american cop 2009.07-08
TRANSCRIPT
www.americancopmagazine.com JULY/aUgUST 2009
$5.95OUTSIDE U.S.
$9.50Survival: PERCEPTION VS PERSPECTIVE
NewColumN: Cars & Crashes!
Focus:Carry OptionsGalcoStreet LevelNice Goin’ EinsteinLEAASheepdogs G2GAtlas Bipod
ConCealment HolSteRS
HINDI BELTSYSTEM
Win A BLACKHAWK! S.T.R.i.K.E. BAndoLEER
NEW!Springfield’s
XD(M)
JACOP.indd 1 5/27/09 10:37 PM
starring TRIPLE STITCHED UPPER, “HOT MELT” HEEL and TOE COUNTERS, TOUGH and DURABLE MOISTURE-WICKING LINING, REMOVABLE MOLDED ORTHOTIC FOOTBED
co-starring COMPRESSION MOLDED EVA MIDSOLE, OUTSOLE STITCHED at TOE and HEEL, SELF-CLEANING MULTI-TRED CARBON RUBBER OUTSOLE
music by RIVETED STEEL SHANK story by RUST-PROOF HARDWARE
888.476.7700 • www.originalswat.com
heroboot_ad_newlogo.indd 1 3/3/09 9:56:14 AMJACOP.indd 2 5/27/09 10:37 PM
starring TRIPLE STITCHED UPPER, “HOT MELT” HEEL and TOE COUNTERS, TOUGH and DURABLE MOISTURE-WICKING LINING, REMOVABLE MOLDED ORTHOTIC FOOTBED
co-starring COMPRESSION MOLDED EVA MIDSOLE, OUTSOLE STITCHED at TOE and HEEL, SELF-CLEANING MULTI-TRED CARBON RUBBER OUTSOLE
music by RIVETED STEEL SHANK story by RUST-PROOF HARDWARE
888.476.7700 • www.originalswat.com
heroboot_ad_newlogo.indd 1 3/3/09 9:56:14 AMJACOP.indd 3 5/27/09 10:37 PM
4 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2009
2009JULY • AUGVolume 5, Number 4, Issue 24
FEATURES34
40
42
44
46
WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM
34
4 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2009
TARGETING TOP TOOLS Ê Ê SuziÊ HuntingtongearÊ HogsÊ Ñ Ê theÊ ultimateÊ CoPÊ goodieÊ guide.
HINDI BELT SYSTEM Ê RALPHÊ MRozthere'sÊ AÊ MethodÊ toÊ theÊ Madness.
SPRINGfIELD'S NEW XD(M) CLintÊ &Ê HEiDiÊ SMitH"M"Ê MeansÊ More.
COP GUIDE TO CONCEALMENT HOLSTERS RALPHÊ MRozStylesÊ ForÊ "EveryÊ Body."
RIfLE-LIKE fIREPOWER Ê Ê BoBÊ PiLgRiMLeÊ MasÊ HandgunÊ Ammo.
28
Cover Photo courtesy of BLACKHAWK!
JACOP.indd 4 5/27/09 10:37 PM
WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 5
AMERICAN COPª (ISSN 1557-2609) is published bi-monthly by PublishersÕ Development Corp., 12345 World Trade Drive, San Diego, CA 92128. Periodical postage paid at San Diego CA 92128, and at additional entry offices. Subscriptions: One year (six issues) $24.95. Single copies $5.95 (in Canada $9.50). Change of address: four weeks notice required on all changes. Send old address as well as new. Contributors submitting manuscripts, photographs or drawings do so at their own risk. Material cannot be returned unless accompanied by sufficient postage. Payment is for all world rights for the material. The act of mailing a manuscript constitutes the author’s certification of originality of material. Opinions expressed are those of the bylined authors and do not necessarily represent those of the magazine or it’s advertisers. Advertising rates furnished on request. Reproduction or use of any portion of this magazine in any manner, without written permission, is prohibited. Entire contents Copyright© 2009 Publishers’ Development Corp. All rights reserved. Title to this publication passes to subscriber only on delivery to his address. SUBSCRIPTION PROBLEMS: For immediate action, write Subscription Dept., 12345 World Trade Drive, San Diego, CA 92128.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to AMERICAN COPª, 12345 World Trade Drive, San Diego, CA 92128.
COLUMNS
DEPARTMENTS
RESOURCES
ON THECOVER
16 HIGH TECH JiiMÊ DonAHuE
18 CORRECTIONS BRiAnÊ DAwE
20 CARRY OPTIONS MARkÊ HAntEn
22 PRIvATE SECURITY EDÊ PALuMBoÊ
24 OffICER SURvIvAL JoHnÊ RuSSo
26 HARD TOOLS PAuLÊ MARkEL
28 RESERvES PERRYÊ w.Ê HoRnBARgER
30 CARS AND CRASHES SuziÊ HuntingtonÊ
32 STREET LEvEL JoHnÊ MoRRiSon
54 LEAA tEDÊ DEEDS
58 REALITY CHECK II CLintÊ SMitH
8 RETURN fIRE13 GOOD TO GO GEAR70 INSIDER RUMINATIONS
56 SPOTLIGHT68 AD INDEX
13 20 30Ê 32 34 40 42 44
66
46
44
40
32
G2G • ATLAS BIPOD CARRY OPTIONS • GALCOCARS AND CRASHESSTREET LEVEL • NICE GOIN' EINSTEINSPOTLIGHTING STREET GEARHINDI BELT SYSTEMSPRINGfIELD'S NEW XD(M) CONCEALMENT HOLSTERS
A BLACKHAWK! S.T.R.I.K.E. BANDOLEER
JACOP.indd 5 5/27/09 10:37 PM
6 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2009
EXECUTIvE EDITOR Sammy reeSeMANAGING EDITOR Suzi huntingtonART DIRECTOR riCharD StahLhutMANAGING EDITORIAL ASSISTANT StePhanie JarreLL EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Kerin van hooSear ART ASSISTANT anDy LoyPRODUCTION MANAGER LinDa PeterSonADvERTISING PRODUCTION Dennaye CuSiCKPROMOTIONS DIRECTOR ranDy moLDe‘WEBSITE MANAGER LorinDa maSSeyPROMOTIONS COORDINATOR eLizabeth o'neiLL
CONTRIBUTING EDITORSfIREARMS TRAINING EDITOR CLint SmithCCW/DUTY CARRY EDITOR marK hantenOffICER SAfETY EDITOR John ruSSoPROffESIONAL SECURITY EDITOR eD PaLumboSUPERvISORY SKILLS EDITOR John morriSonLEAA ISSUES EDITOR JameS J. FotiSEDGED WEAPONS EDITOR erneSt emerSonCOMPETITION EDITOR rob LeathamLEGAL ISSUES EDITOR Jeremy D. CLoughEQUIPMENT EDITOR PauL marKeLSENIOR fIELD EDITOR Dave DougLaSCONTRIBUTING EDITORS WeS DoSS, raLPh mroz, ben DougLaS, brian hoFFner, riCh graSSi, FranK boreLLi
ADvERTISING DEPARTMENT ADvERTISING SALES DIRECTOR anita CarSonACCOUNT MANAGER DeLano amaguinACCOUNT EXECUTIvE Steve evattACCOUNT EXECUTIvE JeFF moreyNATIONAL ADvERTISING: 12345 WorLD traDe Dr., San Diego,
Ca 92128; e-maiL: [email protected]; (858) 605-0206; Fax: (858) 605-0208
fMG PUBLICATIONS
PUBLISHER & EDITOR: roy huntingtonADvERTISING: Steve evattameriCanhanDgunner.Com
EDITOR: JeFF JohnADvERTISING: JeFF moreygunSmagazine.Com
PUBLISHER & EDITOR: ruSS thurmanADvERTISING: anita CarSonShootinginDuStry.Com
EDITOR: Sammy reeSeADvERTISING: SCott mCgregorFmgPubLiCationS.Com
SuBSCRiPtion (858) 605-0253 [email protected] (858) 605-0243
[email protected] ADVERtiSing (858) 605-0235 [email protected] (858) 605-0202
[email protected] wEB SitE www.americancopmagazine.com
WARNING: Firearms are dangerous if used improperly, and may cause serious injury or death. Due to the inherent variables in the reloading of metallic cartridges, verify all published loads with manufacturer’s data.
Consult a professional gunsmith when modifying any firearm.Produced in the United States.
AMERICAN COP
Special Editions
BOARD Of DIRECTORSthomaS von roSen, Ceo;
thomaS hoLLanDer, ranDy moLDe, marJorie youngPUBLISHER AND EDITOR
roy huntington
CLI
EN
T:
CO
LOR
:S
IZE
: TR
IMC
OD
E:
VE
RS
ION
:TR
IJIC
ON
, IN
C.
4/C
PAG
E8.
5 X
11
C-3
4R1
2008
Law
Nig
ht S
ight
s P
age
— C
-34R
1L12
08
JACOP.indd 6 5/27/09 10:37 PM
CLI
EN
T:
CO
LOR
:S
IZE
: TR
IMC
OD
E:
VE
RS
ION
:TR
IJIC
ON
, IN
C.
4/C
PAG
E8.
5 X
11
C-3
4R1
2008
Law
Nig
ht S
ight
s P
age
— C
-34R
1L12
08
JACOP.indd 7 5/27/09 10:38 PM
8 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2009
RETURN FIRE
Tactical TestimonyIt’s not surprising to read a civics lesson
from an attorney (In Defense of Defense Attorneys, March/April 2009), but I’m dis-appointed to find it in this publication. My time as a street cop followed by 20-some years of prosecution gave me a different perspective. What goes on in our court-rooms would probably horrify the founding fathers. Criminal law and procedure isn’t found in the Constitution but rather in the decisions of subsequent Supreme Courts. Yes, some defense attorneys are decent people but what they do in courtrooms is far too often the exact opposite of justice. The fact this behavior is legal may be part of why public opinion of lawyers is what it is. Instead of the kind of lecture street cops hear from criminal apologists all the time, this publication should be presenting ar-ticles that give tactics and strategy for beat-
ing the defense game. Most of what cops are taught about the courtroom process is useless when it comes to effectively testify-ing. We learn these skills from on-the-job training. Most cases disappear down the plea bargaining rabbit hole with little or no input from the arresting officers, so job-one is how to present cases so they’re properly charged and zealously prosecuted. Good street cops understand the system’s failures without the civics lesson. What they need from American COP are the tools to fight in the courtroom in the same way they need to know about the latest gear and trends.
Ken SmithHoyt, KS
Ken, thanks for weighing in on the mat-ter. It was my experience in San Diego, cases disappeared down the plea bargain
rabbit hole mainly due to budgetary con-cerns and, to a degree, keeping conviction stats high. There’s not much a street cop can do about that — and I don’t ever recall be-ing asked for my input on a case — I’d have insisted every case I submitted was pros-ecuted and to hang ‘em all from the nearest tree. But it sounds like you may have some training ideas — I’d love to share them in the magazine, or if anybody else has ideas on this matter — send them to me at [email protected]. SH
And …Defense attorneys are filters to insure
people arrested for crimes aren’t unneces-sarily penalized. I have no problem with demanding officers are convinced if they
There’s not much a street cop can do about that — and I don’t ever recall being asked for my input on a case — I’d have insisted every
case I submitted was prosecuted and to hang ‘em all from the nearest tree.
PO Box 1848 Grand Island, NE 68802 308-382-1390 www.hornady.com
• The patented FTX™ bullet will expand reliably EVERY SINGLE TIME!
• Optimized propellants burn quickly, reduce recoil and limit muzzle fl ash to protect night vision.
• Shiny nickel cases resist tarnish and greatly enhance low-light chamber checks.
A stunning breakthrough in personal defense ammunition design.Concealed carry and personal defense ammunition is redefined with the introduction of Hornady Critical Defense ammunition. You may have never thought about the effects of fabric and clothing on the performance of personal defense ammo. But clothing — especially heavy clothing — has a lot to do with how the bullet expands upon impact.
Conventional hollow point bullets clog with fibers and fabric as they pass through clothing which diminishes expansion and causes unreliable bullet performance.
Hornady Critical Defense ammunition eliminates clogging with the use of their patented Flex Tip® bullet. Upon entering soft tissue, the tip swells and imparts equal pressure across the entire circumference of the bullet cavity. The result is UNRIVALED bullet expansion and performance EVERY SINGLE TIME!
clothing — especially heavy clothing — has a lot to
Flex Tip™ technology guarantees 100% reliable performance in every situation.
Conventional hollow point bullets perform unreliably when encountering heavy fabric or layers of clothing.
NEW!
Hornady Critical Defense ammunition is available in these calibers:
• 380 Auto• 38 Special
• 38 Special +P• 9mm Luger
800.852.6088 | OfficerStore.com
JACOP.indd 8 5/27/09 10:38 PM
PO Box 1848 Grand Island, NE 68802 308-382-1390 www.hornady.com
• The patented FTX™ bullet will expand reliably EVERY SINGLE TIME!
• Optimized propellants burn quickly, reduce recoil and limit muzzle fl ash to protect night vision.
• Shiny nickel cases resist tarnish and greatly enhance low-light chamber checks.
A stunning breakthrough in personal defense ammunition design.Concealed carry and personal defense ammunition is redefined with the introduction of Hornady Critical Defense ammunition. You may have never thought about the effects of fabric and clothing on the performance of personal defense ammo. But clothing — especially heavy clothing — has a lot to do with how the bullet expands upon impact.
Conventional hollow point bullets clog with fibers and fabric as they pass through clothing which diminishes expansion and causes unreliable bullet performance.
Hornady Critical Defense ammunition eliminates clogging with the use of their patented Flex Tip® bullet. Upon entering soft tissue, the tip swells and imparts equal pressure across the entire circumference of the bullet cavity. The result is UNRIVALED bullet expansion and performance EVERY SINGLE TIME!
clothing — especially heavy clothing — has a lot to
Flex Tip™ technology guarantees 100% reliable performance in every situation.
Conventional hollow point bullets perform unreliably when encountering heavy fabric or layers of clothing.
NEW!
Hornady Critical Defense ammunition is available in these calibers:
• 380 Auto• 38 Special
• 38 Special +P• 9mm Luger
JACOP.indd 9 5/27/09 10:38 PM
30 Eagleville Road, Eagleville, PA 19403800.523.7488 • www.streamlight.com/103
©20
09 S
trea
mlig
ht, I
nc.
Our newest rechargeable duty lights with C4 LED technology do just that- with a wider, peripheral circle of light and an intensely bright center beam that let you see into the darkest areas. Try the Polystinger DS™ LED, the Stinger DS® LED or the Strion® LED and see what 3 levels of lighting, strobe and a longer run time will provide. Just a few more reasons why heroes trust Streamlight.
