Interview with Robert Davis

Cop Out: How a Former Police Officer became a Fugitive for over 20 years - Living in the Woods and Other Locations While Evading Law Enforcement and Eventually Surrendered to God and Authorities
Robert Davis
iUniverse (2007)
ISBN 9780595425433
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (2/07)

Reader Views welcomes Robert L. Davis, author of “Cop Out: How a Former Police Officer became a Fugitive for over 20 years Living in the Woods and Other Locations While Evading Law Enforcement and Eventually Surrendered to God and Authorities.” Robert is being interviewed by Juanita Watson, Assistant Editor of Reader Views.

Juanita:  Thanks for talking with us today Robert.  We are excited to hear more about your new book “Cop Out: How a Former Police Officer became a Fugitive for over 20 years Living in the Woods and Other Locations While Evading Law Enforcement and Eventually Surrendered to God and Authorities.”  Your title gives a good description of your story, but would you elaborate further to give readers an idea of what your book is about?

Robert:  It’s about my life as a former New Orleans police officer who committed a crime on the job, was arrested, then fled, and became a fugitive for 22 years. Most of my time on the run was spent in various forests and woods in Canada and the United States. My book also details the event that occurred leading to my surrender.

Juanita:   Why did you decide to write your book/biography?

Robert:  I hope it might help one person, especially a police officer, not violate their oath to the citizens they have sworn to serve and protect.  In addition, many people I’ve met since my surrender indicated that my story should be told. I thought long about these various urgings, and eventually decided it was a noble project.

Juanita:   Take us back to the beginning.  Where did you grow up, and would you give us an idea of your home environment?

Robert:  I grew up in Hollygrove, a blighted and crime infested area in New Orleans, Louisiana. I was raised in a two bedroom shotgun house, containing my eight siblings, my aunt and my grandmother. Our home was very cramped and hot, due to so many people in a small space without air conditioning. Most of the youths in Hollygrove in the late sixties and seventies engaged in various crimes. I certainly was no exception. I was a unique child growing up in Hollygrove, in that I could steal a car in a few minutes or was bold enough to walk in a major department store and walk out the front door in plain view with stolen items. You might say I had audacity.

Juanita:   What led you to the New Orleans Police Force?  What years, and how old were you?

Robert:   In 1977, I knew two brothers who were cops, and they convinced me to join the force. I was 22 years old. Initially, I took the various police academy tests as a challenge. Then when I passed, I decided this might be a good profession.

Juanita:   Your life took a drastic turn, and you went from being a police officer to a fugitive on the run.  What happened?

Robert:   In the late seventies, many police officers in New Orleans (partly due to low salaries and benefits) took bribes, pilfered money from drug dealers, and instigated many other illegal activities to further supplement their incomes. I was no different. I committed an illegal crime and paid a hefty price. Another horrible crime some officers participated in was trading sex for fixed citations and then dropping charges, which was the reason for my arrest. Moreover, I learned that the police subculture was no different than the culture of Hollygrove.

Juanita:   Police corruption is nothing new.  Do you think today, there is the same level of crime within the force as you experienced in the late 1970’s?

Robert:  Yes, it may be worse. The only thing that keeps it under control now is the introduction of on-board cameras, satellite technology, paper documentation, more oversight committees, and of course more public awareness. I think the intent for corruption is still in some officers’ lives, and under certain circumstances they will strike. You must understand that most rogue police officers probably were criminals before they joined the police force. They simply passed through the review process. Once in, they revert to their normal desires to commit crimes. In addition, the same rogue cops back in the 1970’s are now in supervisory capacities. They are now captains, majors, and I’m sure in some cases, police chiefs. Remember, a police officer is not an exceptional person. He is human like all of us. He can have bad habits, morals, and sexual desires. The only thing that makes a police officer special is his power to avoid letting his personal faults enter into his profession.

Juanita:   You moved around quite a bit throughout the years.  Where will your book take readers via your journey?

Robert: My journey included Canada, Illinois, Tennessee, North Carolina, Florida, California, and various cities in the U.S. I traveled through so many cities and states that it would be impossible to list them all.

Juanita:  How were you able to evade law enforcement throughout the 20 years?

Robert:  Because of my police officer training, I knew the tactics and procedures of hunting down fugitives. This knowledge led me to know where to hide, etc. I knew law enforcement would never look deep within the forests. Furthermore, I gave up my real identity in totality. I made sure that my entire past life was erased, and always stayed on guard when I spoke to people. Of particular importance was to avoid any sort of paperwork at all cost.

Juanita:   How did your personality change during that time?  What type of emotional/mental symptoms did you have as a result of living as a fugitive?

