Monday, September 18, 2017

The Presumption of Innocence


The opening chapter of my new novel, Crisis Shot, involves a controversial police-involved shooting. My main character is thrust into a dangerous, scary situation and has to make a life-and-death decision in a moment of crisis. 

Tess O’Rourke was on track to become the first female police chief in Long Beach, California. But after the incident, as the story evolves and a blogger with an anti-police agenda gets involved, Tess faces an outpouring of anger and blame. Truth is truth, but people’s preconceived ideas can color any situation.

When I was a patrol officer, back in the 1990s, we didn’t have body cameras or dash cams. There were times when I wished that we did. People—at least many of those committing crimes—lie. And most of the time we dealt with subjects who had no interest in being truthful about anything.

One time I was accused of beating someone with a nightstick. Not only did I not ever beat anyone with my nightstick, but—I hate to say it—I often left my car without my nightstick. I would take it out of the ring in order to sit comfortably and forget to grab it when I got out on a call, especially if there was a true emergency. In this instance, a witness who saw me without the stick saved me.

In another incident, a male officer and friend was accused of rape. He was on the cutting edge back then; he’d taken to carrying a small voice recorder in his shirt pocket. He recorded the woman taunting him, saying that if he didn’t let her go, she would tell internal affairs that he raped her. When he got the complaint, he played the recording and saved his job. And this was not an isolated incident. 

It happened to a lot of guys I knew who were good, proactive cops.

Today, a lot of agencies have dash cams, and many organizations are moving to body cameras for officers. But as much as I wanted them years ago, I wonder if they are the be-all, end-all problem solver I thought they’d be. 

It’s dangerous when people don’t have all the facts. They see only a portion of a film clip from a body camera; then a judgment is made. When an officer screams, “Show me your hands!” the camera can’t zoom in on the hands to show what has the officer agitated. It can’t broadcast what is going through the officer’s mind at the time he pulls the trigger. In the dark, what is that in the man’s hand? 

A gun? A knife? A phone? 

Our legal system is based on the presumption of innocence. A person arrested is innocent until proven guilty. When something controversial pops up in the news about a police incident, I always try to put myself in the officer’s shoes. I’m not sure people realize how quickly bad things can happen, how short of an instant an officer has to react. In a shooting incident, we’re not required to wait and get shot first; we must assess the situation quickly and decide to shoot or don’t shoot in the blink of an eye.

When I was in uniform, after squad meeting as we’d head out to our cars, we’d say to one another, “Stay safe.” The common desire for the night was that we’d return to the station at end of watch alive and well. That’s why I give cops the benefit of the doubt. They don’t start a shift wanting to shoot someone; they start a shift wanting to complete it and go home to their family when it ends.

In Crisis Shot, Tess fears for her life and pulls the trigger. But when the smoke clears and news spreads that the incident involved an unarmed teenager, people accuse her of making the wrong decision for the wrong reasons. In the court of public opinion, she’s considered, at best, incompetent, and at worst, a cold-blooded killer. In the eyes of the law, however, she was following protocol and her actions were justified.

Cases like these always remind me to pray for police officers. The job is never easy or simply black-and-white. These men and women put on the uniform day after day and bravely stare danger in the face. The least we can do is pray for them and respect the law.

Can you think of a time when you jumped to a conclusion and later learned you were wrong? How did you respond?


Leave a comment for a chance to win Crisis Shot. Winner announced in the next Weekend Edition.


Tess O’Rourke dreams of becoming the first female chief of police in Long Beach, California. As commander of the East Division, she is well on her way . . . until the night she responds to an officer-needs-assistance call and fatally shoots an unarmed teenager. Despite being cleared of wrongdoing by a grand jury, Tess is so hounded by the public that she takes a job in Oregon to escape the bad press.

Winning over the residents of Rogue’s Hollow might be more difficult than adjusting to her new role as police chief in the small, backwater town. Especially when her closest friend, the pastor’s wife, goes missing and the woman’s cousin is found shot. Tess finds an ally in sheriff’s deputy Steve Logan, but as they track down Rogue’s Hollow’s first murderer, she worries that she’s breaking one of her rules and getting too close to him.


