Well, the City of Tulsa is going to be a busy place this weekend. Starting with the Quik Trip Air and Space show. There is the MS Walk at Temple Israel. At the Convention Center, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Promise Ball. At the BOK Center, The Nickleback Concert. (It has been reported that there are expecting 25,000 people to pass through the Convention Center and the BOK Center this weekend). At the baseball park, the Tulsa Drillers are playing the Springfield Cardinals.
So with all these things, there is going to be something for you to do this Saturday.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Crash Day
This I guess is like D Day. Some feel that while driving on wet streets, they can drive as fast as their little (or large) car (or truck) can carry them.
I guess people just don't understand. I wonder if we explain it in some new terms some will understand?
Well, when you were young, you heard about a slip and slide. Set it up, get the garden hose, turn it on and you have a great youthful turnout for some really fun times.
This photo is mere example of the fun that you can have on a slip and slide.
I just can not understand drivers, who want to drive fast when it rains.
See, the roads are like the plastic (blue) and the people are like the cars.
I can still hear that song, "Slip Sliding Away"...etc.
The faster you go, the faster you slide. That pretty much explains Tulsa traffic during and after a rain.
They must say, "Lets see how many crashes we can have in a few minutes?
I guess people just don't understand. I wonder if we explain it in some new terms some will understand?
Well, when you were young, you heard about a slip and slide. Set it up, get the garden hose, turn it on and you have a great youthful turnout for some really fun times.
This photo is mere example of the fun that you can have on a slip and slide.
I just can not understand drivers, who want to drive fast when it rains.
See, the roads are like the plastic (blue) and the people are like the cars.
I can still hear that song, "Slip Sliding Away"...etc.
The faster you go, the faster you slide. That pretty much explains Tulsa traffic during and after a rain.
They must say, "Lets see how many crashes we can have in a few minutes?
Rock and Worship Roadshow
Well, I would have never guessed that this show was going to be what it was...I was definitely surprised by the number of youth groups in attendance. I guess what really surprised me is that we (the special events response) are so used to so much more traffic.
I forgot how youth groups travel. People arrived in groups. This arrival method was sure different that all the other concerts. I was impressed with the fact that traffic was so light. It made for a very strong deception. When I talk about the deception, I am talking about the number of individuals in attendance. The estimated crowd was 9,500. Well talking to some BOK folks, they thought that the attendance was well over 10,000.
Not bad for some Christian music groups. There are so many who do not pay attention to this type of music, they were surprised by the turnout. Maybe a new door has been open for some to listen to a different type of music.
I forgot how youth groups travel. People arrived in groups. This arrival method was sure different that all the other concerts. I was impressed with the fact that traffic was so light. It made for a very strong deception. When I talk about the deception, I am talking about the number of individuals in attendance. The estimated crowd was 9,500. Well talking to some BOK folks, they thought that the attendance was well over 10,000.
Not bad for some Christian music groups. There are so many who do not pay attention to this type of music, they were surprised by the turnout. Maybe a new door has been open for some to listen to a different type of music.
Friday, April 16, 2010
"Overtime High"
Thank you GID for calling for the employment opportunity today. (This employment opportunity is often call Overtime!)
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
The investigation continues
The investigation continued and now as a result of some very diligent work, I now know who was driving a car.....
It is just unfortunate that the family is now learning and discovering information about this tragic moment.
Lets pray for them to have the strength.....(a moment of silence, please add your own petitions).
It is just unfortunate that the family is now learning and discovering information about this tragic moment.
Lets pray for them to have the strength.....(a moment of silence, please add your own petitions).
An Artist Among Us
"Humor is the best medicine." What a statement! Another antidote is something about being able to make fun of yourself. Well, if you add these together, you then have the right potion for a humorous moment.
Within the ranks of the department, there are often the "class clown" or the artist who will draw anything to have a little fun. On my shift, we actually have two artists. One very technical artist and another one who can just whip out some funny cartoons.
This one artist is always drawing from our conversations, incidents or anything that could happen while he is around to give him inspiration to draw.One co-worker has always been the 'subject' of some very questionable cartoons. Well, he can not feel the pain anymore. The artist has now moved on to target others. As the artist creates, we can always laugh pretty long and hard about the cartoon. In one setting there can be as many as 10 drawn.
