Calibre Press

Editor's note: This blog originally appeared on Cordico.com and appears here with permission. It’s that time of the year again when friends and family gather for the holidays. Sharing the company of those we love and care about, the warmth of the season, is a joyous occasion—at least in theory. Reality, however, can be different. Some are dreading this time, and often for good reason. First, a word about family: Just because you are rel... Full Article »

A number of years ago, Utah Peace Officer Magazine published the following article and granted Calibre Press permission to share it in our Street Survival Course Workbook. We felt now was a great time to share it again. The beginning of the piece reminded us of a tee shirt we offer that speaks volumes. It reads: “It doesn’t weigh much…until you put it on" referring, of course, to the badge. We all know the pressures that come wit... Full Article »

Some years ago, a lieutenant from a southern department shared with Calibre Press a letter he wrote to his soon-to-be former wife. It was impressively insightful and eye-opening. He shared it to help other cops who may be facing marital challenges. Here’s what he wrote to us, to his wife…and to you: I lost my wife recently. No. She didn’t go to the Last Roll Call. We divorced. Yeah, I know what you’re saying. “A cop with a bad ... Full Article »

Some years ago, a non-profit group called My Officer Needs Assistance published a “Job Stress/Burnout Questionnaire” designed to help guide officers to an understanding of their level of stress, the impact it may be having on your life and your potential for experiencing pending—or existing—issues related to burnout. Their potentially life-saving mission is obviously just as important today as it was then. Here are the questions that w... Full Article »

During a conference on “Understanding and Supporting the Law Enforcement Family,” Dr. James Reese, a sought-after speaker and expert on stress and trauma, shared 13 tips for getting better in tune with your family and preventing them from becoming victims of your law enforcement career. Calibre Press was present at the conference some years ago and we felt now would be an excellent time to re-share the tips that were offered: 1. Your famil... Full Article »

Ever find it difficult to rally the energy to get out of bed? Feeling sluggish during your shift and tired when you get home? Are you forgetful and finding it hard to concentrate? Maybe you’re not eating right. Here are some tips for using food and healthy eating habits to increase your level of energy and help you stay more alert so you’re better prepared to meet the physical and mental challenges that you face on the street. Start the... Full Article »

I haven’t written an article about police work in a while. It’s been a tough year for the profession. I try my best not to gripe and complain, and there are already people out there stating our case far more eloquently than I can. The reason I am writing this now is because I had something of a revelation recently, and I thought it might help at least a few of my brothers and sisters out there who are struggling like I am. The Problem T... Full Article »

Things are harsh right now, in many ways, for my brothers and sisters who wear the badge. Not only do we see the physical attacks that seem to keep escalating against our profession, but the verbal and legal attacks as well. This is not a piece on wearing your body armor or training your physical skills to stay safe and be protected. It is, however, going to be about safety. I want you safe, I want you happy and I want you healthy. You need to we... Full Article »

Years ago, after working a full shift then assisting at the scene of a bank robbery during which two officers and one civilian were shot, a west coast police Captain was killed when his car left the road and hit a tree. His drive home was long—about 60 miles. After working a long, stress-filled day, it was a drive that may have proven to be too much for his tired body to handle. Although the exact reason the Captain’s car left the road w... Full Article »

Policing a pandemic has proved very stressful and the uncertainty associated with the COVID-19 outbreak has demanded the adoption of novel policing strategies. While we can’t choose to completely avoid the stress and volatility associated with this crisis, the way we frame it can help determine its ultimate impact. The philosopher Nassim Taleb introduced a helpful concept in his book, “Antifragile—Things that Gain from Disorder.” Taleb... Full Article »

Policing a pandemic has proved very stressful and the uncertainty associated with the COVID-19 outbreak has demanded the adoption of novel policing strategies. While we can’t choose to completely avoid the stress and volatility associated with this crisis, the way we frame it can help determine its ultimate impact. The philosopher Nassim Taleb introduced a helpful concept in his book, “Antifragile—Things that Gain from Disorder.” Taleb... Full Article »