Monthly Archives: May 2012

Alternative Drug Psychosis in Miami?

Posted on May 30, 2012 by Randall

I can’t help but to introduce a few thoughts about the “Man Fatally Shot Chewing on Another Man’s Face” story out of Miami.  I wrote an article last month about alternative drugs causing aggressive behavior in suspects.  The Miami officer-involved shooting last Saturday is an extreme example, and a now-viral reminder, of just how dangerously people can act in a mind altered state. Deceased offender Rudy Eugene did not appear to have been diagnosed with a mental illness, according to acquaintances.  The president of the Miami FOP said Eugene was under the influence of “bath salts,” another alternative drug much like the incense derivatives.  Either substance is cooked up in … Continue reading →

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ArmorWorks New MOLLE Solution

Posted on May 29, 2012 by Randall

ArmorWorks is a Chandler, AZ company that makes high-tech military armor protection.  While they can up-armor your HMMWV or UH-60 Blackhawk, ArmorWorks also makes personal protective rifle plates and accessories for the soldier. At the SOFIC Show, I met ArmorWorks associate director Alex Gallo.  He showed me some of his company’s latest Modular Plate Carriers, which incorporated an interesting feature:  an alternative to the standard nylon gear mounting system ArmorWorks calls their MOLLE Solution. Gallo explained that common MOdular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment attachments are rows of nylon or canvas-type material sewn in strips across the garment.  The nylon and stitching has limited durability, as abrasion and the weight of the … Continue reading →

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

Memorial Day

Posted on May 28, 2012 by Randall

Memorial Day was first observed on May 30, 1868.  It was originally called Decoration Day and flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers in Arlington National Cemetery. Memorial Day is a federal holiday honoring those members of the United States military who have fallen in their service to our country.  Flags should be flown in the morning and lowered to half-staff at noon.  Parades are traditional.  Beginning on the Thursday before Memorial Day members of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division place flags at all 260,000 graves in Arlington National Cemetery. This Memorial Day will also commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. In honor of … Continue reading →

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EliteK9.com ASAT Collar and Leads

Posted on May 24, 2012 by Randall

Elite K-9 sells all manner of working K9 products.  When I was at SHOT Show earlier in the year, I stopped by their booth and met Jason Ferren.  Elite K-9, manufacturers and sellers of Police and Military K9 gear and training products, introduced the new ASAT collars and leads at the 2012 SHOT Show. According to Elite K-9, the ASAT leads are “waterproof, mildew-proof, rot-proof,” and have a breaking strength of 750 pounds on the 3/4″ lead.  The lead remains pliable down to -20° F and is not affected by heat up to 300° F.  The ASAT collars share the same characteristics, except their breaking strength is 1500 pounds. The … Continue reading →

Posted in K9 | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Revision Desert Locust Goggles for Riot Control

Posted on May 23, 2012 by Randall

I had an opportunity to speak with Revision Military sales manager Sean Carey at the Special Operations Forces Industry Conference.  I had previously posted an article about their new Batlskin Modular Head Protection.  Our conversation turned to the upcoming Republican National Convention that will descend upon Tampa in August and Revision’s participation. Sean had a few things to add about his company’s role in crowd control.  He showed us a pair of the Revision Desert Locust Goggles, which he said provide not only ballistic protection, but eye protection against liquids.  Protesters at these large scale events will often try to disrupt police lines and generally antagonize officers by throwing containers … Continue reading →

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Special Operations Forces Industry Conference 2012

Posted on May 22, 2012 by Randall

I just got back from the Special Operations Forces Industry Conference in Tampa, FL.  This was the second year we attended the Exhibit Hall.  There is some cross-over from military operations to police services, especially in the SWAT arena.  Funding for military experimentation often leads to technological developments that trickle down into law enforcement.  While I doubt our TAC van will be sporting a Dillon Aero Titanium Gatling Gun anytime soon, I am always interested in seeing new products for the Warfighter.  You never know when some of these things will be the latest rage for those of us defending the streets. I was particularly pleased to speak to a … Continue reading →

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Flying With Your Firearm

Posted on May 21, 2012 by Randall

For the last several years I have been traveling by domestic airline with a handgun declared in my checked baggage.  I initially thought the process would be a hassle, but I discovered that it is not as difficult as I had anticipated.  As a certified law enforcement officer, you should always have access to a firearm. Your authority to carry a concealed firearm as a “qualified law enforcement officer” or “qualified retired law enforcement officer” in any jurisdiction in the United States of America is granted via the Law Enforcement Officers’ Safety Act or LEOSA.  Click on the link if you are not thoroughly versed in its regulations, which you … Continue reading →

Posted in Concealed Carry, Off Duty, Officer Safety | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Update to the Rookie

Posted on May 18, 2012 by Randall

A few months ago, I wrote about a rookie cop on our squad who was undergoing the trial-by-fire that can be Midnight Shift. The final four days of his one year probationary period were last week. On the fourth night, he seemed a little overwhelmed. Our business was heavy and the manpower was short. The New Guy went call to call for the whole ten hours and into OT without a break or meal. I ended up on most of his dispatches. Early on, he assisted with arresting the suspect at a bar fight. He came back in service from that to handle a domestic battery in one of our … Continue reading →

