CyberWatch is Working

We've been getting a lot of web tips from our CyberWatch program at the Memphis Police Department. The Organized Crime Unit has made numerous arrests because our good citizens have stepped up to the plate. I wrote the system so that any complaints that are relative to drugs, gangs, gambling or prostitution are automatically routed to the CAT teams in OCU. Other complaints are sent to CrimeStoppers where they are routed to the appropriate area.

I commend those who have participated in the CyberWatch program and sent in this information. This is one way we can make Memphis a better place to live. People have to step up and be the eyes and ears for law enforcement.

Here's an example of one of the tips that we received earlier in the month and another link to today's story on the results:

DATETIME=11/18/2007 09:31:28 AM
TYPE=Suspicious
TIME=Witnessed
LOCATION=Forest Area of Overton Park
CITY=Memphis
STATE=TN
COMPLAINT=As a regular runner in Overton Park on the weekends, I have witnessed suspicious activity in the wooded areas of Overtown Park. Specifically, the trail area where are cars are not allowed, I have witnessed suspicious men meeting in the woods, for I suspect is drug and/or sex related. This is very disturbing I am now looking for other places to exercise. I suggest you have regular patrols on foot or mountain bike back in the areas of this park where the squad cars cannot patrol. Let's get these "sickos" out of the park. Thank you.

And here's today's story from ABC24's website:

Memphis Police arrested several men on prostitution and indecent exposure charges at Overton Park Thursday, November 29.

Investigators say they received several complaints from citizens about male prostitutes in the park. They say the complaints ranged from sexual favors being solicited to public indecency. Investigators say plainclothes detectives staked out the area and arrested eight men during a two-day sting, which began earlier this week.

Eric Martin, 39, was charged with prostitution and indecent exposure and Eddie McGhee, 38, was charged with prostitution.

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A check of court records shows Eddie McGhee has been booked into the county jail 31 times, and Eric Martin - 22 times. Their charges run them gambit

It's Called the "Use of Force Continuum"

You know, in order to be a law enforcement officer, in the state of Tennessee, you have to go through rigorous training, take written tests, pass firearms proficiency tests, not consort with convicted drug dealers, bank defrauders, or other convicted felons - unless you are elected to the office of Sheriff. There is no requirement for a Sheriff to have any experience in law enforcement. He or she could have been a college student, a cook, or even a warden. But, as soon as one is elected, the media starts asking them law enforcement related questions - as if they had risen through the ranks, and had a wealth of experience to draw upon. I'm afraid we have such a "leader" in our Shurf. He has never been a law enforcement officer, but he did stay at a Holiday Inn Express one time, while on a vendor junket. Here is his latest demonstration of law enforcement acuity:

From the channel 5 website

In fact, it is legal to carry a Taser in more than 40 states, include the Mid-South's tri-state area. But are they safe? Shelby County Sheriff Mark Luttrell told us they can be deadly.

" A Taser can be a lethal weapon," he said.

According to Luttrell, if you get a Taser, you're taking a huge risk legally. It may protect you on the street, but could hurt you in court.

" The reality of it is, it does have the potential of being lethal," he said. "And when you start getting into that potential, there are a lot of liability questions that come up."

It only takes a quick search online to find dozens of lawsuits surrounding the weapon and its use.

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Retired Lieutenant John Harvey says -
There are also many lawsuits against police and sheriff's departments over people being hit with nightsticks, batons, flashlights, being handcuffed too tightly, etc.

I can kill you with a pencil, but that doesn't mean it's considered a "lethal" weapon. None of these are considered LETHAL force.

Considering all this talk about consolidating the MPD and the SCSO, I shudder to think the shurf might be in control of both.

To shurf Luttrell - there is this thing called the "use of force continuum." It is the rule for police officers/deputies/etc (not that you would know that). Basically, it says the officer is to take action against a combatant that is one level above the level of force being used against the officer. I recommend you let your officers do the law enforcement interviews, and you can talk about building that 300 million dollar jail you want so badly. (Wait until just before the next election cycle to do that though)

Here is an example of a force continuum which models many in use around the country (pay particular attention to where the word TASER falls in this list). There is no "standard" for the use of force continuum, but I've never seen one that considers a Taser to be lethal. Furthermore, I think the sheriff might find himself in a vigorous debate over his classification of Taser with the company's representatives. (As a matter of fact, I'm sending the link to this blog to Taser so they can contact him and inform him of where the Taser falls in the continuum)

From this website of retired Denver Police officer (and fellow gang member)- Sgt. George Godoy

Level One

Officer Presence . The mere presence of a police officer in uniform or in a marked police unit is often enough to stop a crime in progress or prevent most situations from escalating. Without saying a word, the mere presence of a police officer can deter crime by the simple use of body language and gestures. At this level gestures should be non-threatening and professional. This "zero" level of force is always the best way to resolve any situation if possible.

