1st District Court of Appeals Rules on Facebook Threats

Posted on March 21, 2013 by Randall

This week, the 1st District Court of Appeal, State of Florida, upheld a trial court ruling that a defendant who posted, on his own personal Facebook page, a tirade of profanity and promises to hurt a relative violated Florida Statute 836.10, Written Treats to Kill or Do Bodily Harm, a second degree felony. O’Leary v. State, Slip Op. No. 1D12-0975 (Fla. 1st DCA, 2013).

Timothy Ryan O’Leary wrote the anti-gay diatribe, aimed at one of his relatives and her same-sex partner, on his Facebook page. Because O’Leary is Facebook friends with his cousin Michael and Michael is also related to the threatened relative, it broke the law, even though the threatened relative was not contacted by O’Leary personally in the incident.

O’Leary sought to have the charges dismissed because he argued that the Facebook comments were not “sent” to the threatened relative, but simply posted on his personal page. O’Leary had pled no contest to one count of the offense (the other count having been dropped by the prosecution) with the stipulation that it could be appealed. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by 10 years of probation.

In denying O’Leary’s motion to dismiss the charges, the 1st DCA used the three element test in State vs. Wise, 664 So. 2d 1028, 1030 (Fla. 2nd DCA 1995). For a violation of Florida Statute 836.10, Wise requires:

1. A person writes or composes a threat to kill or do bodily harm;

2. The person sends or procures the sending of that communication to another person; Continue reading →

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T.U.C.Rig — Tactical Under Carry for Equipment

Posted on March 19, 2013 by Randall

A West Central Florida police officer/SWAT member has come up with a simple carry method for ancillary equipment with external clips or sheaths.  She calls it the T.U.C.Rig for Tactical Under Carry Rig.  Consisting of a nylon strap, single buckle, and hook and loop closure, it can secure items that have clips, such as knives and flashlights.  It can also be threaded through pouches with belt loops or MOLLE attachments.  The T.U.C.Rig mounts on the ankle, arm, or even on body armor vest straps.

For the last two months, I have been using the T.U.C.Rig to tote my C.A.T. Tourniquet while on shift.  I attach the hook and loop of the T.U.C.Rig into the hook and loop of the C.A.T. and cinch it to my ankle above the boot.  They are not going to come off and I do not feel them during the day.  Since I was looking for a minimalist way to carry my tourniquet, this was the perfect solution.

To field test the T.U.C.Rig, the inventing officer, who carries a folding knife clipped over her boot with the rig, has enlisted (or conscripted…) several tactical operators, patrol cops, and fire rescue personnel.  Since the Continue reading →

Posted in Concealed Carry, Florida Companies, Knives, Medical, Technology | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

VHS, the YouTube of Yesterday

Posted on March 17, 2013 by Randall

Back in 1987 (the year I was sworn in), sending out a hundred training tapes on VHS was the equivalent of something going viral today.  A traffic stop in Los Angeles that year prompted this sarcastic training tape.

According to lore, the LA Police Department sent out a roll call safety brief stating that gang members may be using former LA County Sheriff’s Department Chevrolet Malibu’s for criminal activities.  LAPD Harbor Division cops end up stopping a “suspicious” unmarked Chevy Malibu on felony traffic.  The Malibu contains–two sworn LASD deputies!  Despite being in full uniform, the deputies are taken down at gunpoint by the PD officers and detained until an LAPD supervisor arrives.

Needless to say, the simultaneously dangerous and hilarious misadventure prompted ire and this unauthorized training video made by LASD deputies.  It was labeled Training and sent to numerous divisions of the LAPD.

I had seen this video at an LE school back in the 1990’s–you know, when the instructors used to show funny (non-PC) videos during breaks.  Now a part of the Internets, Who Are You? surfaces every couple of years on someone’s forum site.  I thought if you haven’t seen it, it is worth a laugh.

Randall

Posted in Humor | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

RDR Holsters Micro Carry Review

Posted on March 15, 2013 by Randall

RDR (Rounds Down Range) Holsters is a Hollywood, FL company making Kydex™ holsters and accessory carriers for most major brands of concealed carry handguns.  One of our longtime readers here at ThinBlueFlorida, M@ (Matt–get it?), met me at SHOT Show out on the main floor.  Funny, we both traveled all the way from Florida just to meet in Nevada.  M@, who works for RDR, brought me a RDR Micro Carry holster for my Kahr PM9.

Founded by two brothers, RDR is visibly represented by owner Jeff Wilber.  Mr. Wilber is very active in the firearms industry.  In January 2013, it was announced that Mr. Wilber would be the new Sales Manager for PistolPay, LLC, a secure online platform for the purchase of high value items such as firearms, ammunition, accessories, and knives.