TM
DUTYFLASHLIGHTS FEATURING a wider, brighter, peripheral light.
Strion® LEDLong gun mount availableHIGH/MED/LOW/STROBECompact light with big featuresand performance
PolyStinger DS™ LED Dual Switch Technology with HIGH/MED/LOW/STROBElight output
Strion® LEDLong gun mount available
PolyStinger DS™ LED
Stinger DS® LEDDual Switch Technology with HIGH/MED/LOW/STROBElight output
09-SML-009 Serve you Amer Cop.indd 1 5/4/09 12:12:30 PMJACOP.indd 10 5/27/09 10:38 PM
WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 11
arrest someone, it’s a slam-dunk, dead-bang, sure conviction. I can probably count on one hand the number of defense attor-neys I respected. What they had in common was they didn’t insult an officer, didn’t raise their voice or get in an officer’s face. If there was a weakness in the case, they found it. They were courteous to all witnesses, civil to officers outside of court and never used dirty tricks. But to most attorneys, truth is relevant — and situational. When an officer goes to court as a witness, he/she can count on experiencing ALLS — being accused of Arrogance, Laziness, Lying and Stupid-ity — as long as they’re prepared for this, they’ll do just fine.
Dave HollenbeckPrescott, AZ
Alaskan ABSI’m a police officer in northern Alaska
and I drive on ice eight months of the year. As an EVOC instructor in San Diego you’ve probably forgotten more about pavement driving than I’ll ever know — especially since the nearest pavement is 90 miles away from me — but I’m guessing I see more ice here than you do in southern California.
The fastest way to stop on any surface is to brake to the point just before the wheels lock up — then keep it there. Ice and dry pavement are the same in that sense; the only difference is the threshold for losing traction is much lower on ice. Pumping the brakes is not the fastest way to stop — that’s the emergency method when you’re sliding toward the stop sign and can’t find the threshold. The correct way is to find the point just before the threshold and hold it without locking up. ABS brakes lock up way before that threshold and begin pump-ing quickly, which stops the vehicle much slower than a controlled stop without ABS — and much quicker than locking up the wheels and sliding into the pole.
For any driver in a city where they only get ice a couple times a year ABS is a life-saver. But for those of us who drive on ice every day ABS is a cumbersome bother preventing us from hitting the threshold and stopping faster. I can’t count how many times ABS has kicked in and I start sliding, cursing the mechanism and trying to back off the brake to disengage ABS so I can stop the car myself in half the distance.
And one more thing, take officer safety seriously on every call — there are only two kinds of calls — the real thing and practice for the real thing. Even if you’re sure the guy has nothing but the obligatory bag of pot in his pocket or you’ve searched that building earlier, still do it the right way ev-ery time — the real thing has a tendency to sneak up on you.
Rich HolschenVia e-mail
Thanks Rich, you’re absolutely right
RETURN FIRE
30 Eagleville Road, Eagleville, PA 19403800.523.7488 • www.streamlight.com/103
©20
09 S
trea
mlig
ht, I
nc.
Our newest rechargeable duty lights with C4 LED technology do just that- with a wider, peripheral circle of light and an intensely bright center beam that let you see into the darkest areas. Try the Polystinger DS™ LED, the Stinger DS® LED or the Strion® LED and see what 3 levels of lighting, strobe and a longer run time will provide. Just a few more reasons why heroes trust Streamlight.
TM
DUTYFLASHLIGHTS FEATURING a wider, brighter, peripheral light.
Strion® LEDLong gun mount availableHIGH/MED/LOW/STROBECompact light with big featuresand performance
PolyStinger DS™ LED Dual Switch Technology with HIGH/MED/LOW/STROBElight output
Strion® LEDLong gun mount available
PolyStinger DS™ LED
Stinger DS® LEDDual Switch Technology with HIGH/MED/LOW/STROBElight output
09-SML-009 Serve you Amer Cop.indd 1 5/4/09 12:12:30 PM
585_Barrage_2.25x10.aiBenchmade1447
G&W for Law Enforce2.25 x 10
4/c
BENCHMADE.C
OM
©2009 BENCHMADE KNIFE CO. OREGON CITY, OR, USA
MODEL SHOWN: 585 MINI-BARRAGE™
PREPARE FOR THE BARRAGE™
The First AXIS® Lock Assist
Stronger. Faster. Benchmade.
MPT FirearmLubricant'spenetrating andanti-wearformula cleans,lubricatesand protectsin all climatesand extremeconditions.Exceeds therequirementsof MIL SPEC:MIL-PRF-63460E.
MPT Industries6-B Hamilton Business Park85 Franklin RoadDover NJ 07801Phone: 973-989-9220Toll Free: 800-351-0605Fax: 973-989-9234Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00AM to 5:00PM Eastern Timewww.mptindustries.com
JACOP.indd 11 5/27/09 10:38 PM
Whether you job involves restoring power, knocking down a blaze or
putting away bad guys, Getac’s rugged V100 convertible laptop is ready
for practically any challenge. Getac, Built to Survive. www.getac.com
__
Optional 1200 NITs display / Magnesium alloy casing / Convertible tablet screen / Intel® Core® 2 Duo processor / Full-size keyboard / MIL-STD-810F and iP54 certifi ed
© 2009 Getac Inc. All rights reserved. GETAC is a registered trademark and Built to Survive is a trademark of GETAC Inc.
__
V100RuggedConvertible
BUILT RUGGED FOR STREET SURVIVAL.Getac recommends Windows Vista® Business
WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 13
G2G
Firebird Mag HolderCLint & heiDi Smith
although rifles are not new to law enforcement, many agencies have become rifle-bearing in the last decade, with the lion’s share throwing the lever over the last five years. already overloaded in the Sam browne belt mode, spare rifle ammunition is still a sound idea for street cops. Leos appreciate S.W.a.t. but bluntly, sometimes they are a bit “late” to the festivities, so it’s a good idea to have some extra ammunition available until they might arrive.
Scott Springer’s new Firebird dual magazine holder for the very popular and very functional magPul magazines is a good way to have extra ammo around. the Firebird is very well made and a solid piece of gear that firmly and correctly holds two mags, one in the well and one in the “ready for the reload” as might be required. a theoretical issue could be considered should the magazine take a hit from incoming rounds fouling both magazines — elaborate, but not unheard of. i vote not to worry on that one. it’s sort of like the “danger” of night sights on your pistol when a bad guy is behind you in a fight? We need to draw lines sometimes and this may be one of those times.
i have several of the Firebirds and mine have worked flawlessly. Personally, i roll the ball with the right mag in the well and the spare left magazine inside the triangle of my arms and the rifle to help if working hard left corners in a tactical environment. Police may review the system to see if it is effected by the lock system in their vehicle, but if so that is a no worry, just contact Springer as he has already thought of that issue. the Firebirds can also be numbered and department-marked as needed. the piece is a welcome addition to the rifle platform for law enforcement officers. www.springerprecision.com
atlas bipodCLint & heiDi Smith
the new b&t atlas bipod may well fill the bill as a rifle person’s dream bipod come true. true to atlas’ legendary task hold heavy stuff — like the world — the b&t atlas bipod holds a rifle rock-solid. atlas would be proud. it attaches to the rifle by the use of several different types of systems, including a Picitinny rail and/or the armS17S, which is a quick-release for complete removal of the bipod if required. When extended, the legs have adjustments in the range of 5" to 9", with four setting variation heights. in the down position, two position settings of either 90-degrees or 45-degrees forward or back can be set with 15 degrees of side-to-side or cant available. it’s lockable with a knurled wheel located between the legs. Standard issue for the leg tips are soft rubber feet with more aggressive optional tips available if needed.
the whole bipod is built from 6061 aluminum and anodized flat black. Kasey beltz shipped ms. heidi her personal new atlas bipod and she promptly saddled it up to her gaP 338 Lapua — a great bipod for a great rifle. i think it might be arguable that atlas held up the world, but there is no doubt the new b&t atlas bipod will soon be holding up the front end of a bunch of rifles. top quality stuff here. www.accu-shot.com
GOOD TO GO GEAR
WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 13
tlas bipod will soon be holding up the front end of a bunch of rifles. tlas bipod will soon be holding up the front end of a bunch of rifles. tlas bipod will soon be holding up the front end of a bunch of rifles. tlas bipod will soon be holding up the front end of a bunch of rifles. tlas bipod will soon be holding up the front end of a bunch of rifles. tlas bipod will soon be holding up the front end of a bunch of rifles. tlas bipod will soon be holding up the front end of a bunch of rifles. tlas bipod will soon be holding up the front end of a bunch of rifles. tlas bipod will soon be holding up the front end of a bunch of rifles. tlas bipod will soon be holding up the front end of a bunch of rifles. tlas bipod will soon be holding up the front end of a bunch of rifles. tlas bipod will soon be holding up the front end of a bunch of rifles. tlas bipod will soon be holding up the front end of a bunch of rifles. tlas bipod will soon be holding up the front end of a bunch of rifles. tlas bipod will soon be holding up the front end of a bunch of rifles. op op op op
JACOP.indd 13 5/27/09 10:38 PM
savagearms.com
SPECIAL WEAPONSFor a single, precise shot to resolve a situation, it has to be fired from a special weapon. Enter the Savage LE Series. Special weapons. Exceptional accuracy.
JACOP.indd 14 5/27/09 10:39 PM
WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 15WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 15WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 15
HawkHook rescue toolJohn Connor
the featherweight 2.4 ounce awkhook rescue tool should be in every
patrol cop’s kit. named the “Safety Product of the year” for 2008 by the Shooting
dustry academy of excellence, the awkhook is essentially a 3.25" folding
frame-lock knife with a 2.25" blade featuring a heavy-duty screwdriver and prying tip, a dedicated cord or seatbelt-slashing recess, a straight serrated ripping section, bottle opener, wire stripper and a surprisingly effective glass-breaker for ordinary window glass and vehicle side
windows. Designed by michael Janich of bLaCKhaWK!, he put his decades of knife design and use experience to work with this nifty, but handily sized tool. it pays to have experience involved and it shows in the final design.
Weight of the hawkhook is minimized by using a framesheet of 420J stainless matte-finish steel for the framelocking side panel, which also hosts a pocket or webbing clip, and textured plastic for the other handle scale. the stout little thumb-studded blade itself is matte stainless auS 8a, and the open construction makes it easy to clean. if you hold it with your fingers (check out the picture) it busts out a window quick as you can think on it. it will easily fit in a shirt pocket, but we think it’s handier clipped to your cruiser’s visor. Just don’t forget it at the end of shift, okay? www.blackhawk.com
tag gotiMe poucHCLint & heiDi Smith
as the world that cops work in changes everyday, my only thought would be about how it is going to change even more as time progresses? Dismal failures in many parts of our government’s systems simply means officers will be required to address issues we never thought of before. Planes flown into buildings, shooters in schools, churches and bold gunmen spraying automatic weapons fire in public streets might change the dynamics of how officer friendly is going to do his job.
to address these issues might require special training and special equipment. in the forefront of the special equipment category are the Shellback tactical/t.a.g. guys based out of San Diego. mike Wratten being law enforcement, and former navy SeaL Chris osman produce equipment based on actual field use of gear that is out there working day to day. an example is the new go time pouch probably addressing things like active shooters and the like. it’s also a rock solid piece of gear for the average patrol officer — or home owner. Capable of holding two spare pistol magazines as well as two ar magazines, it makes for a quick-support equipment fix as it can be quickly deployed around the neck and secured by a body strap. the ability to inset an armored hard plate into the back of the pouch makes for a bit more protection in a hostile environment. one of only many outstanding products, if you’re out there working the real deal everyday on the street you may want to look at the Shellback tactical/t.a.g. gear.
oh yeah, and thanks for doing the work you do. more of us appreciate you than you think! Shellback: (626) 705-1887; tag: (888) 890-1199; www.theoperatorschoice.com
G2G
*
will easily fit in a shirt pocket, but we think it’s handier clipped to your cruiser’s visor. Just don’t forget it at the end will easily fit in a shirt pocket, but we think it’s handier clipped to your cruiser’s visor. Just don’t forget it at the end will easily fit in a shirt pocket, but we think it’s handier clipped to your cruiser’s visor. Just don’t forget it at the end will easily fit in a shirt pocket, but we think it’s handier clipped to your cruiser’s visor. Just don’t forget it at the end will easily fit in a shirt pocket, but we think it’s handier clipped to your cruiser’s visor. Just don’t forget it at the end
rrttJohn ConnorJohn ConnorJohn Connor
patrol cop’s kit. patrol cop’s kit. of the of the
frame-lock knife with a 2.25" blade featuring a heavy-duty screwdriver and featuring a heavy-duty screwdriver and prying tip, a dedicated cord or seatbelt-prying tip, a dedicated cord or seatbelt-slashing recess, a straight serrated ripping section, bottle opener, wire stripper and section, bottle opener, wire stripper and a surprisingly effective glass-breaker for ordinary window glass and vehicle side ordinary window glass and vehicle side ordinary window glass and vehicle side
HawkHawkrrHawkHawkrr
GET YOURGUNSGEAR!
ORDER TODAY!Call Toll-Free800-628-9818
Order at www.gunsmagazine.com
Team GUNS Collector PinIt’s colorful, it looks expensive, but anycheapskate can afford it and somedayit might be worth what you paid for it.(Actual sixe: 3/4” x 5/8”)
$3.50 each (Price includes shipping)
Pin_1.6V 11/16/07 10:44 AM Page 1
JACOP.indd 15 5/27/09 10:39 PM
16 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2009
z
HIGH TECHCUTTING EdGE WIdGETS — ANd OTHER NEW STUff.
JIM dONAHUE
I’m a strong advocate of the right computer hardware for the right use. A laptop is clearly best, here. It should have a super-bright screen so
officers aren’t squinting to see it in broad daylight. A backlit keyboard is a must. If the computer is assigned to you and not the bike, you may need this same com-puter in the future — like in a patrol car, on graveyards. It could happen. Touch screens are another must — pudgy-pawed cops using mouse pads won’t work. It’s like watching a bear cub play with a mouse turd. You’ll probably need a USB hub to connect the magnetic stripe reader, the printer, and other gizmos. Plan for that at the outset.
PBSO uses iyeTek software with their Panasonic Toughbook computers. iy-eTek, unlike many of the other companies out there, always provides the software and often the hardware at no charge to the agencies. They don’t charge an annual maintenance fee either. They make their money by charging for the sale of hard copies (like accident reports). Your agency still gets its money, but iyeTek adds a small service charge to pay for the gear. They make changes to adapt their software for each agency at no added charge — they do it quickly and they do it well.
The whole set up costs around $10,000 to install. If each officer wrote an additional 10 tickets per day, at an average fine of $155 — get out your calculators if you need to — the payback period is only about six days. We all know motors can do it. It’s like fishing in a barrel. The out-of-pocket cost to the agency is zero — beyond training. Considering most budgets are in a deep freeze, this sounds like sound fiscal management.
