Archive for the ‘Chief Scott Silverii’ Category

I was recently asked to speak at a book reading for the local library to discuss my latest work on cop culture, “A Darker Shade of Blue; From Public Servant to Professional Deviant.”

Unsure of what was expected, I looked for key sections or excerpts that might appeal to the civilian public. One of the selections discussed why cops fail to fit-in with the general civilian population.

I described the enticement of a fringe lifestyle, and the intoxicating draw of society’s margins. Their blank stares quickened my heartbeat and signaled that this first attempt by our community library to feature local authors was going south quickly.

Retooling the chronology of the presentation, I did as any experienced public speaker and supervisor of public servants would do. I lifted the microphone just under my mouth, lowered my voice and howled, “I’m a Sheepdog!”

Since that too did not go well, I launched into an explanation of the significance for a common cop term, “Don’t be sheep.” I’d like to share the same with you, sans the howling.

The police tradition is steeped in symbolism and imagery helping solidify officer ideology and public comprehension. Cops use the term “Sheepdog” to describe their position and role in society. It goes something like this;

Sheep

The majority of our population is good, honest people who would never intentionally harm another without provocation. They usually flock together and travel in groups to create unique cliques, cultures and societies. Sheep are not genetically predisposed for violence, but inherently desire social clustering.

Sheep desire belonging that involves homogeneity, or a sense of similarity. People tend to draw to those they share things in common. Band members are a unique clique in high school, distance runners are a special culture of athletes, and the free society we enjoy in America allows us to participate in activities such as music and athletics.

Humanity has survived thanks to the innate desire of individuals for banding together. Clustering creates cultures contributing to the proliferation of our species. Though early humans divided as some preferred hunting, while others chose the path of gathering, it was the bond of similarity allowing both cliques to succeed.

People are good, and enjoy the pleasant company of respectfully interacting with others.

Wolves

The wolves in our society represent the psychopathic victimizers, openly preying upon the peace-seeking sheep. They hunt, stalk and attack because it is their delight and pre-disposition to deliver chaos despite the effect on the larger community of sheep.

Operating in either small packs or as singularly motivated individuals, the wolf has no concern for the well-being or life’s enjoyment shared by others. They do not survive by co-existing within the flock, nor do they respect the social mores, traditions, or values of the flock.

They exist to unsettle, frighten, injure, and kill the sheep. The sheep is defenseless against the direct motivated attack of the wolf. Yet the sheep never lose their ability to combine a collective presence for the overarching benefit of the whole. Even in times of senseless violence.

Sheepdogs

The sheepdog is a social creature. They are also naturally inclined towards violent attack if provoked. The sheepdog loyally protects the herd, but does not live amongst them. There maintains a separation between the herd and the dog. Sheep are easily disconcerted by the sheepdog’s presence, yet they understand the dog’s presence will not cause harm.

Remaining in the fringe, the sheepdog is poised to respond to the threat or attack by the wolf. When the lone or pack wolves arrive, the sheep cling to each other with an assurance the sheepdog will arrive to save them.

Appearing from the gap, the sheepdog, a usually docile character, becomes aggressive and committed to the safety of the flock. The sheepdog will fight, injure, kill and even sacrifice its own life for the safety of the flock. Even to save just one sheep.

Thwarting the violent assault from a motivated offender, the sheepdog remains unwelcomed and removes itself from the society of the herd. Though selflessly interjected into the fray of violence, there is no expectation of reward, acceptance or inclusion.

Personal sacrifice, hunting the hunters, and maintaining social harmony are the sheepdog’s satisfiers. Exclusion, solitude and misunderstanding are the sheepdog’s sacrifices. The fringe is where the sheepdog remains without even a howl; for that is their duty.

If you hear, say or use the term, “Don’t be sheep,” then you know it does not refer to wearing a wool sweater. This means the warrior mindset requires an objective separation from the collective harmony of society to see the coming threats. This means you must always be prepared to fight the wolf no matter how, when or where it appears. This means even after you’ve laid the wolf or yourself down in the line of duty, the fringe is where you’ll return.

Had my presentation occurred prior to the Boston Marathon bombing, I believe the audience would have remained perplexed. That night, that event and that explanation prompted some to applaud, while the others; you guessed it. Howled!!

Chief of Police Scott Silverii, PhD is passionate about positive change. Over 22 years in policing gives Scott the experience and vision to believe there is always a better way of doing business.

His passion flourished while growing up with a close-knit community in south Louisiana’s heart of Cajun Country.

Scott’s life is seasoned by the Mardi Gras, hurricanes, oil spills, humidity, and crawfish boils. This gumbo of experience serves up a unique perspective in his writing.

But don’t let the smile fool you. Chief Silverii spent 16 years working in policing’s special operations groups (SOG) with years of undercover narcotics and SWAT missions. He has bought dope, banged down doors and busted bad guys. He combines his experiences with academic research designed to bring you the best and most compelling details of what life is like on the other side of the “thin blue line.”

Share Chief Scott Silverii’s vision at http://brightblueline.wordpress.com/

A Darker Shade of Blue: From Public Servant to Professional Deviant; Policing’s Special Operations Culture sneaks you behind the badge, revealing the mystique of police culture’s “Thin Blue Line.”

Come on-duty, undercover and after hours as Chief Scott Silverii, Ph.D. escorts you through a multi-year, cross-country examination into the fraternity of law enforcement.

Ronald Reagan said it is hard to drain the swamp when you’re up to your armpits in alligators.

