Category Archives: Officer Safety

Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Police Training

Posted on March 2, 2012 by Randall

We sometimes focus too much on technology and equipment in the law enforcement profession.  Real officer safety starts in the brain. In the wake of a critical incident earlier last year, my department decided to send a group of officers to Crisis Intervention Team training.  In a nutshell, the forty-hour CIT training block provides a unique insight into mental illness and how law enforcement can more effectively deal with those in crisis. After taking the CIT course, I can attest to its resolute commitment to officer safety.  From the outset, the instructors stressed that officer safety is of primary importance in dealing with mentally ill persons, and this course was … Continue reading →

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Ofc. David Crawford Murdered A Year Ago Today

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Randall

One year ago today, St. Petersburg Police Ofc. David S. Crawford was murdered in the line of duty by Nicholas Lindsey.  St. Petersburg Police was still reeling from the murders of Sgt. Tom Baitinger and K9 Ofc. Jeffrey Yaslowitz, less than a month earlier. To say our local law enforcement community was crushed would be a severe understatement.  Many of the officers and deputies involved in the manhunt for Lindsey were also involved in the response and investigation of the previous officers’ killings. My department had a large class of rookies in field training.  I guess it didn’t hurt for the sober realities of this profession to hit them early.  … Continue reading →

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Clay County Deputy is First Florida Officer Killed in 2012

Posted on February 18, 2012 by Randall

Clay County Sheriff’s Detective David White was shot and killed Thursday during the investigation of a methamphetamine lab at a residence in Middleburg, FL.  Detective Matt Hanlin was wounded by gunfire in the same raid.  He is in serious but stable condition. Detectives went to the single family dwelling in the 4800 Block of Alligator Boulevard on a tip of a meth lab.  The house was vacant, had a power cord running to it from a neighboring house, and was believed to be occupied by squatters.  The homeowner, Terrance Smith, gave deputies permission to go and enter the house. Nine deputies arrived at the house.  White and Hanlin were at … Continue reading →

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Police Profiling for Officer Safety

Posted on February 13, 2012 by Randall

I was driving to work last night in my personal car.  My route takes me through a relatively rundown section of the city where I work.  I always tend to scan around as I drive, which sometimes prompts my wife to say, “Stop patrolling!” On this night, I saw some people walking around and from the anonymity of my own car, I thought about the nature of my observations as a citizen verses those of a law enforcement officer.  A red light stopped me at a cross street. A young black male was walking up to the intersection.  I gave him the once over:  baggy black basketball shorts, loose black … Continue reading →

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Voodoo Tactical Armor Carrier Review

Posted on February 3, 2012 by Randall

Despite the fact that the trunk of my Crown Victoria Police Interceptor resembles a scaled down version of our Tactical Room, I have gone out and bought a Voodoo Tactical 20-8399 Plate Carrier to add some serious protection to my kit. Bailout bags are all the rage. I prefer a bailout load-bearing vest for patrol work, for that time when you need extra ammo, medical equipment, and basic tools in a critical incident.  I’m now going up the ante and say an armor plate carrier is the best bet of all three options. When working the street, we wear soft body armor.  It should be NIJ Standard 0101.06 Level IIIa.  … Continue reading →

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Some Tips on Safe Concealed Firearms Carry

Posted on January 31, 2012 by Randall

I carry a gun when I am off duty.  A person who is trained in firearms handling and basic tactics, has studied the legal use of lethal force, and possesses a concealed firearms carry permit should as well. There have been too many incidents, especially over the last few years, where an armed citizen or off duty police officer could have stopped the killing in an active shooter situation.  There are many more examples of this than I can mention.  Read the news. I can say that this use of force must be held judiciously and only as a last resort, but it can be the final defense in an … Continue reading →

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Video Recording the Police Can Be Illegal

Posted on January 13, 2012 by Randall

A citizen with a cellular phone was arrested for obstructing justice when he recorded the activities of Tampa, FL police officers investigating a disturbance call on May 1, 2011.  Two officers were in a public parking lot in Ybor City checking on a reported fight at 2:30 am. Jeffrey Dylan Patch began video recording the officers with a cell phone camera. In the blurry video shot by Patch, he was told by an officer, “Sir, please step back.”  Patch is asked three times to move back.  Though Patch appears to comply, he is warned by an officer that, “You’re interfering with our investigation right now.” Patch is heard replying, “I … Continue reading →

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New Year’s Resolutions for a Cop

Posted on January 4, 2012 by Randall

Coming off my weekend, I thought of a few things that I resolve to do in 2012 for survival, professional development, and peace of mind: Spend more time with family for relaxation. Maintain fitness and a good (decent) diet. Get to the Range more (though I went two days ago). Be prepared each shift for a violent encounter. Make sure all weapons and duty equipment are in good order. Have patience with my co-workers. Remember that we are always in the public eye (and cameras). Be a good role model to the younger officers. Strive for quality work in all areas. Do not become obsessed with politics and rumors at … Continue reading →

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