“The vehicle found in the alley here, we believe it was the officer’s,” 15th Ward Ald. Ray Lopez said. “If it was a carjacking, there might be evidence inside… an attempted carjacking… who knows, but all that evidence is being collected right now.”

Officer Huesca served in the Chicago Police Department for six years and was about to celebrate his 31st birthday in a couple of days.

“Another sad day in Chicago. Another sad day for the Chicago Police Department,” said Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling. “We lost one of our own today.”

Officer Huesca sustained multiple gunshot wounds, and despite the theft of his vehicle, the Chicago Police Superintendent has not said it was a carjacking.

“The officer’s vehicle was taken, but to get to the total motive of what happened, we need more information.”

Anthony Riccio, the former first deputy superintendent of the Chicago Police Department, expressed that the department’s operations often come to a standstill. “Operations as we know them, business as usual, is not business as usual. We go into this mourning period. There’s a lot of frustration. There’s a lot of sadness.”

According to Chicago FOP President John Catanzara, Jr., the criminals targeted Huesca’s vehicle and, because he was a cop, killed him. “They had to execute him because he was a Chicago police officer, and they didn’t want to get caught.”

“If they will do that to a Chicago Police officer, does anybody think the average citizen stands a chance in any of these situations – because you do not?”

In the past year, there have been at least seven other cases of off-duty officers being robbed, including the tragic death of Aréanah Preston, a Chicago police officer, who was fatally shot after her shift last May.

The Cook County Sheriff’s Department and the ATF are assisting the CPD in the investigation.

911 Outage areas included:

• • South Dakota – entire state
  • Nebraska – unknown areas
  • Texas – Del Rio and Kilgore.
  • Nevada – Las Vegas and surrounding areas

The outages lasted for almost three hours Wednesday evening in South Dakota, and some areas in the country were out for longer.

They are currently saying the outages are related to Lumen Technologies, a service provider. “There was a fiber cut, but they did not disclose the location of the damage.” The 911 systems were likely controlled from a single location, and everything went down when it failed.

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said Thursday, “When you call 911 in an emergency, it is vital that call goes through. The FCC has already begun investigating the 911 multi-state outages that occurred last night to get to the bottom of the cause and impact.”This is a major issue that needs attention, and it would be helpful if they made the location of the cut known to the public. There are around 5,700 systems that handle 911 calls nationwide.

At one point, officials said emergency personnel were available. That’s great to hear, but if you can’t reach them, they will not be much help.

Unfortunately, in situations like this, you’re on your own.

According to CWBChicago, Thomas Tucker “pleads guilty to aggravated battery of a peace officer and endangering others by recklessly discharging a firearm,” then gets nothing but probation.

A man who fired two shots from a Chicago cop's gun while fighting the officer for control of the weapon has been sentenced to … probation.https://t.co/UCCpPwQjMh

— CWBChicago (@CWBChicago) March 4, 2024

Elections for a new district attorney are right around the corner, and everyone better seriously think about who they vote for.

While certain groups advocate for gun control, serious crimes committed by criminals often go without consequences. When criminals can do whatever they want, they run things, and that’s why self-defense shootings are on the rise.

Response times are already awful, and recruiting is at an all-time low. Why would law enforcement want to go to work under these conditions?

That’s messed up!

And people say the police don’t have a sense of humor. The guy’s girlfriend doesn’t believe he got pulled over, and the officer let him Facetime her.

The person being searched is calm and polite, and so are the cops.

We live in a backward world, and the cop has some good advice: “Slow it down and pay attention.” On top of that, he gives the guy a pass on the red right light.

That’s how it’s supposed to work—not take off like a rabbit running down the road.

Give respect, get respect, and hopefully make some friends along the way.

It’s not just when dealing with law enforcement; it applies to everything in life. If you carry a firearm, ensure you know the law in each state and the required requirements for transporting a firearm across state lines. When other states recognize your concealed carry permit (CCP), it is called reciprocity. In some states, you must notify law enforcement if asked that you are carrying.

If you don’t have a concealed carry license (CCL), your gun typically needs to be in a container out of reach of the occupant in some place, like a trunk. Illinois, though, will allow you to have a firearm if it is unloaded and in a glove compartment.

You can research the “duty to inform laws.” USA Carry has an interactive map where you can put the state you live in, and it will show you which states have reciprocity along with state laws.

Stay safe, and don’t get pulled over.

