Natalie Whatley

First order of business, Happy Mother’s Day! I know you’re all expecting some words on motherhood, but since it’s my special day, too, and because I write about motherhood frequently, I’m putting my feet up and taking a break from the topic and the job. Plus, there’s something else important happening that I want you to know about.

While I try my best to appreciate those who work in public service year-round, next week is a special one where we can let our local police officers know how much we appreciate their protection and service.

In 1962 President John F. Kennedy designated May 15 as Peace Officers’ Memorial Day and the week surrounding that date as National Police Week. During this time, law enforcement officers past and present are to be commemorated for their courage and dedication in preserving the rights and security of all citizens. The week ends with a memorial service outside the U.S. Capitol honoring police officers killed in the line of duty from all over the United States.

Locally, and in honor of the Texas officers who made the ultimate sacrifice, the Baytown Police Department accompanied by surrounding agencies invites you to its annual Law Enforcement Police Memorial at noon on Friday, May 14 at St. Marks United Methodist Church, 3811 N. Main.

Four of the eleven officers lost in Texas this past year were from this general area. One, our very own Chambers County Deputy Sheriff, Shane Detwiler, was shot responding to the scene of a utility worker who had been fired upon. Recall how this community pulled together and hundreds lined Garth Rd. for his funeral procession.

As a graduate of the Baytown Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy I’ve had the opportunity to see the inner workings of the department and get to know some of the human beings behind the necessary authoritative personas and badges. Baytown is truly blessed. Our force is made up of a highly diverse, intelligent group who strive to ensure that our homes, families, and way of life are kept safe.

And on the very day I sat down to write this, I attended my third and youngest child’s graduation from the Baytown Police Department’s D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program.  What an impact these officers have on impressionable young minds as they visit classrooms week after week educating, forming positive relationships, and imparting the importance of plain old good decision making. Proactive. I like that.

Stop an officer this week and thank them for the job they do, and please join me next Friday in honoring Texas’ “law enforcement officers who, through their courageous deeds, have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community . . . and let us recognize and pay respect to the survivors of our fallen heroes.” ~Presidential Proclamation John F. Kennedy  

A profession in law enforcement is a choice. Thank God for the special people willing to do it and willing to die for it. Precious lives are gone. Let’s make sure they’re not forgotten.

© 2010 Natalie Whatley

As a graduate of the Baytown Citizen Police Academy, I promised to let you all know when the next class was forming.  In case you forgot, I had loads of fun, learned a lot about the inner workings of the Baytown Police Department, and lived to tell about some rather riveting moments during some hands-on class participation. Now it’s your turn.

Classes start Thursday, February 18 at 6:30 p.m. and will run for ten weeks. The police-work-related program, guided by Academy Coordinator, Officer Beasley, is designed to give citizens a better understanding of the operations and mission of the Baytown Police Department.

Coursework will begin with an introduction to the academy and an overview of police terminology. The remaining weeks will bring officers sharing specialized areas of expertise and equipment. Topics to be covered: crime prevention, K-9 units, terrorism, crime scene investigation, use of force, gangs/organized crime, hostage negotiations, building search, traffic stops, and a tour of the city jail.

I’d be hard-pressed to pick a favorite because they were all interesting. Everyone enjoys the K-9 units for obvious reasons, but you’ll be amazed watching the dogs perform what they’re trained to do while learning how they acquire and maintain those skills. Terrorism: It’s perpetrated on many different fronts and for a variety of reasons; law enforcement must remain vigilant and keep track of many tentacles.  Building search tested my mental fortitude – basically I have none when it comes to looking for bad guys in dark places. Crime scene investigation had a few grisly moments, but nothing any modern member of TV-viewing society couldn’t handle. And the tour of the jail: I suppose it’s a nice facility as far as jails go, but I’ll do what’s necessary to remain on the outside.

After the fifth week of instruction, students are eligible for an eye-opening ride along in a patrol car. If you’ve ever called and requested an officer for a non-life-threatening reason and wondered what took them so long . . . this is for you. The “action” is non-stop.  This portion of the program is voluntary and not a requirement for graduation.

Upon completion of the academy, there will be a graduation ceremony and banquet. Students are also invited to join the Baytown Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association, which brings together graduates to enhance relations between the community and the police force and to improve the efficiency of law enforcement in neighborhoods through shared responsibilities and resources.

With additional training, graduates also have the opportunity to become involved in Citizens on Patrol. This new program focuses on handicap parking enforcement and assisting patrol officers by being extra eyes and ears watching for suspicious activity.

© 2010 Natalie Whatley

BAYTOWN — North Main, Tuesday, 9:12 p.m. Two men and a female argue at the rear of a faded red truck. As I approach, the verbal exchange escalates and turns physical. One man is getting the better of the other with the hysterical female fueling the fire. Pulling a Glock 9mm to the front of my body, I move closer and shout, “Stop! Back away from each other!” over the screaming female.

Turning his eyes to me while shoving the object of his anger down and away, the aggressor sneers, and through gritting teeth addresses my intrusion. “Who called you here? This doesn’t concern you!”

The receiver of the brief, but violent beating slumps over at the waist, fighting to catch his breath. The woman, running in small rambling circles between the men, raves, attends to the injured party, and begs for it all to stop.

Before taking swift, boot-clad steps in my direction, the aggressor grabs a tire-iron from the back of the truck and centers it in the narrowing gap between us. “Put the weapon down and BACK UP!” I command. Snarling he raises the iron well above my head and lunges forward. Synapses firing rapidly reach my index finger. BANG! One shot to the center of the chest and he retreats . . . forever.

A little training and time spent at the shooting range saved my life. The whole thing was over in less than five seconds.  

Did the above really happen? Yes and no. You’ll never believe what I’ve been up to in my spare time. (Granny Adcox is probably worried sick. The big ants I mentioned last week caused her to be concerned for my well-being. She wrote and called. I make her concern public because another columnist, I’ll call him “Gaston”, and I have a little non-sibling rivalry going over Granny’s affections. He wants her all to himself –said he’d fight me for her.)

It all happened for real—inside a training room at the Baytown Police Department’s Police Academy building. It was brought to me as part of my participation in the Citizen Police Academy Class. I’m less than a third of the way through the basic curriculum, and there’s also an advanced class. I’ll fill you in on the complete experience after I graduate.

Our group was fortunate enough to be in session when the FATS – Firearm Training Simulator – was in town for BPD’s annual training session. The simulator, a computer with interactive gadgets, places students in realistic confrontations where split-second decisions must be made.

I was the last of my class to take a turn. I’ve never needed any help looking foolish, and being “tested” with about twenty people looking on – some highly trained and seasoned officers – was a little unnerving, but I did it. And I killed the bad guy with one well-placed shot.

While I had a little fun with my make-believe scenario, what I gathered from the evening was that lethal force is no joking matter. No normal human being wants to be put in a position to use it. I got a feel for how quickly things turn bad and how the human mind struggles to function clearly during what’s called an “adrenaline dump”.

It takes training and practice to overcome and effectively use the “fight or flight” mechanism. Often, muscle memory gained through repetitive training must step in while the brain catches up. It was comforting to hear from Instructor Extraordinaire, Crime Prevention Specialist Stewart Beasley, that most officers (and I assume even more civilians) go their entire lives without being in the situations put forth by the simulator.

Thanks, guys, for teaching me some things I hope my muscles never have to remember.

And since I’m such a good shot, “Gaston” probably doesn’t want to tangle with me. No matter. I aim to believe Granny Adcox has room enough in her big heart for the both of us. Another bull’s-eye! 

© 2009 Natalie Whatley