Police Department Jobs

A Los Angeles police officer is recovering Thursday after he was injured during a deadly shootout with a suspect in South L.A. LAPD Chief Charlie Beck sent out a Twitter message Thursday morning saying his prayers are with the officer and his family. The unidentified officer was shot in the foot about 4 p.m. Wednesday and was expected to recover from his wound, said Officer Karen Rayner of the Los Angeles Police Department. The suspect, who was armed and wanted in connection with a homicide in the LAPD’s Olympic Division, was hit in the shootout and pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

Everyone has heard horror stories from DUI accident attorneys about taking a blood alcohol tests and field sobriety tests, whether it’s a friend, family member, or coworker. But, one of the most important things to remember is that being pulled over after having a few drinks isn’t the end of the world.

This article courtesy of the accident lawyer experts at Accidents.com.

In fact, there are many misconceptions about a Breathalyzer test that can actually work out in your favor. The good news is, it’s not a hopeless cause because these tests can be faulty and most experts even believe results can vary by as much as 12 percent.

Here are some of the top myths about breath alcohol tests – and what you really need to know:

Myth #1: Anyone can administer a Breathalyzer test.

Wrong. Actually, every person who administers a Breathalyzer test must be certified. If they’re not, and it’s proven, the evidence can be thrown out of court and considered invalid. Ask your lawyer to request proof of the testing officer’s certification.

Myth #2: Any Breathalyzer instrument will work.

This is also incorrect. All instruments used for breath alcohol tests must be approved and listed on the Federal List of Approved Breath Evidential Instruments. If you later discover the instrument wasn’t on this list, the evidence may be considered invalid in the court of law.

Myth #3: The device only detects alcoholic beverages.

This is one of the biggest reasons Breathalyzers can be considered invalid. They can also detect what’s known as “mouth alcohol” from cold medicine, mouthwash, cough syrup and more. Additionally, individuals who work in factories or manufacturing facilities may blow at a higher level due to the paint fumes, dry cleaning fumes, or gasoline they’ve ingested earlier in the day.

Myth #4: I should avoid burping while taking the test.

In all reality, this could actually work to your benefit. Burping or vomiting immediately before or during the test requires the officer to start the test over. Why? Because each of these acts can contaminate your mouth and thus effect the end results.

Myth #5: If I blew a .08, I’ll be automatically convicted of a DUI.

As mentioned above, many factors play into the results of a Breathalyzer test, and one of the biggest things is post-driving alcohol absorption. In order for your test results to be used against you, the opposing side must prove your BAC at the time of driving. If you consumed a couple drinks immediately prior to driving, this could cause your BAC to read higher than your actual level.

The final decision of whether or not you’re guilty of a DUI depends on the jury and judge in your case – but, knowing each of these factors can help influence the outcome, so consider them when entering into a trial.

Asbestos exposure and law enforcement: The unknown correlation

As law enforcement officers, Police men and women are asked to put their lives on the line all the time. When one thinks of the everyday rigors and risks of being a police officer, exposure to building material doesn’t exactly seem that dangerous. However, asbestos exposure can be a major, life threatening risk to officers alike.

Every day, those in law enforcement throughout the nation are asked to enter scenes of unknown peril and risk. When an officer enters a scene, it’s highly unlikely that the first thing on their mind is the fact that hazardous materials could be present. Anytime a police officer is asked to report to an older home, commercial building or old factory, they may come in contact with asbestos, the fiber which is now known mostly for its correlation with mesothelioma cancer.

Asbestos was once viewed as one of the most versatile and trustworthy building materials imaginable. Used in all sorts of military bases, plants and factories, this fiber was regarded for its fireproofing and safety. Unfortunately, asbestos was actually having a completely opposite effect. Those who were often in contact and exposed to this material began to develop symptoms of the cancer known as mesothelioma years after. This disease affects the lining within the lungs and abdomen area, usually having a latency period that can last for decades, thus survival rate is very low. On average, mesothelioma life expectancy averages between four to 18 months after diagnosis.

Police officers can also be exposed to asbestos in a number of different situations. One notable example is any assistance that is provided in the case of fires. Those in law enforcement put themselves at the same risk of asbestos exposure as firefighters do, while being in the area of burning buildings and other structures. Often times, buildings containing asbestos become increasingly more dangerous when on fire, as asbestos can become friable and airborne, in their most dangerous form.

The risk of law enforcement officers to mesothelioma and asbestos has never been clearer than after the events of September 11, 2001. Along with numerous firefighters and EMT personnel, many police officers were among the first ones on the scene of ground zero after the towers fell. Once ground zero was filled with building rubble and dust, asbestos exposure began to become a serious health risk, especially to these first responders. Many of the men and women who risked their lives to search for victims in ground zero have felt the effect of mesothelioma in the years following the attacks. With the extremely long latency period of the disease, more will continue to feel the effects for years to come.

Given the variety and amount of different situations a law enforcement officer is asked to be in, asbestos exposure comes with the territory. Even though this remains a risk, the most important thing to do is to keep awareness of exposure and the tie to law enforcement high. With the decrease in use of asbestos as a building material after the 1980’s, hopefully mesothelioma and the related risks will begin to decrease in the near future.

Dear Supporter,

This Father’s Day, join me in celebrating the memory of the courageous fathers who were tragically killed in the performance of duty and who have left behind many grieving family members. We also celebrate the law enforcement fathers currently serving today.

Unfortunately last year, 105 fathers died in the line of duty, leaving behind 260 children.

Help bring comfort to families of our nation’s fallen peace officers by making a gift of $5.00 or more today. Your gift will honor the memory of these fallen heroes by supporting the Memorial Fund’s ongoing efforts to reduce officer deaths and promote law enforcement safety.

On the Memorial’s marble walls we engrave their names to honor and remember them, but in our hearts these heroes are unforgettable. As it is aptly inscribed on the Memorial, “It is not how these officers died that made them heroes… it is how they lived.”

Thank you, in advance, for all you do to help us ensure that America’s fallen law enforcement heroes are honored here at the Memorial.

Sincerely,

Craig W. Floyd
Chairman & CEO

RIVERSIDE, CA: The Riverside Police Department is honored to recognize community members who have a strong commitment to the safety of the community and in doing so have developed a resilient partnership with the members of the police department. In this case, the partners in question are the police canines working for the police department.

The Riverside Police Department canine program consists of six police canines with one canine assigned to a handler officer. All of the canines originate from Europe and are purchased from a local vendor. These essential tools are costly, however, numerous residents, community members, and businesses have been committed to the canine program and have generously given donations to maintain the canine corps.

On Wednesday, May 18, 2011, the entire Canine Unit will be showing their appreciation for two local businesses for their donations and support of the police canine program. The canine team will be thanking Mr. Tom Naso and Mr. Dave Franklin from BMW of Riverside and Jason and Michelle Sparks from the Sparks Realty Team. The canine team will arrive at the BMW of Riverside dealership at 3060 Adams Avenue at 2:00 p.m. The canine team will then proceed to the Sparks Realty Team, located at 8817 Windmill Place in the City of Riverside to thank each of them for their generosity and support.

If anyone should have any questions about the canine unit, please contact
Lieutenant Chuck Griffitts at (951) 353-7900