This wasn’t my team’s first time being live-streamed by a citizen. Somewhat ironically, our body-worn cameras were also running according to law and policy.

Here are some pointers for young cops who aren’t accustomed to having cellphone cameras jammed in their faces:

Know The Law

Know the law! I’m amazed by how many of these amateur “journalists” or protestors know legal issues better than police officers. Chief among these are Fourth Amendment search and seizure powers and limitations. (Note: I also suggest that department policy mirrors or references case law.)

Keep It Simple

Learn how to explain the law and your justifications in simple, everyday language. But also in ways that don’t divulge too many details that would jeopardize an investigation. (For the academics out here, this is the “procedural justice” or “legitimacy” piece.)

Don’t Get Sucked In

Understand that many of these people don’t really want answers to their questions. Some of them simply want to make you look foolish, lose your temper, or get flustered. Be polite and professional. Offer answers, but don’t force them on those not interested in listening. Some of these people want dramatic content.

“First Amendment Auditing” has become a career only because we’ve given them so much good content. Don’t give them that content!

Keep Your Cool

Keep your cool. This means you might restrain yourself from otherwise legally permissible searches or seizures for those who are defiant or getting in the way. I don’t suggest placing ourselves in too much risk. However, we should reconsider the (often foolish) concept of “controlling” a situation. We’ve got to be comfortable with a little chaos, especially chaos caused by those who aren’t really an articulable threat to us.

Name and Badge Number

When someone asks for your name and badge number, give it. It’s that simple, but be careful because sometimes they are just trying to antagonize you, so don’t get sucked into a conversation.

Supervisor Request

When someone asks for a supervisor or the person in charge, do what you can to get that person to the scene. (I get it; the boss isn’t always available.) If it’s you, own it. That’s what we get paid for.

Be Human

Make reasonable accommodations. Allow people in custody or on-scene to get clothes, shoes, baby diapers, car seats, pets, bathroom access, etc. Again, when it is safe to do so and without jeopardizing evidence. Denying access to these basic things will make you look like a fool.

Stay Focused

Stay focused and on-task. Don’t let rowdy onlookers distract you from your primary mission or objective. “Arresting the neighborhood” will have a horrible impact in the short and long term.

John Robert added some thoughts on LinkedIn, “This is very sound advice for those doing a difficult job in today’s environment. Remember, you swore an oath to the Constitution, and even when they are being…less than civil…these are the people you swore to serve. That said, Officer Safety is paramount, so don’t let that take a back seat. Remember that for *most* people, their contact with you is a Significant Emotional Event because it is outside of their normal life experience. You have all the authority you need, which is not in dispute (even if they emotionally dispute it at the time). They are perfectly entitled to their opinions, however, unartfully, those opinions are expressed. Remember to adopt the “Peace Officer” mentality, not “Law Enforcement” when engaging. Be human. Be compassionate. You can still do your duty under the law. ”

Spoiler: All of this advice holds whether you’re being filmed or not. It’s just basic, good policing.

Always remember, “the camera is ALWAYS on,” and officer safety takes you home alive! Remember, it’s not personal; just let the insults go.

What are the signs of PTSD in first responders?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. The nature of their work exposes first responders to distressing situations like accidents, violence, and fatalities, which can lead to the development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. These traumatic experiences can manifest as symptoms of PTSD, including:

Intrusive Memories

Recurring and distressing thoughts, nightmares, or flashbacks of traumatic incidents.

Avoidance Behavior

Efforts to avoid reminders of the trauma, including people, places, or activities associated with the event.

Negative Changes in Mood and Cognition

Feelings of guilt, depression, anxiety, or difficulty concentrating and remembering.

Heightened Arousal

Increased irritability, hypervigilance, and an exaggerated startle response.

How does PTSD affect the workplace?

The presence of PTSD within departments can have several adverse effects on both the affected personnel and the overall workplace environment.

Job Performance

People dealing with PTSD may struggle with decision-making, concentration, and emotional regulation, affecting their ability to perform their duties effectively.

Interpersonal Relationships

The emotional toll of PTSD can strain relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and even family members.

Reduced Coping Skills

People may resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as substance abuse or isolation, without proper support.

Stigma and Barriers to Seeking Help

Fear of stigma and repercussions might discourage people from seeking help for their mental health struggles.

What coping strategies work best for PTSD?

To address PTSD in police departments and with other first responders, it’s crucial to foster a work environment that prioritizes mental health and provides adequate support.