For more info: iyeTek, www.iyetek.com; Panasonic Toughbook, www.panasonic.com.
The Palm Beach Sheriff’s Of-fice is one of the most progressive
agencies I’ve seen. They actually listen to what their street guys tell them they need. As an example, they’re doing a stellar job of deploying computers on their motorcycles. It allows the motor officers to use electronic ticketing to speed up the traffic stop process. There’s very little data entry needed and they can import data directly from your state’s crime
Because the computer is permanently affixed to the bike, it’s not for every situation. Sometimes, it’s simply safer to use the old standby — the
ticket book. Maybe traffic flow, location of the stop or other conditions make the computer an inappropriate choice, that’s okay. Computers on motorcycles rate the “80/20” rule — if it’s a benefit 80-percent of the time, then it warrants general use.
The computer and printer can be mounted inside the rear cargo box on the Harley. The printer PBSO uses can print two copies of the ticket in less than two seconds. Not bad, eh? And — they’re legible. The radio gear and power supplies are beneath the tray on which the com-puter sits. There’s even a pad on the inside cover of the case to cushion shocks from rough roads.
Permanently mounted computers offer the officer more bang for the buck over portable “ticket-writers.” It’s easier for the officer to look up during a stop and then return to the screen knowing where he left off, thus demanding less of his pre-cious focus. Full-size computers are also capable of importing data from NCIC, which few handhelds can do. They’re simply easier to use and more dependable.
z
database and NCIC. The stop goes more quickly — although you can never write the ticket fast enough to the poor schlep who’s running late. So officer and unlucky motorist are back on the road in no time. PBSO also mounts and installs the gear according to the wishes of the officers using it. The mechanics work with the motor officers to figure a way to make the system most usable, safe and convenient. That’s the way it should be everywhere, but it’s seldom done.
Motorcycles andComputers?
Big Bang Theory
Mongo’s become pretty proficient at touch-typing thanks to his full-size Toughbook computer. Now he only gets on the air to inquire about im-
portant things like, “where’s lunch?”
The world is at your fingertips in an economy of space. This cargo box holds the computer, printer and magnetic stripe reader.
II’m a strong advocate of the right Techno-Cop
JACOP.indd 16 5/27/09 10:39 PM
P.O. Box 370, Barrington, IL 60011Tel: 847-277-7258, Fax: 847-277-7259Email: [email protected]: www.dsarms.com
GET YOUR GUNS GEAR!
ORDER TODAY!Call Toll-Free 800-628-9818
Order at www.gunsmagazine.com
Team GUNS T-ShirtNobody ever had too many T-shirts,except us andwe need to clear them out. Get this top quality,pre-shrunk 100% cotton T-shirt imprinted withTeam GUNS logo on the front and back.(Colors: Ash or Black)(Sizes: M,L,XL,XXL)
$21.95 each ($31.95 Outside U.S.)(Price includes shipping)
Tshirt_1.6 6/13/07 10:53 AM Page 1
18 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2009
j
jCORRECTIONS BRIAN DAWE
BEHINd THE fENCE.
Brian Dawe is the Executive Director for The American Correctional Officer (www.americanco.org) and the American Correctional Officers Intelligence Network (www.COIntel.net). He can be reached at [email protected] or by calling him at 307-883-9707.
Budget Cuts And CorrectionsW
ith the economy continuing its downward spiral every-body is complaining. Budget cuts are affecting every-one’s ability to get the job done. When corners get cut in corrections the potential for disaster is huge. In most ju-
risdictions we’re already understaffed, under trained, ill equipped and grossly outnumbered. But chances are if you’re reading this, you already know that. The question then is not what you know, but what can you do with that knowledge? Do the folks who call the shots, make the decisions and adopt policies affecting us everyday — do they know?
Having been in corrections for 27 years it saddens me to realize many people don’t know the startling truth about my profession. On average a correctional officer dies before age 59. Correctional officers lose 15–20 years off their lives doing this job. We have the second highest mortality rate of any occupation. On average we live only 18 months after we retire. We deal with a communicable disease rate that’s three times that of the general population. A cor-rectional officer can expect to be seriously assaulted at least twice during a 20-year career. Our suicide rate is 39-percent higher than any other occupation. Every year there are over 40,000 assaults on correctional staff in the USA alone. Our turnover rates have gone from 9.6-percent in 1995 to 16.3-percent in 2005 — nearly a 70-percent increase in turnover in just ten years. Experience, training and staffing are not just numbers for us, they’re our life-line. These alarming numbers show the rising dangers we face.
Light A Fireust hoping never produces change, and awareness rarely comes by accident. We need to educate not only ourselves, but also all our
social contacts. Each of us can start by researching and gathering informa-tion. We’re not merely the gatekeepers, we’re the keepers of knowledge — the knowledge of how and what makes a prison secure — and we need to share that awareness.
Out Of Sight — Out Of Mind
Our jobs are “behind the walls” making them un-seen and grossly misunderstood. We don’t get the headlines like our brothers and sisters in other public safety disciplines. Ask an elected
official to spend an eight-hour shift behind the walls with the officers who patrol our nation’s prisons, jails and deten-tion centers and they’ll quickly realize how very extraordi-nary these people are. If you’ve ever toured a correctional facility then you know what I’m saying. Many states and counties have learned the hard way the folly of trying to do corrections cheaply. With failed private prisons across the nation our politicians are slowly learning a valuable les-son — it takes professionals to run a prison. Protecting the
public doesn’t come cheap.Correctional officers should be revered — few would
dare walk where we walk. They’re due every consid-eration befitting someone who would put the safety of their fellow citizens and their fellow officers before their own. Respect and dignity is not given, it’s earned. We earn it every day, but we do a lousy job of letting the world know it. With these very difficult times budgets are tighter than ever, so we need to make certain our voices are heard and our needs addressed. We can’t let a lack of understanding make our jobs even more danger-ous than already. So get active, make those calls, write those letters and spread the word.
one’s ability to get the job done. When corners get cut in -
Reaching out in the community is one way to make the public more aware of who we are and what we do.
Talk to your union or employee association and see what statistical information they have on assaults, staffing levels, funding, etc. Get your facts in order — then call your state representative and ask for a meeting. Go on a letter writing campaign or mass emailing. Vote, or voteagainst when it’s that time — but if you’re not a registered voter, either register, or quit
your bitchin’. Write a let-ter to the editor of your local paper or seek a meeting with their editorial board. If you have talk radio in your area give them a call, you’ll be surprised how many people will want to talk about corrections once you speak up.
J
JACOP.indd 18 5/27/09 10:39 PM
*
Budget Cuts And Corrections> INDEPENDENT MOMENTARY, STROBE AND CONSTANT-ON MODES
> LASER FULLY ADJUSTABLE FOR WINDAGE AND ELEVATION
> REPLACEABLE, 150/200-LUMEN LED LIGHT MODULE
> AMBIDEXTROUS DUAL-SIDE ACTIVATION SWITCHES
> FITS PICATINNY 1913 RAILS
> PATENT-PENDING DESIGN
NO TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY OR DISASSEMBLY
(800) 442-2406www.crimsontrace.com
NEW. THREE TACTICAL TOOLS IN ONE MODULAR PACKAGE.
M o d u l a rVerticalForegrip
When you’re left with no other option, count on Ranger to get the job done. Winchester Ranger Ammunition delivers unparalleled performance in every conceivable scenario or situation and for a wide range of law enforcement applications. With over 140 years of experience in developing true state-of-the-art handgun, rifle and shotgun ammunition for American law enforcement, Winchester also backs Ranger with the industry’s most comprehensive testing and training program. Winchester Ranger. Trust it to perform at its best—even when things are at their worst.
Winchester.com/LawEnforcement
Winchester® Ranger®. Trust the best in the worst situation.
© 2008 Olin Corporation, East Alton, Illinois 62024
JACOP.indd 19 5/27/09 10:39 PM
20 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2009
CARRY OPTIONS MARK HANTEN
fROM HOLSTERS TO HAvERSACKS.RSACKS.
CARRY OPTIONSfROM HOLSTERS TO HA
I’m celebrating 19 years as a cop this month and, as far as I’m concerned, there’s never been a better time for law enforcement than right now.
Things are certainly better on the equip-ment side of things, that’s for sure.
One of my favorite gear advance-ments is the advent of the light-mounted handgun system. Integral light rails are now the norm on nearly all combat pistols, and the current generation of lights is outstanding. The holster makers have had it pretty tough trying to keep abreast of the transition, with the many different guns, lights, and holster finish combinations — it’s truly challenging
Tactical Low Profile
y hat’s off to Galco Gunleather and Rafter-L Gunleather for helping move this positive trend in the right direction with high quality holsters
for light-mounted pistols. Both of these great leather crafters have recognized these holsters are not expected to be level-three retention holsters with toler-ances so precise only one model of light will fit with the gun. I’ve tested both of these holsters with the Streamlight TLR-1/TLR-2, SureFire X-200/X-300 and Insight Tech Gear M3. They all fit,
to bring a good holster on line to suit all our needs. They’re coming along though, and I’m seeing more patrol cops with light-mounted guns in the field.
The next wave of light-mounted pistol holsters to be significantly improved are for plain-clothes officers. Many of our plain-clothes officers are better served by shifting the balance toward having slightly less concealability, and taking advantage of the increased useful-
ness and safety of a light-mounted pistol. They’re frequently working in the dark, and like the rest of us, have only two hands to use the radio, gun, handcuffs, badge and flashlight. Give yourself a break guys, let your gun do the multitasking.
IIII’m celebrating 19 years as a cop this to bring a good holster on line to suit all to bring a good holster on line to suit all
LIght-MOuNtEd hOLstERs — Beyond Patrol
Rafter-L Gunleather’s holster #3 is a prime example of
quality gunleather made for working cops.
Galco’s Halo holster is available for several handguns. Like all of Galco’s leather products, the Halo is an out-standing piece of gear.
M
Not just for patrol anymore, holsters for light-mounted weapons are an excellent tool for plain
clothes and undercover officers too.
JACOP.indd 20 5/27/09 10:39 PM
WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 21
and since these holsters are made of high quality leather, they will stretch where they need and maintain a fit, which is snug yet doesn’t trap your gun inside.
Galco’s new Halo model is a basic ver-tical carry, thumb-break holster compact enough for realistic concealment of full-sized guns with lights mounted on them. Galco does an excellent job of balancing top-end quality with volume production so you can expect to find this holster avail-able in a configuration you need for several popular handguns. It’ll accommodate belts up to 1.75", and for the sake of stability, I recommend wearing the widest belt your belt loops can handle. Frequently this will be 1.5", which should be adequate with a high quality, rigid gun belt. Note I said
gun belt, I shouldn’t need to remind you a flimsy dress belt is not designed to support any holster. Galco also makes an entire gun belt line — the fit and finish are first rate.
Ex-CopErik Little, of Rafter-L Gunleather is
a retired sheriff’s deputy with significant experience in law enforcement. He has a ranching background and has been build-ing great leather gear, and a stellar reputa-tion in the gun leather business for several years now. He’s a one-man custom shop with a limited line of holster models. He focuses on a few tried and true designs that work. The fact he’s included a light-mounted concealment holster in his line is a testimony to how well Erik understands cop’s needs, and the importance of this type of holster. I carried the Holster #3, designed with a thumb break and trigger cover. It’s custom molded from quality leather for an incredible fit. Though cur-rently only available for a 5" Model 1911, Erik’s working hard to expand the line to include more models. Rafter-L Gun-leather also makes top-notch gun belts.
For more info: GalcoGunleather, www.galcogunleather.com; Rafter L Gun-leather, www.combatgunleather.com
They’re frequently working in the dark, and like the rest of us, have only two
hands to use the ra-dio, gun, handcuffs,
badge and flashlight.
*
JACOP.indd 21 5/27/09 10:39 PM
22 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2009
PRIVATE SECURITY Ed PALUMBO
ISSUES ANd TRENdS ON THE PRIvATE SIdE Of LAW ENfORCEMENT.
?The third battleground does not get the same degree of
media attention generated by running gun battles and grenade and RPG attacks. However, it is no less real, and probably more dangerous to civilians than the pitched
battles between the cartels and the Mexican government. This third campaign is engulfing the Mexican population, led by criminals who may or may not be involved with the cartels. Unlike the other battles, where cartel members or government forces are the primary targets and civilians are only killed as collateral damage, on this battlefront civilians are squarely in the crosshairs, including tourism and business visitors.
This raises serious concerns for employers sending people into Mexico who must worry not only about whether the cor-porate interests are best served, in a strict business sense, but their employees survive the trip. Over the last several years, in complex and compelling ways, rising risks at and south of the border insure any company with interests there will pay a premium for such business endeavors. The cost is not always in dollars or pesos, either.
A French national, Christopher Augur, who was shot in the head as he was robbed near Mexico City airport on January 27th, died four days later. The 55 year-old French biotechnology researcher, who worked at a Mexican university, was attacked and robbed of $6,336 on a street near the airport. There are un-confirmed reports Augur resisted his attackers, which may have dramatically increased the likelihood of his being shot.
The roll call of victims is not limited to business travelers. According to the U.S. State Department, more than 200 Ameri-can citizens have been killed since 2004 in Mexico’s escalating wave of violence, amounting to the highest number of unnatural deaths in any foreign country outside military combat zones.
Who’sResponsibility?
In the case of indi-viduals or groups of people traveling on vacation they are,
for all intents and pur-poses, on their own. They have no security and are completely dependent on their own efforts to know risks and take personal actions to reduce them. There are plenty of warn-ings, though — according to the LA Times (March 4, 2009), the ATF has taken the unusual step of urging college students to avoid northern Mexico during spring break; discouraging travel to Tijuana and Rosarito Beach.
Corporate employees are only slightly better equipped to maintain safe passage, and the relative degree of safety depends on who they work for and
exico is a country with a historically flexible approach to the law, which in turn fos-ters an unpredictable social foundation where anything
could happen, and often does. Re-cently, however, unpredictability has devolved into chaos — the security environment has deteriorated rapidly, with parts of the country experienc-
At What Cost Success
The US offers travel advisories warning travelers of dangers in particular countries. It’s a simple
way to warn your client’s person-nel of potential dangers ahead.
various cartels and Mexican govern-ment forces striving to interdict the nar-cotics trade and curb violence. There’s credible evidence the government has enjoyed signal successes on this front, managing to spark power struggles within and among cartels, and the vast majority of Mexico’s murder victims are, themselves, involved in the drug trade — but not all of them.
Anything Could hAppen
Ming incredible violence.
