Korth 9mm Sky Marshal Revolver is Moon-Clipless

Posted on January 16, 2015 by Randall

Korth of Germany is introducing a 9mm revolver at SHOT Show 2015 that will not use clips to hold the bullets.  It will be called the Sky Marshal.  I copied the specs off of the Korth website for you.  They are in German, which I took in college but can’t really remember that well, but I typed in some gram and millimeter translations which appear in red at the right.

Spezifikation:

Sky Marshal

Kaliber: 9mm Luger (NATO Standard), 6 Schuss  (schuss=shot)

Gewicht: 560 g    (19.75 ounces weight)

Höhe: 157 mm      (6.18 inches high)

Länge: 130 mm    (5.12 inches long)

Breite: 39mm       (1.54 inches width)

Lauflänge: 50,8mm (2 Zoll)  (barrel length and twist rate?)

Polygonlauf      (polygonal rifling)

Rahmen mit Hartcoatbeschichtung    (PVD coated frame)

Nachladbar mit eigenem Speedloader (ohne Clips!) in 9mm Luger    (Reloads with a 9mm speedloader, no clips!)

Picantinny Rail für individuelle Zusatzausrüstung  (Picatinny rail for accessories)

Whew!

The Sky Marshal will be a six-shot revolver in 9 x 19mm.  It will sport a Continue reading →

Posted in Firearms, SHOT Show | Tagged | 1 Comment

DNA Produces Facial Images

Posted on January 15, 2015 by Randall

snapshot-prediction-72DPII found this equal parts cool and creepy.  Parabon NanoLabs has developed a process called Snapshot that takes a DNA sample and extrapolates it into physical traits of the contributor.  The traits include sex, genetic ancestry, skin color, hair color, eye color, freckling, and–gulp–facial morphology.  A dab of blood or strand of hair can lead to a virtual mugshot of the person.  Yikes.

Parabon, based in Reston, VA, uses DNA phenotyping to read biomarkers and make predictions about physical appearance.  This process involves DNA data mining and data modeling to compare the genetic variants of the unknown subject against known DNA patterns.

With funding from the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Parabon NanoLabs spent four years working to develop and validate their science for utilization in the defense, law enforcement, security, and intelligence industries. Parabon states that Snapshot is “extremely accurate.” Continue reading →

Posted in Detectives, Technology | 2 Comments

Police Excitement Has Its Price

Posted on January 11, 2015 by Randall

Range ControlsYesterday, I had a nice young man over to the house to fix my range.  He has a start-up appliance business that he is working very hard to grow.  While he was installing some new potentiometers and circuit boards, we made casual conversation.  He knows what I do for a living and at one point he said, “Sometimes I wish I had done something exciting with my life–like you did.”  I wasn’t quite sure what to say.

Jamie, as I’ll call him, is newly and happily married.  He has a baby girl at home.  For all his elbow grease, Jamie has finally purchased a commercial van with logos and a mounted tablet for billing and inventory control.  He said he has many hard earned customers and word-of-mouth referrals so he can slow down on paid advertising.

Jamie said he wasn’t always thrilled to be fixing ‘fridges and dishwashers, but in the last two years, as he has developed his own style and customer base, his pride in his accomplishments has swelled.  Growing up in Tennessee, Jamie learned appliance repair from his father, so he is continuing what is their family business.

I imagine I was taken aback by his desire to “do something exciting” because that professional part of my life has exacted a tremendous price.  Continue reading →

Posted in Humor, Misc., Off Duty | 2 Comments

Police Officers Say, “Walk a Mile in Our Shoes.”

Posted on January 9, 2015 by Randall

Phoenix civil rights activist Rev. Jarrett Maupin and a Fox news reporter go through some standard police use of force scenarios and learn some things about what we as cops face everyday.  It strongly affected their preconceptions.  “We want his badge, we want his gun, we want his job!” Rev. Maupin had chanted earlier at a protest for a police shooting in Phoenix.

After this training session with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, Rev. Maupin said,  “I didn’t understand how important compliance was, but after going through this, yeah, my attitude has changed.”  During the Simunition training, both Maupin and the reporter shot an aggressive unarmed man approaching them in one of the scenarios.  “People need to comply with the orders of law enforcement officers for their own sake,” the reverend concluded.

