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 CopCAST Episode 77 - Trojan Attack [28:49m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

This week we kicked things off by talking about Trojans. No, not the ancient Greeks or the prophylactics! These were even worse - they were little computer nasties directed at Mac computer. Mack made very weak attempt at joke about a robbery so we jumped over to drunk wheelchair operators. Man this sounds like it was going down hill quickly, doesn’t it?

Well let’s move on to the Mini-Me that took granny’s car on a joy ride to the mall, the slow speed ticket and the 911 green song. Not got your interest yet? Don’t worry we still have the naked guy from Georgia, the photo enforcement issues, more on Tasers and Mars Phoenix Lander Tweets.

If this show sounds like it was all over the place, you pretty much have it nailed. However, we had a great time doing it and we hope you will enjoy listening to it.

So turn up the air conditioner, fire up the iPod, kick back and join us for the show. Oh yea - don’t forget to stay safe and always wear your vest!

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 CopCAST Episode 76 - Attack Python [22:25m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Mack was here for the show! That makes two weeks in a row - but just barely. Unfortunately, he almost missed the recording session due to a traffic fatality - a single vehicle in the middle of the afternoon. However, super sergeant handled the collision and still made it in time for the show. What a man!

This week we talk about banning PDA’s, electric cars and a smuggler that is really attached to her coke. A Georgia town is turning to speeders to finance the rising cost of gasoline. Canada has had several feet wash up on the beach . . . real feet, in shoes! Oh, did I mention the attack python?  What a week!

We have all this and more! So fire up the iPod, kick back and join us for the show. BTW - don’t forget to stay safe and always wear your vest!

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 CopCAST Episode 75 - Mongrel Dog [34:47m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Like an old mongrel dog, the Mackster came wandering back to the podcast.  We want to thank all of the volunteers throughout the world that participated in the on-line search last week.  Rumor has it he just needed some “me time” to get mentally prepared for his spring firearms re-qualification.  Not to worry though because he is back for this week’s show and it is a good one.

We were shocked to find out that many teens are disregarding the new laws that prohibit them from using cell phones while driving - go figure.  Need a little help getting investigative info from an internet service provider?  Just check out the ISP list site. We also discuss an emerging new computer crime, the distribution of ransomware.  From the “I don’t want to get involved department”, we discuss a gruesome hit-and-run video released by Connecticut Police.

The Harley-Davidson Motor Company is planning a number of exciting activities during their 105th Anniversary to celebrate 100 years of Harley-Davidson Police Motorcycles.  Watch the Police Event Section on their website at www.harley-davidson.com for additional details.

Mack likes the creative charges that our feds used to charge a South Carolina trooper that was taped hitting a fleeing subject with his car (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25082070/).

Also do not forget to check out Rich’s new Essential of Effective Supervision course.

We have these stories and more this week!  So take Mack off your BOL list, kick back and join us for the show.  One more thing - stay safe and always wear your vest!

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 CopCAST Episode 74 - The Missing Mack [20:37m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

The lyrics of an old Three Dog Night said that one is the loneliest number and Rich got to find out this week. Mack was not available to do the show but, like they say in show business, “The show must go on!”

Although the show is a little shorter than usual, it is packed with some great stories including the case of the ASPCA v. Ringling Brothers, a young woman who learns not to mess with the greatest generation, a naked nut, a potty rescue, the latest teen craze and more.

FEMA has also cut loose grant funds in a couple of areas.  Applications are available at http://www.grants.gov.

The BOL is still out on Mack so if anyone finds him, Taser him, hog tie him and make sure he is around for the show next week. We hope you enjoy the show and have a great week. Stay safe and always wear your vest.

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 CopCAST - Episode 73 [21:31m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Last week when we did the first episode of CopCAST in over a year, we didn’t know how it would go over. We weren’t even sure if any of our old listeners were still around. Well, apparently they’re still around because we had a banner week of downloads. A couple of listeners even took a moment to write send us an e-mail.

Guillaume “Rob” Robitaille, wrote to say, “Hey guys!!! I just wanted to thank you for coming back. I’ve been listening to you from Quebec city for the last 3 years. I listened to you while running when I was in police technology (the college course in the Quebec province) then while in police academy and finally I will have the chance to listen to you on duty since I’m now a police officer for about a year. So thank you again guys. It’s always a pleasure to hear what you have to say!!!

Then Glenn Howell, AKA WiredPig, also wrote to say, “Mack and Rich, Thanks for putting out a new episode! Been a long time. I ran into Mack on twitter and hooked him up with the Portland Police (http://twitter.com/portlandpolice) user on there. Again, its great to have you both back.

