Michael Tabman's Blog: Crime Scene, page 2
July 14, 2012
The Penn State Report - A Sobering Message
The Report of the Special Investigative Counsel Regarding the Actions of The Pennsylvania State University Related to the Child Sexual Abuse Committed by Gerald A. Sandusky which was headed up by my former boss Louie Freeh, revealed details that were utterly depressing. This is especially unsettling as the report did not focus on the child molestations conducted by Sandusky - as that was determined by a court. The report disclosed that "The most powerful men at Penn State failed to take any steps for 14 years to protect the children who Sandusky victimized.''
Growing up in New York City, I remember one famous incident of people doing nothing to stop a violent crime. In March, 1964, 28 year-old Kitty Genovese was stabbed to death in a Queens, NY neighborhood. Neighbors heard her screams, saw the struggle and did nothing to help, not even calling the police immediately. I was six years old, living only a few miles away. I often heard about this tragedy and during my years at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, that story was often invoked as the phenomenon of the bystander effect, even while a murder was occurring. After a long career in law enforcement, I wonder why I am no less shocked when people of trust, respect and power fail to do the right thing. We are not discussing minor ethical breaches; there were clear signs of heinous crimes occurring under their noses.
Pennsylvania State University is not the first, nor will it be the last organization to turn a blind eye to criminality. Maybe, and hopefully, we won't be discussing something as tragic and disgusting as child molestation. Yet, despite the lives ruined by our recent financial crisis, the New York Times recently reported on "The Spreading Scourge of Corporate Corruption." When was the last time you heard, "I have to protect my career" or "I do what's right for me." Yes, we all have our reasons for not speaking up, as did those at Penn State. That is probably why we hail as heroes those few people who put aside their own interests or safety to do what is right.
I often quote Edmund Burke, "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." But there is an oxymoron in that statement. Men who do nothing, cannot be good men.
Growing up in New York City, I remember one famous incident of people doing nothing to stop a violent crime. In March, 1964, 28 year-old Kitty Genovese was stabbed to death in a Queens, NY neighborhood. Neighbors heard her screams, saw the struggle and did nothing to help, not even calling the police immediately. I was six years old, living only a few miles away. I often heard about this tragedy and during my years at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, that story was often invoked as the phenomenon of the bystander effect, even while a murder was occurring. After a long career in law enforcement, I wonder why I am no less shocked when people of trust, respect and power fail to do the right thing. We are not discussing minor ethical breaches; there were clear signs of heinous crimes occurring under their noses.
Pennsylvania State University is not the first, nor will it be the last organization to turn a blind eye to criminality. Maybe, and hopefully, we won't be discussing something as tragic and disgusting as child molestation. Yet, despite the lives ruined by our recent financial crisis, the New York Times recently reported on "The Spreading Scourge of Corporate Corruption." When was the last time you heard, "I have to protect my career" or "I do what's right for me." Yes, we all have our reasons for not speaking up, as did those at Penn State. That is probably why we hail as heroes those few people who put aside their own interests or safety to do what is right.
I often quote Edmund Burke, "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." But there is an oxymoron in that statement. Men who do nothing, cannot be good men.
June 25, 2012
The Jerry Sandusky Tragedy
A Tale of All That Went Wrong
Sexual abuse and molestation of children has become such a common story, we should be grateful that we still find it horrifying and disgusting. If we ever become inured to this, as we seem to have with so many other crimes and sad circumstances, there is little hope for us as a society.
Sandusky’s story was major headlines because of who he was – a prominent figure in our obsessive love of sports. Perhaps it was that obsession that allowed Sandusky’s pattern of sexual abuse to continue unnoticed and/or unreported. We see what we want to see and don’t see what will upset our delicate mental balance.
A timeline of Sandusky’s perverted behavior will show that there were warning signs and opportunities to intercede. As happens so often – nothing happened. Why not? We have images in our head of what a child molester looks like and how he acts. We think that we are savvy enough to pick out a child molester form a crowd. That is simply wrong.
