Since Evening on the Avenues was canceled Friday night, we went across the street to dine at Too Jays. We kept looking out the window hoping for a miracle. An impressive group from the Sheriff's Department came in and sat nearby, 8 men and 1 woman. We were pleased to see them in Lake Worth.I wandered over even before their drinks were served and asked if I could take their photo. They were surprised by the request and reverted to the chain of command, Sergeant Custer. He said, "I don't think that it would be a good idea." Somehow I knew not to ask any more questions.
Now, this sort of reaction always gets my curiosity. A photograph is fairly innocuous, right? And everyone has to eat dinner, right? This was the Sheriff’s Tactical Unit/SWAT and they all looked the part-- guns, tasers and all and you just knew that they knew how to do their job. One of the things they are trained to do is to make quick judgments in the interest of survival. The tactical decision/assessment was made within seconds—This might not be good for P&R...We've taken a break from fighting the bad guys…This might appear bad with a piece of lettuce hanging from our mouths…Senior citizens are dangerous, no photo!
Tactical Unit (TAC)
The Tactical Unit consists of 1 Lieutenant, 3 Sergeants and 24 Agents. TAC provides the following types of assistance to the PBSO as well as outside local, state and federal law enforcement agencies:
- Surveillance operations
- Fugitive detection and apprehension
- Dignitary protection
- High profile patrol
- Group operations
- Execution of high risk arrest and search warrants
- Tactical training
Jack Strenges, the Commander of the Violent Crimes Division consisting of several components one of which is the Tactical Unit says, “I consider myself to be extremely fortunate to be the Commander of a group of highly skilled, diligent and compassionate investigators who are dedicated to solving violent crime throughout
Please tell your Tactical Unit that it is okay if they relax and have dinner.
2 comments:
Why was Evenings on the Ave canceled ? Katie
Response from Sergeant Custer--
Ms. Lynn, I had just read your Lake Worth blog regarding our meeting last weekend and wanted to write to you in response. I certainly appreciate you honoring my request of not to take our picture. It did take us by surprise and it is a rather unique request. Please understand that most of our duties are in an undercover capacity with some of our counties worst criminals and to have a photo of our Detectives in uniform could come back to haunt them during future investigations. As unlikely as it may seem to those outside of undercover work, it has happened many times in the past as pictures of under cover officers have a way of being disseminated and stored by those who would do us harm. This was my primary reason in response to your request and not for the reasons you detailed in your blog. I am sure that you can understand and appreciate this point of view.
Sergeant Michael Custer
Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office
Tactical Unit - 470 Tango
3228 Gun Club Road
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
CusterM@PBSO.org
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