Monthly Archives: May 2014

Vacationing Cop Wears Mil-Spec Monkey Hoodie

Posted on May 27, 2014 by Randall

Mil-Spec Monkey posted my photograph on his Facebook page wearing one of his MSM Hoodies.  Thanks, Monkey!  My wife shot this pic while we were hiking in northern California two weeks ago.  We were on a coastal trail and I had just spotted a gray whale.  Cameras up! Satellite imagery will show that the hoodie’s sleeves bear a Mil-Spec Monkey logo patch and ThinBlueFlorida patch (made by…the Monkey).  My faithful Tactical Tailor Urban Operator Backpack (misnamed for this outing) carries the photo gear, water, snacks, and first aid (including tourniquet and QuikClot combat gauze). What looks like a wallet in the right front jeans pocket is my Smith & Wesson … Continue reading →

Posted in Concealed Carry, Off Duty | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Memorial Day

Posted on May 26, 2014 by Randall

Here’s to honoring those brave men and women who, in the service of the United States’ Armed Forces, lost their lives to preserve our freedom.  I am having a day of reflection and gratitude… Randall

Posted in Misc. | Leave a comment

Federal Agents to Begin Recording Suspect Interviews

Posted on May 23, 2014 by Randall

The Justice Department has issued a policy change that will direct federal agents from the FBI, DEA, BATFE, and the U.S. Marshals Service to begin electronically recording suspect interviews. Welcome to the 1980’s, G-Men!  Seriously, this will be an important credibility boost for the Feds. One of my cyber-crimes detectives was recently on the stand in a federal trial.  As a task force agent, he was questioned on cross-examination about his lack of a recorded suspect interview.  In the gallery, I squirmed when the savvy defense lawyer pointedly asked him, “In your capacity as a local law enforcement officer, isn’t it true that you would have taped your interrogation of … Continue reading →

Posted in Legal | 3 Comments

Introducing the iStab

Posted on May 18, 2014 by Randall

Oh, boy. “The iStab is a 3D printed iPhone cover which has a folding knife along one edge, producing a blade whenever you might need one. This phone case is “cutting edge”, and is designed as an exploration in conceptual 3D printed weapons.” The models I based this idea from are free, and the programs needed edit the 3D files are also free: Netfabb and MeshMixer.” “The iStab is a great way to keep a cutting implement on hand at all times. This can be used as a weapon for self-defense for the next time you’re in a knife-fight like Michael Jackson in Beat It, or harmlessly used for everyday … Continue reading →

Posted in Humor, Knives, Officer Safety | Leave a comment

R.A.T.S. Tourniquet

Posted on May 15, 2014 by Randall

The Rapid Application Tourniquet System (R.A.T.S.) is another style of extremity hemorrhage control marketed to soldiers and police officers.  It consists of a 1/2″ flat bungee cord and aluminum cleat.  The instructions below are pretty self explanatory.

Posted in Medical, Officer Safety, Street | 1 Comment

RF Safe-Stop System to End Vehicle Pursuits?

Posted on May 12, 2014 by Randall

e2v technologies is a British company which is diversified into the defense, space, medical, industrial, civil aeronautics, and security industries.  They have a multitude of products that revolve around hi-reliability semi-conductors, lasers, radars, and the like.  In their security and rescue division is the RF Safe-Stop System. The system uses a proprietary radio frequency emission to “confuse” the electronics of a car or ship thus bringing it to a halt.  e2v says they have tested the RF Safe-Stop in low speed applications.  Further testing is in the works.  A prototype RF Safe-Stop is shown below  in the bed of a pickup.

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Absurd Police Foot Pursuits

Posted on May 9, 2014 by Randall

Lowa Boots, LLC, the German footwear maker, has a new line of tactical boots for the service professional.  The promotional video is a dramatized police foot pursuit.  I do not remember using parkour in any chase I was ever in. I do remember being in an absurd foot pursuit when I was a rookie on Midnight Shift.  It was like the chase scene from the movie Raising Arizona with dogs and houses and slo-mo’s of weird things passing by in the periphery.  We interrupted a residential burglar and he took off between the houses. Young and spry, I accelerated into the darkness to catch him.  It was not the nicest … Continue reading →

Posted in Humor, Street | Leave a comment

L.A.P.D. Approves Shellback Plate Carrier

Posted on May 5, 2014 by Randall

Shellback Tactical has announced that its Made in USA AGGRESSOR plate carrier in black has been approved for duty use by the Los Angeles Police Department.  The MSRP for the AGGRESSOR is $179.99.  The pouches and mags not included. Randall   NOW – L.A.P.D. (Los Angeles Police Department) Approved The AGGRESSOR Plate Carrier is integrated with several features. The AGGRESSOR Carrier challenges the status quo in Law Enforcement plate carriers. This carrier was designed from the ground up with the patrol officer or tactical operator in mind. Ideal to be worn as an outer plate carrier/ tactical vest with rifle hard armor plates. The carrier has integrated front and back … Continue reading →

Posted in Protective Armor | Tagged | Leave a comment

Florida Trooper Killed in Crash

Posted on May 3, 2014 by Randall

Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Chelsea Richard lost her life in the line of duty today when she was struck by a driver on I-75 in Marion County. While investigating a crash, a second multiple vehicle crash occurred and a pickup truck swerved into the trooper, a tow truck driver, and a bystander.  Trooper Richard and the tow truck driver were killed at the scene.  The third injured person was transported to the hospital in critical condition, where he later died. Trooper Richard, 30, was a nine year FHP veteran.  She is survived by her four year old son.  The crash is under investigation.  Services for the fallen trooper will be … Continue reading →

Posted in Officer Down | 1 Comment