When I went in search of a new holster for my PM9, I checked out RDR’s website.  I knew I wanted something minimalist and for IWB carry.  Though RDR has models for belt and IWB, the Micro Carry was just what I wanted.  I ordered one in Coyote Tan (FDE).  The RDR holsters also come in Black, Carbon Continue reading →

Posted in Concealed Carry, Firearms, Florida Companies, Off Duty, SHOT Show | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

What You Don’t Know…

Posted on March 10, 2013 by Randall

The weather was beautiful, so my wife and I took a walk to get out of the house.  Along the journey, we headed down the sidewalk near a set of waterfront condos.  There was a sheriff’s office cruiser parked parallel to our path.  As we went by the driver’s side of the patrol car, my wife and I waved to the deputy sheriff.  She was young and appeared to be talking on her cell phone–no problem there, she was stationary.  That would pass muster under our General Orders.  She smiled and nodded back to us–good public relations for Starman.

I could not help but feel uneasy as I was strolling by with a loaded gun in a holster under my shirt.  I knew the deputy could not possibly see the handgun.  What gave me pause was that she did not know I was armed and just feet from the imaginary safety of her driver’s seat.  I know I have been in her place many times before.

We assume so much in our line of work.  Two nice people in casual dress walking down the sidewalk in the Florida sun, no harm there.  But it is a set of beliefs based upon what is in the mind of the officer, not what is really Continue reading →

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Armored Mobility Inc. Rapid Response Carrier and SAPI3 Plate Review

Posted on March 6, 2013 by Randall

My agency responded to an active shooter in the workplace last week.  Shots were fired.  Hundreds of workers, fearing the worst, hid in their offices.  There were gunfire injuries to a civilian.  Our PD response was swift and decisive.  The shooter was arrested.  Afterward, some of my co-workers expressed a desire to upgrade their patrol load out to include a critical incident vest.  I could not help but give them my opinion on the importance of armor and ammo.

I currently have an Armored Mobility Inc. (AMI) Rapid Response Carrier with two AMI SAPI3 plates in the CVPI trunk while on duty.  Armor–check.  Multiple AR-15  and Sig magazines.  Ammo–check.

Since leaving the active part of SWAT after 20+ years, I have gone minimalist for patrol critical incidents.  Again, armor and ammo.  For urgent street calls, my go-vest has rifle plates to go over the uniform and concealed IIIa body armor.  A reasonable payload of 5.56 x 45mm bullets, an extra .40 cal. mag, and a Benchmade SOCP dagger complete the package.

On any hot patrol call, I will already have all my daily carry gear on board.  My work environment has BLS and ALS on scene in mere minutes.  We are lucky.  A CAT tourniquet and dressings will hold the line for TCCC, but you have to survive the fight.

The AMI Rapid Response Carrier is an extremely well constructed and thoughtful product.  In speaking to AMI Rep Bill Gazza at SWAT Round-Up last year, he said the aim for the Rapid Response Carrier was to make a simple, lightweight plate carrier with just the essentials and Continue reading →

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St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Sergeant Murdered

Posted on March 1, 2013 by Randall

Sgt. Gary Morales Courtesy St. Lucie SO

Yesterday morning, St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Gary Morales was shot to death on a traffic stop in Fort Pierce.  Sgt. Morales was in his patrol vehicle when suspect Eriese Alphonso Tisdale exited the stopped car and shot Morales.  Morales later died at Lawnwood Regional Medical Center.

According to SLCSO, the suspect is in custody and is charged with first-degree premeditated murder, assault on an officer/firefighter/EMT, fleeing and eluding and possession of a weapon or ammunition by a felon.

Sgt. Morales was a former U.S. Air Force K9 handler.  A 13 year veteran of the SLCSO, he had served as an SRO, SWAT Sniper Team Leader, and Special Investigations detective.

Sgt. Morales leaves behind a wife and two young daughters.  A public viewing is scheduled for Monday March 4 at 10:00 at the Westside Baptist Church, 3361 South Jenkins Road in Fort Pierce.

Sgt. Morales is the first police officer to be killed in the line of duty this year in Florida.  Our condolences go out to his family and the SLCSO.

The following information was forwarded to me from Barbara Snow at the US War Dogs Assoc., Southern Chapter.

Sgt. Gary Morales
07/13/1977 – 02/28/2013

Click here for more information

Viewing
Monday March 4th, 2013 at 10:00am

Service
Monday March 4th, 2013 at 12:00pm
Westside Baptist Church
Located at 3361 S. Jenkins Rd.
Fort Pierce, FL 34981

Graveside Service
Monday March 4th, 2013 immediately following
Forest Hills Memorial Park
2001 SW Murphy Rd
Palm City, Fl 34990

Donations
Anyone wishing to make donations to the Morales family may make checks to
“The 100 Club of St. Lucie County, Florida”
Please designate the donation is for the Morales Family.
100% of the donation goes directly to the family.