Considering the increased use of military-grade weaponry, and the skyrocketing number of deaths reported in Mexico, the country is, in fact, in the middle of a war. Seasoned analysts estimate several major battles are waged daily, including one between cartels for control over lucrative smuggling cor-ridors. Another battle is fought between
Photo: Joe noveLozo
JACOP.indd 22 5/27/09 10:39 PM
WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 23
how diligent — or not — their sponsors are in creating a safety net composed of contingency planning for high risk busi-ness travel. Amid the carnage in Mexico, the task of providing security for business travelers is daunting and, some believe, nearly insoluble. There are precautions serious companies can and should take in order to establish, at the very least, a comprehensive — if not fail-safe — safety net for employees.
Visible leadership is mandatory. Em-ployees must be assured the company has a dedicated security program. It must be well led, constantly monitoring such high-risk destinations, creating or upgrading safety features and, crucially, providing up-to-date data to travelers before they ever get on an airplane. In fact, it should disallow travel where circumstances war-rant such action.
Critical, too, is a robust communica-tions platform. Employees need to be in a
position to both receive and send messages if they’re in harm’s way. Whether via mobile or laptop, or hotel lobby phones, employees must be armed with the contact information for their employer’s emergen-cy services group. And, if the destination is truly high or extreme risk — Juarez, Is-lamabad, Kabul, Beirut — a local response unit (LRU) should be part of the planning, when and where on-the-ground support, such as extrication, is possible.
Intelligence gathering as a corporate enterprise has been trashed in the press over the last few years — and not without reason. However, any company that sends it’s employees into harm’s way has an ob-ligation to collect as much information as possible, from public and private sources, in order to fashion a sound, defensible travel and emergency response capability. Relying on US State Department warden messages and/or CNN terrorism updates is not the way to go here, especially in this climate of chaotic and unprec-edented violence.
Considering the in-creased use of
military-grade weap-onry, and the skyrock-
eting number of deaths reported in Mexico, the
country is, in fact, in the middle of a war.
*
REFLECT WHO YOU ARE
Home
LE
Hunt
Target
Reflect who you are at www.rockriverarms.com
Rock river Arms / Elite comp a4magpul ctr stock / tactical half-quad free float handguard / two stage trigger /chrome lined 1:9 twist barrel
Rock river Arms / Elite comp a4magpul ctr stock / tactical half-quad free float handguard / two stage trigger /chrome lined 1:9 twist barrel
JACOP.indd 23 5/27/09 10:39 PM
24 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2009
OFFICER SURvIvALGETTING HOME IN THE SAME CONdITION YOU WENT TO WORK IN.
JOHN RUSSO
R ead a situation for what it is — as early as possible. Recognize what level of danger your partner’s in and if they’re aware of it. Draw a line in the sand. At some point you’ll take action before you allow a fellow officer to be injured or killed. It’s up to you to decide what that point is. Remem-
ber, these situations are dynamic, you won’t know why another officer is failing to engage a suspect you perceive to be a threat. Better to take action and deal with the fallout later, than to risk allowing a fellow officer to be injured or killed.
As for the situation above, I was six pounds into a 12-pound SIG trigger press when the suspect suddenly stopped and ran away. One push-bumper and a K-9 later he was in custody. Later I learned the targeted officer had a good piece of cover be-tween he and the suspect. Know the people you work with and trust your training. If you doubt your training or your partner’s, do something about it. Your family trusts you to come home each night. *
Perspective
Pay Attention
W e constantly train to use deadly force when someone is a threat to us or someone else. But what about when
that “someone else” is a fellow officer who is armed and point-
ing a gun at the suspect? You should know when you’d use force against a knife-wielding suspect charging at you. Same if they’re charging an innocent citizen. But what about your partner who appears to be ready to shoot? This issue has come up too often over the years and has been the culprit for many a falling-out between cops. The cover officers perceive their partner is in jeopardy and kill the suspect. The targeted officer never fires and the ac-cusations fly. The defense claims if the suspect was truly a threat, the targeted
officer would have fired. This officer is then put on the spot to either help justify his partner’s shooting or justify why he didn’t fire.
“If I have to go through all this crap then I just won’t shoot the guy and let my partner deal with it.” Sounds good in theory except for one little problem. We do this job for a reason — we’re warriors who naturally engage the bad guys. It goes against the grain for us to just stand by and watch while a fellow officer is in danger. So what do we do?
PERCEPTIONThe rain was pouring down on us as we took up positions of
cover on the quiet residential street. We’d responded en-masse to deal with a deranged man who’d just stabbed his father — luckily only inflict-
ing minor injuries. The man had then taken every knife in the house and began stabbing and cutting every inanimate object he came across. This included each tire on the two vehicles in the driveway. You never realize just how many knives people keep in their kitchens until a crazy man decides to start using them.
As we watched with guns pointed, one officer attempted to negotiate with the man. Though the officer is a great talker, this guy could care less — he had true mission focus. He jumped onto the hood of a truck, stabbed the windshield repeatedly with a butcher knife, and then ripped the entire windshield out with his bare hands. Next he ran around to the back of the truck, climbed in the bed, and tore off the camper shell, flinging it across the rain soaked yard like it was no more than a piece of paper. Every officer there was thinking the same thing, “we’re gonna have to shoot this guy.” Then it happened — he turned toward the negotiating officer. You could see the bad guy get target fixation as he raised the knife above his head and charged. I tracked the suspect and took up trigger slack while wondering why my fellow officer wasn’t firing. This was a veteran whose ability and judgment I trusted, but I couldn’t wait any longer. The threat was too close.
This totally posed shot is meant to make you think — how close would you allow this knife-wielding goon
(sorry Sammy) get to you? Your partner? A citizen? Think about it.
L E G E N D A R Y
RUGER® RELIABILITY
5.16'' Overall Length9.40 oz. Overall Weight
ACTUAL
SIZE
THE RUGER® LCP™. WHEN AND WHERE YOU NEED IT.
©2009 Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.www.ruger.com
LEARN MORE ONLINE AT WWW.RUGER.COM/LCP OR BY VISITING YOUR LOCAL RESPONSIBLE FIREARMS DEALER.
Introducing the New Ruger ® LCP™, a .380 Auto from the industry leader in rugged, reliable firearms. From
backup firearms for law enforcement to licensed carry for personal protection, the LCP™ is the perfect choice.
Designed with the shooter in mind, the ultralight LCP™ is as affordable as it is reliable.
IN A SMALL PACKAGE.
LCP™ RECALL RECALL OF LCP PISTOLS WITH SERIAL NUMBER PREFIX “370”, VISIT WWW. RUGER.COM/LCPRECALL FOR DETAILS.
050409
LCPAd-RECALL-AmerCop.indd 1 5/4/09 12:57 PM
Remember, these situations are dy-namic, you won’t
know why another officer is failing to engage a suspect you perceive to be a threat. Better to
take action and deal with the fallout later, than to risk allowing a fellow officer to be
injured or killed.
JACOP.indd 24 5/27/09 10:40 PM
L E G E N D A R Y
RUGER® RELIABILITY
5.16'' Overall Length9.40 oz. Overall Weight
ACTUAL
SIZE
THE RUGER® LCP™. WHEN AND WHERE YOU NEED IT.
©2009 Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.www.ruger.com
LEARN MORE ONLINE AT WWW.RUGER.COM/LCP OR BY VISITING YOUR LOCAL RESPONSIBLE FIREARMS DEALER.
Introducing the New Ruger ® LCP™, a .380 Auto from the industry leader in rugged, reliable firearms. From
backup firearms for law enforcement to licensed carry for personal protection, the LCP™ is the perfect choice.
Designed with the shooter in mind, the ultralight LCP™ is as affordable as it is reliable.
IN A SMALL PACKAGE.
LCP™ RECALL RECALL OF LCP PISTOLS WITH SERIAL NUMBER PREFIX “370”, VISIT WWW. RUGER.COM/LCPRECALL FOR DETAILS.
050409
LCPAd-RECALL-AmerCop.indd 1 5/4/09 12:57 PMJACOP.indd 25 5/27/09 10:40 PM
26 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2009
The QD system has even more uses beyond your gun belt — you can take a female adapter and attach it almost anywhere. A friend has one mounted to the underside of his bed frame. When he’s on the road his wife puts a
loaded pistol into it before she goes to bed — in the morning the pistol can go right back into the gun safe. And for CCW permit holders, not all businesses allow you to carry in theirbusiness; the female adapter can be screwed into any con-venient, secure location of your car — everything should be this easy. Before you send in the hate mail, I know you would
have your Glock 22 on you 24 hours a day, but we don’t live in a perfect world and sometimes we need to make practical compromises.
I also understand from a tactical aspect your pistol should be carried on your body in the same place, in the same manner. However, mission and mode of dress often dictate otherwise. With the SERPA Quick Disconnect System you maintain commonality and consistency by using the same holster regardless of location. In these financially dif-ficult times the QD hardware from BLACKHAWK! gives you more options — and options are good.
For more info: www.blackhawk.com
HARD TOOLS PAUL MARKEL
ESSENTIAL TOOLS fOR THE JOB.
Outside The Box
T he days of the leather border holster being the one and only rig you’ll ever need are over. Today we can choose from a vast array of holsters for various missions and modes of dress. I don’t need to spend time introducing you to the
SERPA holster from BLACKHAWK!. This polymer design took the police world by storm a few years ago and the folks in Norfolk haven’t looked back. As significant as the holster design was, equally important is the number of mounting options they have for their rigs. You can choose from standard belt loops, paddles, duty belt mounts, drop-leg tactical rigs and MOLLE compatible chest/vest plates.
Up until recently you could unscrew the mount from your holster and install it to another, but that meant a lot of screw-driver work. It was easier to just have a duty belt rig and a separate chest or leg rig. Military personnel working around vehicles started moving their pistols up to their armor vests for operations, but wanted a belt model for low-threat, rear area wear.
Over the last year or so BLACKHAWK! tasked the brainiacs in their engineering department to come up with a quick connect/dis-connect device to pair with the existing SERPA holster system. Damn if they didn’t do it again.
Y ou can now rapidly move your holster from one platform to another without ever having to touch a screwdriver. The QD system is made of the same high-strength polymer as the SERPA holsters and comes in
the same colors. A male adapter attaches to your holster and female adapters mount to whichever SERPA platform you need. You can have a female adapter on your duty belt rig and another on your drop-leg platform. Or maybe attach one on your tactical vest and another on your belt. The combinations are limitless — how cool is that?
When I first looked at the QD adapters I thought they looked like the lock-ing lugs on the bolt of an AR. The lugs on the male adapter are mated with the lugs of the female adapter. Rotate the holster about ten degrees and the adapters lock together. The locking levers are 180 degrees away from each other and must both be depressed to unlock and remove the holster. I’ve been working with the system for about a month, and changing from one platform to another only takes a few seconds.
have your Glock 22 on you 24 hours a day, but we don’t live in a perfect world and sometimes we need to make practical compromises.
aspect your pistol should be carried on your body in the same place, in the same manner. However, mission and mode of dress often dictate otherwise. With the SERPA Quick Disconnect System you maintain commonality and consistency by using the same holster regardless of location. In these financially difficult times the QD hardware from BLACKHAWK! gives you more options — and options are good.
Less is always more and BLACKHAWK! proves it once again with this elegantly simple system.
SERPA QD System
SNAP-ON, SNAP-OFF
PROVEN UNDER FIRE*
4 PM. STOLEN CAR. You need to see everything. The shine of a knife, the glint of a gun. You need to see their hands. Good thing your sunglasses aren’t just sunglasses. They’re Revision Hellfly. Made by the leader in ballistic eyewear for the military worldwide. And Hellfly is made for you. High impact protection, state of the art optics, 100% UV and wraparound lenses to keep you covered on all sides. All under one ounce.So you’re ready for the worst, ready with the best. That’s Revision Ready.
“Any situation can turn bad, quick… Why take a chance with anything other than Revision. It’s not worth the risk.”
– Federal Law Enforcement Officer
*12 gauge shotgun, 1-1/8oz #7.5 lead shot, 1,148 ft/s velocity at 16 feet. ©2008 REVISION EYEWEAR LTD. HELLFLY™ AND REVISION® ARE TRADEMARKS OF REVISION EYEWEAR LTD, 7 CORPORATE DRIVE, ESSEX JUNCTION, VT 05452
www.rev is ioneyewear .comBE REVISION READY
MISSION CRITICAL EYEWEAR®
4 PM. STOLEN CAR. You need to see everything. The shine of everything. The shine of everythinga knife, the glint of a gun. You need to see their hands. Good thing your sunglasses aren’t just
LOSE SIGHT FOR A SECONDAND YOU’RE OUT OF THE FIGHT
Looking like a dissected hockey puck, BLACKHAWK!’s SERPA QD System allows a mind-boggling array of mounting options.
JACOP.indd 26 5/27/09 10:40 PM
Outside The Box
SNAP-ON, SNAP-OFF
PROVEN UNDER FIRE*
4 PM. STOLEN CAR. You need to see everything. The shine of a knife, the glint of a gun. You need to see their hands. Good thing your sunglasses aren’t just sunglasses. They’re Revision Hellfly. Made by the leader in ballistic eyewear for the military worldwide. And Hellfly is made for you. High impact protection, state of the art optics, 100% UV and wraparound lenses to keep you covered on all sides. All under one ounce.So you’re ready for the worst, ready with the best. That’s Revision Ready.
“Any situation can turn bad, quick… Why take a chance with anything other than Revision. It’s not worth the risk.”
– Federal Law Enforcement Officer
*12 gauge shotgun, 1-1/8oz #7.5 lead shot, 1,148 ft/s velocity at 16 feet. ©2008 REVISION EYEWEAR LTD. HELLFLY™ AND REVISION® ARE TRADEMARKS OF REVISION EYEWEAR LTD, 7 CORPORATE DRIVE, ESSEX JUNCTION, VT 05452
www.rev is ioneyewear .comBE REVISION READY
MISSION CRITICAL EYEWEAR®
4 PM. STOLEN CAR. You need to see everything. The shine of everything. The shine of everythinga knife, the glint of a gun. You need to see their hands. Good thing your sunglasses aren’t just
LOSE SIGHT FOR A SECONDAND YOU’RE OUT OF THE FIGHT
JACOP.indd 27 5/27/09 10:40 PM
28 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2009
An example of a low/no-cost way of boosting a volunteer’s attitude and morale was when our department issued the just-purchased ASP batons to all members. We had a scheduled training session for a baton refresher class and the department had just taken delivery of the new batons. The defensive tactics instructors and lesson plans were in place. The training officer made a decision to have us reserves trained on the new ASP rather than the old baton — it didn’t cost the department anything extra. In fact, it actually saved money and boosted the morale of my guys. They were
RESERVES PERRY W. HORNBARGER
dEdICATION ANd PROfESSIONALISM THAT GOES BEYONd PAY.
