Security

Just started a part time security gig working the USC football games and concerts/events. So far so good. Worked the USC games against Florida Atlantic and Ole Miss. Also worked the Zac Brown band concert in Simpsonville last night... www.zacbrownband.com It was a good concert and a lot of rowdy drunks but no problems. I'm sure I'll have plenty of stories to tell as this goes along! lol Got a few already...

oh the humanity...

Forgive me Father for I have sinned... I said I was going to keep up with this blog...well I havent been, but big time updates coming soon...I promise!!!!!!!!!

Howdy Friends and neighbors!

Don't know why I used that title but I have always liked it..lol Well Week 2 of school started today and things are going pretty well. Only got 4 assignments back so far and they have all been in political science. A, A, A+, A+ so I wish I could just be done know and have that 4.0 haha... They were just homework and weekly stuff for the online course, so no need to get excited yet. Just got back from working out at the YMCA. Nice 45 minutes split between the treadmill and the stationary bike. There was actually a woman there complaining to the staff that it was too hot and they needed to turn the AC down! Uh, hello isnt part of the point to sweat when you work out? I know my big ass sweats just walking in to the joint! I just thought it was funny someone was actually complaining about being hot when they were working out. Today was also Day 12 since I quit smoking! It has been a pain, but absolutely neccessary to get back in shape and do what I need to do. Dumbest thing I ever did was start, and did'nt start until 21. You would think if I made it through high school and beyond I would have never started, but stupidity knows no bounds I guess!

Philosphy class has been probably my most interesting class this semester. Only about 9 of us in the class, but we have some good conversations. Kind of hard to "philosiphise" at 8:00 am, but i've always been a morning person anyway! Of course the only people who seem to actually talk are me, another lady and the teacher..haha, but we have a good time. The first night of FBI citizen's academy was last Thursday and it was very informative. They fed us a nice dinner and the assistant director gave us a brief history on the FBI. We also toured the facility here in Columbia, well most of it ;)This week the First assistant to the district attorney will be speaking on the role of the US attorney and a special agent will be giving a polygraph demonstration.

Until Next Time,

Jason Owen

And It Begins...

Well after waiting for so long I am officially starting back to school this week. Hopefully 6 or 7 months from now I will finally be finishing my Associates degree in Criminal Justice. Also starting the F.B.I Citizen's Academy Thursday night. Looking forward to both of these new adventures. Will try and keep my blog updated as best as I can, but I can tell from my Political Science orientation I will be writing ALOT already..lol

Other than that not much else has been going on. Went to the Darlington Sprint Cup race last weekend and had a blast! This was about my 3rd or 4th time going and Darlington is always alot of fun!

Just wanted to drop a quick note to let everyone who cares what is going on. Feel free to email me at expressfootball@hotmail.com anytime!

Take Care,

Jason

More Citizen's Academy

Just a couple of pictures they took at the graduation dinner. We got together as a class and got Deputy Steegal a plaque to show our appreciation. I got to present it to him. I'm sure the Academy Awards will be calling nay day now.. "The winner for best new picture goes to.." haha

Take Care,

Jason

Catching Up

Been kind of busy lately. School starts May 18th! I changed my criminal law clasds to Political Science 201. I will be taking that class online so I will be free on Thursday nights, as I have been selected to attend the F.B.I.'s citizens academy starting May 21st! I got the call the other day and am definitely looking forward to that! We are 1-4 in softball losing our last game 10-8, and then last night 17-15. We are doing good, just losing some close games! I am batting .650 now so trying to do my part. Working out is going good, going at least 4 times a week and really like the YMCA. What about that wreck at Talladega this weekend!!! Glad no one got hurt. Other than that just getting ready for school, bowling on Mondays and Thursdays and playing softball on Monday nights. I suck at bowling..lol I blowled a 213 one time and a 201 but only carry a 135 average, that game is aggravating!

Take Care,
Jason

RCSD Citizen's Academy Graduation

Richland County (WLTX) -- The streets in Richland County are little safer Wednesday night thanks to some local residents.

Twenty-eight citizens graduated from the Richland County Sheriff's Department Citizen's Police Academy.

Sheriff Leon Lott, along with family and friends, celebrated the graduation at the Columbia Ramada Hotel.