Posted in Humor, Street | Tagged , | 3 Comments

Kubotan–Simple Self Defense

Posted on May 16, 2012 by Randall

The Kubotan was invented by former Japanese police officer and martial arts instructor Takayuki Kubota.  In the late 1970’s, Kubota was teaching self-defense to officers of the Los Angeles Police Department when he developed this pocket stick as an aid to empty-hand suspect control. The Kubotan, a registered trademark of Kubota, added a tool for officers to use in manipulating pressure points, applying joint locks, and effecting strikes.  Past generations of policemen carried the Kubotan as a key ring from their belts and pockets. The original Kubotan was a lexan rod, which measured 5 ½” long by 5/8” in diameter.  It had a key ring affixed to one end.  “Kubotan” … Continue reading →

Posted in Defensive Tactics, Officer Safety, Street | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Bushnell HD Torch Flashlight Review

Posted on May 14, 2012 by Randall

I have to start off by saying that this new flashlight by Bushnell Corporation is one of the most interesting things I’ve seen in a while.  While it’s not the actual flashlight itself that is so neat, the mesmerizing beam it produces is.  This round metal tube makes square light! The HD Torch is a medium-sized aluminum body LED flashlight.  It measures 9 1/4” long and weighs 9.8 ounces loaded up with 2 CR123 batteries.  The head diameter is 1 5/8” and the body is 1 ¼” across. Activated by a tail cap on-off switch, this flashlight also has a side button toggles between constant on, strobe mode, and off.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Flashlights, Street | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

StarChase Pursuit Management System

Posted on May 12, 2012 by Randall

Who doesn’t like playing “Tag” or “Cops and Robbers?”  When you combine the two games, you come up with a serious solution proposed by StarChase LLC to a serious problem for law enforcement. The StarChase Pursuit Management System “tags” a suspect vehicle fleeing from law enforcement and leads authorities to the vehicle by the use of real-time GPS tracking, thereby minimizing the risks of a high-speed pursuit. Started in 2001, StarChase, LLC, is a Virginia Beach, VA based company that specializes in pursuit management solutions using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components and existing technologies. The StarChase System uses a laser-aimed compressed air launcher in the grill of a police car to … Continue reading →

Posted in Officer Safety, Street, Technology | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

Revision Military Announces Batlskin Modular Head Protection

Posted on May 9, 2012 by Randall

Revision Military has sent out a press release debuting their new Batlskin Modular Head Protection.  This gear may seem pricey, but I think it will be the future of helmets for the Military and SWAT teams.  As with most new technology, the cost per unit will probably come down as there are advances in materials and production processes.  I think this will be a more common look in ten years. Randall Essex Junction, VT, USA (May 4, 2012) – Revision Military, a world leader in protective soldier solutions, announces the much anticipated retail debut of its Batlskin Modular Head Protection System. Designed for use with the Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH), … Continue reading →

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Pistol Wear Trump Card Holster Review

Posted on May 7, 2012 by Randall

In February, I wrote an updated review of the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380.  I featured a Pistol Wear PT-2 concealed holster in the article and I had much positive feedback on it.  I really liked the PT-2, so I decided to try a different Pistol Wear version that is slightly scaled down. The Pistol Wear Trump Card and Sub Compact Trump Card are lightweight concealed carry holsters that can be worn under the arm, inside the waistband, or outside the waistband.  They are designed to be used in support of business attire or causal wear. Much like the PT-One and PT-2, the Trump Card has a breathable elastic belt … Continue reading →

Posted in Firearms, Off Duty | Tagged , , , | 13 Comments

New Report by American Heart Association Zaps TASER International

Posted on May 3, 2012 by Randall

A new report released on-line by the American Heart Association magazine Circulation associates sudden cardiac arrest and death with the application of an electronic control device (ECD), more specifically a TASER International model X26. Dr. Douglas P. Zipes, a cardiologist at the Indiana School of Medicine, conducted the study, which was peer reviewed for publication.  Zipes, coincidently has been paid over a half million dollars to testify as an expert witness against the police and TASER, according to TASER International.  Zipes has conceded he is paid $1200.00 per hour to testify as a witness against ECD’s, but he said that gave him no incentive to do the research. Zipes studied … Continue reading →

Posted in Medical, Officer Safety, Taser | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

L. A. Police Gear Jumbo Bail Out Bag Review

Posted on May 1, 2012 by Randall

L. A. Police Gear (LAPG) is an on-line retailer catering to the law enforcement crowd.  I have been buying equipment from them for years.  LAPG has a product line of their very own that includes BDU pants, polo shirts, hats, backpacks, gear bags, and novelty items (think tactical ballistic nylon MOLLE-bearing Christmas stocking!). A prime attribute to LAPG brand products is the economical price point.  When I went looking for a new front seat equipment holder, I chose LAPG’s Jumbo Bail Out Bag. Back in the late 1980’s, I bought a small briefcase style piece of luggage to contain the everyday flotsam of gear that washes aboard the passenger compartment … Continue reading →

Posted in Concealed Carry, Street, Tactical Bags | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments