Sniper Tryouts Are Today!

Posted on December 7, 2012 by Randall

SWAT is holding sniper tryouts today.  I’ve never attended a sniper tryout, so this was an eye-opener.  Ah, the human suffering.  We had three candidates who were scored on marksmanship, physical ability, intelligence gathering, communication, teamwork, and attitude.  Real life stress cannot be simulated, so physical exertion and problem solving substituted.

A hundred yard slow sniper crawl with a broom for a long gun, berm runs with “boxes of pain” (cases of ammo), endless calisthenics, and a healthy dose of verbal berating made for much fun for the assessors and no fun for the candidates.

It was a very full day.  All the candidates put forth tremendous efforts.  After witnessing this 10 hour circus of misery, I now officially have a new found respect for our sniper/observer teams.  Just don’t tell them I said so.

Randall

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Vendors Row at SRI

Posted on December 5, 2012 by Randall

3 round burst on full auto from a Sig 516 7.5" barrel SBR--thanks for the photo Steve

Half a day is not enough time to spend checking out the vendors at the SWAT Round-Up International.  I arrived at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office firearms range with two of my agency’s assistant team leaders.  Even during years we don’t attend, we try to make it over to the outdoor vendor row under the range roof.  In our line of work, it is important to stay abreast of new products and technologies–it can save lives.  The emphasis for this trip was to look at both vehicle and personal armor options and at replacement guns for the aging HK MP5’s in our arsenal.

Half of the Vendor Row

I’m always surprised at how close the SWAT community is.  I regularly see at least a dozen or two familiar faces from different tactical teams, in addition to a number of specialty vendors that I have dealt with over the years.  I was especially happy to run into one of my academy-mates from a quarter century ago. Though time was short, Continue reading →

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SWAT Round-Up International This Week in Orlando

Posted on December 3, 2012 by Randall

I’ll be heading over to Orlando tomorrow to check out the vendors at SWAT Round-Up International. We were not able to send a team over this year due to budget constraints–again. It is a shame, because the classes are valuable and the competition is a good exercise in team-building. I competed at SWAT Round-Up in the 1990’s and one last time in 2006. I felt it bettered my knowledge and skills each time.

I’ll let you know if I see anything new and interesting…

Randall

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The Police Donut

Posted on December 2, 2012 by Randall

Mmmm…Krispy Kreme

So I was walking by the squad room, when one of the guys stopped me and said, “Hey Sarge, I have this theory about donuts.”  Huh?  Concerned for his mental health, I decided I needed to know more about donuts.  I sat down and asked him to explain himself.  He said, “I have an idea that police work is like eating a donut.”  Oh geez, why’d it have to be a donut.

I invited him to continue.  He opined that, much like at the beginning of your employment, at first the donut is sweet and tasty and you want more.  But, he said, as your career progresses you reach a point where your job is like eating the hole in the center of the donut, seemingly empty and unsatisfying.  The officer continued that as you near the end of the donut it again tastes good because you know that it’s almost over and you want to savor it, like the end of your career.

Not the perfect analogy, he conceded, but one that encouraged the six year cop to put his head down and soldier on.  The officer was a rookie FTO, but a combat vet of sandier locales.  I have learned that he has an interesting perspective.

All things considered, I guess he is just getting into his donut, while I am on my last few bites.  I smiled and shook my head as I walked out.  Donuts.  Strange, though, I thought he really rather liked pie…

Randall

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An Act of Kindness in a Viral World

Posted on November 30, 2012 by Randall

NYPD/AP Photo

This photo went viral from NYPD’s FaceBook page.  It shows Ofc. Larry DePrimo giving a pair of socks and winter boots he purchased to a homeless man.

It has kind of a Norman Rockwell-esque feel that I think portrays an ideal of the Patrolman that is from a bygone era.

I have recollections of officers giving money, meals, and personal items to people in need under all manner of conditions.  I once watched one of our officers, who was universally detested by the squad, give his foot-long sub sandwich to a homeless guy.  “Yeah, you need this more than I do.”   Another officer went out and bought toothpaste, milk, and bread for a shut-in woman from his own wallet.  Yet a third made sure a certain troubled family had a turkey dinner each Thanksgiving.  There are countless more stories.

This goes on all the time.  It is a lesser known part of the law enforcement profession, and maybe it should remain that way.  So much ugliness passes before us that sometimes an act of kindness without expectation of repayment or reward reaffirms our sense of goodness in the world.

Ofc. DePrimo’s gesture is much more common to police work than what society is actually privy to, what with negative media portrayals and, worse, the officers who tarnish all our badges for us.  I’m glad people are seeing this image, but I’d like them to know it’s there every single day whether they see it or not.