Here is just one example. Obviously, for respectful reasons, some can not be shown on a public website. But we have all the originals or at least a photo of most of them around. It does add a little of the lighter side of life.
And yes, even though I am in a chicken outfit (AKA cock fighting outfit) I still enjoy the humor. You can always be the target, you can always be offended, but if you can not laugh at yourself, with others, then you may just have a harder time in life.
Some of the other chicken outfits are just hilarious. It does make work bearable. Especially in this time of turmoil that is being created by the administration, the conflict between the council and the mess in between.
Within the ranks of the department, there are often the "class clown" or the artist who will draw anything to have a little fun. On my shift, we actually have two artists. One very technical artist and another one who can just whip out some funny cartoons.
This one artist is always drawing from our conversations, incidents or anything that could happen while he is around to give him inspiration to draw.One co-worker has always been the 'subject' of some very questionable cartoons. Well, he can not feel the pain anymore. The artist has now moved on to target others. As the artist creates, we can always laugh pretty long and hard about the cartoon. In one setting there can be as many as 10 drawn.
Here is just one example. Obviously, for respectful reasons, some can not be shown on a public website. But we have all the originals or at least a photo of most of them around. It does add a little of the lighter side of life.
And yes, even though I am in a chicken outfit (AKA cock fighting outfit) I still enjoy the humor. You can always be the target, you can always be offended, but if you can not laugh at yourself, with others, then you may just have a harder time in life.
Some of the other chicken outfits are just hilarious. It does make work bearable. Especially in this time of turmoil that is being created by the administration, the conflict between the council and the mess in between.
The Investigation Continues
The investigation continues into a Monday morning collision. The investigation obviously has been altered by the downsizing of the police department. In the past, there would have been a detective who could have followed up on the investigation. Currently, that duty is falling on the responsibility of the officers involved at the scene.
A subject attempt to flee while an officer was trying to pull him over for a traffic violation. In his attempt to flee, the suspect lost control and crashed. The vehicle left the roadway and ultimately stuck a tree.
The driver is in a local hospital in critical condition. The identity of this individual is unknown and we are trying to gain enough information to continue with the necessary charges that are now presented in this case.
I had spend the majority of the day in this tangled web.
A subject attempt to flee while an officer was trying to pull him over for a traffic violation. In his attempt to flee, the suspect lost control and crashed. The vehicle left the roadway and ultimately stuck a tree.
The driver is in a local hospital in critical condition. The identity of this individual is unknown and we are trying to gain enough information to continue with the necessary charges that are now presented in this case.
I had spend the majority of the day in this tangled web.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Reality Check
Today was a struggle for many people in the world. But no matter what your problems are, there is always someone else who seems to have it "worse".
Being behind at work and knowing that you are going to have to work some overtime is not necessarily a problem. It may just be very frustrating.
The reality is.....
Being behind at work and knowing that you are going to have to work some overtime is not necessarily a problem. It may just be very frustrating.
The reality is.....
- When you wake up, you noticed that your car is not in your driveway. You call the police and discover that they are not too concerned about your car, because they actually know where it is.
- You learned that someone took your car for a joy ride and the ride ended because of a tree.
- The police tell you that they know where your car is and its not necessarily operable.
- You realize that you don't have enough insurance to cover your vehicle.
Lets not even talk about the driver of the vehicle....
The realization is that your life is not so bad.
Thank those around you. Recognize a dedicated coworker. Be a great friend who listens.
And don't forget to be that sounding board and point out:
"The reality is...."
So be thankful to God for what you do have.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Monday
Well, for all of you out there that is thinking that it is Sunday Morning.....well, its Monday (for me).
Going to see what is going to happen today.
Going to see what is going to happen today.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Coping.....
Touring in the city often means responding to situations that are very familiar to us. But for the normal citizen, those situations do not necessarily present themselves on a daily basis.
So when a situation arises for a family and they are unsure of what happened or what to do, then a goal for the officer is to get them through the situation.
Once way to assist them to get through any situation is to tell them everything they need to expect. Sometimes it is merely just being there for them. Other times, if you can joke and get them to relax, then you can accomplish a goal of reducing their anxiety and help them through the situation.
