Monthly Archives: June 2014

Assessing for Detectives

Posted on June 28, 2014 by Randall

My Boss recently tasked me with running an assessment center for Property Crimes Detective.  At my agency, a property crimes dick investigates cases of burglary, grand theft, auto theft, arson, pawn/secondhand/metals recycling violations, and any other related incidents.  Though I had been involved in selecting SWAT Team members, K9 handlers, and Field Training officers over the last twenty years, I had never put together a detectives process. I started by reviewing the previous assessment, which had been held a year ago and about nine months before I took over as the Property Crimes sergeant.  It had consisted of the prospective candidates being given an oral board interview and a problem-solving … Continue reading →

Posted in Detectives | 4 Comments

Flashlight Terminology by Elzetta Tactical Lights

Posted on June 25, 2014 by Randall

Dave Barnett from Elzetta Tactical Lighting explains some of the light output terminology you might use to decide whether or not to buy a flashlight for duty use.  Dave has informed and entertained us in their SHOT Show booth for several years.  They make solid lights and mounts here in the USA.  Check out their products. Randall

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Gerber Ding Dong!

Posted on June 19, 2014 by Randall

It’s a big multi-tool!  Says Gerber: “A sledgehammer. A battering ram. A pry bar. All three are essential breaching tools for operators who need to get through doors quickly. The Ding Dong combines these three tools into one tight package. The enlarged hammer head features machined cross-hatching that effectively bites into doors and other surfaces as you smash into them, minimizing slip and maximizing impact. The enlarged pry bar at the end of the handle is perfect for wedging into door frames. The Ding Dong’s fiberglass handle features two molded rings equally spaced to create mechanical stops for the operator’s hands, ensuring a solid grip when swinging at or ramming … Continue reading →

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Freeman Outdoor Gear Model 451 Knives

Posted on June 16, 2014 by Randall

I was immediately drawn to Jeff Freeman’s booth at Blade Show 2014.  His Freeman Outdoor Gear knives looked just right for first responders.  I discovered exactly why when I learned that Jeff is a U.S. Army veteran and a former wildland firefighter. To honor the men and women with whom he worked in the fire service, Jeff named his Model 451 after the radio call sign “451” which was his crew’s.  It is coincidentally the ignition temperature at which paper burns, according to the famous Ray Bradbury novel. Regardless of the reasoning, these are some hot knives.  The standard and compact 451 are full tang CPM-S35VN steel at a RHC … Continue reading →

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New Heckler & Koch VP9

Posted on June 11, 2014 by Randall

Heckler & Koch pro shooter, Air Force veteran, and sheriff’s deputy John Rasmussen gives us a quick tour of the upcoming H&K VP9 9mm pistol. Randall

Posted in Firearms | 4 Comments

Miller Brothers Blades Serious Heavy Use Knives

Posted on June 9, 2014 by Randall

Miller Brothers Blades does not fool around with dainty knives.  If you think I’m kidding, watch the video at the end of the article where they pound one of their knives through 1/4″ plate steel, then cut with the same edge.  Whoa. With care, I handled over a dozen of their wares at Blade Show.  Each one had a scary sharp edge.  The steel for their knives is high carbon 5160.  Most of their knife profiles can be done in 1/4″ or 5/16″ steel.  The blades are black phosphate coated, which I was told treats the steel and is more durable than a powdercoat or spray on finish. The Miller … Continue reading →

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Blade Show 2014

Posted on June 5, 2014 by Randall

I will be en route to Blade Show at 0500 tomorrow.  I promise to post photos of any cool new sharpies I get to see in Atlanta! Randall

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Smith & Bradley Sans-13 Watch Review

Posted on June 1, 2014 by Randall

The Sans-13 from Smith & Bradley Watches is intended for law enforcement and tactical military personnel.  Jerommie Smith and Ryan Bradley are the Sidney, Illinois founders of the brand.  As their first watch, the Sans-13 was designed with input from those who would be the end users–cops and soldiers.  Jerommie is a Police K9 Handler and Ryan is an attorney.  I met them both earlier this year at SHOT Show and I can vouch for their genuine passion about timepieces. Shortly after SHOT, I bought a Sans-13 from their website.  Since then, I have worn this watch from the drudgery of desk work to search warrant services to dicey homicide … Continue reading →

Posted in Misc., Off Duty, SHOT Show, SWAT | Tagged | Leave a comment