Fresh from a pummeling in the media and at a public hearing for disproportionately arresting drunk Latinos (memo to Rob Davis: bust more random Anglos, like your predecessor Bill Landsdowne), the SJPD is fending off a new controversy over a macho training video that will no doubt have local liberal pantywaists up in arms over its violent imagery. CBS 5 News aired a segment Friday on the video Friday and SJPD webmasters promptly pulled down the video link, though we managed to track down a copy.
Hey, don’t be embarrassed about a fun little video, officers. What’s wrong with running around with machine guns, marching in military formation, tackling comrades, practicing high-speed chases and blowing up shit? Do we expect to recruit police with videos them filling out paperwork, standing outside nightclubs, counseling troubled youth or helping old ladies cross the street?
The CBS report, with a response from Chief Davis, who acknowledged concerns about the message, can be found here.
After watching the video there is absolutely nothing wrong with it except this is more piling onto our police officers by a desperate media. It is a video comprised of action training clips which appeals to young men and women who may want an alternative to the cubicle world. There is nothing in the least to suggest any racism towards any group in this video. This entire witch hunt to find the hidden rampant racism in the San Jose Police dept towards drunk Hispanics has gotten beyond ridiculous. The “reporters” need to learn to learn their trade rather than the glorified paparazzi they have become. No wonder newspapers and the TV news continue to lose readers and viewers.
“bust more random Anglos”
Way to go on bridging cultural gaps in San Jose, it surely helps our entire community to insult the diverse white guys by characterizing them as uniformly Anglo-Saxons.
Although I guess you are exempting all the Italian-, Irish-, German-, Russian-, and French-American guys from your little rant, it seems odd that your response to police activity is that the same conduct be encouraged only against Anglo-Saxons. Not too many here in San Jose any more.
Let’s face it, this is just more left-wing racialism that divides our community.
Seriously, was that an SJPD recruitment video or a recruitment video for al quada? That is really sad; our police have become an extremist organization of public terrorists.
I’d hate to see how the media would react to a military training video. I see nothing wrong with this video. I guess the media wants us to believe that the Police should be sitting at their desks, and helping little old ladies across the street, instead of fighting crime.
My question is why is SJI suddenly posting all this anti Police stuff? I thought former Mayor McEnery had high regard for our Police Department. I’m sorry but I think SJI has lost its focus since it joined up with the good old Cop hating Metro.
Suggestion to the owner of this blog:
Try putting a balanced opinion on SJI for once. I want to hear from the Police Department.
That is a great marketing video. The only problem with it, from a marketing standpoint, is that it tries to be both an emotional sell and a benefits sell at the same time (salary figures and benefits).
There is nothing wrong with this, though. This is what police do. Including the child rescue about halfway through.
There is no question that when watching a video such as this it is incumbent that the viewer accounts for his own prejudices and perspectives and puts some real effort into forming as near objective an opinion as possible. This is what I have done. It is also what reporter Len Ramirez, SJSU Professor Lull, and anti-police activist Raj Jayadev very obviously did not do.
Using the pause button I listed and evaluated the images presented. I counted twenty-five of what I thought were pertinent images and then evaluated them based on this very simple formula:
Enforcement Aggressive; Enforcement Neutral; Other
An example of my methodology: there were two segments involving police K-9s, one where the dog was being handled in a search mode and one where the K-9 was attacking a person. The former was tallied as “Neutral” (a search might be for a lost child) and the latter as “Aggressive” (even though no human testosterone was involved). Similarly, I counted as “Aggressive” the forced-entry into a home by SWAT officers, but counted as “Neutral” the clip where the officers rescued a child from a building.
I found nine (36%) of the images to be, for lack of a better term, testosterone-laden (hand-to-hand combat, rappelling down a building, arrest at gunpoint, etc), fourteen (56%) to be “Neutral” (bicycle patrol, driver training, crime scene investigation, etc), and two (8%) to be “Other” (teamwork clip with female at computer terminal, officer addressing students in classroom).