Janice Cantore is a retired Long Beach police officer who now writes suspense novels to keep readers engrossed and leave them inspired. Her twenty-two years of experience on the force lend authenticity to her stories. She has penned nine novels: the Cold Case Justice series, the Pacific Coast Justice series, Critical Pursuit, and Visible Threat. Crisis Shot is the first in the Line of Duty series. She also writes a blog about police work.

84 comments :

  1. Hi Janice. First off thank you for your service on the LBPD and for your great novels.

    I have jumped to conclusions on more than one occasion and I usually ended up embarrassed. In one case recently I was totally relieved to find out I was wrong. I am working hard to leave things in God's hands and not try to speculate or jump to conclusions.

    I would love to have my name placed in the drawing for a copy of your new book. Thank you for your generosity.

    Blessings,
    Cindy W.

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    1. Thank you Cindy! I so appreciate your comments and taking the time to respond.
      Janice

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  2. Janice! This is a marvelous blog, it's so obvious that you not only know your stuff, you lived it... and that shines through the blog and through your work.

    Thank you for being with us today... I love the book's premise, and to see the story played out like we see on TV... with everyone assuming they KNOW what happened.

    But camera angles and viewpoints aren't as clear as they might seem when taken out of context, and I've seen good cops harassed by some bad people over the years, hoping to get them into trouble. Not everyone sees the police as being our friends and protectors, the good guys... and of course it only takes a couple of bad cops (we've had some of those here, too) to smear the image of the rest.

    GREAT BLOG POST!

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    1. Thank you so much! We always have to remember context.

      Janice

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  3. Janice, welcome back to Seekerville and congratulations on your new series. Tyndale did a fabulous job with the cover as usual.

    As a big fan of the Habit of Highly Successful People, I have learned from that book to try to look beyond jumping to conclusions. I am always wrong when I do allow myself to jump to conclusions!

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    1. Thank you Tina, sorry to be tardy responding, we had death in the family. I truly appreciate you giving me the opportunity to share my blog post and I appreciate all of your readers.
      Blessings, Janice

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  4. I need coffee. The pot is on. Help yourself. AND I BROUGHT TIMBITS. For those who do not know what these are...donut holes.

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  5. Welcome to Seekerville, Janice. Congratulations on your new series. I'm employed, as a civilian, for my local police department. I'm grateful for the service and bravery of our sworn officers. The average citizen has no idea what these men and women face on a daily basis, especially in large cities. Thank you for your service. I'd love to be entered into the drawing.

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    1. Thank you Jill! I'm sure the officers you work for appreciate your support.

      Janice

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  6. Janice, good post and so true. I jump to conclusions way more than I should, and it's something I'm working on. Jumping to conclusions is great for fiction, though. "She thinks he's a worthless jerk but he's really an undercover cop posing as a worthless jerk." "He thinks the sharp guy is her boyfriend, but it's really her brother."
    I would love to do suspense, once I master some of the other mechanics.
    It was a good weekend for writing, I got a lot done, and I won one of Myra's books in Weekend Edition. I am on a roll.
    KB

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    1. Yay, KB! I'll have it in the mail to you soon!

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    2. Kaybee, a lot of stuff that's great for fiction is horrible for real life! :) Congrats on winning the book. Good luck here!
      Janice

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  7. God bless you, Janice, for your years of service. I'm grateful for all men and women who put themselves in harm's way to protect others. Thank you!

    I want to sign up for your blog. Did I miss the URL? I'll check your website later today.

    Your book sounds gripping! So glad you can be with us and shed light on the reality of police work.

    At the Writers Police Academy, two officers demonstrated how lethal a knife can be in the hands of a assailant. Most of us attending were surprised to learn that an officer, standing about 20 feet from the attacker, would be stabbed before he could draw his weapon. They acted out a number of scenarios for us and the knife always found its mark before the officer could fire his weapon. So many things the public never realizes, as you mentioned!

