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PoliceOne Mailbag Roundup: Slap in the face of public safety?

P-1 members sound off on the “narc officer video”

Ex-agent Barry Cooper of Texas, called the “best narcotics officer in the country” by his former boss, set off a firestorm in the LEO community when he announced plans to market a how-to video on concealing drugs and fooling police.

The video, called “Never Get Busted Again,” shows viewers how to “conceal their stash,” “avoid narcotics profiling” and “fool canines every time.”

Cooper, who favors the legalization of marijuana, made the video in part because he believes the nation’s war on drugs is a waste of resources, and also, he says, because marijuana users fill prisons with nonviolent offenders.

Enraged critics say Cooper is a “traitor to the Oath,” a pusher, a sell-out, a low-life opportunist……and in possible violation of the law. Read full story

Read what P-1 readers had to say:

“I am truly disgusted with Cooper’s claim that he is doing this for the good of society to make a point on the “failing war on drugs.” It’s apparent that Mr. Cooper has found his price, yet another former brother in blue who will whore himself at any price.” -- Det Andrew Chaulk., South Burlington PD (VT)

“I feel sorry for you, Barry Cooper, for the simple reason that you have apparently crossed that fine line that seperates the bad from the good. . . .Please take into account how many officers have died fighting this scourge of the entire world.” -- Capt. Chet Bowen Pearl River PD (LA)

“The turncoat has all the right in the world to make money in a legal way, however this video is bordering on conspiracy. [Cooper] is more than a turncoat to law enforcement; he is lower than the dealers of these substances. No matter what he thinks of the laws of our land, they are the law and he has no right to violate them.” -- Deputy Ed Gaibl, Plymouth County Sheriff’s Dept. (MA)

“While he may have appeared to have gone to the other side to make money, the video could also be used as a training aid for police agencies. Those criminals that use the video as a resource to hide contraband can be advantageous to an officer who will know where to search during a stop.” -- Joseph Belanger, Delaware Department of Corrections

“My opinion, this Ex-cop is a disgrace. This Ex-cop should be training officers and make his skills or knowledge available to other officers and departments.” -- Officer T. Dexter, North Texas Health Care VA Police Service

“Real law enforcement officers work hard every day to protect our society from these types of people. Mr. Cooper appearently gave into the philosophy of: ‘If you can’t beat them, join them.’” -- Sgt. Pete Hackett Albuquerque Police Dept. (NM)

“The idea of this video goes against everything I believe as a police officer. It does not matter if I agree with all of the laws or not, I am sworn to enforce them.” -- Officer Will Coursey, Hopkins County PD (KY)

“I agree with Barry Cooper about the whole marijuana thing. We are wasting resources going after non-violent offenders for a drug that is less harmful than alcohol. But to actually help sellers and users of marijuana is crossing the line. It is a slap in the face to law enforcement.” -- Sgt. Eric Romero, Dept of Vet Affairs (TX)

“That’s just great. Why stop at concealing drugs? Let’s show criminals how to hide weapons and explosives.” -- Patrol Ofc. Benjamin J Nagy, New York State University Police, Albany

“He should spare us the ‘holier than thou’ reason that he is doing it. It is about the money. It’s always about the money.” -- Ofc. Craig Kincaid, Carrabelle PD (FL)

“Good for Cooper. Now he’s making money off of the scumbags he used to put behind bars. This won’t change anything in the constantly changing effort to outwit the police and smuggle drugs. Only police will now also have access to the criminals “how-to” video, giving them an edge ahead of time in the field on what to look for.” -- Investigator Brian D Bowles, Compliance Enforcement Division (NV)

“If Barry Cooper has such a foolproof way to conceal dope and ‘fool K9s every time’ why isn’t he muling dope and making millions instead of making some tape to benefit crooks? This guy is a disgrace to every police officer in the nation. Face it Barry, YOU SOLD OUT.” -- C.B. Thompson, Ft. Worth P.D. (TX)

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