For a video condemned as if it were a Leni Riefenstahl production, 64% testosterone neutral seems pretty tame. It’s too bad that the police chief didn’t have enough testosterone to unravel Len Ramirez’s report when he had him in his office.
As a recruiting tool this video accomplishes a number of things. But first, you must remember that it is aimed at young people, thus making Dr. Lull’s alarm at the video’s music and energetic production values quite lame. Was he expecting spring meadows and Montovani? (I guess that explains why this particular “media expert” isn’t making money in the media industry.)
No matter what anyone thinks of police work, the action-packed portion of the video accurately reflects not only what cops sometimes do, but what every one of them might have to do. In other words, if you don’t have it in you to break down a door, please look into another line of work (no police budget can afford to test, hire, and train people innately unsuited for the job).
The most important message of the video is one completely missed by everyone interviewed, that being the value to a big city police department of its “opportunities.” San Jose PD is in competition with many small departments offering the same (or better) pay in a far less strenuous environment. What San Jose does have to offer, and what was streaming by continuously during the video, were numerous fulltime, specialized assignments. It is those opportunities that attract applicants who might go elsewhere and laterals (next to zero training expenses) with specific interests in SWAT, CSI, or whatever.
Remember the alarm in the so-called expert’s voice as he asked, “Career of opportunities – opportunities to do what?” Had he acted responsibly he would’ve done the five-minutes of research necessary to understand the meaning behind the message. I guess the allure of going on camera to criticize the cops was just too irresistible for a college professor to ignore.
Oh, lest I forget, Dr. Lull called the video “male loaded,” specifically pointing-out that the only female featured was the one smiling at a male officer. Wrong! Despite viewing the piece for a television report, the professor apparently paid such scant attention to it that he failed to notice the uniformed female officer addressing a class of young people. He also mistakenly assumes, as does that giant of investigative reporting, Len Ramirez, that taking down felons, piloting helicopters, and diffusing bombs are activities of interest only to young males. Talk about sexist! SJPD has had female officers involved in every one of those activities, and probably every activity featured in the video.
Every applicant attracted by that video (or the less exciting ones mentioned by the chief) will be tested, investigated, and psychologically screened (by a real expert) before ever sitting down in an academy classroom (where he/she will face more tests). Len Ramirez’s report was so over-the-top with concern about the type of person the department needs that an uniformed viewer might conclude that the department jacks-up young men with the video and then arms them for immediate battle with the public (read poor, victimized Hispanics).
Len Ramirez, Raj Jayadev (demonstrating the verbal skills of a NFL defensive back), and a reckless college professor make for a very one-sided, moronic story. Such is the current state of news reporting, community activism, and liberal academia.
Damn pathetic.
Finfan,
What do you do for a living? you seem to have alot of time to put into well thought out ideas on this blog. you seem to spend alot of time protecting the police.
are you an officer?
I have to agree that Len Ramirez’s report was questionable.
For those who did not see the KPIX report, Ramirez tries to link this recruitment video with the recent criticism regarding enforcement of intoxication laws, and Hispanic arrest rates. He never quite explains the connection, but implies it rather broadly.
He gets Dr. Lull to talk about how the video is “testosterone-laden” and juxtaposes it with Jayadev’s usual rant about SJ Police. Again, lots of implication, but no factual support for the idea that SJPD is recruiting aggressive thugs to enforce downtown public intoxication laws.
The video clearly is an attempt to present police work as an exciting career, but Ramirez’ suggestion that this video is somehow evidence of racial profiling or misapplied public intoxication laws is just plain bizarre.
I also found it interesting that at the end of the report the anchor asked Rameriz “Are there specific organizations calling for the removal of this tape?” He replied yes, but was unable to name a single one, just some vague references to “people from a wide variety of uh sources that I checked” and some city council members who he did not name. Certainly if local organizations and elected officials were unhappy with this video they would not object to being named in the report. Hmm.
Is it sweeps week?
Thanks, finfan, for your detailed analysis. I agree that the report is trying to make a mountain out of less than a molehill. It’s sad that Chief Davis bowed so easily.
