Books published

Fifteen 15 Minute Training Topics V1: Quick Training Topics for Probation Officers
http://a.co/5D00uHI

On The Stand: Courtroom Testimony for Probation Officers
http://a.co/hVYr3gi

Sustained! Probation Internal Affairs Investigations and Your Rights
http://amzn.com/B018UR2MG4

Maximum Exposure: 42 Stories from Probation
http://amzn.com/B013NUJ8NS

Newbie Status: A Guide for Probation Officers to Navigate their
First Five Years and Beyond
http://amzn.com/B014NF1EQ6

Left on Vacation Came Home on Probation: A Guide to Successfully Completing your Probation
http://amzn.com/B013N8T2YU

Gang Conditions: A Guide to Supervising Gang Members on
Probation
http://amzn.com/B013N7D8BY

Just the Facts: Report Writing for Probation Officers
http://a.co/fWuzOpv

The Woodchipper Murder: The Forensic Evidence Trail in the
Homicide of Helle Crafts
http://amzn.com/B013N6DYDM

The Killing Frenzy: Profiling Mass Murder
http://amzn.com/B0163JZG0U

Set and Run: A Profile of Timothy McVeigh
http://amzn.com/B015F9S908

96 Minutes of Hell: Shots from the Tower
http://amzn.com/B013N8BCIO

Annihilator: A Profile of John List
http://amzn.com/B0163WTU54

Disgruntled: A Profile of Joseph Wesbecker
http://amzn.com/B01652QUGY

Disciple or Partner: A Profile of Charles "Tex" Watson
http://amzn.com/B0163JNEEK






Tuesday, January 9, 2018

What Traits Make the Best Probation Officer?


The Four Traits that Make a Good Probation Officer

I know that most of us hear the majority of our close friends and family say that they could never do our job for one reason or another.

I have had more than a few tell me, with absolute sincerity, that they would make a probation officer (or great police officer).  I usually just nod my head and say something like, “oh really?”  Never mind the fact that everyone knows that (your non-LEO friend) suffers from anxiety and that they have what many call a slight “anger management” problem.  Then there is that little drug arrest they think no one knows about, or the two DUI’s after the divorce. Or, based on their Facebook statuses, they are not exactly Tom Clancy when it comes to writing.

A lot of people think they can do our job.  Some even think they can do it better.  Thanks to 85% of TV shows being in some way or fashion about law enforcement work, most think they have a grasp on what the job is like or what it really takes to do the job.  Most of the portrayals of probation officers or parole officers are not at all positive.  More than likely, most folks just lump us in with police officers.  We won’t even get into the ones that ask why we don’t become cops instead of probation officers.  My experience on the streets and doing probation work have taught me what traits make the best probation officer.

1. Common sense

Unfortunately, common sense cannot be learned or taught.  You either have it or you don’t.  The PO’s who have it, know it. And they can recognize it in other cops too. Cops who possess this trait tend to gravitate towards other cops who have it.  The ones who possess common sense will usually evolve into PO’s who have “street sense.”

PO’s with street sense usually developed this trait while growing up in less than ideal conditions versus those who grew up in suburbia that included a community pool with annual beach vacations.  I’m not saying that those PO’s who went to college right after high school on their parents dime can’t develop or have the same grit. I’m merely saying that it’s not as common.

The ultimate PO’s possess both book smarts and street smarts.  A rare combination.

2. Critical thinkers

Just to become a PO requires a person to have above average intelligence compared to the general population. In reality, you better be a whole lot smarter than your average Joe.  This is where great PO’s separate themselves from the herd. Your average PO can quickly analyze a situation and come up with a solution.  The great ones can come up with multiple solutions to a problem while the event is unfolding and pivot quickly as the situation evolves.  This is similar to the great chess player who can see 3 to 4 moves ahead, even factoring in possible moves from his opponent. Having only one solution to a problem usually works well in most professions.  Not in probation work.

Especially with the highly charged political cluster our profession has evolved into.  It used to be easy.  Probationer breaks the law, same probationer goes to jail. But, the times have changed.  Now it’s probationer breaks the law, give probationer other options other than jail.  Now we are encouraged to enforce in that probationer a victim mentality where they never really gets that they need to take responsibility and they need to fix it. 

I do have to say that Evidenced Based Practices seek to address and fix this and has a higher degree of success.  But not very many agencies have gone this direction.  It requires more people with smaller case loads and more resources.  It requires changing the way that the probationer thinks and that is a big barrier.

