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Author Archives: Randall
QALO Rings Save Fingers
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
NTOA Partners with KOTA Longboards
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
http://vimeo.com/99253496 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
I Got Pulled Over
The other evening I ran out to the store for some supplies. On my way home, I saw blue and red lights in my rear view mirror. Aaaaah. I blinkered into the right lane, turned on to the first side street, and coasted to the curb. When was the last time I was pulled over? The sheriff’s deputy made a driver’s side approach. I was actually a little nervous as I kept both hands on the steering wheel; I’ve been on his side of the traffic stop, too. The deputy stayed safely just behind the B-pillar and said, “Sir, I need to see your license and registration.” I replied with … Continue reading
Posted in Officer Safety, Street
4 Comments
New FLIR One Thermal Imager
FLIR Systems, Inc. is producing a new low-cost thermal imaging system that mates to an iPhone 5 or 5s and lets the user view heat signatures through the cell phone’s display. The new device is called FLIR One and will sell for about $350 (iPhone not included). I mention this product, not because I see it as a cutting edge law enforcement tool, but because I see this as a precursor to some exciting technology coming to a cop shop near you. I predict cost-effective thermal imaging will make infrared night vision obsolete as an LE search tool. A few SHOT Shows ago, I previewed FLIR’s latest handheld thermal units–the … Continue reading
Public Sevice Message
Don’t worry, I am not going to dump a bucket of ice water over my head like everybody else. Randall
Posted in Uncategorized
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Yet Another Day in the Pressure Cooker
It is almost Midnight and I just got home from a regular eight hour shift followed by just over seven hours of OT on a series of surveillance and arrests for one of our specialized units, working in conjunction with other local and Federal agencies. I do not pull this kind of duty nearly as much as I had in days past. It reminds me that this kind of adrenaline-infused work goes on around-the-clock in our country. The challenges made me respect those who are on the front lines taking criminals off the street every day because the reality is that after nearly 27 years on the job I now … Continue reading
Posted in Detectives, Street
3 Comments
Militarization of the Police–A Cop’s View
I get a little miffed at the argument that the police are becoming “too militarized.” Detractors say that law enforcement has no need for the equipment that the U.S. Government has been distributing from its arsenal of aged or obsolete equipment. This controversial military equipment comes mainly in two flavors: weaponry or protection. As to weaponry, we are talking rifles. My agency just took possession of two dozen older Colt M-16s from the Department of Defense at a very low price per unit. Before the naysayers get in an uproar, understand that we already have more authorized fully automatic rifles for our SWAT team. Our street officers also field semi-automatic … Continue reading
Posted in Media, Politics, Street, SWAT
8 Comments
Raven Concealment Systems ModuLoader
Raven Concealment Systems has come out with a product that made me think, “Duh!” Raven’s ModuLoader Pocket Shield is perfect for the discreet carry of knives and other like equipment. There are times that I would prefer to hide my blade, especially when in dress or business casual clothes. A metal knife clip dragging on the pocket edge of an expensive pair of slacks will not do. I ordered a Pocket Shield primarily for knife carry. It arrived packaged with a nifty Raven sticker, a short length of small nylon cord, and six Chicago screws for affixing accessories. I ordered a gray Pocket Shield instead of black, well, just because … Continue reading
Posted in Concealed Carry, Detectives, Firearms, Flashlights, Knives, Off Duty
2 Comments
Prepaid Card Scams
Please spread the word to your friends, family, co-workers and anyone else who may be vulnerable: Do not fall for prepaid card scams! Every week I read cases where victims have been tricked out of money by suspects on the phone posing as anyone from a local power company, to the IRS, to law enforcement. It is a national problem. The scam occurs when an unscrupulous ne’er-do-well calls a victim. It goes something like this, “I’m Supervisor Smith from Duke Energy. Your business account is in arrears and you need to make a payment by prepaid card before 11 a.m. today or your power will shut off.” Prepaid cards are … Continue reading
Posted in Detectives, Misc.
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New Troy Defense Pump Action Rifle
Troy Defense’s new pump action sporting rifle reminds me of the Remington 7615P patrol rifle, that was marketed to law enforcement as an easily transitioned rifle that was identical in workings to a police 870 shotgun. The Troy model is obviously more AR-15 than pump shotty, but you get the idea. Troy Defense says their sporting rifle “is complaint in areas where legal ownership of standard semi-automatic rifles have been legislatively limited.” I don’t see this as something that is a replacement for the standard semi-auto AR-15’s used by law enforcement, in fact, if you can think of a reason a department should buy them for duty use, leave a … Continue reading
Posted in Firearms
6 Comments
K9 Team Fired Upon
This incident from Pinellas Park, FL gave me chills and reminded me of the 2006 shooting death of Polk County Deputy Matt Williams and K9 DiOGi. Tracking desperate criminals, and since they are on the run–they are desperate, is very dangerous work. Anyone who has been on the non-dog end of the leash in the dark knows this. K9 teams in my day worked alone. Nowadays, the dogs and handlers are often joined by a second trained handler as a back-up. I have worked as the trailing officer and have been there to assist in arrests. It is a sound tactic. I am glad the Pinellas Park K9 team won … Continue reading
FBI Going Back To 9mm
Continuing a trend to steer away from larger handgun calibers for law enforcement, the FBI will be soliciting vendors, i.e. firearms manufacturers, for commercial off the shelf (COTS) semi-automatic pistols chambered for the 9 x 19mm round for future test and evaluation. The FBI currently fields the .40 S&W caliber for standard use. A movement toward 9mm and from .45 ACP, .40 S&W, and .357 Sig comes down to ballistic effectiveness and training issues, in my opinion. The Wonder 9’s modern bullet technology and increased magazine capacity make it attractive. And let’s face it, today’s generation of cops rarely have had a traditional firearms upbringing–especially with handguns. Teaching and maintaining … Continue reading
Remington R51 Update
Remington Arms released the following statement today: July 25, 2014 Remington R51 Pistol Product Update Earlier this year, we launched the innovative R51 subcompact pistol to critical acclaim. During testing, numerous experts found the pistol to function flawlessly. In fact, they found it to have lower felt recoil, lower muzzle rise and better accuracy and concealability than other products in its class. However, after initial commercial sales, our loyal customers notified us that some R51 pistols had performance issues. We immediately ceased production to re-test the product. While we determined the pistols were safe, certain units did not meet Remington’s performance criteria. The performance problems resulted from complications during our … Continue reading
Posted in Firearms
2 Comments
Swab-its, Bore-Tips, and Gun-Tips for Gun Cleaning
I saw Swab-its® brand Bore-Tips and Gun-Tips at SHOT Show this year. They are reusable firearm cleaning products Made in the USA. Some advantages to Gun-Tips are: • Gun-tips® foam swabs are reusable and replace cotton swabs. • Fiber free, does not shed or leave lint behind. • Perfect for cleaning and lubricating hard to reach places. • Available in a variety of shapes, sizes and packages. • Economical, washable and reusable, just like Bore-tips®. • Made in the USA. Pam over at Swab-Its sent me the story below, which explains their products better than I can. This is the story of an innovative American company, Super Brush LLC, which, … Continue reading