Robert:  My mentality over those long years was like an animal. I had no compassion, morals, nor ethics. I was more inclined to befriend an animal than a human being. Today, I still suffer from some emotional issues, as I tend to desire to be alone. I don’t need to keep company with people. I can do it, but it’s not my preference. I have only recently been able to include certain foods back into my diet or easily answer to my real name or not look over my shoulder constantly.

Juanita:  What was the worst part about your life on the run?

Robert:   Missing my family, including a two year old son. When I surrendered, he was a twenty-four year old man. Upon my seeing him after 22 years, we both could not recognize each other.  

Juanita:   What is your relationship like with your son today?  What has been his response to your story?

Robert: Oddly, it’s pretty good now. In the beginning though, it was a little rocky. After I surrendered, concluded all my legal issues, and started having a normal relationship with my son, I did something that was not wise. I started expecting him to treat me like a dad. This was a mistake. He rebelled against this attempt. I had not been in his life. Therefore, how could I expect him to see me as a dad? Actually, it reached the point that one day he wanted to fight me physically. At that moment, I realized the anger and rage he had built up in his soul. Of course, I would not fight him, but I understood his reaction. I simply resolved to be his friend. Later, after the publication of my book, he changed. He saw all I had been through and determined that my not being in his life was based on a decision to survive, not on a decision to abandon him. I was a young, scared twenty-two year old cop, who was looking at thirty years in prison. As a matter of fact, he told me he probably would have made the same decision. I apologized to my son, and I’m glad things are now positive.

Juanita:   Do you see yourself today as a role model for your son?

Robert: No. I don’t consider myself a role model to anyone. You must understand…even though I wrote about my experiences, I’m still not proud of my past life. In the city where I reside, the chief of police approved me to speak with young recruits about the perils of corruption. I’m honored I was chosen to fulfill such endeavor. This, as well as my book, may help me one day not feel so dishonorable, shameful, or incomplete.  As I interview with various television stations, or speak to people about my past life, I tell all. I answer all questions truthfully. But when I’m alone, I feel bad sometimes because I wish that young, scared police officer would have had someone in his life to properly guide him. Having no father and no consistent presence of a mother in my life hurt not only me, but all my siblings. My grandmother tried, but her old age and frail health just wasn’t enough. I am convinced if a person does not have parents in their life, the deck is stacked against him or her.

 Juanita: Who were some of the notable people you met along the way that had the most transformative affect on you?

Robert:   Father George Clements, Bill Cosby, Mayor Harold Washington of Chicago, Janet Jackson, and Rev. Jesse Jackson. Father Clements had a great impact on my life.  He became the closest person in my life as a dad. He showed me that a man could be gentle yet tough, or loving yet stern, and that it was okay to feel and show emotions. All my young life these types of emotions were considered signs of weakness.  

Juanita:  It is incredible to hear that as a fugitive, you were able to meet these very prominent people.  How were you able to do this?

Robert: Well, as I mentioned in my book, one day I decided to come out of the woods, mainly because of a health problem. While in Chicago, Illinois I needed a warm coat badly. I stumbled across a catholic church on the south side of the city, knocked on the door, and was greeted by Father Clements. Normally, he permitted his staff to greet people at the door and perform other mundane tasks. But for some reason, he answered the door. Later he told me, he didn’t know why he answered the door that particular day. Looking back, I believe it was divine faith. As I became to know him over the weeks and months, Father Clements and I traveled to many social galas and speaking engagements where I met many celebrities. Also, I met Janet Jackson at his church before she became as famous as she is now. Since she is so popular, she probably would not recognize me today. She was an extremely gentle person. I would love to meet her again.

Juanita:   Do you think there was a divine reason for your unique life experience?

Robert:  Yes! I believe God, or whatever deity you worship sometimes has to take drastic measures to get the attention of some people. I was an extremely stubborn and hard headed individual who needed to go through this process. I hate that this happened in my life, but I’m also grateful for the experience.

Juanita:   Robert, how do you think the circumstances of your childhood - living in a crime infested area of New Orleans, as well as only knowing poverty - contributed to your ability to commit the crime you did as a police officer?

Robert:  There is no doubt poverty and crime goes hand in hand. The reason is simple: despair! When you have no idea where your next meal will come from, or you can’t pay your rent on time, or you suffer from a lack of medical insurance and can’t see a doctor, it might cause despondency. On top of all this, when you can walk a mile or so from your neighborhood and see fancy houses and people who make more money in a month than you make in a year, this is depressing. People in the slums feel a need to steal, lie or cheat to feed and clothed their kids. They don’t have the education and social skills to get out of the slums legally, so they resort to illegal means. These same little kids who observed how their parents make ends meet will also do the same with their children. It’s a vicious cycle that continues until a generation can break this madness. Another observation I would like to make, even if you are able to exit the ghetto, your mentality has already been contaminated to the point that it’s going to be difficult to change. This is what happened to me. When I became an officer those same criminal tendencies resurfaced again. The only way I changed was due to two important events--what I saw in the woods of Tennessee and age.