3. Thick skin

This may be the most important. Anyone who is trying to excel above the group is usually met with jealousy and opposition.  Many PO’s are perfectly fine with doing the bare minimum. Living a life of mediocrity.  The ones who try to take it to the next level are usually met with the worst that people can put on them.

To be proactive in law enforcement means you will anger and even enrage a lot of people. They will play mental mind games with you in order to break your will.  They will try every low down dirty trick to keep you off your game and even question why you chose this vocation.  They will question your manhood (or womanhood).  They will question your race.   Your motives will be questioned.  Really mean things about your mother will be said to your face.

4. Cultured

This is where some disagree.  Let me explain about culture.  There have been many experts who have held advanced degrees that have written extensively on the topic of probation.  I have read many of them.

A great PO is one who can immediately identify with a wide group of people. This can only happen if they has lived a life that has exposed him or her to different cultures.  This includes that they have actually seen and have experienced different parts of the country. It also helps if they have been outside of their small town bubble where not everyone looks or has the same beliefs as him or her.

I know that many who are reading this may work in small towns or communities and feel that they have the advantage because they know everyone. To a certain degree they may be right.  In the city where I work, I’m considered a “come here,” meaning, I’m not from the city where I work.

And that has its advantages also.  I know no one.  I favor no one.  All start on the same footing with me.  I’m not related to Fred, the town dirt bag, who thinks he can call on me every time he doesn’t agree with his PO.  I have never worked at the warehouse distribution center mill in town where the Vice President of Operations has just been stopped for DUI and has dropped my name.  I have no allegiance to the “from here’s” who carry on their secret cliques against outsiders.

In short, the best PO’s have “been around the block” and are not easily swayed by “good ole boy” politics or intimidated by the local power players.

These, by no means, are all of the traits.  Just the top ones in my view.  Do you have more to add?

Stay safe!

P. O. Doe

#probation
#probationuncovered

Twitter - @PODoe2015
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/probationuncovered/
Email - probationuncovered@gmail.com

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Messy Murders - new book!

Available for pre-order now!! 

To be released on 12/12/17:

Messy Murders: Death and Dismemberment by Chainsaw
by P. O. Doe

Link: http://a.co/0T13EVf




P. O. Doe

#probation
#probationuncovered

Twitter - @PODoe2015
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/probationuncovered/
Email - probationuncovered@gmail.com

Reasons for violating probation

I've found a variation of the statutory reasons for violating probation:


3 basis to arrest a probationer

  • new criminal offense
  • Violation of terms and conditions
  • Has become abandoned to improper associates or a vicious life
Have any of you ever used the third reason, or a variation of it, to violate someone's probation?



P. O. Doe

#probation
#probationuncovered

Twitter - @PODoe2015
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/probationuncovered/
Email - probationuncovered@gmail.com

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Latest book live on Amazon!

My latest book is now live on Amazon!

Fifteen 15 Minute Training Topics: Quick Training Topics for Probation Officers
http://a.co/5D00uHI



P. O. Doe

#probation
#probationuncovered

Twitter - @PODoe2015

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/probationuncovered/

Email - probationuncovered@gmail.com

Things to expect when your loved one becomes law enforcement, including probation!!

1. At parties and BBQs, your loved one will lose their personal identity.

They are no longer introduced as Dan or Susan. It becomes, this is my friend [insert name here]. He’s a [cop, probation officer, parole officer, etc]. Plumbers, teachers, graphic designers, and chefs will all be introduced without mention of what they do for a living. Law enforcement officers are always introduced by what they do, whether it's cop/police, probation, parole, etc.

2. Your loved one will speak differently after becoming a law enforcement offier.

They no longer “get out of a car.” Instead they “alight from a motor vehicle.” They do not “carry a nightstick.” They instead “utilize their service batons”. They don’t “turn on a flashlight.” They “illuminate the area.” They do not “throw stun grenades during SWAT raids.” Instead they “deploy distraction devices.” A vehicle is no longer a “car.” It’s a “cruiser.” They don’t “pull a gun.” They “draw their service weapon.” While this language is more specific to police, language changes for all law enforcement.  For probation officers, this will be reflected in their assignment (juvenile, adult, etc), the frequency they write reports and other factors.  The language listed above is reflective of the legalese that law enforcement is required to write in.  It is required by the courts and it reduces the ways that a defense lawyer can twist your meaning.