*Perry W. Hornbarger is the Unit Commander of the Chesterfield, VA Auxiliary Police Unit. He can be reached at [email protected].
Organization leaders can affect a person’s attitude and morale tremendously — especially when dealing with volunteers.
They can help to promote a positive atti-tude for the members or they can destroy it. Many times I’ve seen it destroyed by well-meaning administrators who’ve never volunteered for anything and don’t know what motivates a volunteer. They’re trained and conditioned to deal with employees who depend on this for a living and their mindset may be on things that don’t concern volunteers.
what Can Be Done?
A big, hefty 15-percent pay raise would be nice — let’s see, 15-percent of nothing is still nothing. Forget that idea. I’ll go out on a limb here and say no matter who you are or what you do, you need to get the “warm
fuzzies” once in a while in your job — like you're making a posi-tive difference in the organization. A little “thank you” from the occupants in the ivory tower can go a long way. You know what I’m talking about — a look you in the eyes and a firm handshake, “thank you.” The feeling of being appreciated can move some-one’s self-esteem needle up a notch or two if they feel it was truly heartfelt. Something else that can accomplish the same thing is to present a small and inexpensive trinket occasionally. It may sound ridiculous, but what I mean by trinket is something like a department coffee mug, a department challenge coin, or some other show of appreciation.
At the request of one of my chiefs, I once asked the mem-bers of my unit what the department could do for them to show their appreciation —cost was, of course, a factor. I removed all the supervisors from the room and left just the officers to make a list. They gave me a list of over 100 things of insignificant
Cheap Bastards
Here’s a small sampling of goodies you should have on hand to let your reserves know they’re appreciated. You can’t af-
ford to have their free labor dry up and blow away.
How’s Your Attitude?
how can we prevent that bad attitude from rearing its ugly head? What can administrators do to help prevent it?
H ave you ever been asked, “Why do you volun-
teer to be a cop?” My guess is — hundreds of times. Quite frankly, I’m not smart enough to come up with a definitive answer, but maybe you can. I’ll issue a chal-
lenge here. One obvious reason is the excitement, but any other reason really depends upon your attitude.
Another cop asked me the same question years ago and the best answer I could come up with related to my attitude. I told him I had the best of both worlds — I could come out and play, but if I got a bad attitude out there I could hang up my uniform for a week or two until my attitude changed. Unfor-tunately, he had to go back to work the next day.
Now I’ll be the first to admit I’ve had plenty of those days when I’ve hung up my uniform for a while because I needed an attitude adjustment. Aside from leav-ing for a few days,
A small breast pin set may be all it
takes to say “thank you” to your reserves.
They’re doing that same danger-ous job you’re doing — for free.
How about a nice, steaming cup of
thank you.
truly proud to be the first kids on the block with the new toys.
This is certainly not a revelation to anyone, but in today’s economy we all need to do more with less. Recruiting, utilizing and retaining volunteers — it may not be the answer, but it can sure be one a saving grace of your department’s budget. Thinking outside the box can generate some great ideas, which can save money, increase productivity and keep your people smiling while they’re doing it. It’s okay to throw us a bone every now and then, too.
value, but something they said would be appreciated. I can relate because when I was working my regular job before retirement I was known as the “trinket-meister.” I kept a locker chock-full of
department t-shirts, hats, belt buckles, lapel pins and other assorted stuff for the boss to pass out as he saw fit.
THE LINE OF DUTYTM
smith-wesson.com/mpNASDAQ: SWHC
MADE IN THE U.S.A.
M&P340M&P340
M&P45
TO UPHOLD.
TO PROTECT.
TO DEFEND.M&P15
JACOP.indd 28 5/27/09 10:40 PM
Perry W. Hornbarger is the Unit Commander of the Chesterfield, VA Auxiliary Police Unit. He can be reached at [email protected].
THE LINE OF DUTYTM
smith-wesson.com/mpNASDAQ: SWHC
MADE IN THE U.S.A.
M&P340M&P340
M&P45
TO UPHOLD.
TO PROTECT.
TO DEFEND.M&P15
JACOP.indd 29 5/27/09 10:40 PM
30 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2009
CARS AND CRASHES SUZI HUNTINGTON
SURvIvING IN YOUR MOBILE OffICE.
I ’ve seen it many times; a patrol cop is dispatched to a traffic collision and tries his best to find something more important to do. Why? What’s so darn scary about taking a
collision report? Oh, and if it’s a hit-and-run, fleeing in terror is a viable option for the average beat cop.
Having spent almost 17 of my more than 22-year career in Traffic Division, I’ve seen patrol’s idea of a traffic investigation; from the good, the bad — to the really ugly. The biggest reason reports are bad or ugly is because of a lack of five key factors. It doesn’t help when you have Training Officers training baby officers how to investigate a traffic crash when even they don’t have the basic skills to do it.
A traffic collision report should be treated
My Very Own Crayons
Take accurate measurements of the street, the lanes, skid
marks and area of impact. You have no idea the embarrassment you can face when you have to explain to an insurance company investigator, or during a civil deposition, why your measurements are off by ten or twelve feet — that’s an entire car length — because you guessed at your measure-ments. Unless you know
100 percent of the time you take a three foot-long stride, I don’t recommend using this method. Nobody can walk with a consistent stride length. This means maybe going to your local hardware store and spending a couple bucks on a 25' steel tape. Get it in some obnoxious color so your squad mates won’t be tempted to borrow it. I had a lime-green one after losing a couple others.
It shouldn’t look like a 4-year old drew your diagram, either. The engineers who designed the roadways didn’t free-hand their plans — they actually used templates, and so should you. Templates are cheap at most uniform and equipment shops. They usually carry a couple of basic templates you’ll get plenty of use from to make your report look more professional.
Write down statements. Don’t just have a list of names and show whether they were a witness or an involved party. If you take the time to get their information, write down what they told you — duh. It happens all the time. A person tells you one thing at the scene, but then when they’ve had a chance to think about how they just screwed themselves, they will change their story. Most notably, their story will change for their insurance company and any possible court action. And don’t just write down their statement — read it back to them, rather paraphrase from the notes your taking — make sure you are accurately recording their words. If you get called on the carpet later, you can say, “I always read back my notes to the subject to ensure I understood what they were saying.”
Yup, I admit it — I was a template geek. I loved to color in grade school too. Templates are cheap —
and as you can see — there are a lot to choose from.
From cheap to chic — all you re-ally need is a decent steel tape — although the leather-bound nylon tape is pretty decadent.
*
?d on’t guess in your conclusions. Your report is supposed to be a documentation of the facts, not assumptions. Don’t exceed
your expertise by guessing, it’ll come back to bite you in the ass. If you’re unsure of something, talk to your parties or witnesses again. Maybe you missed a small detail. If nothing else, ask for a traffic unit to swing by and help. I loved to help patrol officers figure out a crash. A few minutes of my time usually translated to much better reports from those of-ficers in the future. It also took away a lot of their fear and apprehension.
Keep in mind your collision report will not only be read by your sergeant. Attorneys, victims, insur-ance companies, juries and even federal agencies may get to look at your handiwork. There are all kinds of people who will be happy to tear apart your work. You can either sub-mit it as a kindergarten finger-paint project or as a fine art masterpiece. You wouldn’t try to race through most other crime investigations, so spend enough time with a collision investigation to prevent a mountain of problems and embarrass-ment in the future.
What the heck happened?
A diagram like this takes all of five minutes, at most, and it looks pro-
fessional. Don’t be lazy, take a few minutes to do it right.
exactly the same as any other crime report. Remember, the collision occurred because somebody violated the law — okay, it’s usually an infraction — but it’s a law just the same. If you remember you’re gather-ing evidence just as you would for, say, a
domestic violence case then you’ll under-stand the basic steps to properly document a collision. Note I’m calling it a collision or crash — not an accident. An accident is when a tree falls on your car, not when you drive it into something else.
CRuISeR GeaR and accident Investigation
JACOP.indd 30 5/27/09 10:40 PM
32 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2009
STREET LEvEL JOHN MORRISON
STRAIGHT TALK ON SUPERvISION & LEAdERSHIP ON THE fRONT LINES — THE STREETS.
MORALE BUILDING: No Programs, Please!S omewhere in the basement there’s a cigar box contain-
ing military medals and commendations. The only mementos of that period on display in my home are the lone surviving photo of my best friend, killed
on the DMZ in 1966, and a wooden boat paddle bearing a small plaque from 1st Recon, delivered thirty years late by a younger generation of warriors. Two boxes full of police awards are … somewhere; I’m not sure. Items displayed from that era are an “Animal of the Year 1981” prize from my
F irst, recognize an honor doesn’t have to come from an Ivory Tower to have great mean-ing — in fact; baubles dropped
from higher levels can be suspect. Never underestimate the chest-swelling, pride-producing power of the least impressive-looking honor — its value established by its source, and magnified by the light of those who witness it being awarded. If you’ve done your job, that source is you. If you’ve built a good team, they’re the right audience. Try a few of these, which worked for me:
Imagine this scene — you’re briefing your troops prior to putting them in the field. Concluding business, you advise, “I’ve just gone over our activity for the past quarter on second watch, and con-
Give them a nice ASP extended cuff key — one of the cool ones with a medal-lion. For the officer or team who handled that screwed-up rape-homicide scene when there were no CSI tech’s available, big four-inch magni-fying glasses run about nine bucks, worth CSI tech’s available, big four-inch magni
With all those arrests last
quarter, you must have
worn out your old cuff key. Here’s a new
one for this quarter.
Admit it, you love bathroom humor. It doesn’t get much better than this.
Recognize Achievement
SWAT troops, and the “Coveted Copper Turd Award,” which brings smiles and is nobody’s business but mine.
Why? Sure, I’m proud of both my military and LE ser-vice, but many of the ego sheets and gaudy gongs of those days amounted to awards for staying alive, unintentionally violating some laws of physics, and Because Everybody Else Got One trinkets. I’m under whelmed by them, but worst are some awards given by high-ranking officials who re-ally didn’t know or understand what I did and didn’t give a damn — they were just tokens tossed in the name of “morale building.” According to a half-dozen of you readers, it’s still happening, and you’ve learned it’s actually bad for morale.
I wrote about “morale-building programs” in the July-Aug 2007 issue — maybe the editor will re-post it on the web site? — explaining how morale-building programs work or don’t work, and the elephant sex connection. FYI, elephant sex is any overly loud, seemingly meaningless activity, which involves ponderous, noisy thrashing at higher levels, and often results in small critters being trampled underfoot. That’s “morale-building programs” in a nutshell.
Two of you said you routinely write up your officers’ extraor-dinary performance in fields like “putting crooks in jail” — how quaint — to courageous life-saving acts — and they’re just as rou-tinely shot down by figures higher in the food chain, who then turn around and decorate their little sy-cophant suck-ups for cleaning their plates and “celebrating diversity.” So, what can you do to give your people recognition?
sidering the arrest figures … Williams, Franklin, stand up please.” Reaching into a shirt pocket, you produce two shiny-new handcuff keys.
“Seems to me you two may have worn yours out, and you could use new ones.” Toss `em to the recipients, and start the handclapping yourself. Have someone standing by to grab a couple of photos of `em smiling, hold-ing those cuff keys. Do not pose for stiff, bullshit “presentation photos.” Make sure prints get to the recipients, but don’t make a big deal out of it. If you have a division bulletin board, post copies without comment. Word will get around. Don’t overdo it, or you can sour the effect.
Got a real hard-charger for the year?
JACOP.indd 32 5/27/09 10:40 PM
WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 33
nine Gs of morale when accompanied by a brief personal note expressing your respect for their work.
Fun And MoraleRecognition doesn’t have to re-
volve around notable successes, either. Remember, you’re building cohesion as well as earned esteem. Good cops are never offended by immortalizing their memorable if not exemplary moments. In fact, they’re the ones who will laugh the loudest and enjoy it the most.
Small — like 6" tall — figures may cost ten bucks, but again, the payoff is priceless. One of my favorites, com-monly available, is a figure of Albert Einstein. I must have bought a dozen of these over time. Of course, Albert — his feet glued to a paperboard base reading, “NICE GOIN’, EINSTEIN!” — is for your officer who repeatedly tried to kick in a door which opened outward, toward him — and was unlocked anyway — or any action which only demonstrated use of the first ten of his IQ points.
Black-clad ninja action-figures are plentiful too. They’re for your com-mando who scaled his way to the second story of a house with a burglar inside, crept out onto the flimsy aluminum-framed plastic-sheeted greenhouse addi-tion — and fell through, destroying it. “A Ninja, You’re NOT” is a fitting tribute.
A “Hulk” action figure is for the officer who, to his own surprise as well as yours, kicked the butts of six outlaw bikers who seriously screwed up when one said something about his mother.
Get a “Wonder Woman” figure for your featherweight female who ex-ecuted “stick drill” on the denizens of a dockyard bar who erred in think-ing the police had sent a creampuff to shut the place down. On the first one I gave on my old squad it bore the note, “When Julie was a kid she wore Wonder Woman pajamas. Now Wonder Woman wears Julie jammies. You’re our Won-der Woman!”
A plastic model of a police cruiser comes cheap, and all it takes is a hot knife or soldering iron to create colli-sion damage. For $2.99, add a crumpled model light pole or railroad signal, whichever type your hero hammered. If one of your troops was rolling “Emer-gency Code 8” and found the bathroom locked with disastrous results, check gag & novelty stores for a pack of “Cork-It Anti-Diarrheal” aids.
The possibilities are endless. Just use your brain, heart and imagination. Good luck. *
For More Information Visit Our Website:
InsightTechGear.com
Toll Free: 877-744-4802
125+ Lumens Ambidextrous Rocker Switch or Long Gun Remote Constant or Momentary Operation
DominateDominateDominateDominateDominateDominateDominateDominateDominateDominateDominateDominateDominateDominateDominateDarknessthe TM
Tactical Illuminator
JACOP.indd 33 5/27/09 10:40 PM
34 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2009
GEAR HOGS Suzi Huntington
What’s-What for CopS
C ops are gear-hogs
— absolute-ly. But let’s take it a step
further and say the best cops are gear-hogs, the guys and
gals who shop with a keen eye for tools, equipment, training and more. Basically, anything that will help them do their jobs better and
safer. I’m not talking about “Captain Gadget,” the guy who always has the latest widget. You know him, the one
who buys the newest cell phone, newest
laptop, newest weird off-duty gun “but it’s made out of ceramic!” and newest
battery-operated holster … and the list goes on? The cops I’m talking about
buy solid, good things with reputations in the real world, things from com-panies with track records, products
their peers recommend, proven performers — or new things that make sense and answer needs.
