Police officers interact with the community on a daily basis. It’s part of their job, after all, to protect and to serve, according to Jennifer Knight, Deputy Police Chief in Columbus, Ohio.

Policing is a very challenging job. It requires officers to constantly interact with members of the community in what can be highly-charged instances.

At times, citizens may not be happy with how law enforcement officers treat them and file official complaints with departments as a result. It’s somewhat inevitable that this will happen, but that doesn’t mean police departments shouldn’t take complaints seriously.

One of the most effective tools to deal with civilian complaints is mediation. Below are some strategies for using mediation between law enforcement and civilians.

Let Them Be Heard

Often, civilians who file complaints want someone to simply listen to them. They may have a specific concern about how an officer treated them or a more general concern about overall policing in the community.

Law enforcement departments should approach mediation with an open mind, allowing the citizens to talk without prejudging the situation.

“I think that mediation is not a new idea in how we deal with citizens and citizen complaints,” said Jennifer Knight, deputy police chief in Columbus, Ohio. “But, it is absolutely an underutilized opportunity to ensure that the citizens who are coming to the division or any agency with concerns about how they’re run or their call for service was handled.

“What they want to know is how police services work a lot of times, and they want to be heard.”

Use It as an Opportunity

Law enforcement officers may view mediation negatively, but they should instead flip the script and view it as an opportunity to build strong community relations. This is a vital part of a law enforcement leader’s job — ensuring that the department serves the community to the best of its ability.

Law enforcement agencies should approach mediation as an opportunity to engage with the community and gather valuable feedback. While the initial interaction with a police officer may not have been positive, a lot of good can come from a successful mediation.

“If the citizens are not satisfied, the very best thing that we can do is sit down and talk to the citizens or give those citizens an opportunity to talk to the officer who responded and learn,” according to Knight. “Police actually have to respond and listen to those citizens. It creates a connection that, in many cases, builds the foundation for a much greater relationship.”

Carve a Path Forward

While the impetus of mediation is an event from the past, the outcome of mediation should be focused on the future. In other words, mediation between law enforcement and civilians should conclude with a discussion about what’s next.

Maybe it’s an understanding between the two sides about how a situation should be handled in the future. Perhaps a follow-up meeting will be held with more community members to discuss new initiatives.

While a large part of mediation is obviously conflict resolution, it also provides a great chance to carve out other positive tactics for the future.

About Jennifer Knight

Jennifer Knight, Deputy Police Chief in Columbus, Ohio, is known for dynamic leadership, innovative community engagement, and excellence in the field of law enforcement. After earning her Juris Doctor, she received the National Women’s Law Association Award of Excellence. Ms. Knight is a strong advocate for women in law enforcement and is a passionate community volunteer.

On September 18th, thousands of pastors from North, Central, and South America will come together virtually for a Word Seminar hosted by One Logos Theological Seminary. 

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, churches around the world have struggled with consistent attendance with their congregation. Many churches have moved their services and activities online, but the sense of community has diminished greatly. Pastors are looking for answers as they have experienced a 30-70% drop in attendance. Such decline has continued even as churches and ministries try online events, visits, and as many have opened their church doors again for in-person services and gatherings. 

One Logos Theological Seminary approaches this problem in a different way. Through free-of-cost word seminars, seminary programs, and other resources, the pastors and churches have seen a renewed interest in theological studies. 

The Word Seminar will feature One Logos Chancellor Lee, a world-renowned speaker on the prophecies and fulfillment of the Book of Revelation. His previous seminars have reached over 30,000 attendees, and feedback has been largely positive in spreading the gospel and important Biblical knowledge in these unprecedented times.

In this time when the religious world struggles to stay afloat and remain relevant, One Logos Chancellor Lee has come with a true message of hope and revival. The attendees of the September seminar will walk away with greater Biblical understanding and great wisdom on how to shepherd their congregation during the COVID-era and under any distress. As previous seminar attendees repeatedly expressed how remarkable and unprecedented Chancellor Lee’s seminars are, those who are waiting for September 18th will be joining a seminar that has received worldwide acclaim. 

