Latest news with #EricBrown
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Former Arkansas police chief Grant Hardin's prison escape offers unique challenges to searchers: experts
The former Arkansas police chief who escaped prison on Sunday may have an "edge" compared to other escapees due to his past in law enforcement, experts say. Former Gateway Police Department Chief Grant Hardin, 56, escaped from the North Central Unit, a medium-security prison, Sunday afternoon in Calico Rock, according to the Arkansas Department of Corrections (ADC). Nicknamed the "Devil in the Ozarks," Hardin was serving decades in prison for murder and rape. Eric Brown, a 24-year U.S. Army Special Forces veteran and CEO of Imperio Consulting, told Fox News Digital that a former police chief like Hardin "has a working knowledge of law enforcement procedures, patrol routines and how search operations are typically structured." "That gives him an initial edge. He knows how law enforcement thinks," Brown told Fox News Digital. 'Devil In The Ozarks' Who Escaped Prison Likely Still In Arkansas Area: Officials Law enforcement officials "will likely lean on geo-fencing, license plate readers, and known associate surveillance," Brown added. Read On The Fox News App "If he's on foot, dogs, drones and thermal imaging tighten the noose," Brown said. "Establishing a perimeter means thinking like the fugitive, assessing terrain, choke points and logical escape routes. Officials are watching for movement: stolen vehicles, property break-ins, supply thefts, even unusual local chatter. The key is pattern disruption." It took less than 30 minutes for prison officials to notice that Hardin had disappeared from prison. Photos that the Stone County Sheriff's Office posted to social media show Hardin wearing an ADC-style uniform during his escape through a sally port, though ADC communications director Rand Champion said the uniform he was wearing was not official. Louisiana Ag Confident Remaining Jailbreak Fugitives Will Be Recaptured After Officials Make 14Th Arrest Angelo Brown, Ph.D., assistant professor of criminology at Arkansas State University, similarly told Fox News Digital that law enforcement officials will likely be using drones and infrared camera technology to search heavily wooded areas in Stone County, where Hardin escaped, which is located just east of the Ozark Mountains. Hardin has ties to Garfield, Eureka Springs, Holiday Island and Huntsville, according to the FBI. Angelo Brown said Hardin's police chief experience means he likely has ties to law enforcement officials who may help him, and he will avoid making "simple mistakes that a lot of people on the run make, like going to relatives' homes, using… cellphones, credit cards, things like that." Botched Crime Scene Handling Could Derail Prosecution Of Orleans Parish Jail Escapees, Former Fbi Agent Says "Getting away, that's still very unlikely. Especially now, even if it is state-level corruption… the federal government's involved in this search and investigation, the state police, various agencies are working on this. So, I think law enforcement is doing everything they can to keep people safe," he said, noting, however, that it is impossible to "mitigate the risk completely" with a fugitive on the run. Champion said during a Wednesday news conference that authorities are fairly confident in the route they believe Hardin took when he escaped and his current location. "Based on the information that we have and the experience of our teams, they feel fairly confident that he is still fairly close to this region," Champion said, noting that "all it takes is one vehicle" for Hardin to use to travel elsewhere, though officials have established a perimeter around Stone County. "As of this time, they are still very confident that he is in the area," Champion said. Massive Jail Break In New Orleans 'Impossible' Without Staff Involvement, Says Ex-fbi Fugitive Hunter Champion said the public should assume Hardin is "a very dangerous individual," and there is a risk he may commit more crimes while he is on the run. Hardin was sentenced to 30 years for murder plus additional time for rape. Manhunt Underway After Disgraced Former Police Chief Convicted Of Murder, Rape Escapes Arkansas Prison He pleaded guilty to the 2017 murder of James Appleton, 59, a city water employee who was found shot in the face inside his work truck, KNWA reported. While Hardin was being booked into the state prison around that time, officials submitted his DNA sample into a database. His DNA linked him to the rape cold case of a teacher in 1997, the outlet reported. Hardin ended up pleading guilty in that case in 2019, according to KNWA. The former police chief's escape came two days after 10 prisoners escaped a correctional facility in New Orleans, eight of whom have since been recaptured while two remain at large. Hardin is described as a 6-foot White male, weighing approximately 259 pounds. The FBI is offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to his recapture and is asking tipsters to call 1-800-CALL-FBI with any information concerning the escapee. Fox News' Stepheny Price and Louis Casiano contributed to this article source: Former Arkansas police chief Grant Hardin's prison escape offers unique challenges to searchers: experts