Mailing Address
The Hundred Club of St. Lucie County, FL
4700 W. Midway Rd.
Fort Pierce, FL 34981

Accomodations for Guests

Hilton Garden Inn (PGA)
845 Commerce Centre Dr.
Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
(772) 871-6850
Rate of $109 – Group Name “Gary”

Resident Inn
1920 SW Fountain View
Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
(772) 344-7814
Rate of $99 – Group Name “Morales”

Randall

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Blueguns by Ring’s Manufacturing

Posted on February 27, 2013 by Randall

New Blueguns for 2013

I was lucky to have a lengthy chat with John Ring, the owner of Blueguns, at SHOT Show.  He is a very interesting gentleman with an equally engaging story about his Melbourne, Florida company.  It seems that Mr. Ring was originally in the business of renting props to Hollywood.  Ring and his associates began making rubber guns and other items for movies.  As they progressed, the company began making the polyurethane blue guns that we now use in law enforcement training.  Mr. Ring said 5 to 10% of their business is still on the big screen.

In the photo at the top are four new blue guns for 2013:  a Sig Sauer P290, Smith & Wesson Shield, Beretta Nano, and Kimber Solo.  Mr. Ring said there will be additions to the FN line of guns as well as the above pistols available about now.

Below are a few rubber movie props, courtesy of Ring’s Manufacturing.  The movie props differ from Blueguns as they are painted in realistic colors, which would be unsafe in the training environment but perfect for actors to wield on set.

Continue reading →

Posted in Firearms, Florida Companies | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

U.S. Fire Arms ZiP Pistol–Part Deux

Posted on February 25, 2013 by Randall

I wrote a quick article about the U.S. Fire Arms ZiP pistol back in December.  I met with Chris from U.S. Fire Arms at SHOT Show and had a chance to examine and shoot the ZiP.  The little gun, which loads .22 cal. long rifle ammunition from a Ruger rotary 10 round magazine, is made mainly for plinking.  It was cool and not nearly as ungainly in the hand as it looks in photos.

With your middle finger inserted in the hole below the trigger guard and using that for the base of your grip, the ZiP Continue reading →

Posted in Firearms, SHOT Show | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Stay Safe

Posted on February 23, 2013 by Randall

One of my guys was seriously injured and almost murdered and a second narrowly escaped with his life during an incident last night.  Today was a long day as the investigation continued.  I have been to the funerals of officers I have known.  I literally cannot count on one hand the number of officers and deputies I consider friends who have been shot in the line of duty over the years.  Most of us have suffered injuries.  For all of you wearing a badge and gun to protect the public, mind your officer safety, switch on your situational awareness, and trust no one on the streets.  Back up your buddies and man the Thin Blue Line.  It’s what we do.

Randall

Posted in Officer Safety | 4 Comments

U.S. Supreme Court Overturns Florida in K9 Records Case

Posted on February 20, 2013 by Randall

One of my old partners…

Yesterday, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Florida Supreme Court in the 2006 K9 narcotics detector case of Florida vs. Harris.  Siding with the trial court, the Supreme Court ruled that K9 training and testing documentation are sufficient trial evidence to support the probable cause of a drug dog’s alert.  The Florida High Court had ruled that the State must provide “an exhaustive set of records, including a log of the dog’s field performance, to establish the dog’s reliability.”

The Supremes disagreed and cited Illinois vs Gates 642 U.S. 213-239 (1983):  “Finely tuned standards such as proof beyond a reasonable doubt or by a preponderance of the evidence have no place in the [probable cause] decision.”  In the majority opinion, Justice Kagan wrote,  “To evaluate whether the State has met this practical and common sense standard, this Court has consistently looked to the totality of the circumstances and rejected rigid rules, bright-line tests, and mechanistic inquiries.”

In sum, “Because training records established (the dog’s) reliability in detecting drugs and Harris failed to undermine that showing, we agree with the trial court that the (the officer) had probable cause to search Harris’s truck.  We accordingly reverse the judgment of the Florida Supreme Court.”

The ruling in Florida vs. Harris was being watched very intently across the nation by K9 narcotics trainers and handlers as Continue reading →

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New Springfield Armory XD-S 9 Pistol

Posted on February 18, 2013 by Randall

At last year’s SHOT Show, USPSA and IPSC championship shooter Rob Leatham showed me Springfield Armory’s new XD-S, a sub-compact single stack .45 ACP pistol.  I shot one and I was impressed with it.  For 2013, Mr. Leatham was running around at his normally frenetic pace giving media members a look and trigger time with SA’s new XD-S 9.