So how could we not come back this week? Mack was on his boat but we were able to do a “remote from the boat.” This week we talk about a police involved shooting in Virginia, Twitter, the LifeLock challenge, Rich’s trip to the Stone Mountain School, a video website about speeders, the Titan Exhaust Air Jack, roll call training and more.

So kick off your shoes, sit back, relax and enjoy the show. We sure enjoyed doing it - three times . . . but that’s another story.

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 CopCAST - Episode 72 [23:10m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

If the Spice Girls can do it - so can we! That right - We’re Back!! Mack and Rich - the CopCAST crew - are back for a reunion tour and it won’t cost you $200 for a ticket.

It has been about a year since we last broadcast but we still have it. So sit back, relax and enjoy the show. Then take a minute to shoot us an e-mail at talkback@copcast.net and tell us what you think. While you are at it, check out Mack’s internet empire at Canadacops.com and don’t forget to visit his blog, A Cops Thoughts, at canadacops.com/blog. If you really get bored, check out Rich’s pearls of wisdom over at The Sisyphus Comments, at rlsei.com/blog.

We want to thank our “Legions of Listeners” for hanging in there. And thanks to everyone for downloading and listening to the show. You can also find the podcast on iTunes. Just visit the iTunes music store and search for CopCAST. Don’t forget to register for the CopCAST forum. But even more importantly, remember to stay safe . . . and always wear your vest. So, from the whole crew at CopCAST . . . have a great week!

Download CopCAST - Epilogue

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Mack and I are taking a sabbatical from producing CopCAST on a weekly basis. CopCast was originally started as an experiment to see if the delivery of law enforcement training information was feasible over an rss feed. The concept evolved into a weekly podcast that was more news and entertainment than training in its orientation.

Producing a weekly show is a very time consuming venture and we I have produced seventy episodes of CopCAST. I have enjoyed doing every one of them and I want to thank Steve Ferguson, my first co-host, and Mack for making it a great adventure.

Mack and I are still in the process of deciding if we will return after our “Spring Break” and, if we do, whether to follow a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly schedule. We hope that you will leave the show rss feed active or check the website periodically so you will know if we decide to fire the show back up.

Mack will be turning his attention to developing the Canadacops.com website so don’t forget to visit his blog, A Cops Thoughts, at canadacops.com/blog. I, on the other hand, will continue to spend most of my spare time developing content for my on-line criminal justice training business, RLS Enterprises, Inc. Of course, I will continue to disperse pearls of wisdom through my blog, The Sisyphus Comments, at rlsei.com/blog.

We want to thank our “Legions of Listeners” who have helped to make the show a success beyond my wildest expectations. I hope you will drop us an e-mail periodically to keep in touch. Remember to stay safe . . . and always wear your vest. So, from the whole crew at CopCAST . . . have a great week!

Download Episode 70

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Our sympathies go out to the families and friends of five more fallen heroes.

Los Angeles County, California Sheriff’s Department Deputy Raul Gama was killed when the unmarked van he was in was struck by a drunk driver.

Rocky Mount, North Carolina Police Department Officer Alan Silver died of injuries sustained in an automobile accident four days earlier.

Coffee County, Georgia Sheriff’s Department Sergeant Eric Smith die of injuries sustained three days earlier in an accident as he and another deputy responded to backup a third deputy.

Alabama Police Department Officer David Young was killed in a motorcycle accident while on patrol.

Boston, Georgia Police Department Chief Investigator Al Suarez was accidentally shot and killed by another officer as the officer finished cleaning his gun during a shift change at the police station.

This week in the Cop News, we begin by paying tribute to five more fallen heroes . . . then from the “no good deed goes unpunished department”, some canoeists pull a suicide victim from the river and a deputy pulls out his ticket book . . . next, a school erects a monument to deputy and his dog . . . and some co-ed skinny dippers leave a trail of property . . . next, dope is going to a little harder to come by on a New York Indian reservation . . . and a heartless cop gets suspended and hopefully learns about the concept of discretion . . . finally, on the other end of the spectrum, a deputy is fired after a professional courtesy that goes really bad.

This week in the Tech News, I tell you about how easy it is to get yourself in trouble if you aren’t careful how you use your technology. Then Mack is going to tell us about . . . well . . . let’s just say he is going to beat his topic to death later on so we will just wait to hear his story. Then for this week’s PC User Tip, I will tell you about some useful utilities, some of which we have mentioned in the past but warrant a reminder. And for our Mac User Tip, we tell you about a great new resource for Mac users.