Level Two

Verbal Commands . Used in combination with a visible presence, the use of the voice can usually achieve the desired results. Whether you instruct a person to, "Stop.", "Don't Move.", "Be quiet.", "Listen to me.", "Let me see your ID.", or, "You're under arrest."-- voice commands in conjunction with your mere presence will almost always resolve the situation. The content of the message is as important as your demeanor. It’s always best to start out calm but firm and non-threatening. Your choice of words and intensity can be increased as necessary, or used in short commands in more serious situations. The right combination of words in combination with officer presence can de-escalate a tense situation and prevent the need for a physical altercation. Training and experience improves the ability of a police officer to communicate effectively with everyone he/she comes in contact with.

Level Three

Empty Hand Control . Certain situations will arise where words alone will not reduce the aggression. This is the time police officers will need to get involved physically. This is a level of control employed by police officers minus the aid of equipment or weapons. There are two subcategories called, “soft empty hand techniques” and “hard empty hand techniques.” Soft Empty Hand Techniques: At this level minimal force would involve the use of bare hands to guide, hold, and restrain -- applying pressure points, and take down techniques that have a minimal chance of injury. Hard Empty Hand Techniques: At this level the use of force includes kicks, punches or other striking techniques such as the brachial stun or other strikes to key motor points that have a moderate chance of injury.

Level Four

Pepper Spray, Baton, Taser. When the suspect is violent or threatening, more extreme, but non-deadly measures must be used to bring the suspect under control, or affect an arrest. Before moving to this level of force, it is assumed that less physical measures have been tried and deemed inappropriate. Pepper spray results in considerable tearing of the eyes, as well as temporary paralysis of the larynx, which causes subjects to lose their breath. Contact with the face causes a strong burning sensation. Pepper spray, once thought an effective street tool for police officers has lost popularity over the years because of its ineffectiveness, especially on intoxicated persons. The typical baton is a round stick of various lengths, and is made of hardwood, aluminum or plastic composite materials. A blow with a baton can immobilize a combative person, allowing officers to affect an arrest. Common impact weapon used by police today include the PR-24 and collapsible baton. Of all the options available at this level the Taser, in my opinion, is the most effective. The Taser discharges a high voltage spark (50,000 volts) at very low amperage. The Taser fires two small darts, connected to wires, which drops a suspect at non-contact distance. These devices are easily carried. They are lightweight and affordable. Extensive training is not required, and they may be more effective on persons under the influence of PCP and other drugs who do not respond to chemical irritants. They can be especially useful for controlling non-criminal violent behavior, such as persons who are mentally impaired, or under the influence of mind-altering substances.

Level Five

Less Lethal . This is a newer, acceptable and effective level of force that numerous police agencies have added to their use of force continuum policy and procedure. Less-lethal weapons were developed to provide law enforcement, military and corrections personnel with an alternative to lethal force. They were designed to temporarily incapacitate, confuse, delay, or restrain an adversary in a variety of situations. They have been used in riots, prison disturbances, and hostage rescues. Less-lethal weapons are valuable when: Lethal force is not appropriate. Lethal force is justified and available for backup but lesser force may subdue the aggressor. Lethal force is justified but its use could cause collateral effects, such as injury to bystanders or life-threatening damage to property and environment.

Level Six

Deadly Force . If a police peace officer has probable cause to believe that a suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious physical injury to the officer or others then the use of deadly force is justified. (see Tennessee v. Garner) By the very nature of the profession, peace officers may at times be confronted with a potentially lethal threat. In most of these instances, peace officers will have no other option but to discharge their firearm in order to protect their life or, the life of others.

The use of force is an integral part of a law enforcement officer's job, particularly when arresting criminal suspects. No one disputes that police should be permitted to protect themselves and others from threats to safety, but what is often disputed is an officer's assessment of a threat and the level of force selected to counter it. As a general principle, the level of force used should be tailored to the nature of the threat that prompted its use.

It's Thug of the Week

This week I have selected the thug who is currently the "most arrested" in jail. Clifton Macon RNI # 37048 has been booked into the county jail 163 times since August of 1983. He has been charged with at least 233 separate offenses. Clifton is currently in jail for AGG CRIM TRESPASS, THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS and ASSAULT-BODILY HARM. Even after 163 times, and numerous felony convictions, he has a $100.00 bond, which he can't seem to make. Clifton was last booked Oct 25 2007 at 8:46AM and is scheduled for court on 11/29. I'll be surprised if he isn't given a "time served" sentence. Clifton has been convicted of Robbery, Burglary, Forgery, theft, etc. This latest episode is just one of many - e pluribus unum (one out of many).

From looking at the arrest information, it appears Clifton has been assaulting Walgreens on a weekly basis. According to the report, he has been showing up every Thursday (hmm Thursday IS Thugday) and stealing stuff. He always makes sure to steal less than $500.00 worth though. Do you think he might know how the system operates?

