Law Enforcement Survival Institute;
Lisa Wimberger is the CEO of Trance Personnel Consulting Group;
Christian Dobratz is a retired police officer and an Assistant Professor at  Minnesota State University at Mankato;
Dale Graff is a Facilitator, author and former Director of the U.S. military’s Stargate Project.

In John’s Tactical Wellness for law Enforcement session he will show… Continue reading

Wishing You A Safe, Happy and Healthy Holiday Season from CopsAlive

It has been a tough year for law enforcement officers around the world.  Here in the United States, Line of Duty deaths are up 42% according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, and the number of officers killed by gunfire is up 19%.

It is our mission at CopsAlive.com to “Save the Lives of Those Who Save Lives” and we do this by helping law enforcement officers around the world plan for safe, happy and healthy lives both on the job and beyond.

As this year comes to a close we are planning big things for 2011 to include on-line education programs, as well as on-site training, to help you survive this very dangerous and toxic career in law enforcement.

Until then we wanted to send you all our thanks and best wishes for a Happy, Safe and Healthy Holiday Season whereever, and how ever you serve.

We are including a wonderful poem from the great people at www.PolicePoems.com

Stay Safe!

“Angels In Blue”

I had this friend you see, who loved
God, Country, You and me.

My friend went to work day or night
the peace to keep, so you and I could sleep.

He worked the holidays and weekends,
away from family and friends.
To keep this peace for you and me.

Each day this friend put his life on the line
to spare yours and mine.

Then one day he paid the price, he gave his life.

You’ve done well my friend, patrolling these earthly streets.
Now it’s time to walk on Heaven’s beat.

The next time you see a Police Officer or two,
remember they are one of God’s Angels in Blue.

And God said; “Blessed are the Peace Makers.”

By Lieutenant Stanley Hascher
(Department Unknown)

Source: http://www.policepoems.com/AngelsInBlue.htm

Photo Credit: Imp_4897 by Meri Tosh as Creative Commons on Flickr.com

CopsAlive.com was founded to provide information and strategies to help police officers successfully survive their careers.  We help law enforcement officers and their agencies prepare for the risks that threaten their existence.

We do this by Helping Law Enforcement professionals plan for happy, healthy and successful lives on the job and beyond.  We think the best strategy is for each officer to create a tactical plan for their own life and career.

The Law Enforcement Survival Institute (LESI) works with individuals and organizations to help them create and sustain success in their lives and careers as law enforcement professionals.  It is the primary goal of The Law Enforcement Survival Institute to become the preeminent source for training, resources and information about how to create and sustain a happy, healthy and successful life and career while providing superior law enforcement service to your community.

CopsAlive One of 20 Blogs Criminal Justice Students Will Love

Rasmussen College has Listed CopsAlive as One of 20 Blogs Criminal Justice Students Will Love Written by Matthew Petz

Find it Here: “20 Blogs Criminal Justice Students Will Love” and you can also find it under “Best Blogs for Criminal Justice Students“.

Matthew Petz is the Director of the School of Justice Studies at Rasmussen College, leading programs in law enforcement, corrections , paralegal studies, and human services. Matt holds a Bachelor’s degree from St. Cloud State University and a Master’s degree from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, and has been a full-time licensed Minnesota peace officer since 1996

Rasmussen College’s School of Justice Studies focuses on many different aspects of the legal process — from law enforcement to the courts, and through the corrections process. By earning a degree from Rasmussen College, you will be prepared to enter into the justice field with the knowledge and ability to be successful in your future career.

You can earn a Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree through many of the justice studies programs offered at one of their multiple campuses. Their School of Justice Studies also offers courses in Law Enforcement Investigations, Corrections Client Services, Criminal Offenders, Homeland Security, Corrections, Law Enforcement and Psychology.

CLICK HERE to link to the Rasmussen College School of Justice Studies

Here is that link again:
http://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/justice-studies/blog/best-blogs-for-criminal-justice-students/

CopsAlive.com was founded to provide information and strategies to help police officers successfully survive their careers.  We help law enforcement officers and their agencies prepare for the risks that threaten their existence.

We do this by Helping Law Enforcement professionals plan for happy, healthy and successful lives on the job and beyond.  We think the best strategy is for each officer to create a tactical plan for their own life and career.

The Law Enforcement Survival Institute
(LESI) works with individuals and organizations to help them create and sustain success in their lives and careers as law enforcement professionals.  It is the primary goal of The Law Enforcement Survival Institute to become the preeminent source for training, resources and information about how to create and sustain a happy, healthy and successful life and career while providing superior law enforcement service to your community.

Is Yoga a Four Letter Word to Cops?

Let me introduce you to Nick Manci, a yoga instructor from Portland Oregon who wants to to help cops deal with their stress through yoga.

Nick’s form of yoga is a little more aggressive than the most common forms practiced in studios and classes because he says he is very in touch with the male energy that is common in law enforcement agencies.

The practice of Yoga is estimated to be over 5000 years old and traces it’s roots back in time to an origin in India. Many sources recommend yoga as stress management for police officers.

