Monthly Archives: September 2012

Broward Motor Deputy Killed in Crash

Posted on September 27, 2012 by Randall

Broward County Sheriff’s Deputy Christopher Schaub was killed yesterday in an on-duty motorcycle crash.  Dep. Schaub, a 22 year BSO veteran, was pronounced dead at Broward Health Medical Center after emergency surgery. Dep. Schaub’s motorcycle collided with a silver Mercedes-Benz sedan at West McNab Road and North Andrews Avenue in Pompano Beach on Wednesday.  He was airlifted from the scene, but died of his injuries.  The driver of the Mercedes was treated for minor injuries. Dep. Schaub was one of BSO’s fifty motorcycle officers.  He joined the Motorcycle Unit several years ago after long service as a detective. Dep. Schaub is survived by a daughter and his son Deputy Timothy … Continue reading →

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Changes Proposed for Florida’s Photo Array and Live Lineup Procedures

Posted on September 25, 2012 by Randall

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Florida Police Chief’s Association, Florida Sheriff’s Association, and the Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association are issuing standardized guidelines for law enforcement agencies shaping how photographic and live lineups will be conducted in the future. Originally proposed by the Florida Innocence Commission and used in the Eyewitness Reform Act (SB 1206 and HB 821), this legislation failed in both houses last year.  Though lobbying in Tallahassee against legislative mandates, the FDLE, FPCA, FSA, and FPAA have endorsed voluntary changes to photo and live lineup procedures. Because the FPAA is “requiring” the voluntary changes in each judicial circuit, the implementation of these guidelines is a foregone conclusion.  … Continue reading →

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BDS Tactical HydroBull Taurus Hydration Pack Review

Posted on September 24, 2012 by Randall

I got tired of seeing tags inside my nylon gear that said, “Made in Some-Asian-Country-istan.”  I have been trying to throw my hard earned treasury notes at more products Made in our United States of America.  When I sought out a new hydration pack, I typed “Made in USA” into the all-knowing search engine. One of the top entries with which I was rewarded was BDS Tactical.  BDS makes high quality nylon gear in their production facility in Oceanside, CA.  The president and CEO of BDS Tactical is Michael Bornfriend, a USMC 1st Recon Bn and Baltimore PD veteran, who tired of failed tactical equipment. BDS Tactical makes a rugged … Continue reading →

Posted in Off Duty, Tactical Bags | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Evolution of the Police TASER

Posted on September 20, 2012 by Randall

There is no doubt that one of the most significant technological advances in law enforcement over the last twenty years has been the development and deployment of Electronic Control Devices (EDC’s) for less lethal suspect management. The father of the modern EDC was the late Dr. John “Jack” Higson Cover, Jr., a nuclear physicist and NASA scientist.  He envisioned an electric weapon that could immobilize a person without the harm of a firearm.  In 1974, Cover patented an ECD named after the 1911 novel Tom Swift and his Electric Rifle—hence the name TASER. Cover’s original TASER Systems TF-1 was classified as an NFA Title II weapon by the BATF based … Continue reading →

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DeSantis Mag-Packer Pocket Magazine Carrier Review

Posted on September 18, 2012 by Randall

Last night I went for a casual dinner with my wife.  I wear either jeans or slacks when we go out.  Not wanting to feel like I am equipped with a duty belt, I pocket carried my Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380.  Inexpensive, functional pocket holsters are available from makers such as Galco, Uncle Mike’s, and DeSantis.  But how to bring along more bullets… DeSantis Holster and Leather Goods of Amityville, NY, makes the Mag-Packer carrier, which solves the reload dilemma when you are dressed to tactically relax (heh, heh, heh). I was in the bad habit of dropping a spare magazine or revolver speed strip into my support side … Continue reading →

Posted in Concealed Carry, Firearms, Off Duty | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