I had that opportunity twice yesterday. To help a family cope through a very tragic experience. It was actually a situation that they knew was very possible and they actually did expect the situation. But how often are you really ready for it?
In order for them to get through the situation, you work with the family by giving them information. Information is often the comfort that they need. Knowing that they do not have to jump into a situation right a way or take care of the details immediately is nice to know. That gives them the opportunity to step back and take a breath. That moment is often needed in many family situations.
One of my colleagues said it best, driving 100 plus miles an hour (on a highway) during a pursuit. When the bad guy fired shots back at the officers, a bullet struck the windshield and then fragmented and hit him in the shoulder. The remainder of the fragments hit the seat belt, headliner and visor. As the pursuit was going on, he could be heard on his dash cam (video recorder) saying "Breath, Breath, Breath". He then would pick up the microphone and advise the dispatch of the gun going off (not knowing it hit his body) and giving continued updates about the pursuit.
It is this advise that we try to give families during these situations. To remind them to breath is an important step to grief, recovery and understanding. So remember to breath.
Another way to deal with a traumatic situation is to joke about the situation. Humor has been found to be the best medicine for many situations. But you have to remember, that humor must be appropriate.
Well, on a car crash it can be appropriate. When the wife is still sitting in the car, shaking, looking for important papers, you know she needs to relax and take a breath.
So a great way to accomplish this goal is to create a humorous line that gets them to laugh, breath and relax.
So I approached and ask the elderly woman this question, "So where is your Daddy taking you?" She stopped shaking and realized that I was talking about her husband.
She was quick to respond that they were going to their rent house to replace a door. As she gave the response she just laughed.
I then asked her if her Daddy was going to take her out to dinner for being a good daughter and assisting with the rent house. She laughed more and and said, "Yes, we are going out for hamburgers, I believe."
She was then calm enough to have found the necessary papers and was able to provide them for the collision investigation.
Before they left, they both thanked us for our kind words and making the situation a little better. The husband then shook our hands and said, "If you guys want to join us a Ron's Hamburgers, we would be glad to sit with you."
I might have had Ron's last night, but that 'hanging the door thing' might have been necessary before the trip to Ron's.
So when a situation arises for a family and they are unsure of what happened or what to do, then a goal for the officer is to get them through the situation.
Once way to assist them to get through any situation is to tell them everything they need to expect. Sometimes it is merely just being there for them. Other times, if you can joke and get them to relax, then you can accomplish a goal of reducing their anxiety and help them through the situation.
I had that opportunity twice yesterday. To help a family cope through a very tragic experience. It was actually a situation that they knew was very possible and they actually did expect the situation. But how often are you really ready for it?
In order for them to get through the situation, you work with the family by giving them information. Information is often the comfort that they need. Knowing that they do not have to jump into a situation right a way or take care of the details immediately is nice to know. That gives them the opportunity to step back and take a breath. That moment is often needed in many family situations.
One of my colleagues said it best, driving 100 plus miles an hour (on a highway) during a pursuit. When the bad guy fired shots back at the officers, a bullet struck the windshield and then fragmented and hit him in the shoulder. The remainder of the fragments hit the seat belt, headliner and visor. As the pursuit was going on, he could be heard on his dash cam (video recorder) saying "Breath, Breath, Breath". He then would pick up the microphone and advise the dispatch of the gun going off (not knowing it hit his body) and giving continued updates about the pursuit.
It is this advise that we try to give families during these situations. To remind them to breath is an important step to grief, recovery and understanding. So remember to breath.
Another way to deal with a traumatic situation is to joke about the situation. Humor has been found to be the best medicine for many situations. But you have to remember, that humor must be appropriate.
Well, on a car crash it can be appropriate. When the wife is still sitting in the car, shaking, looking for important papers, you know she needs to relax and take a breath.
So a great way to accomplish this goal is to create a humorous line that gets them to laugh, breath and relax.
So I approached and ask the elderly woman this question, "So where is your Daddy taking you?" She stopped shaking and realized that I was talking about her husband.
She was quick to respond that they were going to their rent house to replace a door. As she gave the response she just laughed.
