Category Archives: Officer Safety

Eleven 10 Gear C.A.T. and SOF-T Tourniquet Holsters

Posted on August 30, 2013 by Randall

I saw one of our Street Crimes Unit guys wearing this Kydex holster on his duty belt.  It caught my eye, as I recognized the C.A.T. tourniquet it held.  I inquired where he had purchased it and he sent me a link to Eleven 10 Gear.  Eleven Ten makes self-aid/buddy-aid med gear designed for the Military, SWAT, and street LEO’s.  The company was founded by two operators, one a Recon Marine and the other a SWAT officer, so they have both arenas covered.  Eleven Ten’s gear is proudly Made in the USA.  Below is their description of the C.A.T. holster. This small Kydex law enforcement / military tourniquet case can … Continue reading →

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Tiny Inconspicuous Handcuff Key

Posted on August 18, 2013 by Randall

Let’s all keep a watch out for this crowdfunded officer safety hazard.  The TIHK, tiny inconspicuous handcuff key, is made for a person to evade being “illegally restrained in handcuffs.”  Here is their disclaimer:  “The TIHK is to only be used to counter illegal detainment and in accordance with all local, state and federal laws by trained law enforcement, military and security professionals. Improper use by civilians is not endorsed or encouraged. Use of the product is at your own personal risk and discretion.” It is a felony for a civilian to carry a concealed handcuff key in Florida under FSS 843.021, but my agency has seen an increase in … Continue reading →

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An Officer Down

Posted on June 13, 2013 by Randall

Twenty years ago today, I responded to locate a missing police officer in a neighboring town.  He went to a possible prowler call, but was no longer answering his radio.  I knew the young man.  I had backed him up frequently since his agency had only one officer on duty during the Midnight watch.  We shared some arrests, a bit of chewing tobacco, and some laughs in a few short years. My K9 partner found the missing officer within minutes of our arrival, but he had been shot by the suspect and had already bled to death.  I was in shock.  But I did my job.  I tracked south and … Continue reading →

Posted in Officer Down, Officer Safety | Tagged | 3 Comments

Video of the Shoot Out at a Miami-Dade Narcotics Raid

Posted on May 11, 2013 by Randall

Chilling video of an ambush at a Miami-Dade Police drug raid last July was released Thursday.  Thankfully, the officers prevailed.  Suspect Gerardo Delgado died.  Det. John Saavedra was shot three times, below his ballistic vest, but survived.  Eighty pounds of marijuana and $90,000.00 were found in the house. Homeowner Luis Estevanell, who is the other suspect seen in the video, was charged with Possession of Cocaine, Trafficking in Marijuana, and Second-Degree Murder. Situational awareness can save your Applewood Smoked Bacon.  Don’t pass things you haven’t cleared (when humanly possible).  Take decisive action (when necessary).  Stay frosty. Randall

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Keep Your Heads Down

Posted on April 19, 2013 by Randall

The manhunt for the Boston Marathon bombers is underway.  An MIT officer is dead and an MBTA officer was seriously wounded.  This is one of several all out manhunts that have occurred already this year.  The Boston bombers had thrown explosives at the officers overnight.  I texted an old friend at MBTA Police and he said his guy was in pretty serious condition.  Thoughts and prayers to our brothers up North… Update:  Second suspect in custody.  MBTA Ofc. Donohue critical, but now stable.  

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Selecting FTOs

Posted on April 12, 2013 by Randall

I am an FTO sergeant on my squad.  Today was the selection process for new field training officers.  A letter of intent, resume, supervisors’ recommendations, and performance evaluations were previously submitted by the candidates.  Interviews were then conducted by a panel of command officers and supervisors. The dozen candidates acquitted themselves well.  I was impressed with the applicants’ knowledge of our program, which is based upon the San Jose model.  During the interview, most articulated a strong desire to teach and explained the importance of adapting their style to the particular recruit’s learning needs. This is a far cry from the attitudes of FTO’s a few decades ago.  Years back, … Continue reading →

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Surviving to Twenty-Five Part Two

Posted on April 8, 2013 by Randall

In the first part of Surviving to Twenty-Five, I yapped a bit about safety and diet and exercise.  Another part of long-term officer survival is in the work arena.  Over the years, I have collected a few tips for getting your career off to a good beginning. If you just had those patches sewn on your uniform shirts, the best tactic for you on the job is to keep your eyes and ears open and your mouth closed, except to ask questions.  And, contrary to cliché, there is such a thing as a dumb question.  It’s the one you have already asked more than once. Ours is a profession devoted … Continue reading →