Fox News
4 days ago
- General
- Fox News
Former Arkansas police chief Grant Hardin's prison escape offers unique challenges to searchers: experts
The former Arkansas police chief who escaped prison on Sunday may have an "edge" compared to other escapees due to his past in law enforcement, experts say. Former Gateway Police Department Chief Grant Hardin, 56, escaped from the North Central Unit, a medium-security prison, Sunday afternoon in Calico Rock, according to the Arkansas Department of Corrections (ADC). Nicknamed the "Devil in the Ozarks," Hardin was serving decades in prison for murder and rape. Eric Brown, a 24-year U.S. Army Special Forces veteran and CEO of Imperio Consulting, told Fox News Digital that a former police chief like Hardin "has a working knowledge of law enforcement procedures, patrol routines and how search operations are typically structured." "That gives him an initial edge. He knows how law enforcement thinks," Brown told Fox News Digital. Law enforcement officials "will likely lean on geo-fencing, license plate readers, and known associate surveillance," Brown added. "But every fugitive makes mistakes." "If he's on foot, dogs, drones and thermal imaging tighten the noose," Brown said. "Establishing a perimeter means thinking like the fugitive, assessing terrain, choke points and logical escape routes. Officials are watching for movement: stolen vehicles, property break-ins, supply thefts, even unusual local chatter. The key is pattern disruption." It took less than 30 minutes for prison officials to notice that Hardin had disappeared from prison. Photos that the Stone County Sheriff's Office posted to social media show Hardin wearing an ADC-style uniform during his escape through a sally port, though ADC communications director Rand Champion said the uniform he was wearing was not official. Angelo Brown, Ph.D., assistant professor of criminology at Arkansas State University, similarly told Fox News Digital that law enforcement officials will likely be using drones and infrared camera technology to search heavily wooded areas in Stone County, where Hardin escaped, which is located just east of the Ozark Mountains. Hardin has ties to Garfield, Eureka Springs, Holiday Island and Huntsville, according to the FBI. Angelo Brown said Hardin's police chief experience means he likely has ties to law enforcement officials who may help him, and he will avoid making "simple mistakes that a lot of people on the run make, like going to relatives' homes, using… cellphones, credit cards, things like that." "Getting away, that's still very unlikely. Especially now, even if it is state-level corruption… the federal government's involved in this search and investigation, the state police, various agencies are working on this. So, I think law enforcement is doing everything they can to keep people safe," he said, noting, however, that it is impossible to "mitigate the risk completely" with a fugitive on the run. Champion said during a Wednesday news conference that authorities are fairly confident in the route they believe Hardin took when he escaped and his current location. "Based on the information that we have and the experience of our teams, they feel fairly confident that he is still fairly close to this region," Champion said, noting that "all it takes is one vehicle" for Hardin to use to travel elsewhere, though officials have established a perimeter around Stone County. "As of this time, they are still very confident that he is in the area," Champion said. Champion said the public should assume Hardin is "a very dangerous individual," and there is a risk he may commit more crimes while he is on the run. Hardin was sentenced to 30 years for murder plus additional time for rape. He pleaded guilty to the 2017 murder of James Appleton, 59, a city water employee who was found shot in the face inside his work truck, KNWA reported. While Hardin was being booked into the state prison around that time, officials submitted his DNA sample into a database. His DNA linked him to the rape cold case of a teacher in 1997, the outlet reported. Hardin ended up pleading guilty in that case in 2019, according to KNWA. The former police chief's escape came two days after 10 prisoners escaped a correctional facility in New Orleans, eight of whom have since been recaptured while two remain at large. Hardin is described as a 6-foot White male, weighing approximately 259 pounds. The FBI is offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to his recapture and is asking tipsters to call 1-800-CALL-FBI with any information concerning the escapee.