#9, Christian. Yes, Raj was interviewed for the story.
Here is a link: http://cbs5.com/crime/san.jose.police.2.871025.html
(Click on the video thumb nail that shows the helicopter.)
#13- Little H
I’m glad to see we can all be so entertaining to you. You must be the unknown critic SJI has been missing.
If this video isn’t proof of an over budgeted screwed up police force bent on pushing persons of color around; why did the police pull it down from their website.
seriously, if it isn’t a bad propaganda piece for the 4th riech, why did they pull it down?
finfan…very well said….you represent how 99% of those us that support the police feel too…it is too bad that the city leader listen more to the 1% of the rebels without a cause rather than the vast silent majority…
#14- MC,
Thank you for posting this link.
Thanks, San Jose Inside, for posting the source video and the KPIX report to stimulate this debate. It’s amazing to watch Dale Warner get his panties in a twist over some obviously tongue-in-cheek comments (I guess even humor in San Jose has to be politically correct now! Obviously Dale doesn’t go to shows at the Improv or watch late night TV.)
It’s also entertaining to watch Kathleen go ballistic on the media. As if posting a police recruitment video is anti-police! Hah, that’s just free publicity. Kathleen, you blog enough that *you* are media now. This is positive stuff. I *like* explosions and machine guns! Sign me up.
Nice also to see a place where Kathleen, Dale, Raj and SJPD pyrotechnics can be found in one place. Thanks, Tom, for creating this forum and opening it up. Thanks, Metro, for adding multimedia and tracking the news so we know what’s going on. Post more videos, let us comment (we’re smart), and don’t let the posters who try and intimidate the editors by saying they’re anti-cop or not politically correct enough.
Bring it on. More molotov cocktails, DeCinzo cartoons. More posts by finfan, Kathleen, Raj and Dale W. That’s what keeps me checking back…
HR (#6),
I use a pseudonym for a reason. On a site that trades in opinions only, who or what we are does nothing to further the debate. Were this an investment blog, where advice was being offered, then knowing my identity would be a necessity. But here, where far too many participants choose discrediting the person over challenging the position, anonymity leaves critics with only one’s opinions to bash.
You are of the opinion that I “protect the police,” but I attribute that perception to the fact that in the war against American traditions and culture our police departments have become the last soft target. As an example I offer the previous month, a time period in which there have been no high-profile enforcement incidents, no officer-involved shootings, no ugly scandals, yet a time period in which the news about SJPD has been almost all negative: over-hyped statistics, racial profiling, nightclub enforcement tactics, and now this uproar over a two-year old recruiting video. Meanwhile, those same uniformed folks have responded to every call for help, put their lives on the line every day, and kept this city relatively safe.
I found the video story to be a perfect storm of bullshit, and thus irresistible. A low-watt TV reporter peddling racism and praying for ratings; a college professor so accustomed to being insulated from criticism that he goes public with a reckless, unprofessional assessment; a so-called “community activist” credentialed only by his Stepford-like fixation on the police; a submissive, obsequious police chief: all converging to play a game left where one-side gets to make accusations of racism, brutality, criminality, immorality, and even “small mindedness,” while the other side gets to take it.
Len Ramirez’s news reports couldn’t stand up to one-tenth the scrutiny given the average arrest report in a court of law. Dr. Lull’s shoot-from-the-hip style of assessment would, were it utilized in a police investigation, quickly get him injured, dead, or indicted. Raj Jayadev’s hype is typical of the race-brat who feels free to scream “storm troopers!” over a police video yet condemns as racist anyone critical of a Death Row production. Chief Davis’ rollover-and-play-nice routine is the exact opposite of the demeanor his officers must have to police a tough, big city. These are the types of people who now influence everyday life in America: the mediocre; the arrogant elitist; the counterproductive; the leader who stands only for himself.
Small wonder I’m frustrated.