    #loveourmenandwomeninblue

    Praying for our country and those who defend us!

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    1. Debby, the sign up is on my website, and thank you! Glad you got to go to the writer's police academy, another good thing to do is go on a ride along with your local PD, you'll learn a lot!

      Janice

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  8. Janice, thank you so much for your service, and all the others in uniform.
    I will be checking out your books. Your post grabbed my attention. Your new book sounds great. What is one of the scariest situations you found yourself in while an officer?

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    1. Sally, the scariest was one time arresting a drunk driver, it was late, he tried to evade briefly and when I stopped him he pretended he didn't know I was behind him. He was very drunk, very large, and angry! I was alone, and I could tell he was thinking about fighting. The good thing was, alcohol slows the thinking process and I was able to get him cuffed quickly and safely, the Lord was watching over me. May sound mundane, but a lot of officers are killed doing the most routine things.
      Janice

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    2. Yes, there are lots of accounts where officers are killed during routine traffic stops. You just never know, and it's always good having the Lord watch over us. He already knows. Nothing is mundane that an officer does. I am very appreciative of them and their service. Thanks for answering my question.

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  9. Janice, thank you for your service. Also, thank you for dedicating your books to law enforcement & giving the message of respect that they so very much deserve!

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    1. Susanne, thanks for stopping by Seekerville. Tell us more about what you're writing.

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    2. Susanne, thank you for your kind words and for stopping by.
      Janice

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  10. JANICE, thank you for your service on the LBPD!

    Too often I have jumped to the wrong conclusion about a person or situation.

    Please enter me in the drawing.

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    1. Caryl, we are all guilty sometimes. Thanks for stopping by!
      Janice

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  11. Thanks for being our guest and sharing your on-the-job experiences with us, Janice--fascinating! I'm so sad for all the negative publicity surrounding police work these past several years. My gratitude to you and all those who have served or are serving to protect our rights and our safety.

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    1. Myra, thank you! Truly appreciate your support and stopping by.

      Janice

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  12. Crisis Shot sounds like a story from your heart.
    This is such a hot topic today. I never believe the short clip shown on television. I want to see the whole thing.
    It's easy to become arm-chair police officers.

    Your book sounds great!

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    1. Well said, Connie Queen.

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    2. Connie, it's always easy to direct things from an arm chair, isn't it?
      Blessings, Janice

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  13. Hi Janice, I always enjoy reading your books. I'm grateful to you for your service as a cop. I appreciate the police men and women who work to protect us.

    Crisis Shot sounds like a great story, and I'd love to be entered in the drawing. Thanks.

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    1. Jackie, you are entered.

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    2. Jackie, thanks for being a reader. Blessings to you.
      Janice

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  14. Hi, thanks for your insight. It's hard to understand what's going on with anti-police sentiment lately. Your stories are a powerful vehicle for the truth. Crisis Shot appears to be ripped from the headlines.

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    1. Well said, Dana. I personally encourage everyone to enroll in a Citizen Police Academy to find out how law enforcement really functions in their community!

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    2. Dana, it is hard to understand people protesting with such violence. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment.

      Janice

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  15. I really try to never hastily judge a person or a situation but I admit that too often today's media offers inaccurate pictures for the public to see. Thanks for a thought provoking post and thank you for your service. It is evident that your books benefit from your personal experiences. I would love to be entered in your drawing.
    Blessings!
    Connie
    cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Connie, (CPS) you are entered!

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    2. Connie, sadly, it's hard to trust the media anymore, isn't it?
      Thanks for stopping in, blessings to you.

      Janice

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  16. Janice, thanks for this post. It is timely and needed.

    I have a police officer in my church. Yesterday I spoke to him and told him I am praying for him. I have great respect for our police officers.

    I think that in many homes in our country children have not been taught proper respect for anyone in authority and that is why we have such a problem today.