I then asked her if her Daddy was going to take her out to dinner for being a good daughter and assisting with the rent house. She laughed more and and said, "Yes, we are going out for hamburgers, I believe."
She was then calm enough to have found the necessary papers and was able to provide them for the collision investigation.
Before they left, they both thanked us for our kind words and making the situation a little better. The husband then shook our hands and said, "If you guys want to join us a Ron's Hamburgers, we would be glad to sit with you."
I might have had Ron's last night, but that 'hanging the door thing' might have been necessary before the trip to Ron's.
Monday, April 5, 2010
The question was asked and answered
The question has been asked an answered. Do you think that the Tulsa Police Departments Citizen Survey expresses your belief?
Go to:
http://www.tulsapolice.org/documents/CitizenSurvey2010.pdf
Go to:
http://www.tulsapolice.org/documents/CitizenSurvey2010.pdf
Great Spirits
Today, I had the wonderful experience to stop and talk to an individual who was stopped on the side of the road.
As I was inquiring about they why (she was stopped on the side of the road) I learned a great deal. This individual is going back to school to attain her nursing degree. She picked TCC for convenience and affordability.
I then got to ask why she was on the side of the road. She started off with a really great story. She said that she was excited because her afternoon classes had been cancelled and that once she finished her morning classes, she could go home and enjoy her day.
There were some very interesting obstacles though, that existed for her today. The first one was the fact that she is driving an older car. The second one is that the older car does not have an operating fuel gage. The third obstacle was the fact that she left all her credit card and cash at home. She thought she had enough fuel and therefore decided to not bring those items, because they were "not needed".
But her calculations or the lack thereof caused her to be slightly off on the usage of fuel in her Ford Fairmont. She ran out of fuel not long after leaving, with excitement, from TCC.
She quickly realized the fact of no cash, no debit card, and no credit card. Well, she thought that she could just get a ride home and get the wallet and then return to purchase fuel and drive home.
Next problem. While looking for her house keys, she realized that they were also in a safe place. This safe place was at home next to the wallet. So there was no need to go home for she could not get into the house.
So the next option was to call or text people to see if they could help. She was just waiting for people to arrive. Then the next problem got in her way. She also gave the wrong street, so the first person to come and help had a short amount of time that they could help. Well that was utilized in searching the area for the broken down car. So off to work he went when he could not find her and the car.
She laughed a little and she even laughed at my horrible jokes. So she just decided to stay, sit in her car and listen to music. Then she began to take her idle time and become productive. She found a bag and started to clean her car.
I don't think I have ever ran into someone who was smiling, joking and having a great time, even though they ran out of gas.
It was really nice talking to her. She was upbeat and happy, even though she was stuck on the side of the road.
She did tell me that she was a little unhappy with all the people who just drove by.
As I was inquiring about they why (she was stopped on the side of the road) I learned a great deal. This individual is going back to school to attain her nursing degree. She picked TCC for convenience and affordability.
I then got to ask why she was on the side of the road. She started off with a really great story. She said that she was excited because her afternoon classes had been cancelled and that once she finished her morning classes, she could go home and enjoy her day.
There were some very interesting obstacles though, that existed for her today. The first one was the fact that she is driving an older car. The second one is that the older car does not have an operating fuel gage. The third obstacle was the fact that she left all her credit card and cash at home. She thought she had enough fuel and therefore decided to not bring those items, because they were "not needed".
But her calculations or the lack thereof caused her to be slightly off on the usage of fuel in her Ford Fairmont. She ran out of fuel not long after leaving, with excitement, from TCC.
She quickly realized the fact of no cash, no debit card, and no credit card. Well, she thought that she could just get a ride home and get the wallet and then return to purchase fuel and drive home.
Next problem. While looking for her house keys, she realized that they were also in a safe place. This safe place was at home next to the wallet. So there was no need to go home for she could not get into the house.
So the next option was to call or text people to see if they could help. She was just waiting for people to arrive. Then the next problem got in her way. She also gave the wrong street, so the first person to come and help had a short amount of time that they could help. Well that was utilized in searching the area for the broken down car. So off to work he went when he could not find her and the car.