Christian (#9),
Raj was interviewed near the end of Len Ramirez’s report on the video, where he posed this impressive question about the video, “I did not understand, why is explosions so prevalent when trying to recruit police officers?” Raj was identified as a “member of a group that has been critical of the police,” which suggests the reporter either didn’t know the name of the organization or didn’t want to reveal the speaker’s bias by mentioning it. Referring to Raj that way is like saying Medea Benjamin is a “member of a group that has been critical of President Bush.”
Barney Fife (#11),
You use a vaguely familiar brand of logic. To believe that proof of something can be derived from nothing other than someone’s reaction to confrontation is exactly what little boy’s do when they criticize someone as “chicken” for refusing to do something risky. Chief Davis took down the video because rolling-over is what he does. It’s the skill that got him the job.
I do find it interesting that in a case where the evidence is right there for us to see, analyze, argue, you prefer to employ schoolyard methods of reasoning.
Perhaps the sheriff should take away your bullet.
You have quite an interesting website Little H. I was particularly amused at seeing you in an elephant mask singing a song on video. Thanks for the chuckle. It is always good to know your critics are!
Thank you for the back ground MC. I was getting confused. So where does Raj fit into this? Was he interviewed too?
Silicon Valley Newsroom: You are such a COWARD. Sign your name to this yellow journalism so you can take you medicine. When someone is breaking into your home in the middle of the night maybe you would prefer Rick Calendar and Blanca Alvarado to show up in pink blazers and harsh words to scare off the felons. Go find a prison pen pal, and when he is released invite him into your home and “save” one of these poor souls. NO doubt you were beat on a regular basis in high school. I guess this is your revenge on the jocks and all the other sorts that would dare to become police officers…
#17, F…FinFan, It looks like your frustration will be over this year. The Sharks appear to be on track to finally kiss the “Cup.” May I ask a favor? can you not use so many big words? Some of us didn’t go to college and find it difficult to read your some of your responses. Thanks…
I’m Mexican and didn’t see anything wrong with the vedio. On the other hand; how would you compare FinFans after a Sharks home victory and Downtown Club clients after the clubs close?
What happened to Novice? Is she still in town? I would really like to read her take on all the “Downtown Drunks” Reading her thoughts and FinFan’s were a great 1-2 punch.
Finfan,
Considering the joke our police force has become; maybe the council should take the bullet out of our brave chiefs shirt pocket.
Maybe its time to put an actual police officer in the roll of chief. Even the former auditor has more balls and worth than the chief. so lets as a community take that bullet out of his pocket.
Lords knows, he’d run in the opposite direction of a problem or just show some nifty power point when issues come up.
BF
PS Ang Talyor will more than willing to give me the recomendation to be chief!!!!
#19- Mike B.,
Well said!
#22- Barney,
I have a few questions for you:
Do you really think every single Police Officer on the street is a joke, or a disgrace to the Department?
Would you put your life on the line every day to put up with being called a racist, or a joke, for 64K-72K a year?
Do you have any concept of what the Police Chief’s job is?
And finally, do you really think the need for a Power Point presentation reflecting the facts is a waste of time?
#17 – FF –
I am not sure whom Media Benjamin is, but I do get your point. As I said earlier, I truly don’t see a problem with the video. I believe this is a case where those that are critical of the SJPD are going overboard, and finding ways to criticize the police. My proof: no one had a problem with the video UNTIL recently, when these groups are stepping up pressure on the police. When I look at what is going on, I see a political game – moving the right people into the movement, speaking a certain way to the Council, etc. To me, this is about power and control for these groups, and not really about the Police.
Finfan – I may not always agree with you, but I do appreciate that you present your point of view in a way that the rest of us can understand.
The issue seems obvious to me. You would think the video was recruiting people to serve a tour in Iraq or promoting the next Grand Theft Auto video game. With this type of macho promotional material, it’s not hard to see why the SJPD are out of control and have serious issues in how the relate to the community.
PS- By the defensive reaction to the question and reference to the culture wars in America…. Finfan = cop and a far right-wing nut job the likes of Sarah Palin. Or maybe even better this is the secret, online identity of Pete Constant, an ex-cop in the pocket of far right-wing nut jobs.