Mr. Leatham told me the new 9mm semi-auto has the same basic dimensions as the .45 XD-S, except for cartridge capacity, which increases to 7+1 in 9mm.  Springfield Armory’s XD and XD-M series have been very popular.  The XD-S single stack guns, at only 0.9” in slide width, are just that little bit more concealable.

 

CALIBER 9mm
CAPACITY 7 + 1 RDS
WEIGHT 21.5 oz.
BARREL MELONITE®
Fully Supported Ramp
SIGHTS STEEL DOVETAIL REAR
FIBER OPTIC FRONT
SLIDE FORGED STEEL
FRAME BLACK POLYMER
MAGAZINES 2 STAINLESS STEEL SINGLE STACK
OVERALL HEIGHT
with Magazine		 4.4″
OVERALL LENGTH 6.3″
OVERALL WIDTH 1″

I put a couple magazines of 9mm hardball through one of the dusty, dirty XD-S 9’s on the range table.  While I had no issue with .45 ACP stoking last year’s gun, 2013’s XD-S in 9mm was downright Continue reading →

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Florida International Drivers Permit Law Causes Stir

Posted on February 16, 2013 by Randall

Our Dispatch Center was recently besieged with calls from upset Canadian citizens seeking information on how to obtain an “International Drivers License.”  This rush was apparently was spurred by letters sent to the Canadians by their government urging them to apply for these licenses immediately based upon a new Florida law requiring all non U.S. residents to carry this new document when driving.  The situation was made worse by the fact that no one in our Dispatch was clear about what the frantic Canadians were talking about.

There is no such thing as an “International Drivers License.”  The document in question is an International Driving Permit (IDP) that translates a person’s valid drivers license into the language of the country the person is visiting.  International Drivers Permits do not authorize a person to drive a motor vehicle in any country.  They only provide a translation of the valid drivers license a person already possesses.

The U.S. Department of State has authorized the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) to issue IDP’s in the United States.  For U.S. citizens, an International Drivers Permit can be obtained through AAA at the following link:

AAA/International Drivers Permit

Our Canadian visitors and part-time residents can access IDP information here:

CAA/International Drivers Permit

The current IDP resembles a passport, bears a photo and physical descriptors of the driver, and gives translations of the valid drivers license in multiple foreign languages.  Their valid drivers license must accompany the IDP for a person to legally drive in another country.  No IDP is necessary in the U.S. if their originating country prints the drivers license in English.

The debate about the requirement for IDP’s became heated this week and the Florida Division of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles issued this statement on Continue reading →

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The Right K9 Tool for the Right Job

Posted on February 14, 2013 by Randall

One of my K9 partners who was Patrol and Narcotics trained.  Not a Bomb Dog.

We responded to a bomb threat last week.  Having an explosives detector dog at the scene reminded me of a call years ago when I was a K9 handler.

It was the early 1990’s.  I was working a dual-purpose Patrol and Narcotics K9 on the Midnight Shift.  A woman called 911 to report that she was having a domestic with her boyfriend.  During the argument, he threatened to blow her and her whole family up.  Prior to our arrival, she told the dispatcher that he had left their…wait for it…mobile home with something under his shirt.

Officers arrived on scene and she disgorged that he had previously served in the Marine Corps and knew something about explosives.  While we were speaking to the woman, the male arrived back at the trailer.  He consented to a pat down.  Nothing on him.  We questioned him about her assertions.  Of course, he did not know what we were talking about.

I turned to the sergeant on scene.  I had a brilliant idea.  No, my dog isn’t a bomb detector, but if the man hid something in the darkened mobile home park, I could follow his track with the dog and find anything he might have secreted that had human scent on it.  The sergeant was skeptical.  Seriously, I told him, I’ll be careful and keep Continue reading →

Posted in Humor, K9 | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

N8² Tactical’s Professional Series Holsters

Posted on February 11, 2013 by Randall

N8² Tactical makes holsters in North Carolina.  At SHOT Show 2013, I asked Nate Beard about their name.  Nate Beard and Nate Johnson formed the company.  “Nate Squared,” get it?  I asked Mr. Beard what was new and he showed me their improved Professional IWB concealed carry holster.

From the N8² Tactical website:

The Nate Squared Tactical Professional holster is the ultimate IWB (inside-the-waistband) holster. It has all the comfort of our Original design, but comes with the following additional features: 

  • ADJUSTABLE CANT
  • TUCKABLE 
  • EXCELLENT POSITIVE RETENTION

The holster is made of polycarbonate, which is an extremely durable thermoplastic. Common uses range from cd’s & dvd’s to bullet resistant glass. We chose to use polycarbonate because it has 30% more tensile strength and almost double the impact strength of acrylic-polyvinyl chloride, which is the material used by many of the most popular IWB holsters on the market today. All of this simply means that the Professional holster is made Continue reading →

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