Moving isn’t just about packing and transporting your belongings to a new house or location. It takes maximum planning and coordination to move successfully. The best way to make the most of your move is to hire a professional moving company to do the hard work and get things in order.

A professional mover can make the process easier, rewarding, and achievable, from planning to packing to unpacking. So if you are considering relocation, here are some reasons why you should hire a moving company :

1. Saves Time

Professional movers have mastered the art of packing, maneuvering, and transporting items, so they can do it faster and better than you can. They typically come as a team (which means more hands) and have ample experience to boot. With trained movers, you can rest assured that your stuff will be packed up and settled within record time.

2. Spares Stress and Effort

Moving demands mental, emotional, and physical effort, which tends to leave you weary and exhausted. However, hiring a professional mover means you don’t have to deal with all that stress. They come prepared to deal with the chaos and demands of moving. That delicate piece of China you are worried about handling or the oversized coach you think won’t pass through the door, a professional moving company, especially Vancouver movers, are your stress busters and the solution to your mobility problems!

3. They are Cost-effective

When you calculate the cost it takes to rent moving tools/equipment, truck, and furniture pads, you will choose a professional moving service any day. Think about it; you don’t need to bribe your friends or loved ones to help lift heavy items. Plus, you get to make productive use of your time while they get the job done. Their prices are also “generally” reasonable and competitive. And if you are lucky, costs may cover packing and unpacking. Let’s face it; you will be hard-pressed to find a cost-effective moving option than hiring a professional mover!

4. They Provide Safety

Nothing beats knowing your valuables are in safe hands. Sometimes you can’t even trust yourself to handle your own stuff. Think sweaty hands, a racing mind, and a jangle of nerves! A moving service can guarantee the safety of your items and your safety as well ( you can easily fall or injure yourself). Movers are ever so efficient and have the skills to handle your valuables with care.

5. Includes Packing Services

Packing and wrapping items is another stressful chore entirely. Not to mention overwhelming and frustrating. The good thing is, most moving companies offer separate packaging services at a reasonable price. They can help you pack and unpack with their packaging materials, so you don’t have to buy those. You get to enjoy the added benefit of cutting costs. You can use your spare time to focus on other aspects of the move while getting your belongings packed.

The Bottom Line

Hiring a moving company is one of the best decisions you will make when relocating. It is effortless, stress-free, convenient, and cost-effective. Get a mover today and watch how easy moving will be!

Upset, annoyed, frustrated, impatient, and expectant are adjectives that qualify the emotions currently felt by Grand Theft Auto (GTA) fans. You wouldn’t blame, though, as anyone will be righteously upset if they had to wait for a terrific game for seven years!  To top it off, there are indications that the game won’t be available anytime soon.

A Rude Surprise

The last thing diehard GTA fans expected to see on PlayStation Showcase was a half-baked trailer of the next Gen-release of GTA 5 Expanded & Enhanced for PS5/Xbox series X. The trailer was nothing short of disappointing as fans criticized its poor upgrade. To add salt to the injury, the game is being delayed for another four months.

While fans had long given up on seeing GTA 6 on the Playstation showcase, no one expected the spotlight on GTA 5. Dramatic reactions followed this development, with many gamers expressing their resignation from GTA 5. It will appear that everyone has had enough of GTA 5 and is eagerly awaiting the release of the much-anticipated GTA 6.

The Silence is Aggravating

Gamers are losing their patience with Rockstar’s poor communication skills. Although the fan base understands that GTA games are not served yearly, they are sick and tired of having GTA 5 under the spotlight. Fans want nothing more to do with GTA 5 and want everything to do with GTA 6.

Despite multiple leaks and speculations surrounding the launch of GT6, Rockstar hasn’t denied/confirmed the claims. This isn’t surprising, knowing their long-standing reputation for “radio silence.” Perhaps, the developers are “people of few words” and prefer to have their actions speak for them. Only that, their actions haven’t been forthcoming or impressive lately.

Any Clues to the Release Date?