After reviewing the litany of charges against Clifton Macon, I am convinced he should have his picture on the Wikipedia website under the definition of CRIMINAL. Some people are simply incorrigible. They will not do the right thing under any circumstances. For those people, I believe the state is obligated to protect society by removing them. How many strikes does a person deserve?

Hopefully, Clifton, the poster-boy for criminals, will help stoke the fires under the legislative process. He is certainly providing us with an example of a person who needs to be put away for the rest of his life. He has demonstrated his inability or unwillingness to "play well with others." A sentencing matrix would have gotten Mr Macon's attention long ago. You see, he is smart enough to know he needs to fly under the felony radar, but the system isn't smart enough to detect him and deter him from his actions - yet. I urge everyone to contact their legislators regarding implementation of a sentencing matrix. Here is a link to a webpage that will let you send an email to the entire Shelby Delegation at one time. Please use it.

Here are his charges and some interesting charts, oh yeah, and his mugshot.
Click any image to enlarge

Free Mugshots for Shelby County

We've been collecting mugshots from the web since August of last year. Some of the photos aren't real good quality, and some of that is my fault. I was embedding the inmate's name and rni number in the reserved area of the jpeg files, and the SCSO went to a different format yada yada yada. Oh well, the site is now up and running and totally free for use. You just enter the first and last name and type the name that is displayed on the icon next to the last text input box, then click submit.

Personally, I think the Sheriff's Office should make these photos available after a person is released, but they don't. When I worked for the SCSO, I tried to make that available to the public, but they didn't see it my way. Maybe since I'm archiving the photos and making them available, they'll have a change of heart. There are other things they could do that would help enable public access, like allowing you to pull a rap sheet on each person. I know they have the code for that, because I gave it to some of their techies and they use it now to display the charge and booking information.

I'll keep this site up and make it freely available for public access so long as people don't try to use this as a free site to run their business. If I detect someone hammering the site, I'll deny those ip addresses access and probably redirect their traffic to google or somewhere.

Anyway here is the link and it's also on the panel on the right.

Thug of the Week - A Blast From the Past or Welcome Back!

Looking through the jail website, I came across an old acquaintance - Robert Adams. As I recall Robert was a resident of the 4th floor of the old county jail when I was hired by the SCSO in 1975. I think he was charged with Robbery, but I can't verify that because those records are not on computer. The current data only goes back to about 1982. Robert was one of the first to get an RNI number, which is why his number is so low - 654. Today the system is issuing RNI numbers which range above 376,600. I think Robert went to prison for a while after I first met him, but he was back before too long and though we've both been involved with law enforcement, we never had another encounter.

It seems that Robert has been pretty busy since we last met. I hear John Sebastian playing in the back of my mind . . .
Welcome back, Your dreams were your ticket out.
Welcome back, To that same old place that you laughed about.

Well the names have all changed since you hung around,
But those dreams have remained and they're turned around.

Who'd have thought they'd lead ya (Who'd have thought they'd lead ya) Here where we need ya (Here where we need ya). Yeah we tease him a lot cause we've got him on the spot, welcome back, Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back.


Here are the booking numbers and dates of his 72 latest bookings - from the most recent to oldest:

7141510 11/20/2007
7138901 10/29/2007
7133062 9/13/2007
7117051 5/15/2007
7106309 2/23/2007
6129071 9/21/2006
6117740 6/11/2006
6105389 2/21/2006
5137820 12/15/2005
5125958 8/19/2005
5113569 5/2/2005
5112464 4/22/2005
5102870 1/27/2005
4133235 10/25/2004
4132718 10/20/2004
4124807 8/10/2004
4123859 8/2/2004
3123010 8/6/2003
3111992 4/25/2003
2139562 12/14/2002
156013 11/29/2000
155682 11/27/2000
149564 10/12/2000
118750 4/10/2000
102556 1/14/2000
99163656 12/3/1999
99156087 10/22/1999
99154088 10/12/1999
99149216 9/16/1999
99145342 8/28/1999
99129765 6/9/1999
99116503 3/30/1999
99108369 2/14/1999
99105780 2/1/1999
98048353 9/23/1998
98005080 1/29/1998
97055035 10/29/1997
95312105 11/8/1995
94211087 7/30/1994
94048123 2/21/1994
93207095 7/26/1993
92358049 12/23/1992
92190085 7/8/1992
92106055 4/15/1992
92077154 3/17/1992
90199191 7/18/1990
90081050 3/22/1990
90045173 2/14/1990
89325004 11/21/1989
89262082 9/19/1989
89261115 9/18/1989
89239099 8/27/1989
89186107 7/5/1989
88319156 11/14/1988
88163053 6/11/1988
88145129 5/24/1988
88134138 5/13/1988
88092124 4/1/1988
88086109 3/26/1988
88033004 2/2/1988
87313113 11/9/1987
86316106 11/12/1986
85275082 10/2/1985
84250077 9/6/1984
84191709 7/9/1984
84086007 3/26/1984
84042051 2/11/1984
82322053 11/18/1982
82271734 9/28/1982
82262044 9/19/1982
82005019 1/5/1982
81252030 9/9/1981

Then we can see the charges by court. . .

