Writers’ Police Academy 2015

L to R: Terri Reed, Debby Giusti, Margaret Daley,
Tina Radcliffe, Christy Reece, and Rhonda Starnes
Watch out WPA! Here we come!

By Debby Giusti

For the second year in a row, I’ve had the privilege of attending the Writers’ Police Academy—a favorite with suspense and mystery writers—and wanted to provide the Seekerville community with an overview of this amazing conference and what makes it so special. I’ve asked Tina Radcliffe, Rhonda Starnes, Margaret Daley, Terry Reed and Christy Reece to provide input as well.

According to the WPA’s website: 

The Writers’ Police Academy offers the most hands-on, interactive and educational experience writers can find to enhance their understanding of all aspects of law enforcement and forensics. This is a one of a kind event, featuring real police, fire, and EMS training at an actual police academy.

Registration for the WPA fills up fast, often within hours. Some classes and activities require advance signup, such as ride-alongs, jail tours, JAWS of life extraction and MILO shoot/don’t shoot simulation, but the majority of workshops are open to all those attending and are offered a number of times throughout the weekend. I filled a spiral bound notebook with information and wished I would have had time to take all the classes…but that’s why folks go back year after year.

Could this fireman be a hero in your story?

The WPA is the brainchild of retired law enforcement officer Lee Lofland (check out his blog, The Graveyard Shift). For the last seven years, Lee has been the coordinator and driving force behind this one-of-a-kind, interactive opportunity for writers.Throughout the year, Lee recruits experts in all areas of law enforcement, fire and EMS rescue to present workshops. In addition to classroom sessions, those attending have access to live demonstrations, tactical scenarios as well as hands-on opportunities to experience law enforcement in action.

The goal is to come away with a better understanding of the men and women in uniform so writers can “get it right” when they feature public safety personnel in their stories. Not only does the staff and faculty share information about the various jobs within law enforcement, but they also provide a behind-the-scenes look at what drives and motivates them, their successes, their joys but also their frustrations and even their failures. Writers learn what makes those who wear the uniform unique and heroic as well as the struggles that come with the job.

  

L to R: Margaret Daley, Tina Radcliffe, Terri Blackstock
and Debby Giusti
Terri sat across from me on my flight from Atlanta to
Appleton. She's an amazing author and a lovely lady!

This year, the WPA was held at the Fox Valley Technical College and Public Safety Training Center in Appleton, Wisconsin. The 78-acre campus trains police, fire and EMS recruits and includes a firing range, six-story burn building, forced entry building, a scenario village, a Boeing 727, an emergency driving course and skid path, in addition to indoor classrooms and training areas.

The Fox Valley Technical College Campus

The conference is fast paced and packed with information. Those attending WPA 2015, nearly 300 writers, arrived at the Radisson Hotel in Appleton on Thursday afternoon in time to pick up registration packets. Some folks, like Tina, headed off for ride-alongs while the rest of us attended a talk and demonstration on 3D Crime Scene Mapping. The next morning we boarded buses and left the hotel at 7:30 am and were on the go all day, returning just before dinner. Later that night we had a K9 demonstration, involving a take down and arrest. Saturday was an equally full day and included a talk by New York Times bestselling author Allison Brennan on how to “Get It Right.” Saturday concluded with a banquet and speech by 2015 Special Guest, NY Times bestselling author Karin Slaughter. A two-hour Q&A with the law enforcement faculty ended the 2015 event at noon on Sunday. Those attending went home tired but happy about what they learned and experienced.

Charlie's Angels pose for a photo shoot after they do a
building search. But wait! Is that Debby Giusti?
What's up?

Here's a peek at a few of the classes I attended:

Espionage, Cons and the Anatomy of Betrayal. The session was taught by a former undercover cop who still keeps a low profile and asked that no one circulate his picture on the Web. He talked about his “life on the street” that successfully brought down a NYC drug ring. He showed real footage of various drug deals and tactical operations that led to arrests.

The instructor talked about dressing down while undercover and wearing clothes that were offensive and unwashed. He marked his veins with graphite pencil to look like tracks and cautioned that drug dealers don’t want to work with flamboyant folks, instead they’re looking for someone who’s not imposing and isn’t a threat to them.