This is a large cross-section of things, but I
felt it was important
Al Mar: I’ve always admired the simple but oh-so-deadly designs of Al Mar knives and they’re as good as many
handmade knives but are more affordable to you and me. The Payara is an excellent example of an ideal duty carry knife.
It has a 4" blade made of vG-10 steel, with an overall length of 8.5" and weighs in at 6-ounces. There are ambidextrous thumb stud openers, a liner lock and the scales are textured
G-10 with a stainless steel pocket clip. www.almarknives.com
5.11: 5.11 Tactical’s Covert Casual Shirt looks like any ordinary casual shirt I see men wearing today. The difference is subtle, yet practical for concealed carry — in several different formats. velcro side vents allow for virtually any on-the-
waist gun to remain hidden. But when you need it — rip — and the sides open for an easy draw. do you use a shoulder holster?
No problem. Rip open your shirtfront like Superman — the buttons are actually snaps. The shirts are a sand-washed rayon/polyester blend with a UPf-40 rating, have a moisture-wicking mesh lining and come in a variety of solid colors
and three choices of plaid — they look pretty cool. www.511tactical.com
34 W
Mantis Knives: This lightweight little gem — the MT-2ti — is part of their “Class Act” series.
While it may not be something you’d carry in uniform — although I was known to carry some unusual knives in the field — it’s a knife that’d be a nice option in plain-clothes assign-ments. The knife has a 3" black oxide coated, S30v steel blade with and overall length of 7". The slim lines of the knife boast a liner lock, anodized titanium liners — giv-ing purple highlights to an otherwise tactical black knife — and carbon fiber
scales. www.mantisknives.com
CC ops are gear-hogs
— absolute-ly. But let’s take it a step
further and say the best cops best cops bestare gear-hogs, the guys and
gals who shop with a keen eye for tools, equipment, training and more. Basically, anything that will help them do their jobs better and
safer. I’m not talking about “Captain Gadget,” the guy who always has the always has the alwayslatest widget. You know him, the one
who buys the who buys the newest cell phone, newest cell phone, newest newest
laptop, newest weird off-duty gun “but newest weird off-duty gun “but newestit’s made out of ceramic!” and newest
battery-operated holster … and the list goes on? The cops I’m talking about
buy solid, good things with reputations in the real world, things from com-panies with track records, products
their peers recommend, proven performers — or new things that make sense and answer needs.
This is a large cross-section of things, but I
felt it was important
5.11 Tactical’s Covert Casual Shirt looks like any ordinary casual shirt I see men wearing today. The difference is subtle, yet practical for concealed carry — in several different formats. elcro side vents allow for virtually any on-the-
waist gun to remain hidden. But when you need it — rip — and the sides open for an easy
o you use a shoulder holster? No problem. Rip open your shirtfront like Superman — the buttons are actually snaps. The shirts are a sand-washed rayon/polyester
-40 rating, have a moisture-wicking mesh lining and come in a variety of solid colors
and three choices of plaid — they look pretty cool. www.511tactical.com T
TTTTTTTTTRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEETTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
steel blade with and overall length of 7". The slim lines of the knife boast a liner
-
knife — and carbon fiber
TTTTTTTTTwww.almarknives.com
This lightweight little gem — the MT-2ti — is part of their “Class Act” series.
While it may not be something you’d carry in uniform — although I was known to carry some unusual knives in the field — it’s a knife
performers — or new things that make sense and answer needs.
This is a large cross-section of things, but I
felt it was important AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATATTTATATATTTATRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
34 W34 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 200934 W
the MT-2ti — is part of their “Class Act” series.
TTTTTTTTTTTTAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATATTTATATATTTATTATTTATATATTTATRRRRRR
JACOP.indd 34 5/27/09 10:41 PM
you know about at least some stuff that works in the real world. I’ll say right up front though: There’s lots more out there that’s good and worthy of your attention, so shop around, feed your brain, then make your buying decision. Hopefully, what we have here will make you think a bit about what might help you out there.
To help you sort through at least some of the “stuff,” we’ve tasked our
writers and readers to help select some of the “best” gear they’ve come across. And the difference is we actually get it and play with it, or readers report on it, or we use it at a factory demo. Some are old school, some new and some, hard to classify — but they do make sense. from uniforms to all the doo-dads we use every day, get ready for an eye-full. Think of it as the “Ultimate Cop Goodie Guide”.
Bates Boots: Bates delta-8 Side Zip boots have adjustable disk-thingies in the midsole
allowing four different settings to control the amount of firmness and side stability.
Just dial it in to suit your particular needs — and the side zipper makes putting on and taking off your boots
pretty darn easy. They cost about $120. www.batesfootwear.com
Benchmade: Benchmade is well known for quality knives for not a lot of money. They’re now making an excellent emergency rescue tool called Houdini.
This gizmo has a spring-loaded tempered glass win-dow punch, a curved, blunt-end seatbelt cutter and an LEd flashlight all rolled into one small package. Clip it to your gear bag for easy storage and quick access. They also make a smaller version perfectly sized for your or your spouse’s keychain. It’s okay
to think of these tools outside Copworld. www.benchmade.com
Boker: The Boker Cop Tool was the brainchild of my husband, His-Publishership, Roy Huntington. After breaking the tip off several knives
on-duty and needing more scraping capabilities, he thunk-up this cool tool all on his own. Originally made in custom-version by Wilson Tactical, Boker’s very affordable version is made from 440C stainless steel with textured G-10 for the handle. It’s 6"
overall with a 1.75" blade. They cut, scrape, chisel and pry — they’re veritable multi-taskers. Stop abusing your knives and get the right tool. www.boker.de/us/
TOPS Knives: TOPS has a wicked new knife that can be carried almost anywhere you can think. It’s called a Thumb Nail and is all of 3.25" long with a blade length of just 1" . It comes in a Kydex sheath with an attached snap ring and chain. The uses and carry options are endless. But don’t be fooled by its “cuteness” — I guarantee you can make good use of this little
dynamo. www.topsknives.com
Bates Boots: Bates have adjustable disk-thingies in the midsole
allowing four different settings to control the amount of firmness and side stability
Just dial it in to suit your particular needs — and the side zipper makes putting on and taking off your boots
pretty darn easy. They cost about $120.
Bates Boots: Bates have adjustable disk-thingies in the midsole
allowing four different settings to control the amount of firmness and side stability
Just dial it in to suit your particular needs — and the side zipper makes putting on and taking off your boots
pretty darn easy. They cost about $120.
EOTAC: What’s so special about over-sized denim jeans? They’re EOTAC’s Operator Grade discreet
denim Pant and they’re built just as tough as their tactical pants. You’ll fit in with all the other dudes out there — only you’ll know your dude-pants are holding your covert cop stuff. They’re supercomfort-able and all the pockets and pouches allow you to be a gear hog. Even sizes 28-48 inches for waist, 30-36 inch
hems. www.eotac.com
WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 35
you know you know about at least about at least some stuff that some stuff that works in the works in the real world. real world. realI’ll say right up front I’ll say right up front though: There’s lots more out though: There’s lots more out there that’s good and worthy of there that’s good and worthy of your attention, so shop around, your attention, so shop around, feed your brain, feed your brain, then make your then make your thenbuying decision. Hopefully, what we buying decision. Hopefully, what we have here will make you think a bit have here will make you think a bit about what about what might help you might help you might out there.
To help you sort through at least some of the “stuff,” we’ve tasked our some of the “stuff,” we’ve tasked our
writers and readers to help select some writers and readers to help select some of the “best” gear they’ve come across. of the “best” gear they’ve come across. And the difference is we actually get And the difference is we actually get it and play with it, or readers report it and play with it, or readers report on it, or we use it at a factory demo. on it, or we use it at a factory demo. Some are old school, some new Some are old school, some new and some, hard to classify — but and some, hard to classify — but they they do make sense. do make sense. do frfrf om uniforms to all the doo-dads uniforms to all the doo-dads we use every day, get ready we use every day, get ready for an eye-full. Think of it for an eye-full. Think of it as the as the “Ultimate Cop Goodie Guide”.Goodie Guide”.
to think of these tools outside Copworld. www.benchmade.com
Boker: The Boker Cop Tool was the brainchild of my husband, His-Publishership, Roy Huntington. After breaking the tip off several knives
on-duty and needing more scraping capabilities, he thunk-up this cool tool all on his own. Originally made in custom-version by Wilson Tactical, Boker’s very affordable
carried almost anywhere you can think. It’s called a Thumb Nail
TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
JACOP.indd 35 5/27/09 10:41 PM
36 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2009
Timberland: And for those of you in the colder climates, Timberland’s valley forge boot should do just fine. It’s made with a waterproof leather, Gortex membrane and Thinsulate insulation to help keep
your feet warm and dry. The vibram outsoles have grooves cut in them so you can attach cram-
pons so you won’t fall on your butt in the snow. They’re around $190. www.timberland.com
Ridge Boots: It’s the little things that matter. Ridge Air-Tac Plus boots are an upgrade from their Original Air-Tac boots. What’s changed? Some fine tuning — like the boot is completely
non-metallic, with leather and mesh nylon uppers, nylon eyelets, a composite shank and a new gen-
eration air outsole. www.ridgeoutdoors.com
Ridge Boots:Ridge Air-Tac Plus boots are an upgrade from their Original Air-Tac boots. What’s changed? Some fine tuning — like the boot is completely
non-metallic, with leather and mesh nylon uppers, nylon eyelets, a composite shank and a new gen
And for those of you in the colder orge boot should do
s made with a waterproof leather, Gortex membrane and Thinsulate insulation to help keep
ibram outsoles have
pons so you won’t fall on your butt in the snow.
WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2009
Magnum Boots: Waterproof. Not water resistant, waterproof. Magnum Boots uses Ion-mask technology on their Elite force series. This technol-ogy makes these boots pretty much kootie-proof — water, chemicals, liq-uids and blood simply bead up and
run off — keeping your tootsies safe. doesn’t work on stinky,
athlete’s foot, sorry. www.magnumboots.com
Original S.W.A.T.: don’t like high-top boots? Original S.W.A.T.’s gotcha covered. Intended for the hut-hut crowd, these 5” Air Side Zip boots look more like
cross-trainer athletic shoes. They’re leather and nylon uppers have a side zipper for easy on/off and the
outsole features an arch ladder tread — to give extra traction during rope rappels. And, yes, they have air
soles. www.originalswat.com
SureFire: Tired of tactical black?
With Surefire’s new silver E1B Backup light you can collect the whole set. It’s ev-ery bit as cool as the original — 80 lumens with the first click on and five lumens for up to 37 hours with a quick off/on click.
Only difference is, it’s coming from a hard-anodized silver body.
There you go.www.surefire.com
Bust A Cap: We’ve all got one, and it’s either a
Streamlight or a Mag-Lite. This nifty widget screws
onto the end, replacing the end-cap and suddenly you have a tool allowing you to bust into auto glass, house glass or anything of the
like. There’s often no time to dance around, you need
in now, and Bust A Cap gets you in — now. You don’t even need training if you have a strong right arm.
Why didn’t we think of this sooner? www.bustacap.net
Revision Eyewear: All cops wear glasses — at least sunglasses — and the cool factor has to be pretty high. Safety should be up there too, and you can get the best of both worlds with Revision Eyewear’s military grade Sawfly-TX Eyewear Sys-
tem. When you have to wear eye protection and a communications
headset, these are the glasses to use. Revision offers them in two differ-ent lens designs, one allows more airflow around it to combat fogging and the other with greater lateral
coverage for added protection. They have interchangeable lenses (clear and smoke) and are prescription
ready — all for around $100. www.revisioneyewear.com
WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2009
Magnum Boots uses Ion-mask technology on
rce series. This technology makes these boots pretty much kootie-proof — water, chemicals, liquids and blood simply bead up and
run off — keeping your tootsies esn’t work on stinky,
www.magnumboots.com
36 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2009
Magnum Boots: Waterproof. Not water resistant, resistant, resistant waterproof. Magnum Boots uses Ion-mask technology on their Elite force series. This technology makes these boots pretty much kootie-proof — water, chemicals, liquids and blood simply bead up and
run off — keeping your tootsies safe. doesn’t work on stinky,
athlete’s foot, sorry. www.magnumboots.com
They’re around $190. www.timberland.com
light you can collect
SureFire: Tired of tactical black?
With Surefire’s new silver E1B Backup light you can collect
JACOP.indd 36 5/27/09 10:42 PM
WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 37
Wiley X: To help you protect your hands
Wiley X — noted for their protective eye-
wear — enters the combat glove market with the Hybrid Glove. Made of a Nomex/Kevlar
material, they’re flame- and cut-resistant. They also have a cool removable injection molded knuckle protector, made to protect your hand against impact or abrasion. If you’re a knuckle-dragger, just leave the knuckle-thingies in place, you’ll need ‘em. You
can have a pair for around $130. www.wileyx.com
BLACKHAWK!: Too bad the Spartans didn’t have these lights, they coulda really kicked some serious butt. Oh, wait, they did. BLACKHAWK! kicked their own Gladius
gluteus with their mo-betta Gladius Maximis. They gave it 120 lumens versus 90 and still with a run time
of about 90 minutes for the same price — around $250. www.blackhawk.com
Crimson Trace ForeGrip: Times change and lasers have become part-and-parcel of many officer’s daily kit. Crimson Trace’s new vertical foregrip for AR platforms (or anything you can put it on) extends the concept. Called the MvG-515, it mounts to any Picatinny rail and gives the user a white light (adjustable for a wide range of modes) and a laser aimer — all at the touch of a finger. If you like this sort of thing,
well, here’s a pretty darn good one. www.crimsontrace.com
Boyt Rifle Case: Yeah, I know, another black zippered rifle case. But wait, there’s more! The military YKK zippers and self-healing system makes the open-close part bullet-proof. Adjustable interior straps allow you to customize it to fit your zillion-dollar AR rifle, and mag pouches, padded compartments, an adjust-able shoulder strap, metal loops to turn it into a “drag bag” and — get this — a
lifetime warranty, make the Boyt case something different. You can get it in 26", 36" and 41" lengths. www.boytharness.com
WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 37
QuiqLitePro: Holding a full-sized flashlight under your arm while writing tickets is a real drag. QuiqLitePro lets you cheat. Simply put this gizmo in your shirt pocket and you’ve got the perfect ticket light. It also has a strobe function making you more visible at scenes so the village idiot doesn’t run you over.
