Monthly Archives: September 2014

FBI Publishes Latest Active Shooter Study

Posted on September 28, 2014 by Randall

The FBI published its 2014 Active Shooter Incidents Report this week.  It collated information from a total of 160 ASI’s from the years 2000 through 2013.  In the introduction, it noted that the selection of ASI’s can be subjective and that the aggregate seeks to add “clarity and data of value” for a basic assessment.  The 2014 report adds 33 incidents, as well as 17 from 2013, to the prior bulletin from January of this year. From 2000 to 2013, the 160 incidents resulted in 1,043 casualties:  458 killed and 557 wounded.  The average number of ASI’s per calendar year was 11.4.  The first seven years of the study showed … Continue reading →

Posted in Media, Misc., Officer Safety | 1 Comment

Comsonics Texting Sniffer

Posted on September 23, 2014 by Randall

Have you ever been illegally texting behind the wheel, seen a marked police car, and lowered your phone until the “threat” had passed?  Of course you haven’t.  The California Highway Patrol is now testing a device that may end up putting thumb cuffs on texting outlaws.  Comsonics Sniffer Sleuth II can detect cell phone emissions and identify among texting, calling, or emailing from inside a moving vehicle. We all know that distracted driving leads to car crashes.  Whether it be texting, sightseeing, or eating a McWhopper, taking your attention away from safely operating a motor vehicle is dangerous.  While not a primary p/c stop, the Florida Ban on Texting While … Continue reading →

Posted in Legal, Street | Leave a comment

Liberty Ammunition Civil Defense Review

Posted on September 20, 2014 by Richard

(Ed. note:  Richard of BlueSheepdog.com and GunsHolstersandGear.com was kind enough to review this ammunition for me.  He is a true gentleman, experienced law enforcement officer and writer, and a really bad joke teller.) Knocking someone through a plate glass window with a single shot from a pistol is the stuff of TV fantasy.  Handgun ammo is just not that powerful.  In fact, pistol calibers are generally considered marginal for stopping a violent attacker when compared to rifle and shotgun loads. Even so, there are definitely differences between handgun ammunition designs that can affect how quickly an attacker is stopped when shot.  Some rounds have built reputations as being effective on … Continue reading →

Posted in Concealed Carry, Firearms, Florida Companies | 25 Comments

Florida Protects Children From Identity Theft

Posted on September 18, 2014 by Randall

I found this information in a post on the Pinellas County Victim Rights Coalition website.  It should be of particular interest to the parents of children under 16 years of age.  The new law will enable a parent to put a “security freeze” on their child’s personal identification information to prevent criminals from opening illegal lines of credit in the child’s name.  This legislation is sorely needed, especially as we are currently witnessing an unprecedented spike in frauds committed through identity and account thefts. Excellent news to help keep our minor children safe:  Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (DACS) Commissioner Adam Putnam worked with the Florida Legislature this … Continue reading →

Posted in Legal | Leave a comment

9/11–A Reminder of Service

Posted on September 13, 2014 by Randall

I spent the morning of September 11 this year being sworn-in to a federal task force, which I will not name here.  As I talked to the ASAC and a supervisory agent who were completing the documentation, we compared experiences from 9/11/2001.  None of us was involved in the infamous events of that day, but all of us were in service to our communities and country at the time of the attacks 13 years ago. Today’s law enforcement efforts are more collaborative than in decades past.  Federal agencies are spread thin for personnel, due to their increasing duties, and can use the assistance of police officers and deputies as supplemental … Continue reading →

Posted in Misc. | Leave a comment

QALO Rings Save Fingers

Posted on September 10, 2014 by Randall

Ring avulsion.  This is something that first responders and soldiers should worry about on the job.  QALO Ring has come up with a solution to getting your wedding band or other metal ring caught in machinery or on a fixed object, which can result in finger amputation or serious degloving of the tissue.  Google it if you have a strong stomach.  I think it will convince you of the peril. QALO stands for Quality Athletics Love Outdoors.  They say, “We searched for a solution that would allow us to show our commitment of marriage, and wear a comfortable wedding band that could withstand our active lifestyle.  We started playing around … Continue reading →

Posted in Officer Safety, Street | Tagged | 3 Comments

NTOA Partners with KOTA Longboards

Posted on September 5, 2014 by Randall

The National Tactical Officers Association is joining forces with KOTA Longboards to introduce SWAT-themed skate decks.  Although my nephews would probably enjoy these boards, I’m too old to be collecting road rash like I did when I was a teen.  Still, you can get them customized with your department patch, unit insignia, or other personalization.  Press release from NTOA: Doylestown, Pa. (September 2014) – The National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA) is pleased to announce a partnership with veteran-owned KOTA Longboards®. Through this new partnership, NTOA and KOTA Longboards® will bring the members of NTOA three uniquely branded longboard options: NTOA Eagle Edition Nieuport 17 longboard, NTOA Veritas Edition Handley Page … Continue reading →

Posted in Misc., SWAT | 5 Comments

FSA 2014 Officer of the Year

Posted on September 1, 2014 by Randall

The Florida Sheriff’s Association produced this video about their 2014 Officer of the Year, Officer Mario Gutierrez of the Miami-Dade Police Department.  All I can say is, Wow.  Ofc. Gutierrez’s account and the radio traffic are chilling.  It is an outstanding example of courage and staying in the fight. Randall

Posted in Misc., Officer Safety, Street | 1 Comment