I believe that if citizens had some insight into how law enforcement approaches these problems, they would be able to more objectively assess how their local police perform under these stresses.

Randall

 

Posted in Officer Safety, Politics, Street | Leave a comment

New 2015 Glock Models Leaked

Posted on January 3, 2015 by Randall

imageKiesler Police Supply has published photographs on their Facebook page of four new optics-ready Glock models, ahead of their SHOT Show 2015 release.  Based upon Gen4 frames, the latest Glocks are the G34 (9mm), G35 (.40 cal), G41 (.45 ACP), and the G40 Hunter (in the mighty 10mm Auto for bringing down…Russian Tu-95 Bear bombers).

image imageWhile the G34, G35, and G41 appear to have the 5.3″ barrel we shot on the G41 Practical Tactical last year at SHOT, my eye says the G40 Hunter is sporting a 6″ barrel.  I can’t wait to play with these at the Boulder City Range.

Randall

 

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

New Florida Child Restraint Changes in Effect Today

Posted on January 1, 2015 by Randall
Graco TurboBooster Seat

Graco TurboBooster Convertible Seat

Changes to Florida’s Child Restraint requirements go into effect today.  Children under five years of age must now be transported in a federally approved separate carrier child seat, vehicle manufacturer’s integrated child seat, or belt-positioning booster seats while riding in a motor vehicle upon the roadways, streets, or highways of the State.  Previously four and five year olds could be restrained with just a seat belt.

Section One of Florida State Statute 316.613 now reads:

(1)(a) Every operator of a motor vehicle as defined in this section, while transporting a child in a motor vehicle operated on the roadways, streets, or highways of this state, shall, if the child is 5 years of age or younger, provide for protection of the child by properly using a crash-tested, federally approved child restraint device.

1. For children aged through 3 years, such restraint device must be a separate carrier or a vehicle manufacturer’s integrated child seat.

2. For children aged 4 through 5 years, a separate carrier, an integrated child seat, or a child booster seat may be used. However, the requirement to use a child restraint device under this subparagraph does not apply when a safety belt is used as required in s. 316.614(4)(a) and the child:

a. Is being transported gratuitously by an operator who is not a member of the child’s immediate family;

b. Is being transported in a medical emergency situation involving the child; or
c. Has a medical condition that necessitates an exception as evidenced by appropriate documentation from a health care professional.

 

Violations of this section are still moving violations with an assessment of three points to the violator’s driver license.  Points can be waived by attending a court-approved child restraint safety course.  Link to the entire statute here.

Randall

Posted in Legal, Street | Leave a comment

Happy 2015!

Posted on January 1, 2015 by Randall

Happy 2015, friends!  New Year’s Day always reminds me of resolutions.  I posted the following photo and comments three years ago.  It was ThinBlueFlorida’s first real post.  Thanks for sticking around and reading my articles…

DSCN0227 copy 1

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 work.
  • Be a positive influence, not that miserable guy.
  • No more playing with gators.

Happy New Year!

Randall

Nine foot parking space equals eight foot alligator.

Nine foot parking space equals eight foot alligator.

Posted in Misc. | 2 Comments

Florida First Responder Appreciation Week

Posted on December 30, 2014 by Randall

TBFLogo800x600This came in from the Capitol this week.  It would be a good time to appreciate the sacrifices that all law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMT’s make each day they put on their uniforms to protect the citizens of the State of Florida.  None of these jobs are easy and each has its own inherent rewards and risks.   Take time out next week to thank someone who pins on a badge.  I know I will.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott issued the following proclamation recognizing January 5-9 as Florida First Responder Appreciation Week:

FLORIDA FIRST RESPONDER APPRECIATION WEEK

WHEREAS, Tarpon Springs Police Officer Charles Kondek and Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy Christopher Smith were recently killed in the line of duty; and

WHEREAS, each loss of a law enforcement officer is heartbreaking, and losing two heroes in less than a month is a cry for peace and a signal to all Floridians to pray for our men and women in uniform who protect our communities each day; and

WHEREAS, Florida’s first responders include law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMTs who bravely and selflessly risk their lives every day to protect Florida families, visitors, and businesses; and

WHEREAS, Florida’s first responders do not hesitate to risk their own lives in order to save the lives of others, and their commitment to continued training, skill enhancement, and inter-agency coordination make them vital members of every Florida community; and