Unfortunately, there is no recent, concrete evidence to suggest when GTA 6 will finally grace our screens. Leakers speculate that the game may launch in the next 4-5 years, but it’s all just assumptions. However, this means the game can be released much later, given Rockstar’s inclination to late releases.

Rockstar typically takes years to launch a game after announcing a set release date (as we have learned from GTA 4 and GTA 5). Additionally, AAA games have become increasingly complex and expensive to develop compared to the last decade. Given this, GTA 6 may take an even longer developmental process than its predecessors. For one, the release date is yet to be announced, not to mention the actual release. So gamers, you are in for the long haul!

What’s the Delay?

Unfortunately, Rockstar has kept mute about the reasons for the delay. It is safe to say that only the developers know why the game is taking forever to launch. However, gamers have come to logical conclusions as to the delay.

To begin with, GTA 5’s groundbreaking success is said to have something to do with GTA 6’s delay. The current GTA game has garnered such recognition that it is easily the best-selling GTA game ever. So perhaps, adding updates to this successful version is more profitable than investing chunks of money in a game that will take years to develop and whose success value is unpredictable.

As per latest news on Global Esport News PS5’s global chip storage is another possible reason for the game’s delay. Because fewer people are likely to own a PS5 due to limited storage, GTA 6 may not attract as many customers and fan base as its predecessors.

Whatever the reason, diehard fans are still looking forward to the game and trust that Rockstar will come through!

There’s nothing as unpleasant and worrisome as needing cash for emergencies and not having it. Nobody wants to be caught in a financial trap with no way out. Fortunately, there are solutions to unexpected financial problems, and a cash advance is one of them. Learn what a cash advance is and if it is worth consideration.

What is a Cash Advance?

A cash advance is a type of short-term loan that you can obtain from an eligible credit card via an ATM or a bank. Expressly put, a cash advance is when you borrow money from your credit card and return the sum with added interest. It is important to note that not all credit cards are considered eligible for a cash advance.

While cash advances are practical and solution-oriented, they come with exorbitant interest rates. In other words, they are expensive to maintain. On the other hand, they typically do not require a credit check and are immediately administered on the plus side. Ultimately, it is one of the quickest ways to loan money for a financial emergency.

How Does a Cash Advance Work?

Credit cards that support cash advances allow individuals to borrow a set amount of money as an advance that is repaid with interest. This means you can only borrow as much as your credit card allows; your card’s cash advance limit is not the same as your total credit limit. So before you consider a cash advance, it is wise to check your cash advance limit by checking your credit card statement. Better still, you can contact your credit card company or issuer for the said details.

When you take a cash advance, the amount is added to your credit card balance, where it accrues interest until repayment. Also, the annual percentage rate (APR) charged for a cash advance may not be the same as the APR that applies to purchases. You can confirm the stipulated APR by contacting your card issuer or by checking your credit card agreement. Be informed that a cash advance begins to accrue interest as soon as you borrow money (unlike purchases).

Where To Get a Cash Advance?

You can get a cash advance from several sources, including :

1. Bank/Credit Union

You can present your credit card to your bank or a credit union you are involved with to request a cash advance. However, your bank or credit union is liable to charge additional fees outside of the prices being charged by your credit card company.

2. ATM

You can get a cash advance from an ATM, provided you have a credit card pin. Simply visit the nearest ATM, and input your pin to withdraw a set amount. However, ATMs have a withdrawal limit. This means that you can only use an ATM card if the withdrawal limit is within the amount you need. Now how do you get a credit card pin? Simply contact your credit card company and request one.

3. Convenience Checks

Some credit card companies offer convenience checks for cash advances. You can write the amount you need and deposit or withdraw from your bank account with this check. It couldn’t be easier!

4. Online Financial Platforms

Reliable online financial platforms like CashnGo offer cash advances. The beauty of this platform is that you can apply for and get a cash advance from the comfort of your home without moving an inch. Plus, the service is lightning quick. This is undoubtedly one of the best ways and places to get a rapid cash advance.

Should you Take a Cash Advance?