3. Weekends no longer include Saturdays and Sundays.

You often work a four-and-two schedule, getting an actual Saturday and Sunday off once every six weeks. That is of course if you are not ordered for overtime on your day off, as often happens.  This is going to vary again by your assignment.  If you work in juvenile institutions, than you will have 7 day based shift work.  If you work on a specialized unit, you may be subject to call outs and overtime.  If your position requires you to answer your phone 24/7, the same applies.

4. Holidays will now have different meanings.

While the whole world is enjoying a day off, crime and trouble are open for business 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can’t stay home with the kids on Christmas morning while they play with their presents. On New Year’s Eve if you are not scheduled to work, you most likely will be ordered to work.  Same as above related to weekends.

5. Your loved one’s appearance will change.

All the T-shirts and golf shirts they wear will soon have badges, emblems, or specialized unit insignias displayed on them. Once they get assigned to the drug unit they will start to grow their hair long and grow out their goatee or full beard. Over time, the attire reflects the law enforcement officers occupation. 

6. Get ready for your loved one to laugh at the weirdest things and during the most inconvenient times… often to keep from crying.

After exposure to the evil in this world, little things such as sights, sounds, and smells can trigger bad memories, cause anxiety, and change moods. It’s nothing against you, but if they admitted that these things bothered them, then they would be human. But we didn’t hire them to be human. They were hired to be law enforcement. Humans have spontaneous human reactions and make mistakes. Law enforcement can’t afford to, and aren’t allowed to.  If you do the job of a probation officer long enough, regardless of your assignment, you will encounter death, abusive family, mental health issues and a myriad of other things that the general public does not deal with.  And we get a special issue to deal with called compassion fatigue, in trying to have compassion for our population and their families.  They don't meet expectations.  It takes its toll.

7. Your loved one will make a whole lot of new friends.

They will have friends from the academy, their district, the other 20 offices, the drug unit, vice unit, detectives, homicide, SWAT, K-9, the State Police, and the federal agencies. One thing is for sure, their friends will all be law enforcement. They will golf with law enforcement, drink with law enforcement, debate politics and current events with law enforcement, go on vacation with law enforcement, and so on. And when they are not WITH law enforcement, they will be talking about law enforcement. God forbid you watch a cop show with them and someone on screen isn’t doing it his or her way. You’ll be sure to hear about it. If left unchecked their entire world will consist of law enforcement(Please ensure it doesn’t happen. Having healthy friendships outside of work keeps officers more grounded and healthy, and relationships intact.)  Take a look around your life and see if this hasn't happened - you will be surprised to what level it does happen.

8. Your loved one will look at the world differently.

Often when dealing with those committing crimes all day, and constantly being lied to, can change their view of the world. We are so used to dealing with people who constantly lie to us. If not careful, law enforcement can treat those we love as suspects.

9. Your loved one will lose their ability to have an opinion…more accurately, their opinion won’t be allowed.

Everyone has freedom of speech, except law enforcement. You have a right to speak freely, you just don’t have a right to be a law enforcement officer and do it. I.e.: A staunch Irish Catholic can agree with the Catholic Church and be anti-abortion. They however, must stand and be ready to risk their own life to protect the rights of pro-life individuals to freely express themselves. There is no conduct unbecoming a carpenter, but there is conduct unbecoming an officer. Off-duty behavior can impact your job.  Be especially conscious of this with social media!!

10. Your loved one will get very frustrated when the public and the media spread the message that cops/law enforcement doesn't care.

For the most part, law enforcement officers work hard, believe they can make a difference, and will put the job’s needs over theirs and their family’s needs. They will sacrifice time with family to keep others safe and will occupy their off-duty hours with issues from the job.  While the majority of what we see in the media relates to police officers, don't believe for one second that probation officers and other law enforcement isn't lumped in with that.  To the general public, we are all cops...

Borrowed and adapted from PoliceOne.com


Stay safe, stay sane!!
P. O. Doe

#probation
#probationuncovered

Twitter - @PODoe2015
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/probationuncovered/
Email - probationuncovered@gmail.com

Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Things life has taught me

1. Most of our life is spent chasing false goals and worshipping false ideals. The day you realize that is the day you really start to live.

2. You really, truly cannot please all of the people all of the time. Please yourself first and your loved ones second, everyone else is busy pleasing themselves anyway.  Trust me, they aren't pay you no mind.