Men who engage in sexual abuse of children frequently fall within the Jerry Sandusky profile. They can be professionals and respected members of the community. They are outgoing and friendly and that friendliness extends to children. They manage to put themselves into positions, professionally or socially, where they will be around children and have the opportunity to develop a close relationship and gain their trust. We have often heard of the “grooming process” whereby the sexual predator gradually introduces inappropriate conversations, activities and touching, to slowly bring the child to tolerating sexual interaction.
We know that most child sexual offenses are perpetrated by someone we know and trust. But, even armed with that information, we fail to see the warning signs because it is hard to believe that we have completely misjudged someone. To protect our children, we must open our eyes and our minds. Understand the warning signs from two perspectives: 1) the actions of the offender, such as unusual and excessive interest in a child; and 2) the conduct of the child – sudden changes in behavior (not for the better) or expressions of fear and/or sadness when discussing or seeing the person.
If your child or any child that you care for personally or professionally, gives any warning sign – take notice. Do not dismiss the possibility as “crazy” or “paranoid.” If you entrusted your child to someone you believe may be a predator, do not hesitate to admit you may have made a terrible mistake. You should not make unsubstantiated accusations, but if you have suspicions, take appropriate action. Talk to your child or bring your child to a professional. Be sure to do something – time is not on your side.
Sexual abuse and molestation of children has become such a common story, we should be grateful that we still find it horrifying and disgusting. If we ever become inured to this, as we seem to have with so many other crimes and sad circumstances, there is little hope for us as a society.
Sandusky’s story was major headlines because of who he was – a prominent figure in our obsessive love of sports. Perhaps it was that obsession that allowed Sandusky’s pattern of sexual abuse to continue unnoticed and/or unreported. We see what we want to see and don’t see what will upset our delicate mental balance.
A timeline of Sandusky’s perverted behavior will show that there were warning signs and opportunities to intercede. As happens so often – nothing happened. Why not? We have images in our head of what a child molester looks like and how he acts. We think that we are savvy enough to pick out a child molester form a crowd. That is simply wrong.
Men who engage in sexual abuse of children frequently fall within the Jerry Sandusky profile. They can be professionals and respected members of the community. They are outgoing and friendly and that friendliness extends to children. They manage to put themselves into positions, professionally or socially, where they will be around children and have the opportunity to develop a close relationship and gain their trust. We have often heard of the “grooming process” whereby the sexual predator gradually introduces inappropriate conversations, activities and touching, to slowly bring the child to tolerating sexual interaction.
We know that most child sexual offenses are perpetrated by someone we know and trust. But, even armed with that information, we fail to see the warning signs because it is hard to believe that we have completely misjudged someone. To protect our children, we must open our eyes and our minds. Understand the warning signs from two perspectives: 1) the actions of the offender, such as unusual and excessive interest in a child; and 2) the conduct of the child – sudden changes in behavior (not for the better) or expressions of fear and/or sadness when discussing or seeing the person.
If your child or any child that you care for personally or professionally, gives any warning sign – take notice. Do not dismiss the possibility as “crazy” or “paranoid.” If you entrusted your child to someone you believe may be a predator, do not hesitate to admit you may have made a terrible mistake. You should not make unsubstantiated accusations, but if you have suspicions, take appropriate action. Talk to your child or bring your child to a professional. Be sure to do something – time is not on your side.
June 12, 2012
Is Dishonesty a Crime?
Discussing this with Fox 4 News:
http://fox4kc.com/2012/06/11/mother-c...
http://fox4kc.com/2012/06/11/mother-c...
May 2, 2012
National Security & ID Theft
Discussing this important issue on KCTV 5: http://www.kctv5.com/story/18013645/k...
April 4, 2012
The Trayvon Martin Shooting
Where Do We Stand Now? http://michaeltabman.wordpress.com/20...