I’ve also heard of people being up to their eyeballs in paperwork. Have you ever heard it’s hard to catch criminal up to their chin in sewage (I’ll use the term sewage to be polite, but you do know what I’m talking about, right?)

I’ll give the ending away at the start. Late night, old house, radio dispatched burglar call, rookie officer, senior lieutenant, and me. Oh yes, and a very old septic tank full of “sewage.” Rookie stories are always funny. Even if you already know how it ends.

Much earlier in my career, while still assigned to the uniformed Patrol Division, I had the joy of training a younger and less attentive rookie officer. I had earned my stripes and was respected as a SWAT Operator and a foundationally sound officer.

Patrol days

This guy; not so much. My lieutenant was and though retired, still is a great guy. He showed me the ropes, and now it was my turn to pay it forward.

Summer days in the south are notoriously humid and sweltering. Summer nights in south Louisiana are equally as challenging. Driving around a twenty-something year old, “I saw this on a video game” was making me steam. Being the professional and mentor, I was not going to allow it to affect his training.

As the night shift wore on and the conversations waned, the radio dispatch cracked the silence. A neighbor saw a flashlight peering through the old Acadian-style home’s window. A darkened shadow moved throughout this old home as the neighbor watched with dread and anticipation. Would she be next?

Knowing the victimized homeowner was elderly and used a walker to move about; it was obvious she had an unwelcomed guest. The lieutenant radioed so we coordinated our approach. Finally, I thought the rookie would take this job seriously as I watched his demeanor begin to stiffen. Was it fear, reality, a tummy ache? I secretly hoped for the last option.

Arriving simultaneously, the two blacked out police cruisers parked over a block away from the target location. We knew not to alert the criminal with flashing lights, revving engines and screeching brakes. I quickly told the rookie to turn down the volume on his portable radio. The lieutenant and I began relying on hand signals and years of partnership to proceed in silence.

In addition to my Patrol assignment I was a SWAT Operator. I regularly trained for these missions and understood the necessity for sound discipline. This kept the cops safe, the victim from further harm and the crooks unaware.

SWAT training

In SWAT we use the saying; Speed, Surprise and Violence of Action to describe our tactics for moving quickly, silently and overwhelming the target. This was not a SWAT operation, but the principles were similar. This rookie was going to trial by fire and get a first-hand demonstration from a high-speed cop. This one call was going to make or break this cocky rookie.

We approached with an orchestrated coordination earned from thousands of previous responses and hours training. With weapons drawn and rookie in tow, I repeatedly looked back making sure I was not at the business end of his barrel.

My ears were totaling in tune for any sound coming from inside the Cajun-era wooden home. The wrap-around porch did not allow for budding up next to the residence, but the elevated wooden floors would echo sounds of movement.

Dividing the structure into corners allowed the lieutenant and us to get a visual on the entire location from just two corners until back up arrived. He took the 1-4 corner while we moved to the 2-3 corner.

SWAT briefing

Hearing no sound from inside or seeing the flashing light as reported, my “partner” and I moved cautiously into position. Looking back once again, I reassured the rookie, ensured his weapon position, and encouraged silence.

Tension mounts as time ticks. Where is backup, and when will they arrive? Loyalty to my lieutenant runs deep and I am concerned for his safety once out of sight. Ultimately, my mind is imagining the horrors perpetrated upon the elderly lady.

Radio communications is trying to gain more detail from the original caller but no answer. Officers are moments away but we hold our position. The interior movement and flashlight is not observed but we continue to investigate. Something is just not adding up!

Suddenly the noise discipline is broken with the loud cracking of wood. Next it sounds like metal is being ripped apart violently. I hear a scream and my mind is in full combat mode. Time to react. Time to respond. Time to swim.

Swim? Yes.

I fell through a wooden and metal veil covering an old, full, very full, septic tank, full, very full of what we agreed to refer to as “sewage.”

The rookie’s screams triggered my lieutenant’s arrival, along with the anticipated backup officers. The house was abandoned, the resident had passed years prior, and the light seen was imagined by an equally elderly neighbor with an active imagination.

Me? I grabbed a shred of wood just before my head submerged. Pulling myself out of the sewage, looking at the grinning rookie, I quietly said, “At least I didn’t scream.”

*     *     *

Chief of Police Scott Silverii, PhD is passionate about positive change. Over 22 years in policing gives Scott the experience and vision to believe there is always a better way of doing business.

His passion flourished while growing up with a close-knit community in south Louisiana’s heart of Cajun Country.

Scott’s life is seasoned by the Mardi Gras, hurricanes, oil spills, humidity, and crawfish boils. This gumbo of experience serves up a unique perspective in his writing.

But don’t let the smile fool you. Chief Silverii spent 16 years working in policing’s special operations groups (SOG) with years of undercover narcotics and SWAT missions. He has bought dope, banged down doors and busted bad guys. He combines his experiences with academic research designed to bring you the best and most compelling details of what life is like on the other side of the “thin blue line.”

Share Chief Scott Silverii’s vision at http://brightblueline.wordpress.com/

A Darker Shade of Blue: From Public Servant to Professional Deviant; Policing’s Special Operations Culture sneaks you behind the badge, revealing the mystique of police culture’s “Thin Blue Line.”

Come on-duty, undercover and after hours as Chief Scott Silverii, Ph.D. escorts you through a multi-year, cross-country examination into the fraternity of law enforcement.