Lott says these citizens went through a 12-week program designed to provide an overview of the department's structure, services, and personnel. He says the mission of the Citizen's Police Academy is to provide a forum for police through community interaction; to identify community problems, needs and concerns; and to foster a partnership with the community that will solve problems and work towards creating a safer environment.

Those who enroll in the academy have the opportunity to participate in the following courses: Uniform Patrol Division, Investigations, Narcotics Enforcement, Gang Unit, Special Response Team, Physical Evidence, Canine Unit, School Resources Officers, Deputy Sheriff Selection, Professional Standards, Youth Crime, Victim's Assistance and the Training Division. Lotts states that citizens participate in several hands-on demonstrations that give them a more realistic view into what law enforcement officers do on a day-to-day basis.

If you're interested in enrolling in the Citizen's Police Academy, the next one starts May 26th. Classes are held every Tuesday from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. To apply, click here or call 576-3118.

http://www.wltx.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=72640

I'm alive and all is well

Been a hectic few weeks and have'nt posted on my blog in so long! My step sister is in the hospital with pnemonia... She is recovering and will be fine and today had to take Grandpa to the hosital. We think some new medicine gave him a bad reaction and after 8 hours and 2 different hospitals he is at home and resting. Been doing ride-a-longs with Richland County Sheriff's office and our Citizen's Academy class graduated last Wednesday. It was an awesome class and we all learned so much. We had a nice dinner and were presented our ceritficates and t-shirts by the Sheriff, Leon Lott. Getting ready to start school on May 18th, really looking forward to that! Been working out at the YMCA once a day, doing 45 minutes on the treadmill now! Trying to get myself back in to shape by working out, bowling twice a week with Grandpa and playing in a softball league once a week. Playing with a buddy from high school on his team. First game I was 3-3 and made a couple of good plays at First base, the second game not so much :( lol. We won the first game 17-12, but lost the second 10-9. Also went on a tour of the Richland County court house last week with the Sheriff's dept, that was an eye opener! Then on Thursday I went to the Dutch Fork Magistrate court to watch the criminal trials. All of the RCSD deputies had court that day and it was very interesting to see the "court" side of what an officer has to due. Everything from simple possession of marijuana to prostitution to drunk in public was being charged that day. Good to see how the court process in carried out and what the officers have to do in court. Just taking the time right now to see all the different facets of law enforcement while I have the chance! The more I see and take in the more it makes me more determined to be a part of it! Well I am going to finish watching the Phoenix NASCAR race and pledge to do more blogging for the few people who read my blog! :)

Take Care,

Jason

Back to School, Back to School....

Well since I was laid off 02/04/09 I have been thinking what to do, what to do. Well it is now official I'll be going to Midlands Tech to finish my Associates degree in Criminal Justice starting with Summer Session on May 19th. I should be done this year as I am only 7 classes short ( I know, why did I quit the first time? dumb ass?) I plan on taking 4 classes this Summer and the remaining 3 in the fall. I am excited and eager to return and finish, but at the same time a little nervous as I have'nt been in school in a while. Any hints, tips, words of encouragement?

These are the classes I will be taking this Summer..

Math 155- Contemporary Math?- This course includes techniques and applications of the following topics: elementary number theory; algebra; geometry; measurement; graph sketching and interpretations; and descriptive statistics

Honestly I know my ass is in trouble here. I hate math, always have, always will, Thank God this is the only math class I have to take. I hope my 16 year old step-son will tutor me. He is in 10th grade and takes honors math classes, he's my only hope

Computers 101- Intro to Computers- This course covers basic computer history, theory and applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, data bases, and the operating system

Not to worried here. 15 years of using computers at work I have either learned by trial and error or repetition how to do the basics.

Philosophy 115- Contemporary Moral Issues- This course examines moral issues in contemporary society, including basic principles and applications of ethics

This looks kind of interesting. I can see some heated debates going on in here!

Criminal Justice 115- Criminal Law I- This course covers the development of criminal law in America. The basic elements of specific criminal offenses, criminal defenses, and various legal principles upon which criminal law is established are reviewed

Yea kick ass! Looking forward to a "major" related class. This is the one I am looking forward to the most.





In the Fall I will only have (2) Political Science classes and CRJ 242- corrections and I'll be done. On another note what is it with book prices!?!?! I have to have 5 books total for these classes and they are going to run around $500.00+ ? geez what's the deal.