March 21, 2012
A Shooting in Florida and Many Questions
As a former FBI Agent and police officer, I am troubled by the police response to the Trayvon Martin shooting. My analysis: http://michaeltabman.wordpress.com/
Michael Tabman
Michael Tabman
March 16, 2012
Privacy is Dead; Civility is Not
Former Rutgers Student Convicted in Webcam Spy Case: http://www.michaeltabman.wordpress.com/
February 25, 2012
Cop to FBI Agent to Author - A Brief Reflection
On my first day of patrol after graduating from the police academy, I got dressed in my freshly pressed uniform at home. I did not know what to expect when I reported to my sub-station in the Washington DC suburb, Fairfax County. Would I even have a locker, or would the new rookie be relegated to the bathroom stall?
Barely out of college, with little money, my ten-year old used car was beaten up just enough to look like an unmarked anti-crime car. Dark and rainy, I drove slowly on the highway, half out of driver prudence, and half out of a mind distracted by what was to come. On my left, I noticed a car speeding up. As the car passed me, I noticed the woman passenger look at me – mostly my uniform and then quickly turn to the male driver. I saw her mouth out the words, “It’s a cop, slow down.” Their brakes light went on. I had to laugh. If they only knew that I was much more nervous than they. That proved to be a great day. I made my first arrest. I wore that uniform proudly. Yes, I had arrived.
After two years of patrol, despite liking my squad-mates and having made some exciting arrests, I was ready to try something new. When an opening came to be the first full-time hostage negotiator on the Special Weapons and Tactics Team, I jumped on it. Though I went to the interview with no knowledge of hostage negotiations, I was selected and received a promotion to senior officer, putting one stripe on my sleeve.
When we were not SWATing, we were in plain clothes, doing anti-crime work. Even those cars were newer and in better shape than the car I drove on my first day. Shortly after being assigned to this team, I was thrust into the spotlight when I negotiated the take-over of what was unofficially known as the “Libyan Embassy.” My last arrest with this team was that of a serial rapist, who had eluded a long and intense manhunt. From the evidence we found at the time, we knew we had just stopped another rape, though we later had to question some of the decisions we made. The complexities and emotions of that investigation inspired the backdrop of my crime novel, Midnight Sin.
I was enjoying that assignment and all the members of my team, but after one year, I found myself leaving the police department on to my next challenge - heading off to the FBI. My mindset was never satisfied once a challenge was faced. Young and ambitious, the FBI seemed like the next logical step in my career. On my last day my captain sat me down for a final discussion. He offered me assurances of a great career in the police department, but acknowledged that he did not expect to change my mind. He told me that one day I would learn to “stop and smell the roses.” Now retired, I understand his message, but I have not stopped looking for the next mountain to climb.
The FBI was much different from the police department; more than anyone could imagine. During the Academy, we were conducting a practical exercise. My partner was also a former cop, though ex-cops were not that common. During the exercise, we decided to affect an arrest and started placing the handcuffs on the “actor” who was an Academy staff member. The instructor quickly stopped the exercise.
“Did you get permission to make the arrest?” he shouted to my partner and me.
“Hah, permission to make an arrest! That’s a good one.” We laughed at that obvious joke – except, he was not joking. The idea of requesting permission to make an arrest was almost an oxymoron to a cop. Split second decision making kept a cop alive.
I spent approximately ten years on the street as a field agent. My most memorable years were spent on an FBI-NYPD Organized Crime/Drug Enforcement Task Force. This was in the late 1980s and early 1990’s in Jackson Heights in Queens, NY. We were targeting Colombian cocaine trafficking and money laundering. We did it all – surveillance, wiretaps, undercover operations and drug raids. I even executed a sneak-a-peek search warrant, 15 years before that became a controversial aspect of the PATRIOT Act. Not only were the cases exciting, but so were the dynamics of FBI Agents and NYPD Detectives working so closely together. We were different beasts. Despite the strong personalities, long hours and dangerous situations, we had fun. My experiences on this task force served as the inspiration for my recent crime novel short stories, Bad Intent.
