Features Editor’s Commentary
Fulfilling a law enforcement dream

I am so honoured to bring to you the November 2021 issue of Blue Line as its new editor. Before we can begin this new chapter, it’s only right to say thank you to Brieanna Charlebois, Blue Line’s previous editor, for bringing the law enforcement community a wealth of information over the past year. The Blue Line team will miss her and wishes her the best of luck in all her future endeavours!

As we move forward together, I feel it’s only right that I share a little about myself. I stepped into this new editorial role at the beginning of September and have quickly been learning about the world of law enforcement and all that it entails. As a child, I actually dreamed of being a police officer, and that was probably brought on by seeing Canadian police TV shows such as Flashpoint and Rookie Blue. Even Castle, a show that took place in New York City but featured Canadian actors Nathan Fillion and Stana Katic as its main characters, was on my list of favourites. Even though I found my way into the world of editorial, I am so glad I can work with the law enforcement industry in some way through this new role.

With that being said, I am excited to share this month’s issue of Blue Line, which includes columns and features from a variety of law enforcement experts. I think this issue has something for everyone in the industry.

The November cover story features a detailed review of tactical gear, for those on or off duty. From head to toe, authors Hilary and Brendan Rodela assess clothing and firearm accessories, while also stating their own experiences whilst using the products. Gear is extremely important to all officers, and an incredibly individualistic choice. When an officer has the right gear, they can do their job much more efficiently than when they don’t.

It’s been said that humans have an animal-like behaviour, but how similar are we? In Scott Easto’s article on posturing and misconduct, he analyzes the actions of both humans and animals, and how they act similarly during intraspecies conflict. Police organizations are actively learning how to manage disputes while also understanding the relationship between conflict and misconduct, which ultimately helps to keep complaints down and increase support.

This month’s Behavioural Sciences column, written by Peter Collins and Dilnaz Garda, focuses on the healing power of literature. In the recent and far past, psychologists and psychiatrists alike have prescribed literature as a form of medication for patients with varying backgrounds and life experiences, such as being a war veteran. It has even been said that those who prefer to read novels may be more empathetic individuals. The overall hope of this kind of prescription is if we all read a little more, maybe we could make deeper, stronger human connections with each other.

Our technology column from Peel Regional Police’s Derek Snider reflects on why it is important to bring new, 21^st century technologies to police services across the country, and how it could better help the surrounding communities. Although these technologies can sometimes be seen as cost-prohibitive, especially in a time when police budgets are facing extreme scrutiny, Snider believes the returns far outweigh the cost if the technology is properly prioritized and implemented.

As I begin this new journey with Blue Line, I invite you to pitch me your ideas, send me your latest news and accomplishments, or connect with me just to have a chat. I am looking forward to meeting more of you as in-person events resume, including our Blue Line Expo on Oct. 28. I am very excited to bring you new content in Blue Line as we finish out 2021, and beyond. Together, we will bring to the forefront interesting and new insights into the law enforcement industry.