Behind the Badge
Here’s what it’s like to almost shoot an unarmed person
I was working day shift in patrol when dispatch broadcasted a 417 call (subject with a gun). I was sent…
Browsing: Columns
Vargas: A memorable ride in the back seat of my patrol car
A few weeks ago I had lunch with newly elected Montclair Councilwoman Trisha Martinez. The last time we met was…
Roman: Six ways you can prevent being victimized during the holidays
The holiday season is a time for giving, right? Unfortunately, it is also the season for taking and stealing. It…
Roman: 12 questions about police to ponder
By John Roman What if you were at work and a stranger told you how to do your job? Imagine…
Vargas: Most people will never understand what it’s like to be a cop
It’s hard to explain the angst I’ve felt over the last few days as I’ve watched the aftermath of the…
Vargas: Holiday cheer can turn family gatherings into nightmares
The holiday season had officially begun and for most of us it is a time to gather with family and…
For public safety workers, Thanksgiving is just another day at work
What is your Thanksgiving Day like? For some, it means spending time with family while eating turkey and watching football.…
Five ways to get out of a ticket
The holiday shopping season is upon us and it’s time to buy those gifts for family and friends. I’ve come…
Vargas: Ferguson more damaging to police reputation than Rodney King
As I write this column, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon has declared a state of emergency. The entire country is awaiting…
Vargas: Conley was a ‘CSI guy’ before TV made it popular
On Saturday, I attended the memorial service for Anaheim Police Department Forensics Supervisor Jim Conley. He passed away from a…