3. Fighting the ageing process is like trying to catch the wind. Go with it, enjoy it. Your body is changing, but it always has been. Don’t waste time trying to reverse that, instead change your mindset to see the beauty in the new.  I'm not saying don't keep fit!  You need that to stay safe!

4. Nobody is perfect and nobody is truly happy with their lot. When that sinks in you are free of comparison and free of judgement. No more keeping up with the Jones'! It’s truly liberating. 

5. No one really sees what you do right, everyone sees what you do wrong. When that becomes clear to you, you will start doing things for the right reason and you will start having so much more fun.  If it's not already, let it become a core fundamental of who you are!

6. You will regret the years you spent berating your looks, the sooner you can make peace with the vessel your soul lives in, the better. Your body is amazing and important but it does not define you.

7. Your health is obviously important but stress, fear and worry are far more damaging than any delicious food or drink you may deny yourself. Happiness and peace are the best medicine.

8. Who will remember you and for what, become important factors as you age. Your love and your wisdom will live on far longer than any material thing you can pass down. Tell your stories, they can travel farther than you can imagine.  If you really look at it, we do some pretty incredible and amazing things that should be shared with others.  Write your own story and publish it!  With technology these days, you really have no excuse...

9. We are not here for long but if you are living against the wind it can feel like a life-sentence. Life should not feel like a chore, it should feel like an adventure.  Perspective matters!

10. Always, always, drink the good champagne and use the things you keep for ‘best’. Tomorrow is guaranteed to no one. Today is a gift that’s why we call it the present.  Don't live beyond your means, but make sure that you live to the fullest!!


Stay safe!!
P. O. Doe

#probation
#probationuncovered

Twitter - @PODoe2015

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/probationuncovered/

Email - probationuncovered@gmail.com

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Eight Lessons

8 Lessons Every Probation Officer Learns (or should learn!)

Lesson #1: There is a culture in many segments of society that says, do not cooperate with law enforcement. It is Us versus Them.  It's not just on the enforcement aspect, I sense this when dealing with some drug rehab programs.  They seem to make things more difficult and are slower to respond to contact from probation.  One of my coworkers was refused a tour by staff.


Lesson #2: “Us” takes care of our own business. Never let “Them” tell you what to do, when to do it, or how to do it.  We are in a politically correct society gone awry.  There may be times you are forced to make decisions based on this, but always do what your moral compass tells you is the right thing to do. 

Lesson #3: No matter how much wailing and pleas to “stop the killing” the culture will not violate lessons two and three.   If you help law enforcement, you're a "snitch."  But law enforcement isn't doing what they supposed to by stopping all the crime and killing...

Lesson #4: This is an important one – lessons #1 through #3 have nothing to do with race. These lessons are not unique to any one ethnic or racial group, or economical status. Across the board, police officers hear repeatedly two statements: “I don’t know nothing about nothing.” And, “I really don’t want to get involved.” This seems truest at homicide scenes.  It doesn't matter where you work or who it is, the culture is imbedded and reinforced through the media, music, etc.

Lesson #5: If you don’t have live witnesses to take the stand you don’t have a case.  How many people on your caseload have been a witness to a crime?  And how do you advise them the proceed?  It is a difficult call, because they still have to live in the community and they will have to deal with the thug culture retaliating. 

Lesson #6: Everybody lies to law enforcement.  If you don't realize and acknowledge that your probationers act differently in your office than they do when they are in the community, then you need to take a step back and open your eyes.  They will lie at every turn that they think they can.  And this also applies to the ones that are doing "good," that have jobs and are finishing school, etc.  It applies to normally law abiding citizens that aren't on probation.  Make sure to ask questions that you already know the answers to. 

Lesson #7: When you lie to your probation officer, there are consequences.  You need to hold people accountable to help them to change.  And the consequences don't always have to mean jail.  Make them applicable to the situation.

Lesson #8: People will disregard lessons #1 through #7 to save their own butts.  Having worked in roles that dealt with some pretty serious criminals, the ones that involve the people that most are afraid of, most people will cooperate or "snitch" if they are caught dead to rights and feel they can do it with minimal risk of being exposed.  You will encounter those people on your caseloads that are working for a police officer to avoid further prosecution or because the money is good.


Be safe!!
P. O. Doe

#probation
#probationuncovered

Twitter - @PODoe2015
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/probationuncovered/
Email - probationuncovered@gmail.com