Randall

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CRKT Hissatsu Folding Knife Review

Posted on November 27, 2012 by Randall

Columbia River Knife & Tool has always produced a very diverse line of sharp things.  In collaboration with stellar knife designers such as Frank Centofante, Brian Tighe, Ken Onion, Flavio Ikoma, Kit Carson, Ron Lake, Pat Crawford, and still more, CRKT has brought us a galaxy of practical and artistic products.

CRKT tapped into another talent for its Japanese-inspired series of Hissatsu knives.  James Williams is a former U.S. Army officer with decades of experience in the martial arts and as a military and police trainer.  In envisioning the Hissatsu folder, Williams said, “Our goal with the Hissatsu Folder was not to replace the fixed blade knife, but rather to offer the best alternative possible when circumstances demand other options.”

Hissatsu, which translates to “sure kill” in Japanese, are knives constructed around martial combat.  Williams’ samurai sword background explains the tanto-style penetrating blades.  Given that a folding knife does not possess the structural integrity of a fixed blade, Williams sought to bolster the Hissatsu folder’s mechanics.

I will say that the Hissatsu folder is overbuilt in a good way.  A stout pivot point, heavy steel liners, and a thick blade provide a feeling of security and competence with this knife.  At 5.8 oz, it is not so much a tank, but a light armored vehicle.

Williams gave the Hissatsu folder a 3.875″ blade of AUS 8 stainless steel, Rockwell Hardened to 58-59.  The blade length was intended to be just short of the 4″ maximum Continue reading →

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Retired FHP K9 Drake Dies Defending Home

Posted on November 25, 2012 by Randall

FHP K9 Drake

Retired Florida Highway Patrol K9 Drake was shot multiple times at his master’s West Palm Beach home last Sunday by armed burglars. On Friday, Trooper Bobby Boody, Drake’s owner, and Dr. Ken Simmons flew K9 Drake to the University of Florida Veterinary Medical Center in Gainesville in a final attempt to save the wounded dog’s life.

After a consult between Dr. Simmons, Trooper Boody, and UF veterinary surgeons, it was decided to put K9 Drake down to end his suffering. K9 Drake was euthanized at 6:14 Friday.

Trooper Boody was not at home Sunday when three suspects shot K9 Drake through a sliding glass door as the dog tried to defend the home. After entering the residence, at least one suspect shot Drake again. Boody arrived home later, discovered his wounded canine, and rushed him to an emergency clinic.

One juvenile suspect was apprehended because of his GPS-equipped ankle monitor. The 16 year old was on probation for Burglary and Grand Theft. He is now charged with Armed Burglary and Felony Cruelty to Animals. Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is searching Continue reading →

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Suspect Drowns Detective’s Recorder

Posted on November 24, 2012 by Randall

Patrick Townsend: Not so tight himself

The Lakeland Ledger reports that suspect Patrick Townsend was arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for possession of 32.4 grams of methamphetamine. The drugs were found in Townsend’s boxer shorts following a traffic stop. Townsend bragged to a detective, “Dude, that ain’t shit. I deal in keyes.”

The detective recorded Townsend’s incriminating statements on a portable recorder. While handcuffed, Townsend was able to surreptitiously steal the detective’s recorder from a lobby desk. He concealed it under his arm and asked to go to the bathroom…and the device went to its watery grave.

Back in the lobby, Townsend asked, “What are you looking for, (detective), your recorder?” After admitting to the inconvenient flush, Townsend told the detective, “Tighten up on your job, Homie.”

The detective complied and tightened up Townsend’s arrest history by adding Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, and Tampering with Evidence.

J.D. “Buck” Savage would remind us to “Watch the hands!”

Randall

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Happy Thanksgiving Day

Posted on November 22, 2012 by Randall

A bit late, but I didn’t feel like wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving Day until we got all our guys and gals home safe from tonight’s holiday shift. Now I’m thankful. I appreciate the sacrifices made by those who would rather be with loved ones than out wrestling with the less than civil part of our citizenry. I will tip a single malt scotch whisky to the Thin Blue Line shortly. And one to our forgiving families.

Randall

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New Kel-Tec CL-43 Flashlight

Posted on November 21, 2012 by Randall

Kel-Tec CL-43

This is an image of the new Kel-Tec CL-43 flashlight that is a handheld aluminum-bodied, LED offering from the Cocoa, Florida gunmaker. The CL-43 boasts 420 lumens from a Cree XP-G LED emitter, running off three CR123 batteries. A rearward clicking button at the midpoint of the light switches the light-emitting diode on and off.

I was aghast when I saw this photo. Kel-Tec says, “The switch is operated like the trigger of a gun…” Sympathetic reflex activity in the dominant hand could easily lead to a negligent discharge in this grip. I see what they are trying to accomplish from an ergonomic standpoint, but under stress I believe this is a recipe for a rather unpalatable disaster.