They’re only about $25, keep one in your car too. www.quiqlite.com
wear — enters the combat glove market with the Hybrid Glove. Made of a Nomex/Kevlar
material, they’re flame- and cut-resistant. They also have a cool removable injection molded knuckle protector, made to protect your hand against impact or abrasion. If you’re a knuckle-dragger, just leave the knuckle-thingies in place, you’ll need ‘em. You
www.wileyx.com
gluteus with their mo-betta Gladius Maximis. They gave it 120 lumens versus 90 and still with a run time
also have a cool removable injection molded knuckle protector, made to protect your hand against impact or abrasion. If you’re a knuckle-dragger, just leave the knuckle-thingies in place, you’ll need ‘em. You
www.wileyx.com
of about 90 minutes for the same price — around $250. www.blackhawk.com
wear — enters the combat glove market wear — enters the combat glove market
Wiley X: To help you protect your hands
Wiley X — noted for their protective eye-
To help you
JACOP.indd 37 5/27/09 10:42 PM
38 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 200938 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2009WW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2009
ASP Colored Cuffs: Okay, so you may wonder, why? Here’s why: some agencies (especially corrections) use color-coded cuffs to keep prisoners sorted out. Blue might mean “enroute to court” while yellow might mean “enroute to the hospital” and other colors like orange, black and even pink might mean, um, uh … other
things. Even if you’re a beat cop, maybe a set of colored cuffs might set your pris-oner apart from the pack? www.asp-net.com
Maxpedition: You need a gear bag for all this new stuff and who better to make one than Maxpedition. They’re fliegerduffel’s a perfect grab-n-go bag made from a
super tough, water and abrasion resistant ballistic nylon. It has nylon buckles for quiet clicks and too many other well thought-out features to list. it’s so over-built, your kids can’t tear it apart. My slightly larger doppelduffel went on African safari last year, these bags are great. It’s yours for
about $160. www.maxpedition.com
Colt Grip Laser: LaserMax’s take on the grip laser for an AR platform got the attention of Colt (yeah,
that Colt), and offers some interesting ideas. Not only is there a laser adjustable from a pulsating beam to a steady beam, but there’s also a “navigation” LEd
light included, available in white, red or blue depend-ing upon your needs. Made of 30-percent glass-filled verton, the Colt Grip Laser (CGL) can withstand being run over by your SUv, but don’t do it, especially if
you’re still holding onto it. It runs on AA batteries so that’s pretty handy. www.lasermax.com
38 W38 W
Hinderer Extreme Duty Pen: Who’d have ever thought we’d be calling our pens weapons? But, in today’s world you need to take every advantage you can get and in anybody’s book, this
is another advantage. Using CAd/CAM CNC technology, Rick (a custom knife maker and fire fighter) has created a rock-solid “ul-timate” back-up weapon for cops. Traction grooves and a general overbuilt toughness (think: Russian T-34 tank here), means this
modular-capable tool can not only write citations it might just save your skin too. It even uses “Space Pen” refills so you can write underwater. How’s that again? www.rickhindererknives.com
Streamlight Super Tac: When is a light not like another light?
When it’s the Super Tac. We have to say, this is one stunning light for any patrol cop out there. It reaches out — waaay out — with a focused beam and lets you see far down those dark and dangerous alleys. It’s solid state, fits Streamlight’s weapon-mounts, uses standard
lithium batteries and can run up to 3.5 hours at 10-percent mode. This is one kick-butt light and we liked it
lots. www.streamlight.com
Quick Strips: Plastic stips holding six rounds of .38/.357 have been around for decades, but big-bore sixgun aficionados have always wished for something holding six rounds of .44/.45 ammo and Tuff Products have come to the rescue. Now available in models from .38/.357 and .44/.45 to .500/.460, these tough strips make sure you have that spare ammo we all carry (right?) easy to manage and at-hand. Well done, Tuff Products!
www.tuffproducts.com
about $160. www.maxpedition.com is there a laser adjustable from a pulsating beam to a steady beam, but there’s also a “navigation” LE
light included, available in white, red or blue depending upon your needs. Made of 30-percent glass-filled
rton, the Colt Grip Laser (CGL) can withstand being run over by your SU
you’re still holding onto it. It runs on AA batteries
a steady beam, but there’s also a “navigation” LElight included, available in white, red or blue depending upon your needs. Made of 30-percent glass-filled vevev rton, the Colt Grip Laser (CGL) can withstand being run over by your SU
you’re still holding onto it. It runs on AA batteries
JACOP.indd 38 5/27/09 10:42 PM
Safariland: Today, it’s all about “tactical” but for good reasons. Taking advantage of modern design is smart for any cop, and
Safariland’s Model 6355 ALS Tactical Holster is secure, made of thermal-molded SAfARI-LAMINATE and lined with Safari-Suede. The adjustable double leg strap and nifty quick-release leg har-
ness make it versatile and practical. www.safariland.com
WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 39
Spyderco: The blade shape of Spyderco’s “Rock Lobster” is what caught our eye and once in the hand, proved its worth. With a blade shaped a bit like an old-school sailing or ma-rine knife, the tough, blunted point cuts like gangbusters, yet won’t poke you or anything else unless you want it to. Rug-ged G-10 scales, a 3.75" blade, a clip allowing blade-up or blade-down carry and a weight of only 4.1 ounces makes
the Lobster duty-ready. www.spyderco.com
WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 39WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 39
Blauer: Talk about old-school, your grand-father probably wore Blauer on patrol, but these are not the old days and with like so many things, technology has also updated
the uniforms we wear. Check out this outer-wear from Blauer. If you’re on bike patrol, or just about any field unit, the new generation of well-fitting rain and cold weather gear
means you’re more comfortable — and look good — while you do your job. Baggy is out, tailored and high-performance is in. Blauer offers an entire line of duty uni-
form gear. www.blauer.com *
Rite In The Rain: We’ve all been there and we all hate it. Pouring rain, sleet or whatever and there you are doing a field interview on some dirt-
bag. Your pen is skipping, paper melt-ing in your hands and your temper
getting shorter. Rite In The Rain’s line of pocket notebooks and field interro-
gation pads solve these problems. With one of their “write just about anywhere up to 250 degrees hot” pens, you can shrug off the downpour and document the crash scene, or Mr. Ima Criminal’s life history. This makes good sense.
www.riteintherain.com
Perfection Uniforms: We’ve included the Matrix duty pants from Perfection to remind you these
really are the good old days of uniform design and performance. Their rugged duty wear features stun-ning design features we only dreamed about even five years ago. “High Performance” can really be aimed at a duty uniform now, not just hi-tech gear and guns. Be smart before you buy and/or make
sure to convince your agency to up-grade to some-thing modern like this gear from Perfection. Being
comfortable — and safer — in the field is what it’s all about. www.perfectionuniforms.com
Today, it’s all about “tactical” but for good reasons. Taking advantage of modern design is smart for any cop, and
Safariland’s Model 6355 ALS Tactical Holster is secure, made of RI-LAMINATE and lined with Safari-Suede.
The adjustable double leg strap and nifty quick-release leg harness make it versatile and practical.
WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 39
www.riteintherain.com
Safariland: Today, it’s all about “tactical” but for good reasons. Taking advantage of modern design is smart for any cop, and
Safariland’s Model 6355 ALS Tactical Holster is secure, made of thermal-molded SAfAfAf RI-LAMINATE and lined with Safari-Suede. The adjustable double leg strap and nifty quick-release leg har
ness make it versatile and practical.
WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 39WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 39WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 39
Mitch Rosen: His company is actually called “Mitch Rosen Extraordi-nary Gunleather” for a reason — it’s, um, well … extraordinary. We’re not so concerned which holster you buy (from anyone) as we are that you get the best quality you can afford. And if you’re going the leather
route, it simply doesn’t get any better than Mitch’s stuff. And while you’re at it make sure you buy a decent belt. I’m tired of seeing detec-tives tugging up sagging pants because their $5 K-Mart belt won’t hold up that two-pound SIG. Mitch’s “Express Line” (illustrated) is surpris-
ingly affordable. www.mitchrosen.com
Spyderco:what caught our eye and once in the hand, proved its worth. With a blade shaped a bit like an old-school sailing or marine knife, the tough, blunted point cuts like gangbusters, yet won’t poke you or anything else unless you want it to. Rugged G-10 scales, a 3.75" blade, a clip allowing blade-up or blade-down carry and a weight of only 4.1 ounces makes
Spyderco:what caught our eye and once in the hand, proved its worth. With a blade shaped a bit like an old-school sailing or marine knife, the tough, blunted point cuts like gangbusters, yet won’t poke you or anything else unless you want it to. Rugged G-10 scales, a 3.75" blade, a clip allowing blade-up or blade-down carry and a weight of only 4.1 ounces makes
Mitch Rosen: His company is actually called “Mitch Rosen ExtraordiMitch Rosen: His company is actually called “Mitch Rosen Extraordi
JACOP.indd 39 5/27/09 10:43 PM
40 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2009
Back in the 1980s when I first got into police work, they said never wear any equipment in the cen-ter back of your duty belt — if you fell, you could break your back. They also said handcuffs should
be worn in front so they were easily available with either hand. And coming from a concealed carry background, I knew spare magazines should be worn on the off side and available to both hands. These three nug-gets were the basis of how I set up my duty belt over the years.
I thought I’d done pretty well, espe-cially in comparison to some of the goofy stuff I’ve seen. I still see it today, cuffs worn over the lumbar spine, mags set up so they’re only accessible to one hand, do-dads worn directly behind the gun in a way that’s just begging to foul a draw, cell phones clipped to mag case flaps, etc. It’s a cop version of a geeky guy wearing too-short checkered pants, of a color not found in nature, hiked up to his nipples, black socks, and a short-sleeve shirt with a pocket protector.
Assuming you’re one of the ten-percenters, chances are your duty belt is set up intelligently.
Mine is. In fact, if some-one told me there was one
best way to set it up, the F-word, fascism (what word were you
thinking?) would come to mind. I know of certain un-named agencies that required their troopers to set up
their gun belts exactly the same. Even left-handed officers had to wear their gun on their right side. How stupid was that?
Vegas - Not Just For HedonsWhich brings me to Bob Hindi.
Bob’s a veteran of the Las Vegas Metro Police with over 19 years serving in pa-trol, canine, and other assignments. You know his name from the Hindi Baton Cap. Dang, why didn’t I think of that? It’s because I didn’t have the energy to come up with the concept, then do de-tailed engineering designs to retrofit it to various manufacturers batons, patent it, sell it to the manufacturers, and tire-lessly promote it. I’m tired just writing all that. Bob, on the other hand, has a small nuke plant where you and I have an abdominal cavity, some bigger than
others. This small invention along with Bob’s baton classes through Calibre
Are You DutY-reADY? HinDi DutY Belt
SYStem
Okay, maybe I was getting chewed out — but he’ll think twice before trying that again. I got these out like greased lightning.
Bob Hindi - poser! Just kidding, Bob’s the real deal.
JACOP.indd 40 5/28/09 2:58 AM
WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 41
heck yeah. Stay with me now. Think about why we carry all this stuff on our belts — to save our ba-con. Sound important?
The flip side of these analogies is true, too. Equipment placement
in a cockpit, car or gun isn’t important until a crisis occurs; and gear placement on your belt won’t be important until you need the right tool, or combina-tion of tools, right now,in the middle of a serious fight. As Bob says, “If you’re not willing to test, evaluate and challenge your own duty belt’s setup ef-fectiveness, there’ll come a time when a suspect will.” Sage words there.
Who Gives A Crap?The S.A.F.E.T.Y. sys-
tem is centered on two fundamental principles. All life-critical equipment
Press kept a steady stream of cops asking him, “where should my other equipment be placed if I move my baton to the cross-draw position and angle that you ad-vocate?” Several years, and many tac-tical and scientific perspectives, later, Bob figured it out. Aside from obvious sa fety concerns, he wanted to avoid repetitive-stress and joint and spinal injuries. Welcome the Hindi Duty Belt S.A.F.E.T.Y. System.
“You’ll never look at an officer’s duty belt the same way after you understand this system,” Bob told me. “It’s not just the placement of the equipment on the belt, it’s the angulation of the equipment on it, too.” Could anything as simple as how you carry stuff on your belt really be that important? Does the placement of equipment and controls in an airplane cockpit, or on the dash of a cruiser, or on a firearm make a difference? Well, duh,
No, I’m not getting chewed out by my sergeant. I’m demonstrating a “double-draw” of my baton and OC.
Grabbing my TASER cavalry-style with my weak/off hand is a breeze. And there’s absolutely no confusing it with my gun, it’s on the opposite side.
Does this make my butt look big? Okay, in all seriousness, keep equip-ment off your spine area, except for soft stuff like this glove pouch.
Mr. DeMille, here’s my close-up. I’m modeling my reconfigured duty belt. Note all time-critical tools are forward of my skinny, little hips. The radio mic is threaded through my shirt buttons on purpose. It’s safer than turning my head to talk to my shoulder, and when the fight goes to the ground it’s still accessable.
Are You DutY-reADY?
Here’s how Bob Hindi’s set up his duty belt. Pay close attention to the forward
rake on his baton holster - that’s how he’s able to be wicked-fast drawing it.
Ralph MRoz
Continued on page 64
JACOP.indd 41 5/28/09 2:59 AM
42 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2009
no problems and not so much as a hiccup during the whole process. When the Springfield Armory people decided to add a version of the pistol with a thumb safety to the existing product line — in all candor it didn’t do anything for me. But in fairness it does for Springfield Armory, allowing them to address a seg-ment of the market place wanting a safety.
A Change?I’m generally not excited about “new” pistols because most
of the time they are not really new and they often don’t really work. I especially don’t like little pistols because they almost
I’m a staunch defender of the concept of not fixing things that are not broken. Often when we get a good product, the compa-ny staff or some marketing guy comes up with the bright idea to change something and in my
opinion most often the change isn’t all that good of an idea. It is a different idea, but it isn’t always better.
Like all things in life there are ex-ceptions. During the era of the American muscle car Chevrolet made the Chevelle, and it was a pretty cool car but then they made a change to the Chevelle to include the 454 Super Sport version. When that change was made the Chevelle SS a.k.a. Super Sport was really a very special car, or at least it was in that time of when a gallon of gas was thirty-two cents.
The XDI like the Springfield XD and have been a strong supporter
of the pistol since it’s .45-caliber 5" barrel introduction. I’ve shot thousands of rounds through the three XDs I own with
Springfield’s NewClint & Heidi Smith
The “m” Is For more
Here’s the test XD(M) .40 in full recoil — very manageable. Clint liked these guns a great deal.
XD(M)s are assembled with the slide, barrel and frame all bearing the same serial number.
)(
JACOP.indd 42 5/27/09 10:43 PM
If you’re going first-class and have a van with a curtain, well, here you go. Ladies,
are you paying attention?
never work. That said, swearing sort of to an oath of silence I said I would look at the “new” pistol.
When I got the special pistol I opened the box and the first thought through my mind was of the Chevelle and the Chev-elle Super Sport gig. The new XD(M) was, in my mind’s eye, a morphing of the tank-tough utilitarian XD into a more refined, stylized and very slicked up pis-tol — sort of a Super Sport XD.