She laughed a little and she even laughed at my horrible jokes. So she just decided to stay, sit in her car and listen to music. Then she began to take her idle time and become productive. She found a bag and started to clean her car.
I don't think I have ever ran into someone who was smiling, joking and having a great time, even though they ran out of gas.
It was really nice talking to her. She was upbeat and happy, even though she was stuck on the side of the road.
She did tell me that she was a little unhappy with all the people who just drove by.
Multiple Monday
Multiple Monday....
It was one of those Monday's in which one wondered why there are so many people stealing. A local store at a local mall called in twice today.
The first call was in reference to a larceny suspect. This was not a first time offender. This offender has already received a felony conviction for stealing from a retailer on multiple occasions. So today, she was able to make another trip to the David L. Moss Correctional Facility (also know as the Tulsa County Jail). She was really surprised when she was told that her bond was $4,000.00. She was absolutely shocked about this revelation.
While we were there attempting to process the paper work, I was able to watch, as a young 16 year old stole some panties. She started to put one pair on in the store, but hesitated and then went into the dressing room. Of course on video you can see her select two pairs of panties, and one outfit. She came out with one outfit and no panties.
After being stopped, by the store security, she attempted to deny any theft. The boyfriend was quick to point out that one pair was in the sack. The sack that he carried out of the store, knowing there was some merchandise that had been taken. He was quick to turn the back over to store officials. However, she was wearing a dress that made it virtually obvious that she had taken the panties. I wonder if she learned to be a better thief or not to do it.
So off on my little trip to the David L. Moss Correctional Facility, with the first felony. Paperwork all finished, she was accepted quickly into the jail.
Upon leaving, guess what? Called back to the same store for another shoplifter in custody. Four really different people, four different responses and two different outcomes (citations vs. arrest).
I wonder what Tuesday will bring and I wonder if I can come up with a catchy title?
It was one of those Monday's in which one wondered why there are so many people stealing. A local store at a local mall called in twice today.
The first call was in reference to a larceny suspect. This was not a first time offender. This offender has already received a felony conviction for stealing from a retailer on multiple occasions. So today, she was able to make another trip to the David L. Moss Correctional Facility (also know as the Tulsa County Jail). She was really surprised when she was told that her bond was $4,000.00. She was absolutely shocked about this revelation.
While we were there attempting to process the paper work, I was able to watch, as a young 16 year old stole some panties. She started to put one pair on in the store, but hesitated and then went into the dressing room. Of course on video you can see her select two pairs of panties, and one outfit. She came out with one outfit and no panties.
After being stopped, by the store security, she attempted to deny any theft. The boyfriend was quick to point out that one pair was in the sack. The sack that he carried out of the store, knowing there was some merchandise that had been taken. He was quick to turn the back over to store officials. However, she was wearing a dress that made it virtually obvious that she had taken the panties. I wonder if she learned to be a better thief or not to do it.
So off on my little trip to the David L. Moss Correctional Facility, with the first felony. Paperwork all finished, she was accepted quickly into the jail.
Upon leaving, guess what? Called back to the same store for another shoplifter in custody. Four really different people, four different responses and two different outcomes (citations vs. arrest).
I wonder what Tuesday will bring and I wonder if I can come up with a catchy title?
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Easter Sunday
A time of rejoice. A time of reflection. A time of family, forgiveness and love. It is a time that people should know that Christ's life was important. It is a time of transformation.
The question is then raised, why on a police blog would someone write about religion. Well, if it were not for free speech, I would not be going there, in the religious halls. But today, while many people were celebrating Christ's resurrection, there were some celebrating their own efforts.
This effort was the right to protest a church. The right to stand on a street corner and subject their belief's on others. Now don't get me wrong, I do believe that everyone should have the ability to stage a protest. It should be peaceful and respectful. Even though you are protesting someone elses actions, you should provide respect.
So I decided to inquire why one church or congregation would protest another congregation. In order to discover the reasons, you must talk with the protesters.
I was quite surprised that they were willing to speak to the authority figure. They were very interested in knowing their limits, what actions they could take and what would happen if they did not follow directions.
They then informed me of why they were there protesting another church. It was all about the literal Bible. They believed that there are false prophets and that this particular church was about false prophets and not following the Bibles instructions.