Criminal Court Charges:
Charge Indictno Bookno Indictdate
THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS 99 12820 98048353 11/9/1999
THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS 99 12819 98048353 11/9/1999
THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS 99 12818 98048353 11/9/1999
THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS 99 12817 98048353 11/9/1999
THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS 99 12816 99108369 11/9/1999
THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS 96 01711 95312105 2/15/1996
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT 96 01710 95312105 2/15/1996
THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS 94 08235 94048123 9/8/1994
THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS 92 06013 92190085 6/23/1992
ROBBERY 91 00453 90199191 1/15/1991
MANUF/DEL/SELL CONT SUBSTANCE 90 05801 90045173 5/18/1990
DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUS 90 03664 89261115 3/29/1990
DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUS 90 00168 88319156 1/9/1990
DRIVING U/INFLUENCE INTOX/DRUGS 90 00167 88319156 1/9/1990
ESCAPE FROM JAIL OR WORKHOUSE 86 04805 86316106 11/13/1986
DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUS 05 07306 5619872 10/11/2005
THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS 05 07305 5628853 10/11/2005
THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS 05 07305 5628853 10/11/2005
THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS 04 00143 3123010 1/8/2004
THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS 04 00143 3123010 1/8/2004
THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS 04 00142 3626160 1/8/2004
THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS 04 00142 3626160 1/8/2004
THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS 01 08435 149564 7/31/2001
THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS 01 08435 149564 7/31/2001
THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS 01 06397 149564 6/19/2001
DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUS 00 12070 99116503 10/11/2000
THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS 00 09489 99657608 8/17/2000
THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS 00 03938 99145342 4/13/2000
THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS 00 01016 99129765 2/3/2000