    I would love to be in the drawing for your book. Have a great day everyone!

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    1. Wilani, you are entered. (P.S. Did your box of books arrive from CBD?)

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    2. Wilani, thank you so much, that was very sweet, and I'm certain the officer appreciated it. God bless you!

      Janice

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  17. Hi Janice
    Thanks for your service. Being a Police Officer is definitely a calling.

    As for jumping to conclusions... I'm guilty and have learned to wait for all data input before making a decision - and even then, I have to remember to ask God for discernment.

    I've also learned to not trust what gets posted to social media or the internet when it comes to perp/officer interactions. I try to wait and see what comes out (the truth will tell?). Still, I do find I lean towards believing officers over accused.

    Your work looks like really good reading. I will have to check out your website as well. Talk about writing what you know... you appear to have that nailed down. I would love to be in the draw for Crisis Shot. The blurb is excellent.

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    1. There you go, DebH. When did we pass the bar exam and become judges. I agree. You are entered in the drawing.

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    2. Deb H, thanks so much! Good luck in the drawing.

      Janice

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  18. Janice, your post is very personal to me. My husband has been in law enforcement for 30 years. He is a state trooper and we live 70 miles south of St. Louis. Right now troopers from his zone are in St. Louis for this first wave of protests. And all of them were called to Ferguson in 2014 or for the anniversary dates. I have no doubt that wrongs need to be righted, that police officers who shame the profession exist (just like bad teachers exist in my profession). But my husband grew up a preacher's kid, is a good person, has a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, and grew up wanting to be a MO state trooper "to protect and to serve." When you know what goes on inside an officer's job/life...it's so frustrating that some see all law enforcement as corrupt. It's ironic because that is the same kind of stereotypical thinking that has fueled the racial tension that is so heartbreaking. On the flip side, since the events at Ferguson three years ago, almost every week someone pays for my husband's lunch/dinner when he eats on duty, which he doesn't find out until he goes to pay for his meal. The job has changed over his 30 years in uniform, and he is counting the days until he can retire--literally. He has an app on his phone. :) My brother-in-law is a K9 officer in Arcadia, CA, by the way, not too far from you. Thank you for sharing your experiences, for serving, and for addressing issues officers face in Crisis Shot. I can't wait to read it!

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    1. Karen, prayers for your husband and all those Leos in harms way!

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    2. Karen, I'll be praying for your husband and all the officers caught up in that craziness. Things just seem to be getting more and more violent. Thank you of taking the time to stop by. Blessings to you.
      Janice

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  19. Jill, have you ever considered writing a first responder story? You have so much research at your finger tips!!

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    1. I've entertained the idea, Tina. I might need to make it an Amish first responder story. :)

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  20. WOW, Janice, I am not a suspense/crime/mystery reader, but I devoured this blog today, not only because it's straight out of the headlines, but it was so fascinating to hear your perspective as a former officer. Makes me want to run right over to Amazon and buy it, so EXCELLENT JOB!

    You asked: "Can you think of a time when you jumped to a conclusion and later learned you were wrong? How did you respond?"

    Not in a judgmental sense, but certainly in an emotional sense -- BIG TIME!! I had this situation where I was incredibly close to a dear friend -- one of my favorite people in the whole world that I loved spending time with. Over the last few years, however, there seemed to be a lack of interest on her part to spend time with me like before via lunches, trips, etc. Whenever I tried to plan something, she never could for one reason or another, and instead of confronting her in love LIKE I normally do, I jumped to the natural conclusion that she didn't like me as much anymore or that I must have offended her in some way. I can't tell you how much hurt I experienced through that misjudgment on my part!

    Several years later, I saw this same friend at a funeral and briefly reconnected with her all over again, making me wonder just what I had done to hurt her feelings and cause this rift.

