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 need to be.

First off, consult the Transportation Security Administration’s regulations and those of your individual air carrier.  This is easy to do on the Internet.  You’ll see that a locked hard-sided container for the unloaded handgun is a must.  This container cannot be easily pulled open to allow access the gun.  Many manufacturer’s plastic gun cases will not pass the prying test.  I have a GunVault NanoVault 200, which cost me under $35.00. It is a small metal safe with a cable that secures it to the frame of my suitcase.

Next, ammunition must be stored in a cardboard, wood, or metal container or in one specifically designed  for ammunition.  Since I travel frequently with my Smith & Wesson 442 or M&P340, I take a 20 round factory box of .38 cal. Speer Gold Dot Hollowpoints in the Short Barrel 135 grain +P load.  This box will fit with the gun in the NanoVault, if necessary.

Bullets may not be stored in pistol magazines unless the magazines have a cap or device to fully enclose the rounds.  Unloaded magazines are best stored with the gun in the safe.  The NanoVault 200 is large enough to hold my Glock 23 and two magazines.

Now, about checking-in at the airport.  Give yourself at least an extra 20 minutes prior to your usual arrival time.  At the airline baggage counter (no curbside check-ins with a firearm), tell the ticket agent you are declaring an unloaded firearm in your checked luggage.  Normally, they won’t bat an eye and will have you sign a declaration form to be Continue reading →

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

Update to the Rookie

Posted on May 18, 2012 by Randall

Photo: NBC

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 plentiful trailer parks. A seriously intox male had bitten his girlfriend in the face. Unfortunately ho-hum for the mobile homes.

“Is your name Timmy or Timothy?” asked New Guy. The drunk replied, “Timmy…” And slowly added, “…theee.” The suspect was so under the influence, he just stood there swaying, eyes closed, making little crab-claw motions with his hands. He admitted to biting his Beloved, who now sported fresh teeth marks. New Guy and I threw Timmy-theee in handcuffs. This was just the rookie’s second report of the night.

New Guy got started on the paper until the wagon arrived to transport the biter to County Jail, but more calls were holding and rookie had to go en route to the next scene. After a few back-ups, perimeters, and one additional police report taken, New Guy hit the jackpot Continue reading →

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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.

Photo of Kubota by Shihan Rod Kuratomi

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” was taken from the words Kubota and baton.

This simple less lethal weapon is not often seen these days.  Trends toward the stand-off 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.  Once pushed, the tail cap has an illuminated green “B” that lets you know the unit is ready and allows the side switch to work.  The lit up “B” acts as a “Find Me” feature, according to Bushnell.  A rotating lanyard ring fixture completes the package.

At 165 lumens, with a 90 minute run time, the HD Torch puts out good light.  What makes it outstanding is that the bright light is uniform from edge to edge in a square shape.  It does not have the regular old circular center spot with a halo of peripheral light—yawn.

225 Lumen Streamlight Left, 165 Lumen Bushnell HD Torch Right

Streamlight Left, Bushnell Right

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 affix a GPS tracking projectile on a suspect vehicle.  The projectile sticks to the vehicle’s surface with a proprietary adhesive.

Grill Mounted Launcher

Once the projectile is in place, dispatchers use GPS radio signals from the projectile to track the target vehicle and update its mapped location.  The system is scalable and has different upgrades or options, based on a department’s needs.

The launching system has been determined to be less lethal by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ).  The projectile can be deployed by the officer from a control panel inside the police cruiser, or activated by the use of an optional fob when outside the cruiser.

Upgraded mapping can be linked to in-car computers to provide the responding officers with the vehicle’s position.  The GPS information can also be programmed into AVL or 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), the system is now available for purchase by active duty military and Law
Enforcement Officers (LEO) within the U.S. and Canada. Initial size offerings
accommodate the ACH helmet’s two most common sizes: Medium and Large, with
Small and X-Large sizing available this summer. Comprised of the Front Mount, 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 that is adjustable by the use of hook and loop fields for size.  Three separate snaps allow the belt to be taken on and off without wearing out the loop area—ingenious!  To account for under the arm carry, the belt is adjustable up to 46” with extensions of 10” and 20” available.