General Sessions:
GS Charges 125 - 55 Arrests
Bookno Status Arrdate Agency Charge
7718596 SENT 10/15/2007 MP DRIVING WHILE LICENSE S/R/C
7718596 SENT 10/15/2007 MP DISREGARDING RED LIGHT M
7718596 SENT 10/15/2007 MP VIOLATION OF FINANCIAL LAW
7715857 BOND 8/30/2007 MP THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS
7117051 BOND 5/15/2007 MP DOMESTIC ASSAULT-BODILY HARM
7603966 SENT 1/21/2007 MP DRIVING WHILE LICENSE S/R/C
6656525 SENT 10/28/2006 MP DRIVING WHILE LICENSE S/R/C
6129071 SENT 9/22/2006 SO FAIL TO APPEAR FOR BOOKING/PROCESS
6129071 SENT 9/21/2006 MP VIOL OF SEAT BELT LAW OVER 18 YRS
6129071 SENT 9/21/2006 MP DRIVING WHILE LICENSE S/R/C
6129071 SENT 9/21/2006 MP OPEN CONTAINER LAW
6642506 SENT 8/7/2006 MP DRIVING WHILE LICENSE S/R/C
6642506 SENT 8/7/2006 MP VIOL OF VEHICLE REGISTRATION LAW M
6642506 SENT 8/7/2006 MP VIOLATION OF FINANCIAL LAW
6641737 SENT 7/30/2006 MP VIOL OF VEHICLE REGISTRATION LAW M
6641737 SENT 7/30/2006 MP VIOLATION OF FINANCIAL LAW
6641737 SENT 7/30/2006 MP DRIVING WHILE LICENSE S/R/C
6117740 HTS 6/11/2006 MP THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS
5655891 SENT 11/11/2005 MP DRIVING WHILE LICENSE S/R/C
5655891 SENT 11/11/2005 MP VIOL OF VEHICLE REGISTRATION LAW M
5655891 SENT 11/11/2005 MP DISREGARDING RED LIGHT M
5628853 HTS 6/13/2005 SO THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS
5628853 HTS 6/13/2005 SO THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS
5619872 HTS 4/24/2005 MP VIOL OF VEHICLE REGISTRATION LAW M
5619872 HTS 4/24/2005 MP DRIVING WHILE LICENSE S/R/C
5615256 SENT 3/26/2005 MP VIOLATION OF FINANCIAL LAW
5615256 SENT 3/26/2005 MP DRIVING WHILE LICENSE S/R/C
5615256 SENT 3/26/2005 MP THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS
5615256 SENT 3/26/2005 MP VIOL OF VEHICLE REGISTRATION LAW M
5102870 SENT 1/27/2005 MP THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS
5600927 SENT 1/7/2005 MP VIOL OF VEHICLE REGISTRATION LAW M
5600927 SENT 1/7/2005 MP DRIVING WHILE LICENSE S/R/C
5600927 SENT 1/7/2005 MP VIOLATION OF FINANCIAL LAW
4132718 SENT 10/20/2004 MP THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS
4123859 SENT 8/2/2004 MP THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS
4621844 SENT 4/23/2004 MP SPEEDING M
4621844 SENT 4/23/2004 MP VIOLATION OF FINANCIAL LAW
4621844 SENT 4/23/2004 MP DRIVING WHILE LICENSE S/R/C
4621844 SENT 4/23/2004 MP VIOL OF VEHICLE REGISTRATION LAW M
3123010 HTS 8/6/2003 MP THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS
3123010 HTS 8/6/2003 MP THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS
3626160 HTS 5/19/2003 SO THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS
3626160 HTS 5/19/2003 SO THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS
3111992 DISP 4/24/2003 MP DOMESTIC ASSAULT-BODILY HARM
2139562 SENT 12/14/2002 SO VIOLATION OF MIRROR LAW- TRUCKS
2139562 SENT 12/14/2002 SO VIOL OF VEHICLE REGISTRATION LAW M
2139562 SENT 12/14/2002 SO NO DRIVER LICENSE
2652486 SENT 10/18/2002 SO THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS
149564 HTS 10/12/2000 MP THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS
149564 HTS 10/12/2000 MP THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS
149564 HTS 10/12/2000 MP THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS
149564 HTS 10/12/2000 MP THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS
99657608 HTS 11/26/1999 MP THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS
99156087 SENT 10/25/1999 SO FAIL TO APPEAR FOR BOOKING/PROCESS
99156087 DISP 10/22/1999 MP ASSAULT M
99156087 DISP 10/22/1999 MP PUBLIC INTOXICATION
99154088 DISP 10/12/1999 MP DISORDERLY CONDUCT
99648844 SENT 10/7/1999 MP DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUS/REV/CAN
99648844 SENT 10/7/1999 MP VIOL OF VEHICLE REGISTRATION LAW M
99648844 SENT 10/7/1999 MP VIOL OF SEAT BELT LAW OVER 18 YRS
99149216 SENT 9/16/1999 MP RECKLESS DRIVING
99149216 SENT 9/16/1999 MP NO DRIVER LICENSE
99149216 SENT 9/16/1999 MP DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUS/REV/CAN
99145342 HTS 8/28/1999 MP THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS
99145342 HTS 8/28/1999 MP RESISTING OFFICIAL DETENTION
99145342 SENT 8/28/1999 SO FAIL TO APPEAR FOR BOOKING/PROCESS
99632757 SENT 7/3/1999 SO DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUS/REV/CAN
99632757 SENT 7/3/1999 SO OPPOSING TRAFFIC M
99129765 HTS 6/9/1999 MP THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS
99116503 HTS 3/30/1999 MP RECKLESS DRIVING
99116503 HTS 3/30/1999 MP DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUS/REV/CAN
99108369 HTS 2/14/1999 MP THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS
99105780 SENT 1/31/1999 MP ASSAULT M
98048353 DISP 9/23/1998 SO CONTEMPT OF COURT-GENERAL LAW
98048353 SENT 9/23/1998 SO VIOLATION OF PROBATION M
98048353 HTS 9/22/1998 SO THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS
98048353 HTS 9/22/1998 SO THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS
98048353 HTS 9/22/1998 SO THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS
98048353 HTS 9/22/1998 SO THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS
98005080 RWOC 1/29/1998 MP THEFT OF PROPERTY OVER $500
97055035 SENT 10/29/1997 MP ASSAULT M
95312105 DISP 11/21/1995 SO THEFT OF PROPERTY $500 OR LESS
95312105 DISP 11/21/1995 SO VIOLATION OF PAROLE
94211087 SENT 7/30/1994 MP DISORDERLY CONDUCT
94211087 SENT 7/30/1994 MP CRIMINAL TRESPASS
94211087 SENT 7/30/1994 MP PUBLIC INTOXICATION
93207095 SENT 7/26/1993 SO DISORDERLY CONDUCT
93207095 SENT 7/26/1993 SO PUBLIC INTOXICATION
92358049 SENT 12/23/1992 MP NO DRIVER LICENSE
92190085 SENT 7/8/1992 MP THEFT OF MERCHANDISE $500 OR LESS
90045173 SENT 2/26/1990 SO VANDALISM $500 OR LESS
90045173 SENT 2/26/1990 SO ASSAULT M
89325004 SENT 11/20/1989 MP INDECENT EXPOSURE C
89325004 SENT 11/20/1989 MP INDECENT EXPOSURE M
89186107 SENT 7/5/1989 SO VIOLATION OF PROBATION M
89186107 SENT 7/5/1989 SO VIOLATION OF PROBATION M
88163053 SENT 6/11/1988 SO HARASSING PHONE CALL
88145129 SENT 5/24/1988 SO DRIVING U/INFLUENCE INTOX/DRUGS
88145129 SENT 5/24/1988 SO RECKLESS DRIVING
88145129 SENT 5/24/1988 SO NO DRIVER LICENSE
88145129 SENT 5/24/1988 SO REFUSAL TO SUBMIT TO BAC TEST
88145129 SENT 5/24/1988 SO PUBLIC DRUNKENESS
88086109 SENT 3/26/1988 MP SHOPLIFTING M
88086109 SENT 3/26/1988 MP ASSAULT & BATTERY
88086109 SENT 3/26/1988 MP RESISTING ARREST
88033004 SENT 2/2/1988 SO DRIVING U/INFLUENCE INTOX/DRUGS
88033004 SENT 2/2/1988 SO RECKLESS DRIVING
88033004 SENT 2/2/1988 SO PUBLIC DRUNKENESS
88033004 SENT 2/2/1988 SO REFUSAL TO SUBMIT TO BAC TEST
88033004 SENT 2/2/1988 SO OPPOSING TRAFFIC M
88033004 SENT 2/2/1988 SO MALICIOUS MISCHIEF
88033004 SENT 2/2/1988 SO NO DRIVER LICENSE
85275082 SENT 10/2/1985 MP FORGERY
85275082 SENT 10/2/1985 MP PETIT LARCENY
85275082 SENT 10/2/1985 MP UTTERING FORGED PAPER
85275082 SENT 10/2/1985 MP MALICIOUS MISCHIEF
85275082 SENT 10/2/1985 MP MALICIOUS MISCHIEF
84191709 SENT 7/9/1984 MP DISTURBANCE OF PEACE
84042051 SENT 2/11/1984 MP DISTURBANCE OF PEACE
84042051 SENT 2/11/1984 MP PUBLIC DRUNKENESS
82322053 SENT 11/18/1982 MP POSS OF COUNTERFEIT INSTRUMENT
82322053 SENT 11/18/1982 MP OBT MONEY/PROP BY FALSE PRETENSE
82322053 SENT 11/18/1982 MP MALICIOUS MISCHIEF
82271734 SENT 9/28/1982 MP PETIT LARCENY
82271734 SENT 9/28/1982 MP MALICIOUS MISCHIEF