I eventually left that task force to enter management for the remainder of my 24 year career with the FBI. By the time I reached Special Agent in Charge, I had held numerous positions, served in several field offices and was involved in the inner-workings of the FBI; I had seen the best and the worst of the FBI. The public would be surprised by not only what the FBI could do, but also what it could not do. A highly accomplished agency, the FBI is made up of people – imperfect, as we all are. Office politics, big egos and petty conflicts were as prevalent in the FBI as in any organization – government or private industry. But through it all, we took on spies, mobsters, white collar criminals and corrupt politicians. And just like any police department, we could not wipe out crime and corruption, but maintained enough control to keep our country safe and secure. After 9/11, the FBI undertook some deep introspection. The FBI quickly recognized that the face of the enemy had changed and needed to change with it. The FBI continues to evolve hoping to stay a step ahead of the next impending threat.
When I retired five years ago, I was home decompressing and reconnecting, as I had lived away from home the last four years of my career. I thought about all my experiences – from fist fights as a patrol officer to management decisions to media appearances. Most of those memories made me laugh and I thought there were some life lessons to be learned. I put those thoughts into writing with my first book, Walking the Corporate Beat: Police School for Business People. Only after giving several successful presentations on business risk, based on the book, did I find the confidence to publish it. I continue to give business presentations, most notably, “The Stranger” using those concepts to teach executives how to deter and detect hidden operational risks.
My crime novels, Midnight Sin and Bad Intent are hardboiled and gritty and take you to the dark side of the cop world. Law and Order Producer Peter Giuliano described Midnight Sin, “Michael captured his heart and soul as a cop. My heart was pounding. This is a powerful story, no matter which side of the law you happen to be on.”
People always ask if I miss the action. They are surprised when I say no. I enjoyed being a street cop in uniform and in plain clothes, being a field FBI Agent and an FBI executive. Every position and experience was challenging and fun in its own way. Yet, there is always a time to move on.
I never imagined that I would become an author. I nearly failed creative writing in high school. Even my written reports in the FBI were returned by my superiors for being too pithy and lacking “fluff.”
In my presentations and in my books, I tell a story within my story. I hope to leave you thinking and wondering.
Please visit http://www.michaeltabman.com for more information.
Barely out of college, with little money, my ten-year old used car was beaten up just enough to look like an unmarked anti-crime car. Dark and rainy, I drove slowly on the highway, half out of driver prudence, and half out of a mind distracted by what was to come. On my left, I noticed a car speeding up. As the car passed me, I noticed the woman passenger look at me – mostly my uniform and then quickly turn to the male driver. I saw her mouth out the words, “It’s a cop, slow down.” Their brakes light went on. I had to laugh. If they only knew that I was much more nervous than they. That proved to be a great day. I made my first arrest. I wore that uniform proudly. Yes, I had arrived.
After two years of patrol, despite liking my squad-mates and having made some exciting arrests, I was ready to try something new. When an opening came to be the first full-time hostage negotiator on the Special Weapons and Tactics Team, I jumped on it. Though I went to the interview with no knowledge of hostage negotiations, I was selected and received a promotion to senior officer, putting one stripe on my sleeve.
When we were not SWATing, we were in plain clothes, doing anti-crime work. Even those cars were newer and in better shape than the car I drove on my first day. Shortly after being assigned to this team, I was thrust into the spotlight when I negotiated the take-over of what was unofficially known as the “Libyan Embassy.” My last arrest with this team was that of a serial rapist, who had eluded a long and intense manhunt. From the evidence we found at the time, we knew we had just stopped another rape, though we later had to question some of the decisions we made. The complexities and emotions of that investigation inspired the backdrop of my crime novel, Midnight Sin.
I was enjoying that assignment and all the members of my team, but after one year, I found myself leaving the police department on to my next challenge - heading off to the FBI. My mindset was never satisfied once a challenge was faced. Young and ambitious, the FBI seemed like the next logical step in my career. On my last day my captain sat me down for a final discussion. He offered me assurances of a great career in the police department, but acknowledged that he did not expect to change my mind. He told me that one day I would learn to “stop and smell the roses.” Now retired, I understand his message, but I have not stopped looking for the next mountain to climb.
