— Observations and experience of a veteran police chief from a 33-year career. — Studying and reflecting on the nature…
Remember What We Built
As a growing presence of federal law enforcement comes to our towns and cities and looms in our future, let’s…
The Thin Blue Line
A Crisis of Allegiance A dangerous collision is imminent between federal overreach and the front-line reality of local policing. Across America,…
Interview with Commissioner Bill Bratton
This post contains a link the podcast Chat with the Chief, hosted by Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche. It features…
Tension on the Street
Several cities and states are adopting measures that restrict how federal law enforcement conducts civil immigration operations, placing local police…
Not In Our City, Not On Our Watch!
A Call to Active Duty City, County and State Police I served over three decades as a city cop. I know…
Policing in 2026
The line between “guardian” and “occupier” has never been thinner. As we approach the 2026 mid-term elections, policing is becoming…
Local Police Response to Federal Immigration Enforcement
Introduction I spent over 30 years in municipal policing, serving in four cities and leading in Madison for two decades.…
There’s a New Gang in Town—And They Don’t Answer to You!
A Reflection on Power, Fear, and Constitutional Courage During my 33 years in policing, including two decades as the Chief…
When ICE Comes to Your City
What Chief O’Hara Learned in Minneapolis The following interview summary offers a sobering look at the crisis currently unfolding in…
Watershed– A Poem
Last night in nearby Mt. Horeb, I had the privilege of playing “We Shall Overcome” on my harmonica and reading…
Improving Police: A Necessary Conversation 