It is hard to believe that this is the 70th show. We are beginning to feel a little old. However, it could just be that run I did yesterday. Mack thought he was going to get to retire with a pension at 65. I told him that was just another one of those fairy tales that your mom told you like you’re going to get married and live happily ever after. Thanks for downloading and listening to the show. Don’t forget to register for the new CopCAST forum. Remember to stop by the Frapper map and put your pin in the map so we can tell where you are listening from. Also, if you have a moment, do us a favor and stop by Digg.com and digg this episode of CopCAST. Enjoy the show!

Click Here for the Episode Shownotes - May 6, 2007

Download Episode 69

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Our sympathies go out to the families and friends of six more fallen heroes.

Mohave County, Arizona Sheriff’s Office Deputy Philip Rodriguez was killed in a single vehicle accident.

South Bend, Indiana Police Department Corporal Nick Polizzotto was shot and killed while on a shots fired call.

New York State Police Trooper David Brinkerhoff was shot and killed while taking part in a manhunt for an assailant who had shot and wounded a New York State trooper the previous day.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agent Clinton Thrasher was killed in an aircraft accident while assisting Border Patrol agents search for a suspected smuggler who had fled on foot during a vehicle stop.

Montgomery County, Maryland Police Department Officer Luke Hoffman died of injuries sustained when he was struck by a patrol car while involved in a foot pursuit of a suspected drunk driver.

Beaumont, Texas Police Department Officer Lisa Beaulieu was struck and killed by a drunk driver while investigating an earlier accident.

We begin the Cop News this week by paying tribute to six more fallen heroes . . . . . . next a Canadian judge decides to give a cop killer the benefit of the doubt - - - and bail - amazing! . . . but maybe he should have talked to the “no nonsense” pistol packing North Carolina judge in our next story before he made his decision . . . and then how does a Ferrari patrol car sound? . . . next, we talk about a Motor City cop who is accused orchestrating his own peep show . . . then a trooper’s son does the unthinkable and steals his dad’s guns . . . and finally we have a “how to” manual for suicide by cop.

This week in the Tech News, a new worm slithers into Skype . . . and the Polish pirate police raid a Polish university for file sharing violations . . . then for our PC User Tip we tell you how to shorten up your pasting process for unformatted text . . . and for our Mac User Tip we tell you how to share address book with other people.

The initial shock is over from the Virginia Tech tragedy but the entire community is trying to begin the healing process. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Don’t forget to register for the new CopCAST forum. Remember to stop by the Frapper map and put your pin in the map so we can tell where you are listening from. Also, if you have a moment, do us a favor and stop by Digg.com and digg this episode of CopCAST. Enjoy the show!

Click Here for the Episode Shownotes - April 29, 2007

Download Episode 68

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Episode 68 is dedicated to the emergency personnel who responded to the Virginia Tech tragedy.

Our sympathies go out to the families and friends of three more fallen heroes.

Irving, Texas Police Department Officer Andrew Esparza was killed in an automobile accident while responding to assist another officer.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Lieutenant Delmar Teagan was killed in an automobile accident that occurred as he was driving his government-issued vehicle home from a training session in Tallahassee.

Greenville, North Carolina Police Department Officer Jason Campbell was killed in a two-vehicle accident.

We begin the Cop News this week by paying tribute to three more fallen heroes . . . then we go from bad to worse when we move on to Virginia Tech to report on the on worse campus shooting in U.S. history . . . and we also examine the variety of communications tools that were used by the students, faculty and staff to report on the crisis as it unfolded . . . next we tell you about a compassionate robber who even lets a clerk call 9-1-1 to request medical help . . . then we move onto Kansas where smokey has got his ears, and eyes ,on . . . then on a lighter note, we tell you about a school where it really sucks to be sent to the principal’s office, literally . . . and finally we tell you about a lawyer who definitely isn’t superman.

This week in the Tech News, Blackberry users go through withdrawal and breaking up really isn’t that hard to do now thanks to our electronic gadgets. Then Mack interviews our competition. In addition, for our PC user tip this week, we will tell you about a cheap alternative to Adobe Acrobat for generating PDF files. and for our Mac user tip we’ll tell you about another trick to help you manage your PDF files on the Mac.

This has been a sad week for the Virginia Tech community, including our brother and sister law enforcement officers who were involved in the tragedy. Hopefully, they will be able to begin the long and difficult healing process. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Remember to stop by the Frapper map and put your pin in the map so we can tell where you are listening from. Also, if you have a moment, do us a favor and stop by Digg.com and digg this episode of CopCAST. Enjoy the show!

Click Here for the Episode Shownotes - April 22, 2007