           

K-9 Arrest Scenario

An Insider’s View to the World of Women in Law Enforcement: The first female officer hired in Lodi, California talked about the beginning days of women in law enforcement and some of the problems they still face. Slender and petite, she shared the tactics she used to subdue and control suspects who were twice her size. She also provided a real look at prostitution and what she her job entailed working as an undercover hooker.  

Something we discovered outside the classroom...
Wisconsin Cheese Curds! YUM!

From Crime Scene to Autopsy. Coroner Amanda Thomas shared photos and information about her job and what she has seen and experienced at various crime scenes over the years. As coroner, she orders autopsies and toxicology tests on body fluids, takes samples, calls the funeral home and notifies the family.             

Bloodstain Pattern Investigation Class.

Interview and Interrogation. This workshop went into the tactics and techniques used by investigators in what the instructor called a "psychological fight" between the suspect and interrogating officer. To get a confession, an investigator needs to convince the suspect that it’s in his or her best interest to confess.

Debby's in jail!

I also attended classes on Forensic Art and Witness Recall, the SWAT Experience, and Fingerprinting 101 and participated in the Building Searches/Door Breaching live scenario and toured the mock-up jail on campus.  

Margaret Daley's ready to join the SWAT team!

USA Today Bestselling Author Margaret Daley, had this to say about her experience: “The absolute best thing I did in the name of research is going to the Writer’s Police Academy. This year was my second time—the other two years ago. Every class was full of information I can use in a book (or not—remember not all your research goes into the story or it would read as a non-fiction book). While at the police academy (in a real police academy with police, fire and paramedics training at the same time), I cleared a building looking for suspects and learned different things from what a SWAT team does to teaming with a police K-9. My favorite class was learning about virus and bacteria that can be modified and used to kill someone (example anthrax). Fascinating information.”

Christy Reece snapped these photos at one of the K-9
demonstrations. As you might imagine, the dogs stole the show!

NYT Bestselling Author Christy Reece was equally as enthused: “WPA was so much more than I expected. I'd heard from other writers about their positive experiences and as a romantic suspense author I knew it would be helpful. It was so much more. The instructors were excellent, professional but approachable. The Fox Valley training facility was the perfect venue. I learned so much and left the beautiful town of Appleton, Wisconsin, inspired and motivated. I recommend WPA for all writers who want to learn more about all aspects of law enforcement. I will definitely be returning next year!” 

Tina Radcliffe sporting a new hat and ready for any
emergency! 

Award winning author Tina Radcliffe provided her favorite tips from the Fire Fundamentals session she attended:

1. Fire personnel wear shorts and a t-shirt under their gear. (Turnout coat and pants.)
2. When a fireman/ woman dons a mask they have no peripheral vision.
3. Firemen are not allowed to have whiskers (ala Chicago Fire characters) That would be considered unfit for duty. The mask cannot properly seal on the face if the face is not clean shaven.
4. A firetruck has a ladder. An engine has no ladder.

Tina Radcliffe (L) and Terri Reed (R)

Award winning Love Inspired Suspense author Terri Reed added the following: "The Writer’s Police Academy is a must for any writer who wants to depict the various law enforcement and emergency personnel in a realistic and believable manner. I was overwhelmed with the professional knowledge of the instructors and the variety of classes offered. I enjoyed the K-9 demonstrations. I was able to ride in a fire truck which was awesome and learned the difference between a fire truck and a fire engine. I cleared a smoke filled room (filled with theatrical smoke). The smoke was more disorienting than darkness, which was not what I expected. I also was able to meet many fabulous writers whose work I admire. There was no way to attend every session so I’ll definitely be going back. I can’t wait until next year!"

Rhonda Starnes in the restraining chair!
What did you do, Rhonda?

Suspense writer Rhonda Starnes had this to say about her experience: "My number one take away from the Writers’ Police Academy was don’t rely on television shows and movies for your facts when it comes to writing crime scenes. This was repeated over and over again throughout the weekend, and it was reinforced when instructors taught us proper procedures.

