Why You Want Cops to Have a Warrior's Mindset by Ayman Kafel Over the past several years, the term "warrior" has been used, labeled, demonized, idolized, and applied to all kinds of professions. These days when someone mentions the word "warrior," typically, it is synonymous with members of the military, sports figures, MMA, UFC, and others. The term "warrior" in the law … [Read more...]
The Tactical Tango and Psychological Ambush… a Lost Art
The Tactical Tango and Psychological Ambush... a Lost Art by Ayman Kafel A few years ago, I investigated a credit card theft. The defendant, call him "Mr. Big," worked as a mechanic for a family-owned car dealership. The victim, call him "Mr. Cars," reported that he thought his mechanic, Mr. Big, stole his credit card. Mr. Cars provided me a credit card statement of the … [Read more...]
Police Training Must Include Stress Inoculation: “Everyone Has a Plan ‘Til They Get Punched in the Face”
Police Training Must Include Stress Inoculation: "Everyone Has a Plan 'Til They Get Punched in the Face" by Ayman Kafel I was born in Monrovia, Liberia in the early '80s. I remember so much about it. The beaches, the muddy roads, the wildlife in the jungles, my father's job, where we lived, and I remember when Charles Taylor took over and war broke out. I saw a soldier jump … [Read more...]
The Death of the Modern-Day Warrior
The Death of the Modern-Day Warrior by Ayman Kafel There is such a massive disconnect between the warrior class and the civilian class in the modern world. Yes, I did say warrior class. I do believe that there is a warrior class. The warrior class is a small group of the modern population. They are your service members, 1st responders, and certain other professions. In … [Read more...]
Cops Have Been Screaming for Criminal Justice Reform
Cops Have Been Screaming for Criminal Justice Reform by Ayman Kafel Criminal Justice Reform has been a topic of discussion and outright anger by many law enforcement agencies. We've had officers killed by individuals who should not be out of jail. We've victims of domestic violence get hurt again by their abuser because they were let out early More recently, due to … [Read more...]
The Radicalization Trap: “If you ain’t a Muslim you deserve to die”
The Radicalization Trap: “If you ain’t a Muslim you deserve to die” by Ayman Kafel It was a cold night in early 2000 as I sat inside a mosque after Friday prayer. I was waiting for a couple of friends, and decided to hang out in the common area. Several chairs and tables were scattered across the room. It was noisy from the various conversations going on. There were all … [Read more...]
Reality of the Job
Reality of the Job by Ayman Kafel Every door I knock on is mostly bad news Most cars I stop, I don’t plan on giving a ticket It’s either to tell them to slow down or tell them their taillight is out When I go order a meal I try to go to places where I see my food being made When I eat, my back is to the wall Head on a swivel, Is my food poisoned? Spit on? Was … [Read more...]
Command Presence Plus Situational Awareness = Controlled Chaos
Command Presence Plus Situational Awareness = Controlled Chaos by Ayman Kafel "Command presence" is discussed on day 1 of the police academy and stays with the officer for the rest of his or her career. Does this mean the officer is taught to be an asshole? Is the officer taught that they are better than everyone else? Command presence refers to when an officer enters … [Read more...]
The Oath: A Warrior’s Core Belief
The Oath: A Warrior's Core Belief by Ayman Kafel When you listen to the National Anthem, do you get tingles that run up your spine? When you see someone in need, do you help? Is there something deep in your core? For us, who raised our right hand and swore the oath, we believe in the oath, and that it is worth dying for: "I, (state your name), do solemnly swear that I … [Read more...]
When One of Us is Murdered
When One of Us is Murdered by Ayman Kafel It’s so frequent these days. It’s on the news nearly every day. An officer was shot and injured, an officer was assaulted, an officer was ambushed, an officer was shot and killed, an officer was stabbed and killed. President John F. Kennedy gave the law enforcement community a Memorial Day. May 14. A day where we get to reflect … [Read more...]
