NOPD Collapse Revealed

The New York Times has reported that 200 New Orleans Police Department officers have deserted their city during the very one time that the citizens needed them most.

However, during the Police Department's very first press briefing today, the deputy police chief admitted that the figure was closer to 400. That's 25% of the city's 1600 officer force. The spokesman said he had "no idea" of why they did not report for duty, but understands that some are looking for family while some simply appear to be overwhelmed.

The NY Times has reports of officers throwing away their badges and other officers stripping off their uniforms and using their patrol cars to escape the city.

This is a sad, shameful reminder that -- despite the overwhelming heroic nature of the majority of police officers and firefighters -- you cannot rely on public safety personnel to ensure your safety.

If you are a business that uses the employment of off-duty law enforcement officers for your security, realize that a major call up is going to make this pool of officers unavailable just when you need them the most. Plan your security accordingly. That means you will probably have to begin to move your security to the private sector. Investigate the feasibility of in-house security staff as well as contracting with private security providers.

If you are an individual, you need to create a security plan and then get the equipment and the training that you'll need to protect yourself and your family.