"What did I learn at WPA? Fingerprints aren’t washed away by rain, blood splatters that have been “cleaned up” will have more of a fireworks type pattern when Luminol is applied, and I really want to write a book with a SWAT team hero who wears glasses. LOL!" 

The SWAT hero in Rhonda Starnes' next story!

I hope you’ve enjoyed the photos and have a better idea of what writers experience at the WPA! To learn more, visit the WPA website. Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the home page and sign up for their newsletter and Facebook page.

Fingerprinting class! 

What types of hands-on research have you done in your local area? Does your police force offer a Citizen’s Police Academy or any other program that brings law enforcement and citizens together? Does the WPA sound like a conference you'd like to attend? Leave a comment to be entered in the drawing for a copy of my latest Love Inspired Suspense, PERSON OF INTEREST, and a $10 Starbucks' gift certificate! 

God bless the men and women in
law enforcement and all our first responders!

The men and women I met at the WPA were a cut above. They selflessly sacrifice their own well-being to protect and defend the citizens they serve! Recently, our brave men and women in uniform have come under attack. I mourn those who have lost their lives in the line of duty and pray for the safety of all law enforcement, fire and emergency rescue personnel. May the Lord protect them and keep them in His care.

Wishing you abundant blessings!

Debby Giusti

www.DebbyGiusti.com

PERSON OF INTEREST

By Debby Giusti

WOMAN ON THE RUN

While babysitting a young servicewoman’s infant, Natalie Frazier hears a murder in the neighboring army duplex. Convinced her former commander is behind the crime, the ex-soldier bolts with the baby. But who will believe her story? Army investigator Everett Kohl deals only with the facts, but this time his gut instincts can’t be denied. Is the attractive Natalie a cunning killer, as his ranking officers believe, or an innocent victim? Ordered to bring her in, Everett has a decision to make. Helping her could cost him his job…but not protecting  Natalie and the baby could get all of them killed…

Order your copy in digital or print format: Amazon.

Also, available in digital format, COFFEE SHOP ROMANCES, featuring "Stolen Kisses."

WRITERS’ POLICE ACADEMY

Debby Giusti here!

Today, I’m giving a shout out to Lee Lofland, a former police detective turned writer, who started the Writers’ Police Academy. In 2007, Lee spoke at a Sisters in Crime forensics conference, and after seeing the enthusiasm and interest of those who attended, he started working on a way to bring writers and law enforcement personnel together. Lee said his goal was to provide “lectures on law enforcement and forensic topics with hands-on training to give writers a chance to try on gear, train with firearms, and perhaps take part in simulated emergency response exercises.”

For the last six years, Lee has done exactly that. His Writers' Police Academy, or WPA, is currently held on the campus of the Guilford Technical Community College, in Jamestown, North Carolina. The school has its own Police Academy as well as programs in Basic Law Enforcement Training, Criminal Justice, Emergency Medical Science and Fire Protection Technology. Experts in all branches of criminal justice from around the country travel to North Carolina each September to offer their expertise, along with local law enforcement agencies that provide additional personnel and equipment.

Lee welcomes us Thursday night.

This year’s event ran from Thursday evening, September 4, to Sunday, September 7. Registration opened at noon, on January 26, and the course filled up within 12 hours. Talk about in demand! Lee said he hopes to take the WPA on the road in the future. To learn more about the academy, visit the WPA web site: http://www.writerspoliceacademy.com/

Check out Lee's blog, The Graveyard Shift, and his Writer's Digest "Howdunit," Book of Police Procedure & Investigation.

Eli Jackson (L) demonstrates disarming techniques
with her sister (R).

Thankful to be part of this year’s class, I left my house at 9 AM on September 4 and picked up a friend and fellow Georgia Romance Writer Connie Gillam en route. We arrived at the Marriott Hotel in Greenboro at 5:30 that evening, in time to take our bags to our room, grab some food and then find a seat for the orientation and welcome by Lee and the faculty.

Debby (R) and Lisa Carter (L) pose for a picture
in front of the crime scene quilt!