Trump Card’s pouch is perspiration and solvent resistant so that the handgun’s finish is protected even during moderate exercise or oppressive weather conditions.   While the PT’s One and 2 have a generous open-topped pouch for the firearm, the Trump Card and 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 eight cases from 2008, seven of which were fatalties, in which a TASER X26 was deployed and caused unconsciousness.  He concluded that TASER use can result in cardiac electrical capture and ventricular arrythmias, leading to cardiac arrest.  The eight cases Zipes studied were ones in which he was a paid defense witness.

As reported in the Vancouver Sun: “In the testimonies that I’ve given, when cross-examined by the TASER (lawyers), they would repeatedly say to me, ‘Well, Dr. Zipes, point to me to one peer-reviewed scientific article showing TASER produces cardiac arrest.’ And 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 of a working police car.  Paper was cutting edge then, so you had to have the requisite aluminum clipboard, laminated city map, citation book, state statute book (the old Metro Dade was standard), ordinance book, pens, Whiteout, and a sheaf of forms.

Some guys bought flat Fiberglas seat organizers that hook over the passenger seat and hold the stuff.  I had one for my K9 truck because my dogs had run of the interior.  I found that Continue reading →

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

Mecklenburg Act Brings Murder Charge for Aggravated Fleeing

Posted on April 30, 2012 by Randall

Deputy Mecklenburg Photo: HCSO

On Friday, Gov. Rick Scott attended a ceremonial bill signing at the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office for the Deputy John C. Mecklenburg Act.  Deputy Mecklenburg was killed in the line of duty on July 3, 2011 during a high speed pursuit.

The act provides for capital or life murder charges when a human being is killed during the commission of a crime involving aggravated fleeing or eluding from law enforcement officers when there is serious bodily injury or death.

Mecklenburg, a Hernando County deputy for just over two years, was one of a number of officers and deputies who were attempting to stop a vehicle traveling the wrong way against traffic in Brooksville.  The suspect, Michael James Anthony, was eventually arrested on I-275 in St. Petersburg, but not before there were two cruiser crashes and a failed P.I.T. maneuver during the high speed pursuit.  One of the crashes resulted in Mecklenburg’s death.

Also included in the new legislation is the addition of correctional officers and correctional probation officers to the list of law enforcement victims which constitute life felony murder charges.  The changes to F.S.S. 784.02 and other related statutes take effect on October 1, 2012.

Randall

Posted in Legal, Officer Down | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Florida Highway Patrol the Latest Victim of Media’s Crystal Ball

Posted on April 27, 2012 by Randall

On January 29, 2012, there was a terrible series of crashes on I-75 in Alachua County in the Paynes Prairie Preserve area just south of Gainesville.  Smoke from a wildfire and early morning fog conspired to create deadly road conditions, which resulted in six vehicle crashes and 11 fatalities.

A 38-page report released by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement yesterday detailed a number of findings indicating the Florida Highway Patrol, and specifically FHP Lt. John Gourley, made decisions that morning which would ultimately impact the events on I-75.

Following the release of this report, mainstream media outlets immediately slanted the findings of the report to insinuate that the FHP made errors that caused the crashes, despite the FDLE conclusion that no member of the FHP acted with “criminal intent” and that “agency personnel acted in a manner which they believed was appropriate and in the best interest of restoring the safe and orderly flow of traffic to the roadways.”

District Lt. Gourley was off duty on Jan. 29 when he was notified of the closure of I-75.  He came in service and responded to assume command at the scene.  He personally observed road conditions on I-75 and U.S. 441, another affected roadway, for over an hour and a half.  He drove the eight mile Paynes Prairie I-75 stretch several times, each time noting Continue reading →

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A Few Words on the SWAT Attitude

Posted on April 25, 2012 by Randall

I have been talking lately with a few SWAT guys about their perspectives of their different tactical teams.  What I am hearing is nothing new.  While I won’t go into politics or particulars, I will say a central theme in my many discussions has revolved around attitude.

