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Author Archives: Randall
Broward Deputy Cleared in “Stand Your Ground” Case
In December of 2015, I reported that Broward County Sheriff’s Deputy Peter Peraza was indicted by a grand jury for manslaughter in an officer-involved shooting. He was the first Florida law enforcement officer charged for an OIS in 25 years. Today, Broward Circuit Judge Michael Usan ruled in favor of Dep. Peraza’s Stand Your Ground motion and dismissed the charge. In July of 2013, Dep. Peraza responded with other deputies to three 911 reports of an armed suspect walking in an apartment complex. The suspect refused to drop his rifle and did not comply with the deputies’ commands. Deputies and a witness stated that the suspect pointed his rifle toward … Continue reading
Posted in Legal, Street
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Baton Rouge Police Murders
Three Baton Rouge area police officers were murdered in an ambush this morning. At this time, at least three other officers have been wounded, one black male suspect is dead, while two suspects are at large. The last fallen Dallas police officer had just been laid to rest this weekend and now more LE families have been tragically struck. My agency worked this week to prep for a BLM rally in a local park. A large thunderstorm quashed the protest, but it was a good practice run for our newer officers, who have not yet had to stand a line. Still, it added to the workload for all of us … Continue reading
Posted in Officer Down, Officer Safety, Street
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Felon Fires Shots at Indianapolis Officer’s Home
For those of you with take home police cars, be aware of an incident at 0230 hrs this morning. A purported Black Lives Matter supporter fired 17 9mm bullets at the home and police cruiser of an Indianapolis Metro officer. Fortunately, the LEO and his family were unharmed. The suspect, who was wearing a shirt that said “F*#k the Police” and “Black Lives Matter,” shouted that he hated the police. The officer had previously arrested the suspect, who did two stints in prison, for a firearms charge. With violence escalating against law enforcement, we need to be vigilant and protect our families. If that means forgoing an assigned police car … Continue reading
Posted in Officer Safety, Politics
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Dallas Ambush Shootings
In the past 24 hours, there have been ambush shootings of police officers in Dallas, Texas, Valdosta, Georgia, and Ballwin, Missouri. Five officers are dead and at least 9 are wounded. Some in the law enforcement community are in shock, others are very angry. Family, friends, and concerned citizens have been reaching out to those in our profession with support. Food arrived at our station today, donated by sympathetic locals in appreciation for what we do. A retired officer called and asked that we be careful out on the street. My cousin, an officer in New Jersey, Facebooked me a “watch your back” message. The conversation as my guys arrived … Continue reading
Posted in Officer Down, Officer Safety, Street
12 Comments
Latest Fentanyl Alert from the DEA
https://www.dea.gov/video_clips/Fentanyl%20Roll%20Call%20Video.mp4 This is a three minute video from the DEA on the hazards of handling fentanyl. Two New Jersey detectives give their version of a scary close call at about 50 seconds in. Stay safe. Randall
Posted in Uncategorized
2 Comments
Orlando Suffers Terror Attack
It was with great sorrow that I awoke this morning and read of the worst mass shooting in U.S. history in Orlando. At this time there are fifty dead and at least as many wounded. I have friends at both the Orlando Police Department and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and I am certain the officers and deputies responded with bravery. Only Friday, OPD arrived at the shooting of a pop star and subsequent suicide of her murderer. Twice this weekend, OPD Chief John Mina has stood before the press to deliver devastating news. The circumstances of the Pulse nightclub massacre quickly indicated the influence of radical Islam. ISIS later … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
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Last 9/11 SAR Dog Passes
K9 Bretagne (said Brittany) was deployed to Ground Zero in 2001. She was overcome by old age and health problems this week and was put to sleep. She was the last known 9/11 search and rescue dog. Owner/handler Denise Corliss walked her through an honor guard of Cy-Fair firefighters in Harris, Texas. Bretagne served as a SAR Task Force 1 dog and later with local fire departments. Thanks for your service, Bretagne. Randall
Posted in K9, Misc.
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Memorial Day
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. In honor of the National Moment of Remembrance, at 3 p.m., I will be taking time … Continue reading
Posted in Misc.
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Intrusion Alarm
From my desk, which clearly lacks a light bar, siren, steering wheel, or other useful device, I was scanning the live calls-for-service feature on my computer this morning. I saw a couple of our rookie call signs at a residential intrusion alarm. They had asked for the radio channel and a few minutes later released it, saying they were 10-4 at the scene. When I read the incident notes, I saw that they had found an unlocked slider and entered to check the residence. Were they developing good officer safety habits? Did they announce their presence and authority before entering, as we teach them in FTO? I hoped they maintained … Continue reading
Posted in Detectives, Street
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National Police Week and Heroes Plaza in Tampa
This week is National Police Week and the National Peace Officers Memorial Day was Sunday, May 15. The 35th Annual Memorial Service was held yesterday in Washington, D.C. It was fitting that I was able to visit Heroes Plaza along the Tampa Riverwalk over the weekend. The Heroes Plaza was dedicated on Sept. 11, 2009. It honors all those in uniform who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country–soldiers, airmen, sailors, police officers, fire fighters, and emergency responders. It was paid for by the City of Tampa and Hillsborough County. Inscribed on granite plaques are the names of law enforcement and firefighters who have lost their lives on duty … Continue reading
Posted in Misc., Officer Down
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Walmarts Burden Local Police Departments
Are you “lucky” enough to have a Walmart in your jurisdiction? If so, then the following won’t surprise you much…but it might shock those who don’t work in law enforcement. Tampa Bay Times reporters did a bit of research and found out that Walmart stores are a heavy drain on police agencies and taxpayer dollars. The TBT found that in 2014 there were 16,794 calls for service among the 53 Walmarts in the greater Tampa Bay area, to include Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and Hernando counties. Fifteen police agencies were asked for data. TBT researchers excluded traffic crashes, medical calls, directed patrols, business checks, and other calls not directly associated with … Continue reading
Posted in Media, Street
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Not One of Ours
Really, dude? The bike and cable lock can be lifted straight up over the sign. Don’t know how I know that. Randall
Posted in Humor
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Testing First Tactical’s Executive Briefcase, Copperhead Knife, and Small Duty Light
After I had written an article about First Tactical’s new Diamondback folding knife, I was contacted by a company rep who asked if I would like to test and evaluate some of their products. Why, sure! While I was talking to the fellow on the phone, I was staring at my old, old Blackhawk travel bag that had been my daily carry for the last decade or two. Can I test one of your nylon bags? I asked. I went to the First Tactical™ website and perused their offerings. Not wanting to press for too much, I pitched him the idea of a T&E for a briefcase, small folding knife, … Continue reading
May the Fourth be with you!
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LvswNDAAZCU It’s COPS in a galaxy far, far away. Just watch it. You’ll recognize some things. Happy Star Wars Day! Randall
Posted in Humor
2 Comments
Magnetactical Belt Clip Lends a Hand
Updated: Devin sent me a slightly redesigned version of the Magnetactical belt clip, so I am re-posting this article. Here is a photo of the old and new style. The newer belt clip has a squared-off upper and lower edge, which will grip items better than the rounded type. I like it. Devin Stutz is a sort of modern day Geomancer, one who divines things from the very properties of the Earth. Bear with me. While at his police range sessions, Stutz pondered how to improve his one-handed and support-handed reloads and manipulations for the pistol. As if drawn to a solution with his “boots in the dirt,” Stutz came … Continue reading
Posted in Firearms, Officer Safety, Tactics, Technology
1 Comment