If you need money urgently but are short on cash or completely strapped, a credit card cash advance might be your knight in shining armour. However, cash advances are nowhere near cheap. As such, you need to properly weigh your options and situations before considering a cash advance. Only take a cash advance if there is no other alternative. Otherwise, you can consider other options like personal loans, borrowing from friends and families or getting a quick cash loan.

It can be hard to keep your kids motivated, especially over the weekend or during those rainy days during the school holidays. If you’re struggling to keep your children entertained when they’re stuck at home, here are several fun things you can do to keep them occupied.

Camping in the living room

Most kids love camping. However, given the fact that outdoor camping hasn’t been available for some time (because of COVID-19), “indoor” camping has emerged as a popular activity to do with the little ones. All you need to do is set up a small makeshift tent using a variety of bed sheets, pillows and other necessary items from around your home. It’s fun, easy and the kids will love it.

Try a new card game

There are thousands of card games out there. Do a quick Google search and find one that’s easy to pick up. Print out the instructions and rules, make sure you have a reliable deck of cards and start giving it a go.

Practice origami

Origami is a natural activity to organise for your kids. Get a bunch of sheets of paper (different colours and sizes) and start creating. It allows your children to be imaginative, and it can help improve their spatial awareness. All you need to do is print out a couple of easy how-to guides to get them started.

Learn how to juggle

Juggling is no easy feat and is a great way to churn through a few hours during a quarantine-induced afternoon. Simply get up a few YouTube videos, find a few tennis balls lying around the house and start practising.

There’s a lot of talk about herbal incense and its amazing benefits. People are now adopting the use of herbal incense as a part of their everyday lifestyle solely for the purpose of its relaxing and pleasant feel. And if you’re familiar with the birth story of Jesus, you will remember the occasion that took place in the stable when the baby was visited by three wise men. They came bringing gifts; one of these gifts was frankincense – an older, rawer version of the herbal incense we use today.

Well, this little trip to the past serves as a reminder of the long-standing use of herbal incense and how big a deal it is to folks who appreciate its natural, pleasing fragrance. And it’s due to this that picking the right herbal incense is a big deal for getting the right results.

Why Is It Important To Pick The Right Herbal Incense?

Every day, the use of herbal incense grows in popularity. Lots more people now burn herbal incense to release its delightful and calming scent into their abode for the best feeling they could imagine. This herbal incense produces a dream fragrance that helps to make everyday living a joyful and relaxing one.

But this could all be lost if you don’t know or have what it takes to pick the right herbal incense. Not every herbal incense out there is as beneficial as the other; some herbal are produced in variable methods and environments, and these affect how the final product feels.

Therefore, the following sum up the reasons why you need to pick only the best:

• To ensure you enjoy all the benefits of herbal incense
• To reduce and eliminate the risk of allergies
• To ensure good value for your money
• To ensure you’re not purchasing substandard goods

Tips For Picking the Right Herbal Incense

Whether you’re buying directly from the producer or wholesaler for the purpose of reselling, or you’re buying from the store to enjoy it on a personal level, learning to choose the right herbal incense is essential knowledge that you won’t regret acquiring.

The following tips are needed when buying herbal incense:

1. Quality And Price

When going for herbal incense products, ensure that a high standard of quality is the focal point of your decision-making. This involves selecting only the top-quality herbal incense with constant and long-lasting durability. This is essential because the last thing you need is to spend on a product that doesn’t meet your expectations. Also, take note of the price to quality ratio; if the price is too much for the product you’re getting, it’s better to spend less on better options.

2. Legitimacy

First, how legit is the product you’re getting? And are the types of ingredients used in the product allowed in your region? You need to be aware of the regulations and guidelines surrounding the purchase and use of such products to avoid legal problems.

Then, you examine the herbal incense in line with those regulations to check for potentially harmful ingredients or production methods that do not conform to the guidelines in place.

3. Company Reliability Benchmark

Another category that requires a high score in standard assessment is the source of your herbal incense. It’s not only the product that should come under scrutiny. If you’re buying from online stores, the company producing the herbal incense should also be examined to determine if it’s worth your money. Reliable outlets like Incense High ensure that you’re getting herbal incense that meets and even surpasses all quality standards.