    "Why don't you just call her and ask her?" my husband said after the funeral, and I realized that yes, I really needed to do that, so I did. Imagine my utter shock at HER shock that I would ever think she didn't love me because she did -- deeply! But she had been going through a painful depression that she hid from everyone, and didn't want to live, much less spend time with people she cared about. We talked for hours and both of us recommitted to staying in touch and praying for each other, and I'm happy to say she has rebounded and we are closer than ever.

    Thanks for allowing me to share this important lesson on false presumption that is not only critical to crime and suspense writers, but in every aspect of our lives.

    Hugs!
    Julie

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    1. Amen, Julie. Thanks for sharing that.

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    2. Thank you so very much for the great insight. Life lessons are often hard, but it's great when we can say we learned something valuable.

      Janice

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  21. Thank you, Janice for your service, and I continue to pray for all first-responders, and men and women who proudly serve their country.

    Signed up for your newsletter first and got caught up in your posts! How true, the media often shows us only the bad stuff, and what they want us to see to sensationalize the situation. I think they(the media) are part and parcel to what makes the average citizen react to these issues with violence. I don't watch TV for that reason.

    Loved this post, and I would like to be entered into the drawing for Crisis Shot.

    Blessings,

    Marcia

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    1. Oops, I forgot to say I have jumped to a conclusion, and dearly paid for it. I now try to hold onto my opinions, tell myself I don't know their story, and wait for the truth to be revealed. This way, I sleep better at night.

      Marcia

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    2. Marcia, you are entered. BTW, I always try to imagine my two feet inside my mouth before I jump to conclusions. HA!

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    3. Marcia, thank you for the interest and good luck in the drawing.

      Janice

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  22. I can't for the life of me think of a specific time that I jumped to a wrong conclusion. I know I've done it before, I just try not to do it that often. Normally I tend to think things through before I act (often I over think them) so I suppose that helps to a degree.

    I don't care what nasty things the media says, I have always had the deepest respect for law enforcement officers. Thank you so much for your service. I'd love to be entered in your drawing.

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    1. Nicki, thank you very much for the kind words and for stopping by.
      Janice

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  23. Hi Janice and welcome to Seekerville. What an interesting post. And I so know what you are talking about. I was a teacher, and students know how to work the system. I was always careful to have witnesses around when confronting a misbehaving student. I often think of that when I see incidents on the news. I also know from first hand experience that the news media lies and exaggerates to get their story. So you better believe I pray for police officers every day. And I pray for news media too. Thanks again for joining us here in Seekerville and best wishes on your novel.

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    1. Not all news media mind you, but it does happen as it happened to me. They came in to report on my classroom and edited my words to say what they wanted said. Almost got fired, but had witnesses.

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    2. Oh yes, forgot to mention I used to live in Long Beach. Graduated from Long Beach State University. Thanks for your service there.

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    3. Sandra, I find out something new about you every day!

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    4. Sandra, thank you for your service as a teacher, to me that's almost scarier than being a cop. :) Where in Long Beach? Just curious, Blessing, Janice

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  24. Sandra, that is scary. I'm glad you had witnesses. I'm afraid this kind of things happen all the time. And shame on me if I help spread the gossip/propaganda.

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  25. Your book sounds fascinating, Janice. Thank you for such an interesting and thought-provoking post - and thank you for your service!

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    1. Laura, thank you for commenting and stopping by.

      Janice

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  26. Janice, I once had a university class in psychology that included law enforcement officers attending for continuing ed credits. Fascinating class with lots of discussion. My biggest take-away from the class was how many 'hats' people in law enforcement wear on a daily basis -- and the varied situations in which they find themselves.

    Your question -- Can you think of a time when you jumped to a conclusion and later learned you were wrong? -- reminded me of a remark I overheard years ago, "If he quit jumping to conclusions, he wouldn't get any exercise at all."

    I'm not familiar with your books, but will be finding out more about them. Thanks for an interesting post!

    Nancy C



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    1. Nancy, thank so much, always glad to interest new readers.
      Blessings

      Janice

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  27. I have a great respect for cops, as I do for anyone who does a job that I can't do. Some people are just too quick to jump to negative opinions instead of giving the benefit of doubt. As you said, are justice system works on a presumption of innocence until proven guilty.

