P.O. Potatoes Profile picture
Former Chicago cop, now I fight crime elsewhere | Looking for new perspective | Just here to give perspective and build bridges | R/Ts are not endorsements
Productive While Doomed Profile picture 1 subscribed
Mar 18 16 tweets 3 min read
Several years ago I was dispatched to a call of a CSA (criminal sexual assault) on a child. It involved an adult male and a juvenile....a very young child.

Upon arriving on scene mom didn't really want to talk. She became evasive and started to relive her own trauma right in front of me. It was a weird situation because I hadn't experienced someone being physically present but wasn't actually present as the mom talked about her sexual trauma.

At some point the mom, who eventually gave us the synopsis, had her child come and talk to us.
May 20, 2023 14 tweets 3 min read
So many people lack perspective and do not seek out avenues to broaden their perspective.

That is why such little things seem so insurmountable.

If your life seems tough or hard, it probably is with your limited perspective. If that's all you seek to understand, that's how it will always be. You're blinded and held hostage to your lack of perspective.

When you find a broader perspective, especially that of others less fortunate, it may allow you to see past your pain and discomfort. It may allow you to recognize your "insurmountable issue" is
May 18, 2023 5 tweets 2 min read
For the last 3 years people begged, bitched, pleaded, and voted in politicians that would move to a "restorative" justice model where low level offenses, no matter how egregious, would be cite and released. Simple battery/assault is a low level, usually municipal offense that many places CANNOT jail for.

Yes I watched the video, and many times IF that guy was arrested and booked supervisors are calling and asking why we are wasting time on booking when we can cite and release.
Mar 14, 2023 7 tweets 2 min read
If you know my real name and Google it you can read all about my civil rights lawsuit against me, other officers and the city.

HOWEVER.... There's is video footage that completely refutes the claimant's story and exonerates myself and the other officers AND the city of Chicago. The original lawyers and law firm removed themselves from the lawsuit because the video is completely against the client.

HOWEVER...
Mar 2, 2023 8 tweets 2 min read
I'm sure many of you have seen this photo, using it as a avatar or picture on posts on social media. But I'm sure many of you don't know but that was my actual star.

The one I had pinned on my chest when I graduated, the one I wore for years, and the one I turned in last year. Image On Feb 13, 2018 I was in the locker room at the 011th district and getting dressed for work.

Far back row where we only had 1/2 a length of bench.

But I threw down my wallet, star, and phone like I always did. But that day I took a second glance.
Nov 11, 2021 10 tweets 3 min read
COPA awarded Officer Ella French a 3 day suspension posthumously.

That's right, a deceased officer, one who died by the hands of a shitbag, has to lose 3 days of pay for... Checks notes... Late activation of a BWC and failure to complete a stop report as a PPO. Before anyone's panties get in a bind, I'm not excusing the punishment for the error made.

This is another dog and pony show that a city agency can put on.

COPA can hold up stats and herald loudly "LOOKIE WHAT WE DID! WE SUSPENDED X AMOUNT OF OFFICERS FOR AN AVERAGE OF X DAYS"
Apr 17, 2021 20 tweets 4 min read
I read something and it gave me pause for thought.

Essentially the statement was cops in high crime areas police different than low crime areas. It was stated in relationship to Adam Toledo's fatal encounter with a police officer, and made reference to if it was a different neighborhood it wouldn't have happened.

I've seen renditions of the same idea revolve around racism, implicit bias, and these things only happen in Black and Brown neighborhoods. That if it was a Black or Brown cop the shooting wouldn't have happened.

I partially agree.
Sep 14, 2020 10 tweets 2 min read
I hear or read this a lot, that policing isn't as dangerous as a lumberjack or truck driver.

And it's TRUE. Per capita more people are killed in a myriad of different careers and professions and law enforcement.

But here is why things are very different... Most police officers will go through a career never having been shot and killed. Many may never ever draw their weapon or need to use force. What separates out LE from other more "deadly" professions is the human aspect.

A logger goes to work w/ specific tools and a job to do
Jun 4, 2020 70 tweets 17 min read
Black trailhawk chase that started at 117th and Halsted, now W/B on Lawrence at Austin #ChicagoScanner Passing Montrose N/B #ChicagoScanner