Following the opening program, Eli Jackson, a Third Degree Mixed Martial Arts expert, demonstrated various ways to disarm an assailant. We broke into small groups to practice her techniques and laughed at our clumsy attempts to mimic the takedowns that had looked so simple and effortless. When asked about personal safety, Eli said surprise is the best defense and always fight back when attacked. In an effort to help writers get it right when doing fight scenes, Eli is hosting the first annual Authors Combat Academy, April 17-19, 2015, in Nashville, TN. Information is available at www.AuthorsCombatAcademy.com.

Firemen working at the mock crash site.

Friday morning, we boarded buses at 7:30 AM that took us to the Police Academy. A mock accident demonstration had been set up in the parking lot, and we gathered around as the first patrol car arrived on the scene. The police officer assessed the injuries, applied tourniquets to stop bleeding and escorted those less severely injured away from the crash site. Firemen were the next to arrive. They used air bags and Jaws of Life to lift a car and extract a victim. Two ambulances brought EMTs who quickly treated those with life-threatening injuries. Following a SMART Triage technique, color-coded tags were attached to each victim’s arm. Red tags indicated immediate need for medical care. Yellow tags meant less severe injuries, such as fractures. Green tags were for the least injured, and gray was for anyone who had perished from their injuries.  Instructors were on hand to answer questions as the emergency response teams carried out their jobs. Once the accident scene was cleared, we headed inside.

Bill Queen, undercover ATF agent

With so many workshops, it was hard to choose which ones to attend, and many writers return each year, knowing there’s always something new and interesting to learn. I attended “Deep Undercover,” presented by Bill Queen, a retired special agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. He talked about the two-plus years he spent infiltrating the Mongols, a violent motorcycle gang in California. Their motto was “Respect few. Fear none,” which included law enforcement. “Billy St. John,” as he was known to the gang, had to walk a fine line between fitting in with the gang and ensuring he didn’t step over his own personal line in the sand as a sworn officer of the law. His story was at times heart wrenching, and he was extremely frank about the sacrifices he made going undercover, to include having little contact with his wife and children. After he left the gang, his story was told on “20-20 Downtown,” and he’s written two books that detail his life with the Mongols: Under and Alone, and Armed & Dangerous.

The jacket Bill wore when he was undercover with the Mongols.

My roommate and I are both medical technologists so we wanted to hear Dr. Denene Lofland, Lee’s wife, discuss “Microbial Forensics: Using Microorganisms as Weapons.” Denene has a PhD in Pathology and presented case studies of rare diseases seen in the US, including Lassa Fever and the Marburg virus. She discussed bioterrorism, the anthrax scare after 9/11 and the current Ebola outbreak. In her opinion, the initial spread of the Ebola virus was due, in part, to the African custom of washing, dressing, caressing and kissing the bodies of the dead. In some regions, drinking the blood of the deceased is still a part of their death ritual.

Lisa Gardner provides tips for writing thrillers.

Greensboro Police officer Emily Mitchum explained prostitution stings. Unlike Julia Roberts in the movie “Pretty Woman,” most hookers aren’t flashy dressers or attractive women. They’re druggies or down-in-their-luck women who need cash. The Internet has cut down on the street prostitution with many hook-ups made over the Net, but the problem still exists, especially in certain neighborhoods. According to Emily, a female officer doing a sting needs to act out a part, be adaptable and prepare mentally. She also has to use the street language. Once an agreement is reached—money does not have to change hands--between the undercover cop and the john, an arrest can be made. 

He's not real!
We had to find evidence located near the dummy's body.

“Researching Exotic Crimes” was presented by Dr. Katherine Ramsland, director of the Master’s program in Criminal Justice at DeSales University in Pennsylvania, where she also teaches forensic psychology.  Dr. Ramsland is an intriguing women who loves her work and boasts of having a personal collection of chain saw suicide cases—36 to date--that includes photographs. She is an expert on serial killers and psychopaths and has appeared on 20/20, 48 Hours, and Nancy Grace. Dr. Ramsland discussed bizarre crimes, such as necrophilia, cannibalism and dismemberment, with detailed information about the crimes and photos of the killers and their victims. Needless to say her class was not for the faint of heart. Information about her books, including The Forensic Psychology of Criminal Minds, that I bought, and a discussion of unusual crimes can be found on her Psychology Today blog, "Shadow Boxing," which she notes is “A blog that probes the mind's dark secrets.” 