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Surviving to Twenty-Five

Posted on March 31, 2013 by Randall

Several months ago, I crested the 25-year mark as a sworn police officer.  More recently, I turned 50.  I had some thoughts about surviving a law enforcement career for a quarter of a century that I would like to share. I will get this one out of the way right off.  Continue your officer safety training and mindset throughout your whole career, regardless of your job description.  Everything else on which I will comment has no bearing if you do not live to fight another day.  Always be aware of your surroundings and think tactically on and off duty.  What would I do if X, Y, or Z happened right … Continue reading →

Posted in Humor, Medical, Misc., Off Duty, Officer Safety | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

OIS

Posted on March 23, 2013 by Randall

I was the supervisor on scene when a gunfight broke out between the suspect and an officer at a wanted subject call two nights ago.  All the officers reacted appropriately and the incident eventually came to a successful conclusion.  I was proud of our troops and of the troops from the two assisting agencies that responded to help. Following the volley of gunshots (and after ducking), I had been moving some of our guys around on the perimeter, adjusting fields of fire, when I asked one of the officers to take up a position further east.  He was proned out behind a tree with his AR.  As he went to … Continue reading →

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What You Don’t Know…

Posted on March 10, 2013 by Randall

The weather was beautiful, so my wife and I took a walk to get out of the house.  Along the journey, we headed down the sidewalk near a set of waterfront condos.  There was a sheriff’s office cruiser parked parallel to our path.  As we went by the driver’s side of the patrol car, my wife and I waved to the deputy sheriff.  She was young and appeared to be talking on her cell phone–no problem there, she was stationary.  That would pass muster under our General Orders.  She smiled and nodded back to us–good public relations for Starman. I could not help but feel uneasy as I was strolling … Continue reading →

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Armored Mobility Inc. Rapid Response Carrier and SAPI3 Plate Review

Posted on March 6, 2013 by Randall

My agency responded to an active shooter in the workplace last week.  Shots were fired.  Hundreds of workers, fearing the worst, hid in their offices.  There were gunfire injuries to a civilian.  Our PD response was swift and decisive.  The shooter was arrested.  Afterward, some of my co-workers expressed a desire to upgrade their patrol load out to include a critical incident vest.  I could not help but give them my opinion on the importance of armor and ammo. I currently have an Armored Mobility Inc. (AMI) Rapid Response Carrier with two AMI SAPI3 plates in the CVPI trunk while on duty.  Armor–check.  Multiple AR-15  and Sig magazines.  Ammo–check. Since … Continue reading →

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Stay Safe

Posted on February 23, 2013 by Randall

One of my guys was seriously injured and almost murdered and a second narrowly escaped with his life during an incident last night.  Today was a long day as the investigation continued.  I have been to the funerals of officers I have known.  I literally cannot count on one hand the number of officers and deputies I consider friends who have been shot in the line of duty over the years.  Most of us have suffered injuries.  For all of you wearing a badge and gun to protect the public, mind your officer safety, switch on your situational awareness, and trust no one on the streets.  Back up your buddies … Continue reading →

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Easy on the Less Lethal…

Posted on January 3, 2013 by Randall

I just got back from an armed barricaded suspect call.  Why do they always come out right at the end of shift?  I was a little taken aback when I saw that the three officers at the door to the knife-wielding suspect’s room were armed with either TASERs or a less lethal beanbag shotgun.  I made some adjustments to the personnel configuration and brought a handgun up to the door. We practice to have lethal cover with a less lethal option available when practical.  But the lethal cover should be up front, not from the guy way at the back of the stack.  When another sergeant and I did the … Continue reading →

Posted in Officer Safety, Street, Tactics, Taser | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Emergency Medical Conditions and the Law Enforcement Response

Posted on December 15, 2012 by Randall

We had two officers injured in a fight this week with a person refusing medical treatment at a local hospital.  The situation highlighted what can be a gray area for the police officer, which is the question of when to provide hands on assistance in the involuntary detainment of medical patients. In debriefing the troops, we found that there was confusion with some of the officers over an “incapacitated person” verses a Baker Act when it comes to dealing with uncooperative patients–either on the street or at a hospital facility. From the Department of Children and Families legal information of Emergency Medical Conditions: “Chapter 401.455, F.S. governs situations when an … Continue reading →

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Suspect Drowns Detective’s Recorder

Posted on November 24, 2012 by Randall

The Lakeland Ledger reports that suspect Patrick Townsend was arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for possession of 32.4 grams of methamphetamine. The drugs were found in Townsend’s boxer shorts following a traffic stop. Townsend bragged to a detective, “Dude, that ain’t shit. I deal in keyes.” The detective recorded Townsend’s incriminating statements on a portable recorder. While handcuffed, Townsend was able to surreptitiously steal the detective’s recorder from a lobby desk. He concealed it under his arm and asked to go to the bathroom…and the device went to its watery grave. Back in the lobby, Townsend asked, “What are you looking for, (detective), your recorder?” After admitting to … Continue reading →

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