Critical incidents and waiting woosah
Dave, we got in a fight with some guy and they think he’s gonna die. Homicide detectives want to interview me. Do I need an attorney?” I was at home, […] Read More
Dave Goitia
The righteous battle
Managing morale after high-profile incidents
“Dave, I haven’t slept for two nights. If some asshole jumps in a lake to get away from me, am I supposed to jump in after him? Are they gonna […] Read More
“Can we still be friends?”
Building positive law enforcement labor–management relationships
Dave, when you become president of the FOP can we still be friends?” This question, from an assistant chief in October 2021, stopped me dead in my tracks. I was […] Read More
Dealing with disgruntled cops
The importance of building a bank of trust
What is it about this job? Is it the blood we cops see? The emotional effects of disturbing scenes wherein human bodies have been contorted, punctured or worse? Is it […] Read More
LEO Bill of Rights
A check on political cowardice
Politicians have immense control over our lives. “I work for a police chief, not an elected sheriff,” you might say. True, but your police chief works for city management. And […] Read More
Breaking through to Gen Z
Why it’s crucial for LE labor organizations, and how to do it
I’m getting old, and so is the police department for which I work. Personally, I’m not thrilled about it. Sure, some things get better with age. My stiff joints, not […] Read More