City or County? Who should drive?

I have worked for both the SCSO and the MPD, so I am uniquely qualified to make an objective assessment of this issue. I have made every attempt to remove any of my personal prejudices and merely present facts in this assessment.

Last year, I retired as a lieutenant, after 32 years with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. I am now a technical consultant with the Memphis Police Department. I have many friends who work with the SCSO, and many who are employed by the MPD. Many members of my family, including my father, three uncles, three cousins and two brothers have been in law enforcement, mostly working with the MPD. After many years of observing each agency, I have to conclude that a unified enforcement effort would be best, but it should be headed by the MPD.

Here are several factors which I believe dictate that the MPD handle law enforcement for Shelby County and the Sheriff manage the jail and courts:

1. The MPD has over 2100 commissioned officers and the majority are assigned to uniformed patrol. The SCSO has just over 300 (approximately 200 work in the courts or other areas not related to patrol). That means the MPD is over 20 times larger than the SCSO in it's enforcement division.
2. The MPD has many more areas of expertise than the SCSO, where they have more than a token presence such as; the bomb squad, crime scene, aviation, DUI, horse patrol, traffic, Organized Crime, Uniformed Patrol, training, etc.
3. The SCSO has roughly 100 officers assigned to Uniformed Patrol. Each of the nine MPD precincts has that many or more.
4. The MPD’s training is much better than the SCSOs. They have a larger staff, better resources, and place a greater emphasis on specialized training.
5. The MPD will soon have the Real Time Crime Center where crime fighting will be directed – proactively.
6. Director Godwin has risen through the ranks. He understands the job, from the patrolman’s - to the Chief’s perspective. This is his area of expertise.
7. Sheriff Luttrell has done a good job with the jail. He was raised on the Penal Farm. This is his area of expertise.
8. The MPD is innovative in law enforcement, as evidenced by Blue Crush, City Watch, CyberWatch and other programs.
9. The SCSO is innovative in the jail, as evidenced by their personal supervision and other approaches that have lead to the removal of Federal Court overseers.
10. The MPD has a plan to assist crime fighting over a 75 mile radius – working with agencies in Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee.
11. The MPD has partnered with the University of Memphis for assistance in developing the Real Time Crime Center and obtaining grant funding.
12. The MPD already makes more warrant arrests than the SCSO and could absorb the warrant operation (about 55 officers) by folding warrant service into uniformed patrol. This would give 24/7 coverage in each ward (currently - 60 wards), where the SCSO only puts four or five cars, per shift, on the street for the entire county.
13. The MPD could use the 55 fugitive officers in the Blue Crush initiative which would result in a better use of resources.
14. The MPD has one purpose – fighting crime. The SCSO has multiple responsibilities (jail, courts, law enforcement), fewer resources and a rapidly diminishing area of enforcement responsibility – they will soon lose Bridgewater and more area in southeast Shelby County to annexation.
15. Most areas across the country that have consolidated law enforcement have gone with the metropolitan police, not the Sheriff.
16. There is no requirement that a Sheriff be experienced in the “art of law enforcement”; which leads one to ask, “do we want someone leading our crime fighting effort who has no experience in that area?”
17. The argument that the Sheriff is more responsive to the public than a Police Director is specious. Either way, there is an elected official who is ultimately responsible for the effort.

