Behind the Badge
Roman: Dreaming of a day drivers are licensed, insured and sober
I rarely have dreams about work. If I do, it has to do with going back to the academy for…
Browsing: Columns
Roman: How do you know the other car was going too fast if you didn’t see it?
“Did you see it before the collision?” “No.” This exchange happens all the time at traffic collisions. In most cases,…
Vargas: Six observations about the response to the San Bernardino mass shooting
I was saddened and angered by the tragic shootings Wednesday at the San Bernardino Inland Regional Center. What we now…
Rolling up to a recent DUI call, I told the suspected drunk driver, ‘You look familiar’
The other night I was on a call regarding a three-car collision when I looked at one of the drivers…
Roman: Parents, don’t tell your kids I’m going to take them away
“See the police? He’s going to take you away if you don’t listen.” This is a statement we, as officers,…
Roman: Don’t chase dropped change in the drive-thru lane
One night I responded to the McDonald’s drive-thru for an injury traffic collision. When I got there I saw a…
Roman: Roar of copter and K-9 terrifying for suspects
The other night a call went out at 2 a.m. about suspicious subjects and a car behind a business. When…
Roman: Red light violator’s favorite excuse is a real pisser
When people don’t stop for red lights or stop signs they give all sort of excuses from “I didn’t see…
Roman: Don’t worry, kid — sooner or later, everyone crashes (well, almost everyone)
“Unit involved 902T.” I was loading my patrol car when I heard an officer broadcast over the radio that he…
Vargas: A Thanksgiving that was memorable for the wrong reasons
As you enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday, please remember there are officers who are working out there today. More than likely…