Also of concern is the lack of contact between the fingers of the dominant hand and the grip of the gun. With the snappiness of the 9mm PF-9, shown in the photo, a two finger Continue reading →

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FHP Trooper Jailed for Contempt of Court

Posted on November 18, 2012 by Randall

Trooper Costa

Florida Highway Patrol Trooper John Costa was sentenced to five days in jail and a $500.00 fine for contempt of court for failing to appear for a DUI trial in Volusia County on October 30.  Friday, Judge Belle Schumann made the contempt finding after Trooper Costa, who was aware of his subpoena, did not appear in court and would not answer phone calls or contacts at his front door by court liasons.

According to Judge Schumann, “The essential facts constituting the criminal contempt charged are that Trooper Costa was a critical state witness in this case, under valid subpoena for trial, with actual and constructive knowledge that the trial was supposed to take place on Tuesday, October 30th, 2012, and yet willfully refused to comply with the subpoena.”

Judge Schumann added, “Dangerous and guilty people go free if law enforcement officers willfully ignore their subpoenas.”

Trooper Costa arrested Stephanie Halcomb on December 3, 2011 for DUI.  After being stopped for driving over 90 mph on I-4, Halcomb failed field sobriety tests and registered a blood alcohol level of 0.192.  It was her second DUI in two years.

An FHP official stated that Costa, assigned to Troop D, has notified them that he Continue reading →

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New ArmaLaser TR1 Touch-Reflex Laser Sight Review

Posted on November 13, 2012 by Randall

Gainesville, FL-based ArmaLaser, Inc., is best known for their Small Block laser sighting system which features a “touch activated” switching system.  If you have not seen the video where they drop their gun-mounted laser 100 times from 10 feet onto concrete, I have included it below.  Yeah, the laser still worked.

A couple of months ago, I saw a gun magazine ad for a new ArmaLaser product in the works for the Kel-Tec P3AT/P32 series:  the TR1 Touch-Reflex Laser.  I liked its sleek look.  Although the Small Block has its own touch activated switch and rugged construction, I can’t seem to get past its chunky profile.  I’m shallow.

ArmaLaser’s new TR1 houses an industry-leading 5mW, 635 nm red laser in a durable DuPont Zytel frame.  The laser is the highest output available and brighter than most of their competitors’ offerings.  Zytel is the same sturdy material employed in the Kel-Tec’s polymer frame.

I bought an ArmaLaser TR1 from an on-line retailer as soon as I saw them available.  I paid fewer than a hundred bucks for the unit.  That is very inexpensive for a gun sight using Light Amplified by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.

Mounting the TR1 to the Kel-Tec was easy.  The laser assembly sandwiches on to the gun’s lower receiver and trigger guard without modification to the pistol.  ArmaLaser thoughtfully includes a small screwdriver and Allen key to complete business.  I found the TR1 is designed to use Zytel’s stiffness and two small bolts to provide a snug fit between gun and laser that I have no doubt will survive reasonable knocks and keep the laser zeroed.

Continue reading →

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Thank You Veterans!

Posted on November 11, 2012 by Randall

ThinBlueFlorida would like to thank all the veterans of the United States Armed Services for your honorable commitment, dedication, and service to our Country on this Veterans Day.

Randall

 

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Lakewood, CO Blue-on-Blue is a Safety Reminder

Posted on November 10, 2012 by Randall

Ofc. James Davies

I read a CNN news report of a Blue-on-Blue shooting in Lakewood, CO yesterday where one officer accidentally killed another.  Lakewood officers had surrounded a house where shots were reportedly fired by a suspect.  After assisting in detaining three subjects on the front porch, Ofc. James Davies went to the backyard as a rear cover.  Another officer in an adjoining yard could see Davies through a fence, but in the dark did not visually identify him as a police officer.   After giving Davies commands to drop his gun, the other officer fired and killed Davies.

Ofc. Davies was in full uniform at the time of the shooting and apparently did not know that the other officer giving commands was addressing him.  It is a tragedy for the Lakewood community, Ofc. Davies’ family, and the officer who killed Davies.

Some years back on Midnight Shift, I responded to a violent domestic with a knife where multiple officer surrounded a duplex with little information other than the initial 911.  On our arrival, we did not know if the male suspect was still inside.  A buddy of mine at the other end of the duplex later told me he saw a dark figure sneaking around the east side of the building.  Knowing where each of us was, but unsure of the person’s identity, my buddy momentarily tracked the figure with the front sight of his pistol.  The figure moved into a lit area.  It was our Shift Lieutenant, who had not called on scene over the radio.

We suffer from a lack of real-time information at most critical scenes.  Because of this we have to rely on our own observations and training to be able to take decisive action in those circumstances.  Proper threat assessment is absolutely necessary before an officer Continue reading →

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