I’m not convinced it will be much cheaper to consolidate both enforcement efforts, but I do think it will work better. It only makes sense to stratify the crime fight, and it also only makes sense that we choose an agency whose expertise is in the area of fighting crime. You wouldn’t choose a dentist to represent you in court, and we shouldn’t put a jail expert in charge of law enforcement.

It's Thug Thursday (11/15/2007) in Memphis, TN

This week, I decided to see who is in jail with the highest number of arrests. It turns out to be Clark Anderson, a m/b, rni # 11018. Here's his mugshot and some information about his 262 bookings in the county jail.

Here's a link to his rapsheet from the JSSI system which shows all the entries into the system. If you are interested in looking at the data for yourself, click this link and enter his RNI number (11018)

Do you think it would be fair to assign a dollar value of $500.00 to each arrest? Could it be that this person has cost the taxpayers that much money? Think about what goes into an arrest. There is the cost of the squad car, the officers, the jail, the jailers, the public defender, the court clerks, the medical staff, the jail clerks, the judges, the court officers, etc. Wouldn't it be great if we could get people to straighten up or leave the community? We could take the money we are pouring into fighting crime and divert it to other things.

Here's a synopsis of the crimes Mr Anderson has been booked on:
click to enlarge


Here's a breakdown of arrests by year:

Thugs - Mugs

Wouldn't it be nice if you could access a public website, free of charge, and be able to pull up mugshots of people who had been arrested in Shelby County? Well, you can do that - if they are still in jail. The Sheriff's Office owns the website for shelbycountyjail.com and the jail and the cameras,etc that are used to take mugshots. They also own the server that stores those pictures, but they don't open those up to anyone but the media. Hmmm, media - hey aren't bloggers considered media?

When I first developed the jail website, it was done to fulfil the order of a Federal Court Judge. We didn't think much about exposing the mugshots, but I think that time has come. Hopefully, the SCSO will listen to requests from voters, er I mean taxpayers, and open that data for free, public consumption. If you agree with this notion, why not send a friendly email to the SCSO requesting they give the public free access to the mugshots? You can also call them 901-545-5532 or 901-545-5686 and ask for Steve Shular. Steve is the media relations guy and I think he will understand the request better than anyone else at the SCSO. He's a good guy, and he does a great job, but I doubt that he's really given much thought to this issue. Why not give him the opportunity to help us out?

This is not a new issue for me, as I've asked that this information be made public in the past, and the request was denied. However, since the information is public, I decided about a year and a half ago, to start capturing the mugshots - programmatically. Today, I've got over 20,000 pictures on my server that I will soon make available to the public. It only makes sense to make public information available because the best government is a transparent government.

The SCSO can go one of three ways on this. They can ignore the request, deny the request or open up the data. Hopefully, they will write a simple webpage that allows searching by name, booking number and rni number. I'll give them a sample they can use as a design template when I post mine.

Keep looking for the free mugshots over the next week or so.

Close Encounter of the Illegal Alien Kind?

Mike Fleming has had an encounter with an illegal alien running into his car, and it seems Memphis Police Lt Gregory Quinn may also have had one. While sitting at a traffic light, on his MPD Police Motorcycle, he was hit by Avenamar Perez who was driving without a license. It seems Mr Perez, a 21 year old, male, hispanic decided to keep on driving. He was trailed by some of Memphis Finest (citizens - US citizens too) and ultimately arrested. He has been charged with the following:

1. LEAVE SCENE OF ACCIDENT INV INJURY
2. DISREGARDING RED LIGHT
3. MOVE UNREGISTERED VEHICLE ON H/WAY
4. NO DRIVER LICENSE

I think he has no driver's license because he is not a citizen. I'd be willing to bet he will be using a PD or an Immigration lawyer.

It's Thug Thursday!

Last week Mike Fleming and I gave you Willie Norfleet. A man who had been arrested 126 times. Well, Willie is still in jail (he goes to court tomorrow 11/8/07) [UPDATE THE CASE HAS BEEN RESET FOR 1 WEEK, WILLIE IS STILL IN JAIL ON A $100.00 BOND]. But, enough of Willie. It's time for Thug Thursday!

Today we actually have two thugs - a father and son team! Renarld Gardner,Sr and Jr. The proud father has a few arrests in his past, mainly for selling drugs or stealing and even a few traffic related charges. His protege though has outdone his father. It seems Jr started out with minor charges like disorderly conduct, simple possession, etc. But now, he is in jail on 6 counts of criminal attempted murder and 1 count of Murder I. I wonder if they are sharing a cell? Maybe they are singing - "We are Family!"