Connie Gillam (R) and Debby during the ambulance ride-along.

Friday concluded with a talk by Lisa Gardner, who was attending the class for the second year in a row. In her presentation, “From Fact to Fiction: How to Turn Chilling Research into a Thrilling Novel,” Lisa discussed using secondary sources (textbooks, true crime novels), primary sources (interviews with cops, docs and lawyers) and hands-on exposure (firearms training, self-defense classes, the WPA) to write authentic stories. She suggested scheduling interviews for an hour and asking for follow up contact information. Always send a thank-you note, and include higher-ups if appropriate. Offer to acknowledge those who helped, but ask before including their names in your book. When doing an interview, inquire about the funniest case or the scariest or their favorite to get that nugget of information that can make your story even more special.

The Driving Simulator

Saturday was filled with more great workshops. The day started with a breaching demonstration. I took an ambulance ride-along and “drove” my own ambulance in a Driving Simulator, complete with lights and sirens. Crime scene investigator, Alison Hutchens explained “Crime Scene Processing and Evidence Packaging,” and former Secret Service agent Mike Roche showed us the man behind the badge in his talk on “Real Cops for Real People.” I also attended “Underwater Evidence Recovery,” given by the local sheriff’s department Dive Team at a nearby pool. The divers do not use lights and feel their way along the bottom of ponds and quarries to recover anything from a gun to a body. Former DA, Alafair Burke, daughter of author James Lee Burke, discussed criminal law before we headed back to the hotel. That evening we enjoyed a lovely banquet with guest speaker, Michael Connelly, who always gets it right when talking about law enforcement. His book, Crime Beat, A Decade of Covering Cops and Killers, is a must read for suspense writers.

Diver demonstrates underwater evidence collection.

This year’s WPA ended with a Q&A Sunday morning that provided even more insight into the brave men and women in blue. Their sense of humor and love for the job were evident, and I’m sure those who attended the academy came away with a new appreciation for law enforcement.

Two writers. Which one is Michael Connelly?

Knowledgeable writers pen stories that accurately portray those in uniform. Lee Lofland’s goal was to help writers understand not only law enforcement, but also the men and women behind the badge. In my opinion, he succeeded.

Will I go back next year? You bet. Maybe I’ll see you there!

Love my WPA Writer T-shirt and tote bag.

Share your own favorite true crime stories or intriguing law enforcement cases or just leave a comment about the guys and gals in blue to be entered in today’s drawing. I’m giving away a copy of HOLIDAY DEFENDERS, that features my story, “Mission: Christmas Rescue,” along with military suspense novellas by Susan Sleeman and Jodie Bailey.

The breakfast buffet is open. Scrambled eggs, hash browns, sausage and ham, biscuits, assorted muffins, fresh fruit and grits. The coffee’s hot. Tea and colas are also available.

Happy writing! Happy reading!

Wishing you abundant blessings,

Debby Giusti

www.DebbyGiusti.com

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, THREE MILITARY MEN OF HONOR MUST DO EVERYTHING THEY CAN TO SAVE CHRISTMAS

Mission: Christmas Rescue by Debby Giusti 

On the run from a killer, Elizabeth Tate must accept U.S. Army Captain Nick Fontaine’s protection for the sake of her young niece and nephew. Now her life is in the hands of the very man who broke her heart years ago.

Special Ops Christmas by Susan Sleeman 

Researcher Claire Reed’s top secret project is stolen, putting her at risk of being kidnapped to unlock it. Her undercover bodyguard—her former love, Green Beret Travis Chapman—is on his most dangerous mission yet.

Homefront Holiday Hero by Jodie Bailey 

When someone tries to kill the daughter of a military official, U.S. Army major Tyler Rainey must keep Kelly Walters from harm…while guarding his own heart against very unexpected feelings.