See, in their minds, the teaching of Christ is left to those who are commanded to teach. It is all about men. And this particular church allowed women to stand and speak. What a shock.
I wonder if they have looked around at other denominations? Have they seen women priests, ministers and pastors? So why this church? Well, the answer was more illusive than I thought. So I guess that is why I am pondering this point.
There is some measure of understanding of hospitality. Even when your enemy comes forth, there are those who believe that hospitality is important.
So this church that was being protested was very hospitable. They took the time to locate a spot for the protesters (even though they refused). It was like giving them a home. They even went as far as providing snacks, coffee or water.
So I guess I would ask, so what church would you attend? The one that was very hospitable, offering a place to stand, food and drink or the one who stood with signs that said nothing about the protested church, but spoke of doom and gloom (blaming God for 911).
With two officers working in one squad, you could say that we were a little busy. To put it in perspective, there was a suspicious person call, a missing person, alarm calls, open doors, disturbance calls, a fight and a couple of shoplifters.
To top it off, an officer handcuffed an individual for transport. Upon arriving at their destination, he tried to remove the handcuff''s that are at least 25 years old. The handcuff had to be cut off this individual.
So another equipment malfunction. I have a friend that would merely respond, "That's low bid for you!"
Gooday.
The question is then raised, why on a police blog would someone write about religion. Well, if it were not for free speech, I would not be going there, in the religious halls. But today, while many people were celebrating Christ's resurrection, there were some celebrating their own efforts.
This effort was the right to protest a church. The right to stand on a street corner and subject their belief's on others. Now don't get me wrong, I do believe that everyone should have the ability to stage a protest. It should be peaceful and respectful. Even though you are protesting someone elses actions, you should provide respect.
So I decided to inquire why one church or congregation would protest another congregation. In order to discover the reasons, you must talk with the protesters.
I was quite surprised that they were willing to speak to the authority figure. They were very interested in knowing their limits, what actions they could take and what would happen if they did not follow directions.
They then informed me of why they were there protesting another church. It was all about the literal Bible. They believed that there are false prophets and that this particular church was about false prophets and not following the Bibles instructions.
See, in their minds, the teaching of Christ is left to those who are commanded to teach. It is all about men. And this particular church allowed women to stand and speak. What a shock.
I wonder if they have looked around at other denominations? Have they seen women priests, ministers and pastors? So why this church? Well, the answer was more illusive than I thought. So I guess that is why I am pondering this point.
There is some measure of understanding of hospitality. Even when your enemy comes forth, there are those who believe that hospitality is important.
So this church that was being protested was very hospitable. They took the time to locate a spot for the protesters (even though they refused). It was like giving them a home. They even went as far as providing snacks, coffee or water.
So I guess I would ask, so what church would you attend? The one that was very hospitable, offering a place to stand, food and drink or the one who stood with signs that said nothing about the protested church, but spoke of doom and gloom (blaming God for 911).
With two officers working in one squad, you could say that we were a little busy. To put it in perspective, there was a suspicious person call, a missing person, alarm calls, open doors, disturbance calls, a fight and a couple of shoplifters.
To top it off, an officer handcuffed an individual for transport. Upon arriving at their destination, he tried to remove the handcuff''s that are at least 25 years old. The handcuff had to be cut off this individual.
So another equipment malfunction. I have a friend that would merely respond, "That's low bid for you!"
Gooday.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Humor?
I have to laugh at my father. This week he made a comment about all the police motorcycle officers working radar on South Sheridan Road.
As he was commenting about how everyone was passing him, he was pondering how many citations would be written for speeding.
Then he made the comment: "They are not speeding, they are merely seeing how fast their car can still go".
It also goes along with a comment on another website. The police officer says to the woman, you are the one who have I been waiting for all day. Her response, "Well, I tried to get here as fast as I could so you wouldn't have to wait all day."
As he was commenting about how everyone was passing him, he was pondering how many citations would be written for speeding.
Then he made the comment: "They are not speeding, they are merely seeing how fast their car can still go".
It also goes along with a comment on another website. The police officer says to the woman, you are the one who have I been waiting for all day. Her response, "Well, I tried to get here as fast as I could so you wouldn't have to wait all day."
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