Why are you always intense? Why are you always mean? Why are you always angry? You look like you’ve been through hell. These and many Continue Reading
Law Enforcement
Safe Ranges, Dangerous Illusions
Range Day I don’t know where I picked it up, but I have “test anxiety.” Whether it’s a blood test for a cholesterol check or a general knowledge Continue Reading
Should I?
Should I? Why did I? I broke the rule, why? Actually, I broke multiple rules. Rules I break more often when she is gone. Why? Continue Reading
When Strength Looks Like Threat
Last night, I went on a hike on the UW–Madison campus with a dear friend who was in town. When it was over, we parted ways and I started driving home. Continue Reading
When the Call Comes
Side by side we sat,In the belly of the beast.The beast roars as we approach. Those at my side,Were forged from chaos and grit,Who cut their teeth Continue Reading
The Weight We Carry — and Why We Carry It
I was born into chaos. My earliest memories aren’t of playgrounds or cartoons — they’re of explosions, shouting, and fear. My family escaped civil Continue Reading
They Were but Moments Away from the Same Fate
I walk the halls like nothing has changed. I walk the halls and act as I always have. I walk the halls as I always have and yet they do not react Continue Reading
When the Badge Became a Memory
I slithered through the halls, avoiding one final chastising from our hypocritical command. I stood in the drizzle and shook hands for yet another Continue Reading
Where the Uniform Ends I Begin
The uncertainty leaves me perplexed. The world passes me by as I wonder if these are my last moments. Is today the last day I don this uniform? Are Continue Reading
When the Uniform Becomes a Shadow
I recently read Turning Pro by Steven Pressfield. One passage about the “Shadow Career” struck me:“Sometimes, when we’re terrified of embracing our Continue Reading
Is It Me?
I cannot help but wonder if it is me. Of course, it's me. It has to be. It is me who has exceptionally high self-expectations. It is me Continue Reading
“Shock Probation” Explained: Kentucky Kidnapping Case Exposes Dangers of Early Release
What Is Shock Probation? Shock probation is a legal mechanism in the U.S. where a judge initially sends an offender to prison for a short Continue Reading