Karen L. Bune's Blog (41)

The arrest of former Chief Investigator, James F. Artis, of the Prince George’s County (MD) State’s Attorney’s Office for second-degree assault and fourth-degree sex offense comes as a surprise to those who formerly worked with him and those who are acquainted with him.  Artis, a former police chief and military veteran, outwardly appeared to be a professional who desired to be respectful and appropriate in carrying out his duties.  He always demonstrated a willingness to be helpful to his…

A class act, the epitome of professionalism, one who understands and has the productive and proven know-how of bona fide, effective leadership, Frank Kratovil Jr. is, once again, moving on and moving up.  With his recent selection by Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley to serve on the judicial bench of Queen Anne’s County, Maryland, there is no doubt that Mr. Kratovil will prove to be a fair, impartial and effective judge.  Truly, Mr. Kratovil is an icon of excellence, and any…

With the onset of a new year, 2012 already ushers in a vivid reminder of how dangerous domestic violence calls for service can be with the reported death of Officer Shawn Schneider, 32, of the Lake City Minnesota Police Department.  Officer Schneider was a nine year veteran of the police department and also a part-time law officer with the Wabasha County Sheriff’s Office.

Schneider was fighting for his life for two weeks before he died on December 30, 2011.  Shot in the head by Alan…

Three cheers and major applause to Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey, and Judge Kevin M. Dougherty, Supervising judge of the Philadelphia Family Court Juvenile Division, for having the guts to unhesitatingly take a tough stance and speak out on the critical problem of flash mobs in Philadelphia.  Dubbed the city of “Brotherly Love,” Philadelphia in recent weeks has been out of control with outrageously violent incidents that have evolved from flash…

In addition to the daily challenges he confronts as being a cop, United States Capitol Police Officer J. J. Paulin faces another personal challenge of a monumental nature. His eight-year-old son, Hunter, was born with 16 heart defects and has Shones Complex—a rare syndrome that comprises four severe heart defects that prevent the blood from entering and exiting his heart. The most severe of the defects is the Mitral Valve. His young son takes blood thinners daily that present…

Washington D. C.'s loss was Philadelphia's gain when former Metropolitan Police Chief, Charles Ramsey, became the Police Commissioner in Philadelphia.  His three decades of broad-based experience in law enforcement made him well versed to tackle just about any challenge in any jurisdiction.  His success in reducing crime, as he did in the nation's Capitol, was a trend that he continued in Philadelphia.  He also made notable efforts to weed out some corrupt cops in that jurisdiction, and his…

There have been 13 murders in the first 14 days of 2011 in Prince George’s County Maryland.  Public safety officials throughout the county, including the newly elected County Executive Rushern Baker III, are being as proactive as feasibly possible to get a grip on this disturbing crime spree that has residents alarmed and public safety professionals outraged.  In a two day period, there have been more than 100 arrests made which can be attributed to the course of action directed by the…

The nation mourns the vicious deaths of an aide to a Congress woman, a federal judge, a 9-year-old girl, and three senior citizens who were suddenly gunned down as the alleged shooter, Jared Loughner, aimed his first round of devastating shots at Congresswoman Gabriella Giffords (D) in Tucson, Arizona.  Giffords, who was shot in the head at close range, has been fighting for her life following emergency surgery at a trauma center, and the nation anxiously awaits any breaking news of the…

The death of American University professor, Sue Ann Marcum, is a devastating tragedy. Though I was not personally acquainted with her, I feel the impact of her death as a double alumnus of American University-- where I received both my undergraduate and graduate degrees—and as a former lecturer and, oftentimes, guest speaker at the institution.…

The Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department and colleagues in the surrounding region are grieving the loss of Officer Paul Dittamo, 32, who died in the early morning hours of October 30, 2010 after his cruiser crashed into a utility pole responding to a call at approximately 1:30 a.m. Officer Dittamo was pronounced dead at 2:06 a.m. His partner, who was riding with him, sustained injuries but…

Shawn Hancock is a cop’s cop. Retired after 20 years with the Albuquerque Police Department, he has been serving with the Chandler Police Department since January 2007 in Chandler, Arizona—a suburb outside Phoenix. He serves as President of the Chandler Law Enforcement Association and, through this association, maintains good relationships with police officers. The association is active…

On a daily basis, throughout the nation, law enforcement officers are consistently and diligently conducting their assigned duties as well as performing extraordinary and heroic acts. Though they will generally minimize the importance of their actions with a retort that they were just doing their jobs, the fact remains that they go above and beyond what is expected of them and their…

A devoted father of four sons, a husband to his wife, Judith, a 28-year veteran of the Massachusetts State Police, and well known as a “Trooper’s Trooper,” the profoundly tragic death of Massachusetts State Trooper Sgt. Doug Weddleton, who was killed in the early morning hours of June 18, 2010 while working a detail, is a profound loss. Sadly, his death follows-- one week to the day—the vicious…

The brutal, cold-blooded ambush killing of 24-year-old, Maryland State Trooper, Wesley Brown has left those of us who work in the law enforcement and criminal justice arena cloaked with shock, sadness, and profound grief. The larger community also feels the pain.…

It is not an unreasonable expectation for police officers to assume they may find themselves in danger or harm’s way while working in uniform, armed, and on duty. However, for Detective Jermaine Cook of the Baltimore Maryland Police Department, the situation he recently encountered on his way home from work after his shift differed from the norm. While his vehicle was halted at a stop sign, Detective…

Being a police chief is by no means an easy job. It is a position replete with highly important and multitudinous responsibilities. The chief is ultimately held accountable for the actions and results of the troops. Though most chiefs prefer to determine their own destiny and have the latitude to lead as they choose, their autonomy is oftentimes restricted by the political interests that abound in…

Still mourning the very recent loss of Prince George's County Maryland Police Officer Thomas Jensen who died as a result of a crash while responding to a call for service, the Washington D. C. Metropolitan region has now suffered another tragedy with the death of Montgomery County Maryland Police Officer Hector Ayala. Officer Ayala was travelling to a call to aid his fellow officers concerning a fight in progress when his cruiser crashed into a tree resulting in his…

Tom Bennett is used to the fact that his job is not a 9-5 position, and it is not unusual for him to be heading out the door at 3:00 a.m. His job involves elements of danger and one in which he has to be able to traverse both…