Not as in Attitude with a capital “I’m a badass SWAT guy, so blah, blah, blah.”  Attitude, as it relates to a positive approach to training for and execution of high-risk operations.  A shared bad morale will destroy a Team from the inside out.

To address some of the myriad complaints I have heard, if you are focused on your agency’s shortcomings related to internal or external politics, command structures, team utilization, and/or management personalities, then I suggest you are fixated too high above your pay grade.

The strength of a Team starts with its individual warriors.  Each officer’s concentration Continue reading →

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Spyderco Waved Endura4 For Duty Carry

Posted on April 23, 2012 by Randall

I have carried many, many knives on duty.  It seems I am always trying to find one better than the last.  My uniform pockets have contained uncounted blades unleashed by nail nicks, thumb studs, opening holes, coil springs, leaf springs, and even centrifugal force (yes, a Bali-song).  I recently decided to try something completely different:  mechanical fabric resistance!

In the 1990’s, custom knifemaker Ernest Emerson patented an interesting design he originally called The Wave.  The folding knife’s blade has a “hook” at the top that catches the edge of the pants pocket and pulls the blade open as the knife itself is withdrawn. Continue reading →

Posted in Knives, Officer Safety, Street | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Memories and Police Patrol

Posted on April 21, 2012 by Randall

I hate to be a big buzz kill, but you will not be doing these cool law enforcement things forever.  Just as your equipment gets old and weathered, so will you.  And like your gear, you will be obsolete one day.  Reality check.

I am writing these mean words to remind you to enjoy these times of your life.  I was once in my twenties, lean and invincible.  Professionally, I had it all:  Midnight Shift, SWAT, and K9.  I didn’t know how well off I was.  My work days consisted of speeding from one adrenaline rush to the next.

It is all a blur now, though.  I’m twice as old as I was then.  Probably twice as slow, despite decades of physical maintenance.  So many of those critical incidents are not quite lost in my head, but buried in the past and difficult to dig up.

In some ways, I am lucky in memory.  I have meticulous K9 records, which benefitted me in Court then and aid my recollections now.  I also wrote the majority of the after action debriefings from the 12 years of SWAT operations while I was Team Leader, so those missions are archived.

Nothing will bring back the slide show of daily amusements and frustrations from the last 25 years.  I wish I could remember all the quirky happenings from thousands of shifts.  I’m Continue reading →

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Morphix Technologies Chameleon Chemical Detector Review

Posted on April 18, 2012 by Randall

Morphix Technologies has released a seven minute training video which gives some simple statistics and dangers about Meth Labs.  The video also addresses Morphix’s Chameleon Chemical Detector, one of their products for detecting hazardous chemicals by first responders.  I got my hands on a Chameleon kit for testing in October.

The Morphix Chameleon is a chemical detection unit that is worn on the forearm or attached by Velcro to the uniform of a first responder.  The purpose of the kit is to provide an officer, firefighter, or soldier with immediate visual identification of the presence of hazardous gases.

A passive detector, the Chameleon has ten windows, called cassettes, which change color when exposed to certain chemicals.  The Chameleon can be configured for Clan-Meth Lab, Chemical Suicide, or Haz-Mat detection by simply changing the cassettes.

The kit is easy for an operator to use.  Once strapped on, the officer needs only to glance at it to be alerted.  The cassette windows start out a single color.  If a cassette changes to two colors, it has been exposed to the toxic chemical.  No power source is required.  The cassettes have chemically reactive strips inside that remind me of “litmus paper” from junior high school Chemistry.

I found the Chameleon to be very unobtrusive.  The face of the kit measures 3 7/8” X 2 ¾.”  The entire armband weighs less than two ounces.  The strap is adjustable up to 14” in circumference.  A larger 18” armband is available.

The cassettes for each different type of hazard are individually pre-packaged, so the user just inserts all the cassettes in the armband and he or she is ready to go.  Initially enclosed in foil, the cassettes are loaded just prior to deployment.

Once opened, the cassettes have a 24-hour service life. They also remain viable after salt or Continue reading →

Posted in Medical, Officer Safety, Street, Technology | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment