Cheers to My Subscribers + Plans for 2023
And buh-bye to 2022, a tough year for law enforcement
It’s been another perilous year for law enforcement. We continued to see police staffing shortages, increased violence towards police officers, and crime waves that have battered cities across the country.
As repeat violent perpetrators were being released from prisons, cops were being criminally indicted for making split-second judgment calls (fellow Substacker Police Law Newsletter is a pro in unpacking this issue. Highly recommended reading!)
If anything epitomizes the breakdown of law and order in this country, it’s the recent tragic death of Isaiah Cordero, a sheriff’s deputy in California who was fatally shot by someone who by all accounts, should have been in prison.
Riverside County sheriff, Chad Bianco said this:
“We would not be here today if the judge had done her job,” . . .This terrible tragedy should’ve been prevented by the legal system,” said Bianco. “McKay has an extensive, violent past and was convicted of his third strike in November 2021. That case involved kidnapping and assault with a deadly weapon. Instead of sentencing him to 25 years to life, which should’ve happened, the judge lowered his bail, allowing him to be released.”
As grave as the situation is, we can change this trajectory in 2023 and make it so that these types of stories become non-existent, or at least minimized.
Acknowledge the dysfunction while focusing on solutions. That’s the plan.
Overflowing With Gratitude
Before the year ends, I want to publicly thank some special people.
The policing professionals who contribute to my articles. You’ve provided so much insight to my work that articles and statistics alone can’t. I’ve learned a lot!
Rank-and-file officers who entrust me with their confidences. I’m deeply touched by those of you who’ve reached out to relate to an article or offer to be interviewed for future pieces. I know there’s a lot of pain out there, and I hope what I do here offers you at least some solace.
The men and women still willing to wear a badge. Thank you for hanging on during what is undoubtedly the most challenging time to be a police officer. You have more support than you think!
And thank you for being a subscriber and taking the time to read my stuff. It means a lot that you’re on this journey with me.
Most Popular For the Blue Stories of 2022
Some of my stories received a lot more interest than others. The one that resonated with police officers the most?
Weak Police Chiefs: A Top Enemy of Law Enforcement
This story compelled cops from around the country to write in with their own experiences. It’s a topic of focus for a proposed upcoming series.
Other popular stories in 2022:
Can Chicago Be Salvaged? What it will take to return Chicago to its glory days
Is Agent Mark Wagner Receiving Due Process of Law? Includes an interview with Wisconsin FOP
What I’ll Be Working on in 2023
Wisconsin Policing Bill
I’m working on a bill that would make assaulting a police officer during an unlawful demonstration punishable with a mandatory jail sentence.
Great news! The Wisconsin senator I’m working with is now in the process of drafting legislative language. It’s also received initial support from some key policing organizations and individuals. Help is on the way!
This bill is necessary to help deter the violence against police officers that has proliferated.
Per the National Fraternal Order of Police:
"This past year has been one of the most dangerous years for law enforcement in recent history due to the increase of violence directed towards law enforcement officers as well as the nationwide crime crisis, which has seen criminals emboldened by the failed policies of pandering prosecutors and cynical politicians. Frankly, it is unlike anything I’ve seen in my 36 years of law enforcement.
“Last year we saw more officers shot in the line of duty than any other since the National Fraternal Order of Police began recording this data in late 2015, and this year is not far behind.
“With just days remaining in 2022, we’ve seen 323 officers shot in the line of duty so far this year; up 13% from 2019 year to date. Of those officers who were shot, 60 were killed by gunfire; up 23% from 2019 year to date.
“There were 87 ambush-style attacks on law enforcement officers this year, which resulted in 124 officers being shot; 31 of those officers were killed.”
Developing More Ways for You to Take Action
One of the most powerful ways to create positive change is by communicating with decision makers. When I advocated for the Madison Police Department, having the citizenry write to members of the city council en masse was an effective strategy. It’s why we were able to gain funding for more police officers at a time when few thought it could be done.
Back then I had a WordPress site, which allowed for the addition of plugins, including one that let supporters send automated emails. Given that we all live busy lives, I want to make it easy for people to participate. This function isn’t available on Substack, however, so I’ll have to find another way to accomplish this. Perhaps Change.org?
More Live Interviews
Since starting this newsletter, I’ve had the opportunity to speak with people who are doing amazing things for law enforcement. In the coming year, I’d love to introduce you to even more of them.
I’m still undecided about whether to add a podcast component to facilitate these chats. Do you have a preference?
If you know of any organizations or individuals doing great things for police officers, I’d love to talk to them. You can reach me at fortheblue@substack.com or comment below.
Increased Networking + Uniting Police Supporters
Getting out and meeting people has allowed me to gain connections I normally wouldn’t have access to.
I’ll be working more closely with my independent women’s group, but would also like to extend my reach.
I’d also like to bring together people who support law enforcement. They’re out there, but they’re scattered across the country. A collective, organized voice can be pretty powerful.
If you know of any related meetings, workshops or seminars I may be interested in attending, please contact me at fortheblue@substack.com or comment below.
More Op-eds & a Possible Column
Several months ago I was approached to write a regular column for an online news publication. Though at the time I hesitated because of my full schedule, it’s something I’m reconsidering for 2023. Even if that doesn’t materialize, I plan to write more opinion pieces.
Reminder to Take Care of Yourself
It’s more important than ever that we tend to our well-being and that of those we love. Keeping informed about happenings is one thing, but becoming overwhelmed by the negativity and dysfunction is destructive. Been in that state of mind, and it’s not pleasant.
For me, some of the things that keep me sane include limiting my time on social media (I’ve been off Facebook for more than two years!), being judicious with the news I do take in, surrounding myself with people who share my values, focusing on solutions and advocacy rather than problems I can’t control, exercise, faith, and books.
Cheers to you, dear reader. Let’s plan on 2023 being a good year for law enforcement and our country.
For the Blue is a solutions-based initiative. I’m just an American patriot asking questions. I don’t work with any political party and I answer to nobody. For me, the health of the nation, due process (including for police officers), the rule of law, and respect for individual liberties, will always transcend party affiliation. I welcome your thoughts, even if you disagree; though personal attacks will be ignored. You can reach me at fortheblue@substack.com.
I’ve enjoyed your work + can’t wait to see what 2023 brings. Thanks for all you do. Happy New Year!!
Happy New Year Paula! Keep doing what you're doing with supporting the great men and women serving in the law enforcement profession and great things will happen. Thank You!