Education and Awareness

Training programs can help raise awareness of PTSD, its symptoms, and the importance of seeking help. This reduces stigma and promotes a culture of understanding.

Access to Counseling Services

Offering confidential and specialized counseling services ensures people have a safe space to discuss their experiences and receive professional support.

Peer Support Programs

Establishing peer support networks allows people to talk to colleagues who have experienced similar situations, creating a sense of camaraderie and understanding.

Regular Mental Health Check-ins

Incorporating routine mental health assessments can help identify signs of PTSD early and provide timely interventions.

Flexible Work Policies

Allowing personnel to take breaks, seek support, and access resources when needed can reduce stress and promote a healthier work-life balance.

Resilience Training

Providing personnel with training in stress management and resilience-building techniques equips them with the tools to cope effectively with traumatic experiences.

Addressing PTSD in first responders requires a proactive approach that acknowledges people’s challenges and provides a comprehensive support system. By prioritizing mental health awareness, breaking down stigma, and fostering a supportive work environment, departments can ensure the well-being of their personnel while maintaining a resilient and effective workforce. Ultimately, this approach benefits individual first responders and contributes to safer and stronger communities.

There are many things to learn from watching this video, but my emphasis is on what happened after the shooting.

I often talk about how to prevent being involved in a confrontation. Someone recently asked me why the person who was shot in another video I discussed didn’t receive medical attention from the responding officers.

What Happened After This Shooting Caught on Body Cam

This is a separate case that recently happened in Chicago. The officer on top of the individual in this video is a Field Training Officer (FTO). A couple of people have said the second officer was fresh out of the academy (I haven’t been able to 100% confirm this, but the pieces fit).

This article is NOT ABOUT TACTICS and what could have been done better. Its focus is after the shots are fired.

In the body cam, the man tells officers to kill him as they wrestle over his gun. The younger officer dropped his firearm during the altercation to help the FTO. After several seconds, two shots were fired during the struggle on the floor. The individual clearly was not going to allow himself to be arrested and ended up getting shot. He even said multiple times, “Shoot me.”

After the shots are fired, it goes from bad to worse. The younger officer, who did not fire his weapon, runs out to the squad car to get a first aid kit, then returns to the house.

• It appears the officer had no medical supplies on him. Not even a tourniquet (TQ)
• When he looks for a medical kit, it is not readily accessible, and when he opens the trunk, he rummages through things, looking for what he needs.
• The gloves to prevent blood contamination are not in the kit. If they are, he is not aware of it. Again, those few seconds could mean the difference between life and death.

You often hear the term “Individual First Aid Kit” (IFAK) when referring to a small medical first aid kit someone would carry.

It was almost a minute before the officer returned and would have been ready to render aid. I don’t think there was any chance of saving the guy, even if they could have immediately treated his wound.

The suspect did not survive, but neither officer was physically injured. Emotional trauma for the officers involved is a different story.

WARNING: This is for training and awareness; some people will find it difficult to watch. Not as much because of the medical aspect, but you can feel the officer’s emotions. It does an excellent job of showing what these guys go through.

The full video can be seen here. All of the case files are here that have been released by the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA).

How Long Does It Take to Bleed Out From a Gunshot?

A person can bleed to death in as little as 2 minutes if someone doesn’t stop the bleeding. The average time it takes for a person to bleed out following severe physical trauma, such as a gunshot wound, is between three and five minutes. The average response time for emergency personnel is 7 to 10 minutes. In some areas, this wait time can be considerably longer.

In the image, you can see how easily it is to carry a tourniquet you can get to quickly. This is on the holster of an officer from the Allen, Texas, Police Department. This department responded to the Allen Mall mass shooting in May 2023. In this incident, people who had been shot were receiving critical care, including tourniquets, before emergency medical help had arrived.

A tourniquet can easily be carried even if you do not have room for a full IFAK. Different types are available, including the one shown above that attaches right to your holster, made by RDR Gear. Even if you conceal carry, options are available, like the Flatpack that goes on the Phlster Enigma.

Bleeding out can happen fast, and seconds count. I was at the Texas DPS facility outside Austin a few months ago. I got to talking with a combat medic, who told me of a story where he had to stick his finger in a wound to stop the bleeding. His finger remained there in flight and all the way to the hospital. Fortunately, the person survived, but I could tell it was something that the medic would remember forever.

Should You Provide First Aid to Your Attacker?