Business Insider
28-04-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
I help people jump from the public to the private sector. Here's my advice for landing a job at a Big Four.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Eric Brown, the 47-year-old CEO and founder of Imperio Consulting in Orlando. It has been edited for length and clarity. After 25 years in the Special Forces, I was ready for a new challenge. I took everything I learned about leadership, adaptability, and collaboration and created the Green Beret Approach, a method grounded in simplicity, agility, and cohesive teamwork under pressure. Now, I work with professionals who want to move from the public sector to the private sector, specifically those looking to break into or already working at a Big Four consulting firm. I retired as a senior operations officer in 2021 I left a 300-person battalion, where I optimized our operations and grew our international footprint from five to twelve teams. My experience in the public sector also helped me gain the skills to build relationships, liaise with stakeholders, and master problem-solving. I saw an opportunity to translate the skill set I developed as a Green Beret into the business world. Companies often struggle with team dynamics, leadership, and communication — exactly where my experience leading focused teams in tough, high-stakes situations can make a difference. I started Imperio Consulting in 2020 to help organizations and individual clients become adaptable and effective using proven military methods. I've worked with many clients who have switched to the Big Four or felt stuck once they landed their Big Four role and needed coaching. I work with my clients to communicate their strengths, build confidence, and stand out in a competitive crowd. Here's what I tell them. Private sector roles tend to be more flexible than government positions When you move from the public sector to the private sector, you often have more freedom to shape your role. You're more likely to be able to expand your job description based on your unique skills, professional interests, or strategic company needs than in the public sector. Additionally, private firms may reward their employees for their creative thinking and risk-taking, but this is less common in the public sector. Compensation packages can be higher, and career paths can be clearer When you join a team in a private firm, you should have a clear idea of your role, what upward mobility looks like, and what you need to do to start landing the promotions you want very soon into the job. Generally, private sector roles come with a higher salary and performance-based bonuses. In the military, compensation is set by rank and years of service. As a senior Special Forces officer, I made about $120,000. The starting salary in consulting is usually higher, and including bonuses, it increases quickly. Midlevel roles typically pay about $150,000 to $200,000; senior consultants can make $300,000 or more. Be sure to look at the big picture, not just salary and bonuses Private sector roles boast high salaries and bonus structures, but public sector positions often excel in stability and long-term benefits like pensions and healthcare. Before accepting a new role, evaluate the compensation package, including salary, bonuses, benefits, retirement contributions, healthcare quality, and work-life balance. If you make the switch, expect to feel culture shock In the public sector, stability is valued, and positions often include consistent working hours, job security, clearly defined roles, and predictable career progression. There's also a cultural emphasis on reliability and long-term enrollment. This consistency can be very appealing. In the private sector, you may find yourself chasing revenue goals that change quickly, as objectives can shift based on market demands or investor expectations, especially within sales-driven or publicly traded companies. For example, a company may suddenly pivot to prioritize a new product line or market segment to hit quarterly revenue targets. If you love a mission-driven environment, this is when company fit is crucial; be sure the private company's values match yours. You don't want to feel like you've left a clear purpose behind. Understand how success is measured from the beginning When interviewing for a role in a private firm, especially a Big Four, ask them how they measure success and support their staff during busy seasons. You'll gain insights into whether the company culture fits your work style. The public sector is more structured, and you quickly understand what you're getting into, but the position will not be tailored to your strengths. In the private sector, support can be more proactive; you can create your role, or you might have access to professional coaching, but it depends on the company culture. Big Four life moves at a relentless pace, with tight deadlines and long hours Burnout occurs in the public and private sectors, but the culprits differ. In government work, burnout is usually caused by red tape and slow-moving, bureaucratic systems. The private sector is more tied to high pressure, tight deadlines, and nonstop demands. Burnout will be your biggest enemy in the private sector, especially in the Big Four. You might feel like you're always "on call." Ultimately, it's your responsibility to own your time and advocate for yourself to have a healthy work-life within the company's parameters. Balancing personal life and work can be tough, especially during peak seasons, but nobody will do it for you. I spend a lot of time with my clients establishing strategies to manage their stress. This might mean blocking out personal hours on your calendar, building a strong support network, and creating a routine that helps you recharge. The good news is that working for Deloitte, PwC, EY, or KPMG will help you build your résumé quickly. If you can show your chops to these clients, these opportunities can quickly open doors to senior roles elsewhere.
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Yahoo
Ritzy Florida enclave becomes Chinese smuggling hot spot as former military identifies driving force