The FBI was much different from the police department; more than anyone could imagine. During the Academy, we were conducting a practical exercise. My partner was also a former cop, though ex-cops were not that common. During the exercise, we decided to affect an arrest and started placing the handcuffs on the “actor” who was an Academy staff member. The instructor quickly stopped the exercise.
“Did you get permission to make the arrest?” he shouted to my partner and me.
“Hah, permission to make an arrest! That’s a good one.” We laughed at that obvious joke – except, he was not joking. The idea of requesting permission to make an arrest was almost an oxymoron to a cop. Split second decision making kept a cop alive.
I spent approximately ten years on the street as a field agent. My most memorable years were spent on an FBI-NYPD Organized Crime/Drug Enforcement Task Force. This was in the late 1980s and early 1990’s in Jackson Heights in Queens, NY. We were targeting Colombian cocaine trafficking and money laundering. We did it all – surveillance, wiretaps, undercover operations and drug raids. I even executed a sneak-a-peek search warrant, 15 years before that became a controversial aspect of the PATRIOT Act. Not only were the cases exciting, but so were the dynamics of FBI Agents and NYPD Detectives working so closely together. We were different beasts. Despite the strong personalities, long hours and dangerous situations, we had fun. My experiences on this task force served as the inspiration for my recent crime novel short stories, Bad Intent.
I eventually left that task force to enter management for the remainder of my 24 year career with the FBI. By the time I reached Special Agent in Charge, I had held numerous positions, served in several field offices and was involved in the inner-workings of the FBI; I had seen the best and the worst of the FBI. The public would be surprised by not only what the FBI could do, but also what it could not do. A highly accomplished agency, the FBI is made up of people – imperfect, as we all are. Office politics, big egos and petty conflicts were as prevalent in the FBI as in any organization – government or private industry. But through it all, we took on spies, mobsters, white collar criminals and corrupt politicians. And just like any police department, we could not wipe out crime and corruption, but maintained enough control to keep our country safe and secure. After 9/11, the FBI undertook some deep introspection. The FBI quickly recognized that the face of the enemy had changed and needed to change with it. The FBI continues to evolve hoping to stay a step ahead of the next impending threat.
When I retired five years ago, I was home decompressing and reconnecting, as I had lived away from home the last four years of my career. I thought about all my experiences – from fist fights as a patrol officer to management decisions to media appearances. Most of those memories made me laugh and I thought there were some life lessons to be learned. I put those thoughts into writing with my first book, Walking the Corporate Beat: Police School for Business People. Only after giving several successful presentations on business risk, based on the book, did I find the confidence to publish it. I continue to give business presentations, most notably, “The Stranger” using those concepts to teach executives how to deter and detect hidden operational risks.
My crime novels, Midnight Sin and Bad Intent are hardboiled and gritty and take you to the dark side of the cop world. Law and Order Producer Peter Giuliano described Midnight Sin, “Michael captured his heart and soul as a cop. My heart was pounding. This is a powerful story, no matter which side of the law you happen to be on.”
People always ask if I miss the action. They are surprised when I say no. I enjoyed being a street cop in uniform and in plain clothes, being a field FBI Agent and an FBI executive. Every position and experience was challenging and fun in its own way. Yet, there is always a time to move on.
I never imagined that I would become an author. I nearly failed creative writing in high school. Even my written reports in the FBI were returned by my superiors for being too pithy and lacking “fluff.”
In my presentations and in my books, I tell a story within my story. I hope to leave you thinking and wondering.
Please visit http://www.michaeltabman.com for more information.
February 21, 2012
January 31, 2012
Crime Scene
Ex-cop, retired FBI Agent and author.
Michael's books and Crime Scene Blog can be found at michaeltabman.com
Follow Michael on Twitter: @MichaelTabman ...more
Michael's books and Crime Scene Blog can be found at michaeltabman.com
Follow Michael on Twitter: @MichaelTabman ...more
- Michael Tabman's profile
- 62 followers
