Monthly Archives: August 2014

I Got Pulled Over

Posted on August 29, 2014 by Randall

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

Posted on August 25, 2014 by Randall

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 →

Posted in Officer Safety, Technology | Tagged | 4 Comments

Public Sevice Message

Posted on August 23, 2014 by Randall

Don’t worry, I am not going to dump a bucket of ice water over my head like everybody else. Randall

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Yet Another Day in the Pressure Cooker

Posted on August 22, 2014 by Randall

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

Posted on August 19, 2014 by Randall

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

Posted on August 17, 2014 by Randall

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

Posted on August 14, 2014 by Randall

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. | Leave a comment

New Troy Defense Pump Action Rifle

Posted on August 7, 2014 by Randall

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

Posted on August 2, 2014 by Randall

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 →

Posted in K9, Officer Safety | Tagged | Leave a comment