In a ritzy enclave of South Florida, Chinese migrants are coming ashore via boat, leading to an investigation into human smuggling networks. Coral Gables is a picturesque city located in Miami-Dade County, Florida, known for its Mediterranean Revival architecture, tree-lined streets and lush landscapes. One Coral Gables neighborhood, Gables Estates, is ranked as the most expensive housing market in the country, according to data by Zillow. But in recent months, the dazzling city has seen an uptick of Chinese migrant interceptions. The city's uptick is representative of the Sunshine State's influx of Chinese nationals since 2020, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data. In 2020, Florida Border Protection officers interacted with 406 Chinese migrants and by 2024, that number jumped to 723 – a 78% increase. China Expands Influence Near Wealthy Florida Enclave As Migrants From Communist Country Flood Into Us Fox News Digital spoke with Eric Brown, a retired Green Beret and the founder and CEO of Imperio Consulting, about the increase of migrants in the South Florida town. Read On The Fox News App "Coral Gables is adjacent to international waterways, and with Cuba just 90 miles from the coastline of Florida, it just makes sense," Brown said. In January – just days before President Donald Trump was sworn into office – a group of more than 30 migrants, most of them Chinese citizens, was found inside a U-Haul van. Coral Gables Police Chief Edward James Hudak Jr. said the department issued a BOLO – a be on the lookout alert – for the van and a Toyota car after a resident reported the suspicious vehicles. The vehicles were stopped by officers, and the woman who was allegedly abducted was taken from the Toyota. Between the U-Haul and Toyota, police found more than 20 Chinese migrants, one male from Cuba and a female from Ecuador. "We do believe these individuals were brought here by the water," the chief said. "They were probably dropped off, we're assuming somewhere around the southern end of Coral Gables, and approached on foot to the van where they were loaded into." Brown said he believes that migrants are entering illegally through the U.S. because the northern border has a "bit more security." "It's also a lot easier to fly into a South American country and smuggle across than it is through Canada," he said. "And human smugglers are using an established pathway through South America and Central America to bring migrants through safely." Migrant Border Encounters Under Trump Continue To Dwarf Biden's Record Highs At the end of January, Florida law enforcement intercepted dozens of Chinese nationals in Coral Gables. Two smugglers were arrested, one from Cuba and one from Puerto Rico, Coral Gables police said. "For the second time in just over a week, a very alert resident saw suspicious activity which was later determined to be illegal entry into our country," Hudak said. "They called the Coral Gables Police and within minutes, our police units arrived in the area and detained 26 Chinese nationals and two men (one Puerto Rican and one Cuban) in two separate vans." Brown noted that the border initially saw an influx of family groups fleeing to the U.S. from China, but now two-thirds of Chinese migrants coming into the U.S. are single men of military age, traveling alone, and claiming they don't speak any English. "There needs to be better discussion between the state and national levels about sharing resources, increasing air-based technology at the border," he said. "For instance, the use of surveillance drones and updating technology could be a good place to start." Fox News Digital has reached out to the Coral Gables Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security for article source: Ritzy Florida enclave becomes Chinese smuggling hot spot as former military identifies driving force
Fox News
31-03-2025
- Fox News
Ritzy Florida enclave becomes Chinese smuggling hot spot as former military identifies driving force
In a ritzy enclave of South Florida, Chinese migrants are coming ashore via boat, leading to an investigation into human smuggling networks. Coral Gables is a picturesque city located in Miami-Dade County, Florida, known for its Mediterranean Revival architecture, tree-lined streets and lush landscapes. One Coral Gables neighborhood, Gables Estates, is ranked as the most expensive housing market in the country, according to data by Zillow. But in recent months, the dazzling city has seen an uptick of Chinese migrant interceptions. The city's uptick is representative of the Sunshine State's influx of Chinese nationals since 2020, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data. In 2020, Florida Border Protection officers interacted with 406 Chinese migrants and by 2024, that number jumped to 723 – a 78% increase. Fox News Digital spoke with Eric Brown, a retired Green Beret and the founder and CEO of Imperio Consulting, about the increase of migrants in the South Florida town. "Coral Gables is adjacent to international waterways, and with Cuba just 90 miles from the coastline of Florida, it just makes sense," Brown said. In January – just days before President Donald Trump was sworn into office – a group of more than 30 migrants, most of them Chinese citizens, was found inside a U-Haul van. Coral Gables Police Chief Edward James Hudak Jr. said the department issued a BOLO – a be on the lookout alert – for the van and a Toyota car after a resident reported the suspicious vehicles. The vehicles were stopped by officers, and the woman who was allegedly abducted was taken from the Toyota. Between the U-Haul and Toyota, police found more than 20 Chinese migrants, one male from Cuba and a female from Ecuador. "We do believe these individuals were brought here by the water," the chief said. "They were probably dropped off, we're assuming somewhere around the southern end of Coral Gables, and approached on foot to the van where they were loaded into." Brown said he believes that migrants are entering illegally through the U.S. because the northern border has a "bit more security." "It's also a lot easier to fly into a South American country and smuggle across than it is through Canada," he said. "And human smugglers are using an established pathway through South America and Central America to bring migrants through safely." At the end of January, Florida law enforcement intercepted dozens of Chinese nationals in Coral Gables. Two smugglers were arrested, one from Cuba and one from Puerto Rico, Coral Gables police said. "For the second time in just over a week, a very alert resident saw suspicious activity which was later determined to be illegal entry into our country," Hudak said. "They called the Coral Gables Police and within minutes, our police units arrived in the area and detained 26 Chinese nationals and two men (one Puerto Rican and one Cuban) in two separate vans." Brown noted that the border initially saw an influx of family groups fleeing to the U.S. from China, but now two-thirds of Chinese migrants coming into the U.S. are single men of military age, traveling alone, and claiming they don't speak any English. "There needs to be better discussion between the state and national levels about sharing resources, increasing air-based technology at the border," he said. "For instance, the use of surveillance drones and updating technology could be a good place to start." Fox News Digital has reached out to the Coral Gables Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security for comment.
