On March 15, 44 BC, Julius Caesar was caught off guard and stabbed to death during a Senate session at the Theatre of Pompey. History records that some sixty senators were involved in the murder plot. One leader of the conspiracy was Marcus Junius Brutus, a person Julius believed was a friend. “You too, Brutus?” are the reported last words of Julius Caesar before he succumbed to his wounds.[1] The emperor believed those around him didn’t pose a threat. He misread the situation, and it cost him his life. Similarly, law enforcement officers (LEOs) must always have situational awareness and be tactically alert.
July 30th seemed like a typical summer morning in Tampa, Florida when Officer Jordan Laupert was approached by a young man just outside the department’s district office. Twenty-one-year-old Jaylin Greene was walking along the street, on the other side of a chain-link fence that surrounded the property when he summed Officer Laupert. Greene asked Laupert for directions to the agency’s headquarters. The two conversed through the fence and engaged in a “casual conversation.”
According to Chief Bercaw, after Officer Laupert provided Greene with directions. Greene said, “thank you.” Laupert then turned and started to walk away from Greene on the sidewalk when Greene pulled a gun and shot at the officer. Laupert was hit in the leg, immediately sought cover, and radioed for assistance. Other officers responded and found that Greene had fled across the street where he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officer Laupert was transported to the hospital in stable condition and is expected to make a full recovery.[2]
Julius Caesar and Officer Laupert were attacked by surprise. Law enforcement officers can’t anticipate every attack, and can’t be overly suspicious of everyone they contact, but LEOs need to remain vigilant. In fact, it’s good practice for everyone to be vigilant.
Vigilance goes beyond protection from physical harm. We must also be aware of attacks on our souls. The Apostle Peter warns, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). We need to keep guard over our body, soul, and spirit. Holistic care is necessary for good health and wellness. That means we need to watch out for temptations aimed at harming our mind or spirit. Be vigilant and have a plan to fend off enemy attacks and don’t forget to call for backup from a trusted friend.
Bringing Hope to Law Enforcement
The Strong Blue Line Foundation—at no cost to officers or their agencies—brings hope to LEOs with training seminars that help them navigate a myriad of issues they deal with. One way we do this is by training chaplains. In the “Winning is More than Surviving” seminar and book, chaplains learn how to serve and minister to law enforcement officers by helping them understand the issues they deal with, their responses, and where they can find real hope. Please partner with us to make strong officers with strong relationships by giving them real hope for complete victory! To help, go to TheStrongBlueLine.org and click on the “Donate” button.
On the Road
This month, Sherry and I will be in Lafayette, LA for a Winning a Gunfight seminar hosted by the Lafayette PD. Then we’ll be in Arkansas for a of couple weeks before heading to Longmont, CO for another Winning a Gunfight seminar, hosted by their PD. Next month, we plan to be in Richland, WA for an International Conference of Police Chaplains Regional Training Seminar. I will be both attending training and doing some instruction for new chaplains.
Pray for your police.
[1] (https://historycooperative.org/how-did-julius-caesar-die/)
[2] (https://www.police1.com/officer-safety/video-man-shoots-fla-officer-from-behind-after-cordial-conversation)