KA-BAR TDI Knife Review: Unsafe for Duty

Posted on September 13, 2012 by Randall

When I arrived at work yesterday, there was some buzz about a training incident between an FTO and a recruit that had occurred earlier in the day.  It seems that it was our new recruits’ first day in the blue uniform.  Some of them were assigned to Daywatch.  After roll call, they were examined by their training officers. One of the FTO’s noticed a strange handle sticking out of the front of the recruit’s gun belt.  Yes, it was a KA-BAR TDI knife, ostensibly designed for an officer’s last ditch self defense. The FTO had never actually handled a TDI, but he had heard of them.  To demonstrate the vulnerability … Continue reading →

Posted in Knives, Officer Safety | Tagged , , , | 33 Comments

9/11 Observance

Posted on September 11, 2012 by Randall

On Tuesday, September 11, 2001, I was nearly two hours into a Daywatch patrol shift when I decided to swing by a high school and visit with the School Resource Officer.  The school was in my sector and the SRO was by himself.  With more than 2000 students, I knew he needed some back-up on occasion. As I entered his office, I saw him intently staring at the television and absently chewing a Twizzler.  He did not look up at me when I came in.  I sat down next to him and asked what was going on.  “Not sure,” he said.  It was about 8:50 am.  We began watching the … Continue reading →

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Jupiter PD Officer Killed in Presidential Motorcade

Posted on September 10, 2012 by Randall

Jupiter Police Ofc. Bruce St. Laurent was killed yesterday while engaged in a police motorcade escorting President Obama.  Ofc. St. Laurent’s motorcycle was hit by a truck as the officer was shutting down I-95 at 45th Street in West Palm Beach.  The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Highway Patrol are investigating the crash. Ofc. St. Laurent, 55, was a 20 year veteran of the Jupiter Police Department.  He was a motor officer for the last 18 years.  Ofc. St. Laurent had participated in several past presidential motorcades. Funeral arrangements will be announced by the Jupiter Police Department. Randall  

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Crimson Trace Lasergrip LG-405’s For Your BUG Revolver

Posted on September 9, 2012 by Randall

Most cops are not gun guys or gals.  I know from talking to them.  I was showing my unloaded Smith & Wesson 442 Centennial Airweight back-up gun to a co-worker, when a few others happened into the office. “How does it turn on? ”  “Is it accurate?”  “Are they expensive?”  I felt like I was showing them a Ray Gun from 1950’s science fiction.  “Careful, lads, it’ll blast a hole clean through that wall!” I run Crimson Trace Lasergrips on my Smith & Wesson J-frame revolvers.  My choice is the LG-405, which has slightly shorted hind quarters when compared to the longer gripped LG-305.  The smaller butt on the 405 … Continue reading →

Posted in Concealed Carry, Firearms, Technology | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Visit to Venture Ballistic Composites Shield Factory

Posted on September 5, 2012 by Randall

I was in Pinellas County yesterday to visit the manufacturing plant for Venture Ballistic Composites, Inc., a maker of  bullet-resistant shields for law enforcement and the Military.  Venture’s President Todd Garrett talked shop and showed me their proprietary method for building ballistic shields.  He even demonstrated this by building one from the ground up while I was there.  Very cool!  No photos, please–trade secrets. Venture Ballistics is a strongly anchored Florida company that uses American made products and buys from vendors within 50 miles of the shop.  Garrett said their aim is to produce shields which exceed NIJ standards for protection, are lightweight, and are affordable.  In the first year … Continue reading →

Posted in Florida Companies, Protective Armor, Technology | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Milspec Plastics’ Cobra Cuff is NTOA Member Approved

Posted on September 4, 2012 by Randall

Milspec Plastics touts their Cobra Cuffs as “the only patented double-locking, foldable, disposable restraint” on the market.  Strong, UV stabilized, and Made in the USA, the Cobra Cuff has a restraining strap riveted to the zip-tie to aid in prisoner control through leverage.  Milspec said their product has a 300+ lbs. assembled tensile strength.  Their latest press release is below. Randall MILSPEC PLASTICS COBRA CUFFS ARE NATIONAL TACTICAL OFFICERS ASSOCIATION (NTOA) MEMBER TESTED AND RECOMMENDED Asheville, NC (August 2012) – Milspec Plastics, manufacturer of the patented Cobra Cuffs and distributor of additional arrest, riot control and personal security products for law enforcement, corrections, military and professional security agents, has secured … Continue reading →

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