That’s a question there is no straightforward answer to. Is the scene safe? Are you trained to provide first aid? Can someone else provide aid? This is a topic of its own. I will emphasize that not all incidents are safe, and treating the injured is not always practical.

Your personal safety comes first.

I’m a strong advocate of being able to provide medical care, and “Stop the Bleed” is available all over the country. The program is available for anyone to attend, even if you are the average person wanting to learn what to do if you are the one who needs help.

Understaffed Emergency Services Issues

The understaffing of police and first responders is a complex issue with multifaceted causes. Several factors contribute to this problem.

Attrition and Retirement: An increased number of experienced personnel are retiring, leaving gaps that are challenging to fill because of the time and resources needed to train new recruits.

Recruitment Challenges: Police work is demanding and can be dangerous, making it difficult to attract suitable candidates. Negative public beliefs, media scrutiny, and social activism have deterred potential recruits.

Budget Constraints: Economic fluctuations and budget limitations in local and state governments often lead to reduced agency funding. This can cause hiring freezes or a lack of resources for training and equipment.

High Workload and Burnout: With reduced numbers, existing personnel may find themselves with an increased workload, leading to feelings of burnout and impacting their ability to perform effectively.

Implications of Understaffed Emergency Services

The consequences of understaffing within departments are far-reaching and impactful.

Delayed Response Times: With fewer police and first responders available to respond to emergencies, the time to reach and address incidents might increase, potentially jeopardizing public safety.

Increased Crime Rates: Understaffing can hamper proactive policing efforts, allowing criminal activities to flourish in certain areas leading to increased crime rates.

Strained Community Relations: A shortage of police and first responders can reduce community engagement and trust-building initiatives, further pushing relationships between law enforcement and the public.

Officer Safety Concerns: Understaffing can put additional pressure on the existing personnel, increasing the risks they face during high-stress situations.

Limited Specialized Units: Specialized units like SWAT (Special Weapons And Tactics), narcotics, and cybercrime divisions might need help to run optimally, impacting their ability to address specific types of crime effectively.

Potential Solutions

Addressing the understaffing issue requires a comprehensive approach involving multiple stakeholders.

Increased Funding: Adequate funding is essential for recruiting, training, and keeping officers and other first responders. Properly allocating resources to law enforcement and other agencies can help them operate more efficiently.

Recruitment and Incentives: Police and fire departments can implement recruitment campaigns highlighting the importance of the profession and offering incentives such as tuition assistance, signing bonuses, and career advancement opportunities.

Community Collaboration: Engaging with the community can improve public sentiment and encourage more individuals to consider these careers. Community policing initiatives can help build trust.

Technology and Training: Investing in modern technology and specialized training can enhance the capabilities of existing personnel, allowing them to manage their workload more effectively.

Retirement and Benefits Reform: Evaluating retirement packages and benefits could incentivize experienced staff to stay on the force longer, helping bridge the staffing gap.

Understaffing in police departments and emergency services is a complex challenge that requires careful consideration and collaborative efforts. By addressing recruitment hurdles, improving community relations, and ensuring proper funding and resources, agencies can work toward maintaining public safety, enhancing officer well-being, and effectively preventing and combating crime. It is crucial for policymakers, law enforcement leadership, and communities to work together to find lasting solutions that help everyone.

The 26-year-old, who underwent brain surgery and spent roughly a month on a ventilator, was a rookie Louisville police officer, having just graduated from the police academy 11 days before the shooting that left five people dead and others injured.

He was one of the first officers on the scene and ran toward the gunfire without hesitating.

While they have recently vilified some police officers (and rightfully so) for abusing their authority and have been tried for negligence and even cowardice for not moving toward the sound of the guns.

It’s important to recognize the bravery and sacrifice the other 99% of police officers make daily to protect people they don’t even know and don’t normally make national headlines.

Ofc. Wilt, family, and some of our other hero officers, Ofcs. Galloway, Moss, Shaw, and Smallwood accompanying him. Thank you for your service, Officer Wilt! ? #LMPD #WiltsWarriors #LouisvilleStrong pic.twitter.com/nuocESruYe

— LMPD (@LMPD) July 28, 2023

Officer Witt has earned that recognition. Great job, Officer Witt, and best of luck with your continued recovery!

By Richard McKearney

Richard is a freelance security and protection professional. Mentoring the next generation of law enforcement Assistant Chief Inspector (Retired) US Marshals Service