Well I'm excited and looking forward to finally finishin and beginning my new career, but at the same time nervous....

Take Care,

Jason

Waiting...Wating...then I'm gonna wait some more..`

It is now a proven fact that anything in the World takes 7-10 days to be processed!copy of wife's birth certificate? 7-10 days.. hear back on your financial aid for school? 7-10 days.. Everytime I go or call anywhere to get anything done I am told it is going to take 7-10 days. That is the honest truth. Well I finally got my unemplyment and will be on the government teet for awhile. Trying to get back in school and finish my associates degree in criminal justice, hopefully will hear back on my financial aid status this week, it's been 7-10 days! My sister and I started walking again today, I guess every little bit helps. Actually been so busy it has been hard to find time to post on my blog but will try and do a better job.

Keep in Touch

expressfootball@hotmail.com

Take Care,

Jason

Thinking of everything....

Hey it probably worked for this guy?! Still on the job hunt. Got alot of things going on right now... Lot's of "possibles" but nothing definite yet. We are both still waiting on unemployment, don't get me started on what we have been thru concerning unemployment, there's not enough room on the internet! Also checking in to going back to school and finishing my Associates Degree in criminal justice. I only have about 2 full semesters left. We'll see how it all goes from here. I'll keep ya updated!

Take Care,

Jason

Ride-a-long is no joke...

Went out on a ride-a-long last night with the sheriff's dept., don't want to say alot, but let's say police work is no joke. Awesome experience and only fuels the fire more. The gun above was confiscated from a car stop. I am going to check before I give a full report on the ride-a-long...let you know in a few days...don't want to be talking about things I might should not be talking about on my blog.

Take Care,

Jason

Citizen's Academy Update

Tonight we learned about the School resource officer program, the Richland County Dive team and the Youth arbitration program at Citizen's Academy. The dive team has 12 officers who train and specialize in evidence recovery, body/vehicle recovery and to assist the tactical team. You can learn more about the dive team here http://www.rcsd.net/dept/specops-dive.htm.

Also We were informed about the school resource officer program. Richland County has 54 officers that are assigned to schools in Richland County. They provide security for the schools, help develop programs at the school and other functions. It is one of the biggest divisions in the department. More can be found about the resource officers here http://www.rcsd.net/sro/sro.htm

The last speaker of the night told us about the youth arbitration program. The arbitration program is available to non-violent first time offenders in Richland County schools. The students who are accepted in the program complete any number of things from restitution, community service or writing papers to get a charge expunged from their record. The speaker Seargent Kim Myers was very informative and entertaining. This really looks like a good program and anyone may volunteer. For more information click this link http://www.rcsd.net/prog/arbitrationprogram.htm

Also two deputies stopped by with a seizure that was done on a traffic stop tonight. Marijuana and about $6,000 in cash taken on Bush River Road. All in all a very informative night. I also got my ride-a-long paperwork approved tonight and will probably be riding in Region 2 ( Dutch Fork) or Region 4 (Two Notch Road) later this week.

On the job front things are still slow, but I am finishing up my application for Lexington County Sheriff's office to work in either the jail or as a communications officer. Still keeping my options open, but taking the time to learn as much as I can and visit as many places as I can as far as law enforcement while I have the chance.

Take Care,

Jason

Let's go Burton!!

Well tommorrow is the Daytona 500, can't wait! Once again I know my boy Jeff Burton is going to take it. The picture is from last year's all-star race at Charlotte. The picture on the left is of him and his new car this year. Can't say I'm enthused about him driving for CAT, but I pull for the driver, not the car.

Answering Telemarketers, my new sport

Since my recent unemployment I've had plenty of time to enjoy the finer things in life, filling out endless online applications, watching mind warping infomercials and my all-time favorite answering random telemarketer calls at home. I have caller id, don't need to answer them if I don't know the number, but since things have been a little slow in the Owen Household I randomly answer a couple a day to entertain my sadistic side. Typical conversation just yesterday,

Your Hero (me, for those who are a little slow, like you didn't know I'm your hero ;) ): "Hello?"

The Villain (obviously anyone opposing your Hero, once again, me!): "Hi, May I speak to the man of the house?"

Your Hero: "Austin's at school."