When you ask most runners about strength training, their eyes glaze over. But as endurance training goes, it does more than merely build bigger muscles. Improved muscular strength can have a positive impact on your running and cycling performance and can even make you a more competitive runner. In this article, David Reagan, an Atlanta-based certified personal trainer, explains the importance of strength training for runners.

Running is excellent for improving cardiovascular health and endurance. Regular running can enhance your body’s aerobic capacity of V02 max, meaning your cardiovascular system can deliver more oxygen to your muscles, and your muscle cells can better take up and utilize that oxygen. But to maximize your fitness, also work on strength training, like lifting weights, doing body-weight exercises, training with resistance bands, etc.

5 Compelling Reasons Runners Need Strength Training:

Below, David Reagan looks at ways that strength training can improve your running performance and help you develop a more balanced physique.

#1. Strength Training Will Balance Your Muscle Development

Strength training for runners isn’t about building bulky muscles and bicep curling massive weight. Remember, your body is one integrated system, and while you may focus on your lower body when you run, you’re still using your arms, shoulders, and back. If you neglect these areas, you will not only improve slower but also run with poor form and risk injury. A weak upper body can hinder your performance when you run.

You might not need to work your lower body intensely if you run since you’re using your lower body every time you take a stride, but some upper body work will give you more balanced strength. Who wants a strong lower body and weak arm and shoulder muscles?

#2. You Need Core Strength for the Best Running Performance

Running is excellent for your cardiovascular system, but it doesn’t do much to develop your core, the muscles in your midsection that support your spine and help you maintain good balance and posture. Proper balance and form are essential if you run.

Core muscles are not only crucial for having an attractive body, but also help prevent back, hip, and spine pain. A strong core also enables you to generate power and thrust when you launch into a run or sprint. Having a solid core also lowers your risk of injury. A weak upper body makes it more challenging to maintain proper form, which can increase your injury risk.

Which exercises should you do for your core? Some compound strength exercises like push-ups, deadlifts, and squats target your core and include focused core movements in your routine, like planks and their many variations. There are at least 50 ways to plank, and they all strengthen your core muscles.

#3. Strength Training Improves Running Economy

Building muscle strength will help keep your body in proper alignment when you run. This will improve your biomechanics and reduce the amount of energy you use when you run because you’ll make fewer extraneous movements that waste energy, leading to better running efficiency and running economy. One study found 8 weeks of strength training boosted the running economy in long-distance runners, despite no changes in body weight.

Another analysis of multiple studies found that strength training can improve the running economy by 3 to 4%. In the study, the participants did two to four strength exercises, along with sprints and plyometric exercises that involved jumping.

If you run shorter distances, like a 5K, strength training will also improve your performance through an upgrade in running economy and reducing fatigue. It can also modestly improve your speed. All runners can benefit from strength training from shorter distances to marathon runners.

#4. Reduce Your Risk of Injury

A stronger core, leading to better biomechanics, can lower your risk of injury when you run. Spending some training time on strength training reduces the risk of overuse injuries from doing the same repetitive movements over and over when you run.

#5. It’s a Good Change of Pace

Even if you love running, strength training can be an exciting change of pace. You might discover the fresh challenge that strength training offers. It’s a different way to train and one that many runners learn to enjoy. It’s another way to challenge your body.

The Bottom Line

If you’re a runner, you still need to strength train, and doing so can make you a better runner. So, shift some of your running time to training your muscles against resistance. It’ll improve your running form, core strength, speeds, and lower your risk of injury.

About David Reagan

David Reagan is an Atlanta -based NASM Certified personal trainer. David provides his services to busy executives and business owners, who are looking to lose weight, get fit and achieve better mental clarity. Health has always been a priority of David’s, and he is determined to help as many of his clients as possible to organize their lives in a way that promotes physical and mental well-being. For more information about David, visit https://www.davidreaganatlanta.com/.