Here are the mugshots from the jail with links to their charges:
The Father's Charges:




The Son's Charges:

Are We Too Intellectual to Be Concerned About Crime?

In the words of a German Pastor

In Germany, they came first for the Communists, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Communist; And then they came for the trade unionists, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist; And then they came for the Jews, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew; And then . . . they came for me . . . And by that time there was no one left to speak up."

I know people like to hide their heads in the sand and pretend the criminals won't come for them, but guess what, unless we do something, they will!

It boggles the mind to think that things are this out of control, but the data doesn't lie. Citizens are being terrorized by about 5% of the population. I don't worry for me, because I carry a gun or two or .... I've also been to shooting school, a bunch, and I hit what I draw down on. But my kids and my wife, and neighbors, and well, I think you get the picture.

Take a look at this graph and then take the time to email your legislators, or pick up the phone and call them. We need to stop doing what isn't working. My sentencing matrix would be a good place to start!

Over 36,000 people have been booked in the county jail between 6 and 10 times. Over 16,000 have been booked between 11 and 15 times. So that means over 50,000 people have been booked between 6 and 15 times!

A point to consider, just so you won't doubt the data analysis, is the RNI (records and identification) number. RNI numbers are those numbers that are assigned to each individual after their fingerprints have been taken and run through the AFIS system. Each number is unique and the numbers are assigned incrementally. The first number was 1 and today the numbers are up to over 376,250. That's a total greater than the population of Cincinnati, Ohio or Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Click to enlarge this image (IF YOU DARE)

The Road to Perdition

I’ve been talking about repeat offenders and their journey on the “road to perdition.” That got me to thinking about something I heard Dr. Adrian Rogers say so many times; that a person starts off doing something wrong, then meanders down that “wrong road” until they reach their destiny. He was actually quoting an old saying when he would say "sow a deed, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character; sow a character, reap a destiny." You see this “destiny” is created by the individual. People usually start their life of crime with small stuff – telling “little” lies, stealing something from someone, and then they escalate to maybe shoplifting something. If they manage to get away with the lies and thefts, things can really spin out of control, because the successes embolden the would-be criminal. Laws start to look more like “suggestions.”

If we examine most “career criminals” track records we will see my assertion validated. Let’s take a look at this week’s “Thug of the Week” and see how he got started.

Willie Norfleet’s first known encounter with the justice system (from our available resources) shows him being first arrested on 2/19/1983, for public drunkenness and disturbing the peace. (I would be willing to bet that Willie had a juvenile record, but we don’t have access to that) Well, anyone can make a mistake, so Willie sowed a deed, but maybe he would change his behavior. Willie did manage to stay out of jail for over a month, but on 3/28/1983, he was once again arrested for disturbing the peace, but this time he got an assault and battery charge. (His deeds are quickly becoming habits). Willie rocks along for a little over two years before he is arrested again, this time again for disturbing the peace on 4/8/1985 and then again on 8/27/1985. Willie has now begun to reap a character and a year later, on 6/13/1986, Willie is arrested for assault and battery and larceny from a person. One hundred, twenty-six arrests later, Willie has done time for everything from public drunk to armed robbery, aggravated assault, burglary and several other offenses. He has pretty much cemented his destiny, hasn’t he?

I wonder what intervention could have changed Willie’s road. I’d be willing to bet he didn’t come from a two parent home. Willie, most likely, was learning life’s lessons from the people he ran around with. (Note to parents – THE NUMBER ONE FACTOR in how your child will turn out is who they associate with). If you love your kids, keep them away from the buzzards. Do whatever it takes to make sure they associate with eagles! Even if you do everything right, there are still no guarantees. Kids turn into adults and they are free to follow their own destiny. Some will turn out ok, others will fall prey to the dark side. Hold your kids close!

Thug of The Week!

Mike Fleming and I have decided to highlight some of these thugs who keep coming to jail. We'll try to get at least one a week for your viewing and listening "enjoyment."

Looking at the jail website (www.shelbycountyjail.com) tonight I saw a familiar name, one Willie Norfleet. According to what I can see he's been arrested at least 126 times, but there are way more booking numbers for him. I think many of those may be warrant arrests. So far this year, he has been arrested twice in February, three times in March, three times in May,once in June, twice in July,twice in August, once in September and once in November (hey it was only the 1st of the month!) Wonder what happened in January, April and October?

Oh well, here goes our first installment of the Weekly Thug:

Click this link to see all the arrests.

UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE

Since Mr. Norfleet is such an adept "ESCAPE ARTIST", I've decided to keep tabs on his latest case. Here's a screenshot of his court date, which is November 7th. He is to come back to court with an attorney. I think he'll be getting a public defender, but the good thing is - he is still in jail - even though he only has a $100.00 bond! I'll keep tabs on that too, because there is a "jail overcrowding committee" that meets every monday to try to get people out of jail!

11/2/2007 - still in jail
11/3/2007 - still in jail