Juanita:   How did your journey transform a former atheist to the acceptance of god?

Robert:   I experienced a miracle in the woods of Tennessee. I can’t go into all the details, but it’s in my book. Briefly, I viewed an event I believe was meant as a divine message from God to me personally. At that moment, I surrendered to God first, and then the authorities. Without this divine observation, I would still be on the run. 

Juanita:  What did it feel like to finally surrender after 22 years?  Once you surrendered, did you serve any time?

Robert:  Fortunately, Judge Sharon Hunter showed me something I rarely conveyed to others—compassion. I served no time. I have a lot of gratitude for her decision. It was my chance to live again. After she reviewed my case, she retired a few months later. I believe that was divine also. Everything in 2001, the year I surrendered, had to work perfectly. It was not a coincidence I met Father Clements or Judge Hunter. As to how I felt—joy! I never felt that particular feeling before. It’s a feeling that may not be visible, but happiness within. I felt like I was falling from a great height and landed safely. That burden is gone now. I am free and it feels great.

Juanita:  Would you comment on your spiritual message and the power you now find in your faith?

Robert:  I have learned that we all don’t live in a vacuum. The crimes, wrongs or injustices we perpetrate on others have a direct impact on our lives. There is definitely a correlation between cause and effect. I’m very spiritual now. I don’t consider myself religious. To me there’s a difference. One is an outward show of thanks and worship, usually performed in a building. The other emanates from within--a satisfaction of life and living. I’m not knocking religion; I’m only saying to be truly thankful to God, you must show it from within. It should radiate from your heart and soul. Then when you walk in any building, others should see your light. You can’t fool God.

Juanita:   What has your journey taught you about freedom?

Robert:  Cherish it. I am now convinced there is no greater right than the liberty to go where you want, see what you like, and even simple things like taking strolls in the park.

Juanita:   How long has it been since you turned yourself in, and what is your life like today?

Robert:  I surrendered in 2001, and my life is totally different now. All the things people do normally is a big thing for me. I love my newfound freedom.

Juanita:   Robert, how do you feel about yourself today?

Robert:   I feel grateful I have been given a chance. As I’ve said, I’m happy I won this battle. It was an incredibly lengthy battle. You know it’s funny; I lived without happiness so long I was accustomed to it. Presently, since enjoying happiness again, it’s a strange feeling. But don’t worry, I’ll get use to it.

Juanita:  You had the opportunity to have Father George Clements write the foreword to your book.  For those who don’t know who he is, would you give us some history of this highly regarded man?  How did you develop a connection with him?

Robert:  Father Clements was the first catholic priest to adopt a child. This was a major story in the news because priests were not authorized to have children. He challenged the entire Roman Catholic Church about this doctrine, and eventually received the Pope’s blessing. In 1986, NBC aired a movie about his life titled The Father George Clements Story, starring actors Lou Gossett Jr. and Malcolm Jamal Warner. Father Clements is a great man. I met him while searching for a coat. During my time on the run, I figured the church would provide assistance to the needy. Father Clements answered the door and invited me into the rectory. The book details our connection.

Juanita:   What is the underlying message of “Cop Out”?

Robert:  Transformation and repentance. It’s okay to make mistakes, but at some point, one needs to correct those mistakes. If you don’t make the correction, God will make them for you. Moreover, I feel if God or whatever deity you worship does not correct your mistakes, maybe he doesn’t care about you and your soul.  If you’re one of His sons, He does not want to lose you.

Juanita:   Robert, how can readers find out more about you and your book?

Robert:  They can go to www.authorsden.com/copout and www.ezinearticles.com to read my many online magazine articles and will get a more detailed look at my life. Cop Out can be purchased at Barnes & Noble and all the online sellers like Amazon.com, etc.

Juanita:  Robert, we certainly appreciate your candid interview today, and encourage readers to look for “Cop Out” in local and online bookstores.  We hope the best for you  and your new life.  Do you have any final thoughts you’d like to share with your readers today?

Robert:  Yes. First, if you’re planning to commit a crime, stop!  If you’re having a tough time thinking about committing a crime (and I’m serious here) look me up. I would be happy to speak with you. Crime can seriously affect your future and your family. Don’t do what I did. Furthermore, I would like to say something to all law enforcement officers. Take your oath seriously. There is no greater vocation than yours. It’s one of the few occupations based purely on trust. I am certainly sorry that twenty-eight years ago I violated that trust. I wish I had another chance. And one more thing to all, do the right thing!

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