Soft White Underbelly - Corrupt LAPD Cop-Ruben Palomares
Ruben recounts his life story, beginning with a challenging childhood in a violent environment, which led him to develop a propensity for violence. He found an outlet in boxing and martial arts, which initially kept him away from gangs. Despite becoming a police officer, Ruben's exposure to corruption and violence within the force led him down a path of criminal activity, including drug dealing and robbery. His arrest and subsequent imprisonment became a turning point, where he embraced faith and began a journey of self-reflection and rehabilitation. During his 16-year incarceration, Ruben focused on personal growth, education, and helping others, eventually becoming a consultant for prison rehabilitation programs. He emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, self-awareness, and finding one's purpose as key elements in his transformation.
Key Points:
- Ruben's childhood in a violent environment led to a cycle of violence in his life.
- Despite becoming a police officer, Ruben was drawn into corruption and crime.
- His arrest and imprisonment were pivotal in his journey towards self-reflection and change.
- Ruben found redemption through faith, focusing on forgiveness and personal growth.
- He now works to help others in prison rehabilitation, emphasizing the importance of purpose and self-awareness.
Details:
1. 🇲🇽 Roots and Rough Beginnings
- Ruben was born in Mexico and moved to California at the age of one, growing up in South Central with 10 siblings and an abusive stepfather.
- His childhood was marked by violence, significantly influencing his behavior and personality.
- At the age of 12, Ruben discovered boxing as a positive outlet, training with prominent figures such as Oscar de la Hoya.
- He aimed for the 1992 Olympics, achieving numerous medals and championships worldwide.
- An injury prior to the 1992 Olympic trials led Ruben to shift his focus to mixed martial arts and Jiu-Jitsu.
- Martial arts became a constructive channel for his aggression and frustration, providing a new direction and purpose.
2. 🥊 Boxing: A Pathway to Discipline
- Despite a challenging environment with family members involved in gangs, the speaker chose a different path, highlighting the influence of discipline from boxing on life choices.
- The decision to become a police officer was driven by a desire for independence and not being controlled, reflecting a disciplined mindset fostered by boxing.
- Utilizing a youthful appearance for undercover work in schools demonstrates strategic thinking and adaptability, skills honed through boxing.
- A life-threatening encounter with gang members during an undercover operation illustrated the speaker's resilience, akin to handling high-pressure situations in boxing.
- After being shot in both legs, the speaker's ability to defend themselves and call for help exemplifies composure and mental fortitude developed through boxing discipline.
- The narrative underscores how the principles of boxing, such as focus and resilience, are applied in managing violent encounters and stress, leading to personal transformation.
3. 🚔 From Boxing Ring to Badge
- The officer demonstrated resilience by returning to work as an undercover cop just a month after a significant injury, highlighting their dedication to law enforcement.
- In their undercover role, the officer successfully executed a drug buy operation within a high school, leading to multiple arrests and showcasing their effectiveness in covert operations.
- Transitioning to the Rampart Division during the 1990s, the officer confronted a landscape rife with gang violence, including clashes involving notorious gangs like MS 13 and the 18th Street gang.
- The officer's recruitment into the CRASH unit marked a shift to more aggressive policing tactics, with the unit infamous for its controversial approach to handling gang-related crime.
- The CRASH unit faced challenges where victims of gang violence were too fearful to press charges, indicating the complex dynamics of gang policing at the time.
- The officer's work involved extrajudicial actions aimed at protecting innocent victims and curtailing gang influence, reflecting the unit's focus on maintaining public safety amidst rampant gang activity.