Category Archives: Technology

DNA Produces Facial Images

Posted on January 15, 2015 by Randall

I found this equal parts cool and creepy.  Parabon NanoLabs has developed a process called Snapshot that takes a DNA sample and extrapolates it into physical traits of the contributor.  The traits include sex, genetic ancestry, skin color, hair color, … Continue reading →

Posted in Detectives, Technology | 2 Comments

RAMP–Rapid Access Magazine Pod Review

Posted on December 13, 2014 by Randall

When I cruise the vendors’ displays at SWAT Round-Up International, I look for new products.  About three-quarters of the way down the north aisle, I saw something that made me pause:  an AR-15 mag pouch that had the magazine…upside down.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Firearms, Protective Armor, Street, SWAT, Technology | Leave a comment

The Costs of Police Body Cameras

Posted on November 27, 2014 by Randall

What would happen if police departments declined to employ body cameras because of expense?  Not the cost of buying the actual equipment, but the cost of complying with public record requests.  An unforeseen result of Sunshine Laws can potentially immobilize … Continue reading →

Posted in Misc., Technology | 4 Comments

Taurus Curve Gets Spanked by Gun Pundits Everywhere

Posted on November 24, 2014 by Randall

You may have seen this on the Internet recently.  Taurus USA took the popular lightweight polymer .380 ACP carry pistol in a different direction by introducing “contour” to this familiar formula.  The electronic media descended upon the new Taurus Curve … Continue reading →

Posted in Concealed Carry, Firearms, Technology | Tagged | 2 Comments

Coolest Vehicle at SWAT Round-Up 2014

Posted on November 12, 2014 by Randall

As I was leaving the range at SWAT Round-Up International today, I saw this fully functional vintage operator delivery vehicle, a 1969 Dodge Barracuda.  It wore its original tactical OD green and black colors.  In its day, the convertible top … Continue reading →

Posted in Humor, SWAT, Technology | Tagged | 1 Comment

New ActivEdge Card Reader Defeats Skimmers

Posted on October 26, 2014 by Randall

Diebold Inc.’s new ActivEdge™ Secure Card Reader is one attempt to stop identity theft at the terminal.  ActivEdge reads the credit/debit card via an internal motorized head that moves along the top edge of the card, which is inserted lengthwise … Continue reading →

Posted in Detectives, Technology | Leave a comment

New Aimpoint Carbine Optic for your AR-15

Posted on October 20, 2014 by Randall

Aimpoint, Inc. is introducing a carbine-specific red dot optic for the modern sporting rifle, a.k.a. the AR-15.  Unlike some optics, this one co-witnesses with your AR’s iron sights for reliable performance.  I have my own (different brand) optic set up … Continue reading →

Posted in Firearms, Technology | Leave a comment

New FLIR One Thermal Imager

Posted on August 25, 2014 by Randall

FLIR Systems, Inc. is producing a new low-cost thermal imaging system that mates to an iPhone 5 or 5s and lets the user view heat signatures through the cell phone’s display.  The new device is called FLIR One and will … Continue reading →

Posted in Officer Safety, Technology | Tagged | 4 Comments

Marion County Sheriff Employs Crime Kiosks

Posted on July 12, 2014 by Randall

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office has unveiled a new method for distributing criminal information to the community in the form of stand-alone kiosks.  Modernizing a concept used by Sheriff Chris Blair decades ago when he was a detective, a trio … Continue reading →

Posted in Florida Companies, Media, Technology | Leave a comment

Flashlight Terminology by Elzetta Tactical Lights

Posted on June 25, 2014 by Randall

Dave Barnett from Elzetta Tactical Lighting explains some of the light output terminology you might use to decide whether or not to buy a flashlight for duty use.  Dave has informed and entertained us in their SHOT Show booth for … Continue reading →

Posted in Flashlights, Tactics, Technology | Tagged | Leave a comment

RF Safe-Stop System to End Vehicle Pursuits?

Posted on May 12, 2014 by Randall

e2v technologies is a British company which is diversified into the defense, space, medical, industrial, civil aeronautics, and security industries.  They have a multitude of products that revolve around hi-reliability semi-conductors, lasers, radars, and the like.  In their security and … Continue reading →

Posted in Technology | Leave a comment

TASER-proof Clothing Project

Posted on March 9, 2014 by Randall

Hackaday.com has webbed up a “TASER-proof” clothing project.  The suggested mod is to use carbon-fiber strips in garments to make them “100% taserproof.”  By inserting iron-on CF tape strips between layers of cloth, the space-aged material will allegedly conduct electrical … Continue reading →

Posted in Officer Safety, Tactics, Taser, Technology | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

ELSA Mobile Language Translation

Posted on February 23, 2014 by Randall

ELSA is a mobile language translation system designed for first responders, government agencies, health care, and financial services among the end users.  Live translators interact with the user and client.  This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days … Continue reading →

Posted in Street, Technology | 3 Comments

FHP Trooper Files Lawsuit for Misuse of DAVID

Posted on February 15, 2014 by Randall

How many times does this have to be repeated to us?  DAVID is for official use only.  Period.  Period, period.  The latest shenanigans that involve the inappropriate access of Florida’s Driver and Vehicle Information Database is articulated in a lawsuit … Continue reading →

Posted in Misc., Technology | Tagged | 1 Comment

StealthSCOPE by Zistos Video Systems

Posted on February 2, 2014 by Randall

I spent some quality time with Robert Levine and Michael Sterflinger at the Zistos Video Systems SHOT Show 2014 booth.  I was not just impressed with their Made in the USA (Holbrook, NY) products, but with Zistos’ extremely strong customer … Continue reading →

Posted in SWAT, Technology | Tagged | Leave a comment