Currently, it is estimated that there are about 30 million people in America, and 1 million people in the United Kingdom practicing hatha yoga. Yoga (in the West) is an exercise-related and posture-related technique that involves gentle stretching, breath control and meditation.

According to Nick “The One Breath concept is a tool to systematically eradicate physical, psychological and emotional suffering that resides in the body caused by habit, addiction, situational stress, or past trauma. We do this by… Continue reading

Check Out the First “Safe Call Now” Conference

“Safe Call Now” the tremendous organization that provides a crisis hotline for first responders are hosting their first conference on addiction and mental health issues found in and around the public safety sector.

Saturday, November 6, 2010
Eastside Church, Bothell, WA
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Safe Call Now is a quality, confidential & comprehensive crisis referral service for public safety employees & their families nationwide.

Safe Call Now will be providing a day of education for all first responders, families and supporters. (All  first  responders  to  include,  but  not  limited  to: law  enforcement,  fire  fighters,  corrections, civilian  support   staff  and  family  members.) Continue reading

Pain Behind The Badge Seminars

The Pain Behind The Badge organization has a number of upcoming seminars.  I will be attending the seminar in Las Vegas and you are encouraged to attend any of these that you can.  This is excellent training about the issues of law enforcement suicide and the prevention of those police officer suicides.  Whether you work in law enforcement, corrections, probation or parole or you represent a law enforcement agency this is “must attend” training for you.

Editors Note: You can learn more about Sgt. Clarke Paris and The Pain Behind the Badge organization by reading our CopsAlive.com article about them and listening to our interview with Sgt. Paris at: https://www.copsalive.com/the-pain-behind-the-badge/

October 7 & 8, 2010
Grossman Paris Seminar, Las Vegas, NV
Special Seminar combined with Retired LT. Col. Dave Grossman

Colonel Dave Grossman will present his ‘Bullet Proof Mind ‘ program on October 7th and on October 8th, Clarke Paris will present his ‘The Pain Behind The Badge’ program.

Sgt. Clarke Paris is the Creator/Producer of The Pain Behind The Badge and has 24 years of experience as a police officer.

Retired LT. Colonel Dave Grossman was an Army Ranger and is a former West Point Psychology Professor. Now the director of Killology Research Group, he has published several books to include ’On Killing’, ‘Stop Teaching Our Kids to Kill’, and ‘On Combat’.

October 11 & 12, 2010
The Pain Behind the Badge Seminar, Houston, TX

The Pain Behind The Badge Seminar is presented by Clarke and Tracie Paris, and was created to bridge the gap that exists between law enforcement officers and the help that is currently provided by their respective agencies. Clarke is the Creator/Producer of The Pain Behind The Badge and has 24 years of experience as a police officer. Tracie has been a Registered Nurse for 25 years and has experience in E.R./Trauma and Ambulatory Care.

October 18 & 19, 2010
The Pain Behind the Badge Seminar, Seattle, WA

The Pain Behind The Badge Seminar is presented by Clarke and Tracie Paris, and was created to bridge the gap that exists between law enforcement officers and the help that is currently provided by their respective agencies. Clarke is the Creator/Producer of The Pain Behind The Badge and has 24 years of experience as a police officer. Tracie has been a Registered Nurse for 25 years and has experience in E.R./Trauma and Ambulatory Care.

For more information visit:
http://www.thepainbehindthebadge.com/seminar.html

CopsAlive Named in “Top 50 Criminal Justice Blogs”

CopsAlive has received another honor by being added to the list of Top 50 Criminal Justice Blogs.

The list is maintained by the Criminal Justice Degree Schools and can be found at:
http://www.criminaljusticedegreeschools.com/criminal-justice-resources/top-50-criminal-justice-blogs

Thank you all for your continued support!

Please remember CopsAlive.com was founded to provide information and strategies to help police officers successfully survive their careers. We help law enforcement officers and their agencies prepare for the risks that threaten their existence.

We do this by Helping Law Enforcement professionals plan for happy, healthy and successful lives on the job and beyond. We think the best strategy is for each officer to create a tactical plan for their own life and career.

The Law Enforcement Survival Institute (LESI) works with individuals and organizations to help them create and sustain success in their lives and careers as law enforcement professionals. It is the primary goal of The Law Enforcement Survival Institute to become the preeminent source for training, resources and information about how to create and sustain a happy, healthy and successful life and career while providing superior law enforcement service to your community.

CopsAlive Attends Police Wellness Summit

I had a chance to travel to Portland Oregon last month where I was privileged to be part of a summit of experts on police wellness issues that was hosted by the Hazelden Springbrook Treatment Center.  Hazelden’s Springbrook campus, located 25 miles outside of Portland in Newberg, Oregon, provides adults ages 18 and over with a comprehensive range of clinical services to treat addiction.

Gathering for the summit were representatives from NYPD, Chicago PD, the San Diego Sheriff’s Office, and Seattle PD along with representatives from Safe Call Now, CopsAlive and former Police Commander… Continue reading