WHEREAS, acts of kindness and appreciation from citizens for first responders provide them needed encouragement and support to confront the dangerous and uncertain situations they face every day;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Rick Scott, Governor of the State of Florida, do hereby proclaim January 5-9, 2015 as Florida First Responder Appreciation Week and encourage all Floridians to take time out of their day to show first responders and their families how much we value their service to our cities, counties, and state. Florida First Responder Appreciation Week will be an opportunity for Florida leaders at every level to demonstrate appreciation for all men and women who protect and serve our state as first responders and an opportunity for Floridians to say, “Thank you,” to the first responders who keep them safe.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Florida to be affixed at Tallahassee, the Capital, this 29th day of December, in the year two thousand fourteen.

Governor

Posted in Media, Misc., Politics | Leave a comment

Long Range Police Marksmanship Part Two

Posted on December 28, 2014 by Aaron

Sig Sauer P226R(Ed. Note:  Aaron is a sworn LEO and SWAT cop in another state.  He frequently comments here at TBF and is an editor at BlueSheepdog.com.  The following was originally sent as a comment to my article Long Range Police Marksmanship, but I felt it should stand alone as a post.  Welcome Aaron!)

The mindset that the pistol cannot be used beyond 25 yards permeates the law enforcement community, and is a dangerous and ignorant concept.  It is true that a pistol is often not as easy to maintain accuracy at longer shots because of the lack of a solid supporting position, but it doesn’t mean that they cannot be effective, as your two fine examples clearly show.

Here is another classic example from my personal experience:  My multi-agency drug task force investigated an anonymous tip about a large meth lab, and wanted fugitive.  There was no history to this residence and only limited information on a possible suspect, so we conducted a knock-and-talk.  Nobody answered and it was believed nobody was home.  Two detectives went for a search warrant based upon stolen vehicles located around the house.

The suspect, who had remained hidden and quiet inside his locked house for nearly two hours, attempted to escape outside Continue reading →

Posted in Firearms, Officer Safety, Street | 2 Comments

Merry Christmas!

Posted on December 25, 2014 by Randall

Merry Christmas

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

New Beretta M9A3 Introduced

Posted on December 23, 2014 by Randall

Beretta M9A3 obliqueBeretta USA has announced the newest version of the venerable Military M9–the M9A3.  The freshened 9mm pistol includes a MIL-STD 1913 accessory rail, dovetailed tritium sights, a thinner and modular grip, suppressor threaded barrel, and other upgrades.  Says Beretta:

“On 10 December 2014 Beretta USA submitted to the U.S. Army the M9 ECP (Engineering Change Proposal) that identifies major improvements to the M9 to increase the operational effectiveness and operational suitability of the weapon. These improvements consist of design and material changes resulting in increased modularity, reliability, durability, and ergonomics.”

In addition, it is being reported that a law enforcement/civilian version of the M9A3 will Continue reading →

Posted in Firearms | 5 Comments

Tarpon Springs Officer Down

Posted on December 21, 2014 by Randall
TSPD Ofc. Charles Kondek

TSPD Ofc. Charles Kondek

A Tarpon Springs, FL police officer was shot and killed overnight.  The suspect is in custody.  Neither the officer’s, nor suspect’s names have been released, but the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and Tarpon Springs Police Department said they are both male.

I will update this after a press conference is held later this morning.

Update:  The murdered officer is Ofc. Charles Kondek, 45, a 17 year veteran of TSPD and five years MOS with NYPD.  He is survived by a wife and six children.

No press conference as of 3:45 pm…  It appeared Ofc. Kondek was on a call for service when he was killed, but few other details about the shooting have been released.  The suspect, Marco Antonio Parilla, Jr, fled the scene in a white Hyundai, but crashed not far from the shooting.  After fleeing on foot, he was apprehended hiding under some stairs by TSPD officers.

Update:  TSPD Chief Robert Kochen and Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri held a press conference at 5:00 pm.  Around 2 am, Ofc. Kondek responded to a noise complaint at an apartment building at 199 Grand Blvd.  At the scene, Ofc. Kondek encountered Parilla, who was armed with a .40 cal. handgun.  Parilla was aware that he had a felony warrant for Violation of Probation and was at the apartments to find a person he thought had been responsible for his VOP.