The Villain: "I am looking for Jason"

Your Hero: "You got him"

The Villain: "Yes Sir, this is (insert random name here) you have been randomly selected..."

-- Ok a little break here for discussion. How have I been randomly selected? Was this like the lottery? Do you have the S.C. phone book on the wall and today was the day the dart hit my house? I really want to get to the bottom of this "randomly selected" thing! If anyone has any ideas feel free to email me. Obviously I'm on some total schmuck list somewhere so these people call me. I guess being randomly selected is a lot better than randomly getting hit by a bus or randomly having a piano fall on your head, but I think being randomly selected can be just as painful.

The Villain: "You have been randomly selected to take a cruise for two. Today and today only we are offering a cruise to the Bahamas for $250.00 per person."

Your Hero: " Well that's all well and good, but I got laid off from my job last week and don't think that would be a good idea right now."

The Villain: " Oh, I see, well this offer is so good I don't think you can pass this up!"

Your Hero: "Oh yeah?! Hmm (insert random name) let's see.. where does this cruise leave from?

Villain: "Florida, Once you arrive in Florida, we take care...

Your Hero: " Hold on, let me get this straight, you want me to pay for gas to drive to Florida, pay $500.00 for my wife and a to go on a cruise, take the next week off from job hunting and take this cruise?"

Villain: "yes Mr. Owen this deal is too good to pass up!"

Your Hero: " Well I hate to disappoint you, but I don' think it would be a very responsible decision to take this cruise right now. Unless (Insert random name here) you can come and give me a ride to Florida and let an unemployed guy borrow a couple thousand dollars?"

Villain: "Well sir I can't..."

Your Hero: "Well I can' either"

Villain: "I'm sorry you can't take advantage of this offer, do you have any friends or family members whose numbers you could give me who might want to take advantage of this offer?"

Your Hero: " Oh Hell yeah, I got a list of friends and family that have pissed me off enough to give you their numbers, hold on"

--click--

I'm a glutton for punishment, what can I say?

Take Care,

Jason

Sorry no updates

Got layed off last Monday and have been really busy the last week trying to take care of things and get another job. It's funny I'm busier now than when I had a job. Haven't had a chance to update the blog lately, but have a lot of ideas running around in my head.


"Don't go to Monday bowling with Grandpa unless you want your ass kicked by Senior Citizens!"
" The Job Market SUCKS!!"
" Do people in general just not give a damn anymore?"

Stay tuned, it's going to get interesting around here...

Emails

Anyone that emails me please contact me at expressfootball@hotmail.com, my email jasonowen@ieccolumbia.com is no longer valid and I will not get anything sent there..

thanks

Super Bowl Party

We had a great time at our Super Bowl Party..Camera died before I could get a lot of pictures, but I did get some of the decorations. Look forward to next year. Don't laugh at my decorations ;) hahahaha

** Update **

Here is the news article from the drug bust that occured the other day in Richland County. This was the one we saw the evidence from at the Citizen's Academy.

http://www.wistv.com/Global/story.asp?S=9753935

Citizen's Academy Week 2

After being cancelled last week due to snow (hahahaaha) I attended Week 2 of Richland County Sheriff's Citizen Academy. Tonight we had Captain Lynn Week's from the Victim's Advocate office and Investigator Brian Metz from the Internet Crimes Division as our speakers. Both were very professional and told us about the services they provide the community. During Investigator Metzs' presentation the RCSD drug team popped in with some evidence from a bust that occured earlier in the day. They showed us a kilo of cocaine, 2 bricks of marijuana and several semi-automatic weapons that they had confiscated that day in Richland County. Kind of opened alot of people's eyes in the room to see that yes, it does happen in our town.

I was surprised to see how much the Victim's advocate office does for the victims of crimes in Richland County. They offer a wide variety of services from counseling, to court representation, food, shelter, protection and many other things. You can check out more information at http://www.rcsd.net/inv/vicassistance.htm

Investigator Metz schooled us on the Internet and told us about various cases he had worked on over the years. He provided many tips on Internet safety and provided us with an informative CD that could be used to track your child's activity on the Internet. Also RCSD is offering free Internet safety classes to anyone in the community, more info can be found her http://www.rcsd.net/media/jan09/1-8-internetsafety.html

Overall an enjoyable night again. Up next week out topics will be Internal Affairs and Civil Process...

Jason