    Your book sounds really interesting and thought-provoking.

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    1. Boo, some jobs seem to bring out the 'I can do that better' attitude in people who seem to only talk and never do. Thanks for stopping in.

      Janice

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  28. Janice -- I have several relatives and friends who were or are currently police officers -- city, state, county -- and I can't put into words how much I admire them. It takes a very special person to lay their life on the line daily to protect others from harm -- and for so little appreciation. I'm going to tell one of my retired officer friends who loves to read about your books as I know she especially enjoys books written with the authenticity that only real-life experience--living it--can bring to the page.

    Thank you for being one who chose to protect and to serve.

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    1. Glynna, pretty name, thank you very much. I enjoyed the job while I had it, but it did have its aggravating moments. Thanks for your interest.
      Janice

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  29. Janice, thank you for your service. What I see on the news recently disheartens me, and I can't imagine what it does to police on the job.
    It's all to easy to jump to conclusions. We think we have all the information. We think we know what the other person is going to say. Too often, we're wrong.
    I still jump to wrong conclusions. Hopefully, age has at least made me wiser, and I don't speak of my conclusions or act on them until I really do gather all the necessary information.
    I would love an opportunity to read your novel.

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    1. Linda, jumping to conclusions seems very human, doesn't it? I always have to remind myself, think first!
      Thank you, Janice

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  30. Thank you for your blog today and your words of wisdom. I need to pray for our police officers more. I didn't realize you are a retired police officer; thank you for all that you've done for us and continue to do for us as an author.

    My first impressions are usually on target but they have been wrong a few times. I didn't connect with one of my daughter's friend's mom's and didn't really like her much actually....but ended up spending time with her for various reasons and realized I was completely wrong about who she is. Now I try to help her as much as possible.

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    1. MH, we all need to take more time with people, that's a lesson I'm learning. For me, as a cop I had to make snap judgements, its a hard habit to break.

      Blessings, Janice

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  31. Janice, I so appreciate the police and think they are getting a lot of bad press. Years ago I attended a Citizens Police Academy and boy were my eyes opened. I'd love to win your book.

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    1. A citizens police academy will do that for you. Glad you liked it, and good luck with the drawing.
      Janice

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  32. You have a great perspective from which to observe the news these days as it seems like these controversial shootings are becoming more and more common. It almost seems like it's a cycle all on its own--as we hear about it more often, both sides get more paranoid, and then it happens because of the tension. Interesting blog post today and I'd love a chance to read your book. Thanks for being here!

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    1. Glynis, thank you for taking the time to comment.
      Blessings, Janice

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  33. I can't remember a specific time when I jumped to a wrong conclusion about something or someone, but I'm sure I had to apologize and accept I was wrong. I think that's the most difficult for a lot of people, I know it is for me. I hate being wrong about something especially when there was a misunderstanding on my part. I really don't like hurting peoples feelings unintentionally! It makes me feel bad. And sometimes if it's a wrong conclusion about something, I get embarrassed which is almost as bad. I think the best solution is an apology and being humble about the mistake.

    My heart goes out to police officers all over. Those who do their job and still get hated just because of their choice of career. I admire those brave souls who put their lives on the line everyday for us. Two years ago in our little small town, one of our officers was killed in the line of duty. He was doing a routine arrest and the guy had a concealed gun and shot him point blank. The officer was a beloved member of the community and did a lot for the schools & kids and community. It shocked us as we're such a small town and you don't generally see that kind of violence here. My heart went out to his wife and young daughter. I just don't understand why these things happen! I know we live in a fallen world, but more and more I see hatred for things that never were prevalent before. It saddens me!

    Anyway, please add my name for your book "Crisis Shot". I haven't yet read your books, but they sound terrific. Thanks so much!

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  34. Oh, I just got notification that my Overdrive digital library system purchased the ebook of Crisis Shot that I recommend recently....yay!!!

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