Upon seeing the officer, Parilla fired multiple rounds at Ofc. Kondek, striking him once in the neck above his ballistic vest.  Ofc. Kondek was able to return fire, but he did not hit the suspect.  Parilla then ran over the downed officer as Parilla fled in his sedan.  Parilla was apprehended as described above.  Parilla had been released from DOC in March 2014.  He had over 45 arrests, 30 for felony charges.  Parilla’s motive for shooting and killing the officer was to avoid going back to prison.

I am sure most of you feel the same way I do about this cowardly, senseless murder of a law enforcement officer.

RIP Ofc. Kondek.  Your family is in our thoughts.

Randall

 

Posted in Officer Down, Officer Safety | 1 Comment

NYPD Officers Murdered in Retaliation

Posted on December 20, 2014 by Randall

NYPD patchToday’s assassination of two New York City Police Department officers was reported to be in retaliation for the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner.  The killer ambushed the NYPD officers as they sat in their patrol car in Brooklyn.  The killer posted his intentions on Instagram.  He committed suicide after fleeing the scene into a subway station.

Criminals have been calling for the killing of officers since Ferguson.  The anti-cop rhetoric has increased since the in-custody death of Garner.  Unfortunately, the murder of police officers was predictable.

I urge all officers to step up their situational awareness and team tactics.  We are marked targets.  Do not take your life for granted.  Remember your officer safety basics.  Protect your partners.  This is not the end of this situation.

Prayers to the families of fallen Officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos and all those working NYPD.  RIP, brothers.

Stay safe.

Randall

 

Posted in Officer Down, Officer Safety, Tactics | 1 Comment

Florida Fallen Law Enforcement Officers Specialty License Plate

Posted on December 17, 2014 by Randall

Florida Law Enforcement TagA few weeks ago, a colleague brought in a sample of the Florida Fallen Law Enforcement Officers Specialty License Plate.  A non-profit called the Police and Kids Foundation, Inc. is promoting the presale of these tags.  Their goal is to presell 1,000 of the tags in 24 months to qualify for production and distribution.  After about three months, the total thus far is about 290.

From the Police and Kids Foundation website:

“The Police and Kids Foundation, Inc is a non-profit 501( C) 3 charity that has been set up with two objectives in mind.  First are the immediate needs of a child that we determine is in need of help. The Police and Kids Foundation, Inc. may provide funding so responding officers may purchase items required to help the child in need. This assistance will be determined by the responding officer but may include food, infant supplies, clothing or obtaining a replacement to lost, stolen or damaged property. The ultimate goal is to stabilize the situation quickly with as little trauma to the child as necessary. The Police and Kids Foundation, Inc. may also use funds to support other organizations that support our goals.

“Second, is the creation of a scholarship for at least one senior student of the Pinellas Park High School Criminal Justice Academy. The future of our profession begins with programs such as the Criminal Justice Academy. We support the Criminal Justice Academy and realizes the important correlation between a college education and a successful future.”

This is an email that one of the students sent out that tells more of the story: Continue reading →

Posted in Misc., Off Duty | 2 Comments

RAMP–Rapid Access Magazine Pod Review

Posted on December 13, 2014 by Randall

RAMP Plate CarrierWhen I cruise the vendors’ displays at SWAT Round-Up International, I look for new products.  About three-quarters of the way down the north aisle, I saw something that made me pause:  an AR-15 mag pouch that had the magazine…upside down.  Well, I had to stop and chat with the folks at Gear4Grunts.com.

CEO Doug Mullen is the inventor of the RAMP, or Rapid Access Magazine Pod.  Doug’s military experience and work as a civilian defense contractor led him to ask, “Why are we still carrying rifle magazines the same way we did in WWI?”  In examining the ergonomics of a magazine change, Doug figured out something innovative.

The patent pending RAMP 5.56 orients the magazine in the same way it goes into the gun, bullets up.  During a mag change with the RAMP, the soldier or officer makes just two motions.  Down to pull the mag out and Up to insert into the mag well.  Pretty slick.

If you think about current magazine pouch configurations, whether nylon, Kydex, or polymer, the magazine is carried so that you have to retrieve Continue reading →

Posted in Firearms, Protective Armor, Street, SWAT, Technology | Leave a comment