After the initial SA call I talked to wife Heidi about the new pistol concept and she was curious to the point of “Well, what could they do to improve it if it is the XD or like the XD?” I told her I thought, “About the only thing I can think of is some modular thing or something.”
SlideThey’ve taken the straight mechani-
cal lines of the slide and angled them from the rails upward and inboard, ac-tually tapering the slide. The sights can be whatever configuration the shooter might select. My test version has the new Springfield designed sights which are a three-dot system having a very low profile with a leading forward edge that may be helpful for one-hand injury-type applications to grab and run the slide.
The slide has system’s-check cuts milled front and rear on the sides. The XD(M) retains the XD’s loaded chamber indicator lever and my perception is there is more of a cut on the bar-rel allowing you to see a small sliver of brass from
a cartridge in place in the chamber. The cocked indicator is still at the back of the slide confirming visually the pistol is cocked, and with the touch of a fingertip on the exposed cocked pin, also showing the state of affairs. Both the cocked pin and the chamber indicator of the XD(M) remain consistent with the XD. I would not bet my life on the status of the pistol with those two pieces of gear and would always check by eye or touch to make sure a cartridge is actually chambered.
FrameSeveral excellent changes have oc-
curred here. The disassembly lever has had the sharp square rear edge removed that constantly gouged my left thumb when firing. The new le-ver is rounded and tapered toward the rear, so I think somebody else besides me got whacked by the thing. The XD(M)’s side-lock has been shaped into a down-ward curve at each end making for a more positive
placement when applied. The slide-lock does not appear to protrude more than the original XD, which is good.
The ambi-magazine release is still there in the XD(M) and like in the XD, it’s a sol-id set up. I think the frame on the XD(M) has been dished-out on both sides above the magazine release and forward towards the trigger. This would for better access to the trigger for the small-hands and short-finger crowd. The frame still has the light rail for weapon-mounted lights if required and my personal favorite thing — the grip safety — is in place.
Now for the really cool stuff. The grip forward has been changed with the molding being carried at least half way rearward on both sides making for a much more positive grip for both hands. The big money is in the fact the back strap is now modular and Springfield has done a great job of making a small pistol even smaller! The new system reduces the size substantially, but not the round count as the XD(M) holds 16 rounds of
.40, plus one in the spout. No one I know of has smaller
hands than Heidi and she took to the new XD(M) set up with the smallest back strap inserted, like the proverbial duck-water thing.
Inside The SlideThe big issue here
is the placement of a
Even Heidi’s “Munchkin-sized” paws were able to run the XD(M) fine.
The modular grip inserts allow adjustment to fit man hand sizes.
Continued on page 63
WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 43
Also available in a two-tone, all versions maintain
the light-rail feature.
)
JACOP.indd 43 5/27/09 10:44 PM
44 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2009
What YourWhat YourWhat YourMamaMamaMama Never Never Never
Told Told Told Told Told Told YouYouYouYouYouYou
Mark Garrity’s zoot-deluxe In-Cognito IWB — exquisite materials and workmanship. Ooh-la-la.
The Bianchi #6 is great for off-body carry — and more
than ready for that out-of-body
moment.
Galco’s Miami Classic: meant to be worn high and tight like a classic
military haircut.
FIST’s K1 shown with a Wilder-
ness Tactical Fre-quent Flyer belt. See how the belt
loops are nice and snug to the
belt — no sloppy mess here.
The dBHC, for when you can’t or don’t want to carry a gun. Heck, you can carry your
light plus your gun. How cool is that?
JACOP.indd 44 5/27/09 10:44 PM
WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 45
Continued on page 60
Ralph MrozThe The The Cop’sCop’sCop’s Guide To Guide To Guide To
ConcealedConcealedConcealedCarryCarryCarryHolstersHolstersHolstersHolstersHolstersHolstersHolstersHolstersHolstersMMM
I’ve used, and it’s secure too. It’s quite an accomplishment to get both speed and security in one holster.
Inside-The-Waistband HolsterIWBs are the redheaded stepchildren of holsters — you
either love ‘em or hate ‘em — and I love the In-Cognito from Mark Garrity. The enemy of IWBs is bulk, but the In-Cog-nito is the most comfortable and least bulky IWB I’ve worn. The gun rides low and snug, but draws very easily. It’s one of the first of its type with small wings fore and aft of the holster body to which the belt loops attach. The standard In-Cognito has a Kydex-reinforced mouth band. The zoot-deluxe ver-sion has features not found elsewhere: smooth kangaroo lin-ing, a thin suede backing to reduce shifting and prevent it
Check out how the Fobus Evolution 2
paddle holster truly highlights Ralph’s rusty S&W M&P.
SuperFly. No, not the D-list movie from
1972, this is the A-list
pocket holster from DeSan-
tis. Try it, you might like it.
JACOP.indd 45 5/27/09 10:44 PM
46 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 200946 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2009
ecently, it came to my attention the highly respected Coral Gables, Florida police department has, after ex-tensive study and research adopted light weight, high velocity Le Mas SPLP/SRAP (Law Enforcement Mili-tary Ammunition Special Purpose Limited Penetration/Short Range Armor Penetrating) ammunition. The adoption applies across their small arms spectrum for
its issue pistols and rifles. After reading their study and examining subsequent positive reports by medical professionals, at the request of American Cop magazine, I attended a live fire medical training demonstration involving this unconventional ammunition.
Sobering DemonstrationsThe demonstration was conducted at DARC training facility
(Direct Action Resource Center) near Little Rock, Arkansas and in-volved military medical personnel training to treat and save battle-field casualties during the “Golden Hour.” The DARC advanced combat emergency medical training program includes the use of anesthetized animals under the care of a licensed veterinarian ac-cording to US government protocols. The animals were alive, but felt no pain or discomfort. In addition to thoracic and extremity gunshot wounds, the animals were exposed to other typical tactical traumas that Coalition Forces were experiencing in the two current theaters of conflict. Young men and women responded immediately and worked feverously by employing field or “Ditch” medical tech-niques. They made every attempt to stabilize, treat and sustain their “patients” for transport to advanced medical care facilities. How-ever, when Le Mas (LM) handgun ammunitions inflicted wounds
Extremity entry wound with LM .40 S&W CQB cartridge. Tearing is extreme and much more
than with standard ammo.
Removing the skin revealed a substantial wound with the .40 LM CQB round.
Note the massive internal wound cavity from the .40 CQB in the extremity wound.
LE MAS HANDGUN
AMMOTypical fragmentation in PG test media by LM bullets.
Students attempt to keep a test animal alive during the “golden hour” but found due to massive trauma it was
virtually impossible.
JACOP.indd 46 5/27/09 11:08 PM
rifle rounds that were not accurately predict-ed from conducted impacts into 10-percent calibrated ballistic gelatin tissue simulate.”
Doctor Harry Bryant DVM, the vet-erinarian on duty had been involved in this type of tactical medical training for five years and advised, “With respect to the performance of LM, there is so much tis-sue and major organ destruction, that fre-quently surgeons cannot go upstream far enough to locate an artery or vein to clamp off to quell the bleeding. Concussive shrapnel simply macerates tissue from bul-let fragmentations. Some wounds are so cavernous that multiple rolls of field dress-ings cannot sufficiently pack the wound to
staunch blood flow.”
The ProtocolsFor comparison,
Corbon DPX and Speer Gold Dot and LM CQB 9 mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP 4 ammunitions were fired side by side into hard and soft armor, Perma Gel (PG) me-dia and anesthetized live tissue.
All of the LM rounds penetrated both hard and soft 3A armor while the conventional
ammunitions did not. In
rifle rounds that were not accurately predict-ed from conducted impacts into 10-percent calibrated ballistic gelatin tissue simulate.”
Doctor Harry Bryant DVM, the vet-erinarian on duty had been involved in this type of tactical medical training for five years and advised, “With respect to the performance of LM, there is so much tis-sue and major organ destruction, that fre-quently surgeons cannot go upstream far enough to locate an artery or vein to clamp off to quell the bleeding. Concussive shrapnel simply macerates tissue from bul-let fragmentations. Some wounds are so cavernous that multiple rolls of field dress-ings cannot sufficiently pack the wound to
For comparison, Corbon DPX and Speer Gold Dot and LM CQB 9 mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP 4 ammunitions were fired side by side into hard and soft armor, Perma Gel (PG) me-dia and anesthetized
All of the LM rounds penetrated both hard and soft 3A armor while the conventional
ammunitions did not. In
addition, LM .45 ACP CQB 4 bullets pen-etrated .25" inch T-304 stainless steel. With 3A body armor shielding PG, LM .45 ACP 4 defeated the vest and traveled another 14.8" in the PG media. In comparison, Cor-bon DPX expanded nicely and penetrated 15.4" in an unshielded, bare PG block.
The anesthetized porcine animals were shot lying on their sides, approximately three feet from the muzzle. Whether it was a thoracic or appendage shot, all LM rounds stayed within the hogs, but both the .45 ACP Corbon DPX and .40 S&W Gold Dot ammunitions over-penetrated, pro-duced through-and-through wounds and were not recovered.
When soft body armor was draped over a hog and engaged with LM .45 ACP 4, the armor was readily defeated and the round produced a large penetrating wound, frag-mented internally and destroyed tissue and organs in its typical vicious fashion.
X- Ray DataAfter the animals were completely
examined by medical personnel and declared clinically dead, digital x-rays were performed to document LM per-formance. Furthermore, necropsies were conducted to clinically examine tissue destruction and attempt to trace bullet paths. These examinations were accom-plished to determine if LM “Blended Metal Technologies” projectiles actu-ally fragmented in warm, living tissue.
WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 47
Bob pilgrim
After penetrating ¼" steel plate, LM .45 ACP CQB-4
blew the 35-pound block of PG media off the table.
Thoracic entry wound by LM .45 ACP CQB-4 after defeating level IIIA armor.
rifle rounds that were not accurately predicted from conducted impacts into 10-percent calibrated ballistic gelatin tissue simulate.”
erinarian on duty had been involved in this type of tactical medical training for five years and advised, “With respect to the performance of LM, there is so much tis-sue and major organ destruction, that fre-quently surgeons cannot go upstream far enough to locate an artery or vein to clamp off to quell the bleeding. Concussive shrapnel simply macerates tissue from bul-let fragmentations. Some wounds are so cavernous that multiple rolls of field dressings cannot sufficiently pack the wound to
to either the thorax or an extremity, their valiant efforts proved futile.
Professional ObservationsNoted Trauma Surgeon, Sydney Vail,
MD stated from previous observations of LM and its interaction with living tissue, “From a trauma surgical standpoint I ex-pect to see nice round holes through living tissue from any currently available law en-forcement, jacketed hollow point ammuni-tion. LM ammunition creates a completely different wounding pattern that increases potential incapacitation with respect to ei-ther thoracic cavity or appendage impacts. Unlike conventional JHP ammunition, the LM AP (Armor Penetrating) bullet designs greatly increase probability for incapacita-tion from a shoulder or extremity wound due to the greatly increased internal tissue damage that would render the limb use-less in terms of normal neuromuscular and/or vascular function. The LM wounds were devastating in that it appeared that a high powered fragmenting rifle round was used when in fact it was a handgun round that caused the injury. Large temporary wound cavity injuries were noted similar to wounds demonstrated with high powered
p
Typical fragmentation in PG test media by LM bullets.
Note the steel “plug” from the plate that was penetrated prior to the bullet entering the gel.
JACOP.indd 47 5/27/09 11:08 PM
48 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2009
The x-rays unequivocally show that LM projectiles do in fact lose their integrity and produce multiple permanent wound tracks in living tissue. Here we now have small arms ammunitions that will “bust” 3A armor, penetrate hard barriers, but at the same time not slice through tis-sue and threaten the community we are sworn to protect.
The duty ammunition carried by armed professionals, be they law enforce-ment or military is based in large part on bullet comparison tests in a universally accepted test media. Although American ballisticians claim that 10-percent Kind and Knox ballistic gelatin simulates liv-ing tissue, none of the homogeneous test media currently in use accurately repli-cates living human tissue, because the latter is not consistent in its composition. Bone, cartilage, connective tissue and organs of varying densities will react dif-ferently to invasive, high velocity projec-tiles and produce different results in bul-let penetration and deformation. The best that we can hope for in gelatin, wet news-papers, clay, soap, water or “Perma Gel” is to compare one bullet with another’s performance in that media.
New Test MediaPerma Gel (PG) resembles gelatin, but
does not meet the FBI’s criteria of 2.95"-3.74" of .177 caliber pellet penetration at 600 fps into 10-percent Kind and Knox 250A-gelatin. Gelatin must be shot within 20 minutes of being removed from a re-frigerator where it had been stored at 39.2 degrees Fahrenheit, so it is shot cold. Con-versely, living tissue is warm to hot. PG’s main advantage is that it does not have to remain refrigerated prior to use and does not deteriorate at temperatures above 75 degrees. It will take multiple hits without affecting bullet comparisons and can be re-constituted by heating it to 225 degrees F.
Criticisms & CondemnationOne of the major criticisms directed at
LM ammunition is not penetration in depth in 10-percent ballistic gelatin, but that it does not deploy (expand) or fragment in that media. It has also been consistently ob-served that at systemic temperatures below that off the human body or living animals the round punches through like full metal jacket projectiles. This “failure” to perform in the standard, bloodless methods (10-per-cent gelatin in USA and 20-percent gelatin in Europe) currently relied upon to measure terminal ballistic performance have caused a few respected ballisticians to heatedly re-ject this ammunition — and virtually call LM’s principles charlatans.
New ParadigmHowever, LM principles claim their
ammunition’s performance represents a “New paradigm in ballistic performance
A digital X-Ray machine was used to take pictures of bullets fragments.
Here it’s used on a thoracic shot.
JACOP.indd 48 5/27/09 11:08 PM
50 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2009
and these standard methods of assess-ment do not apply to their ‘Blended Met-al Technologies/Special Purpose Lim-ited Penetration — non — comparable bullet designs.” It is interesting to note that when the PG block sat in the Sun and the outside temperature reached 85 degrees, LM ammunition fragmented. However, earlier in the morning when air temperature lingered at 65 degrees, there was deep penetration and no frag-mentation. Furthermore, 3A body armor draped over PG resulted in defeat of the armor and penetration, but no fragmen-tation. However, when “protecting” a large anaesthetized sow, considerable fragmentation in its body occurred.
A Glock 34, 9mm pistol, propelled a 60-grain LM bullet to 2,028 fps and a Springfield Armory XD sub compact drove the same bullet at 1,782 fps.
The 77-grain LM.40 S&W performed admirably. It zipped out of an SA XD Tactical at 2,064 fps and penetrated deeply into the PG block after defeating 3A soft armor. Body armor actually ap-pears to enhance LM penetration in PG. A G35 with a 5" KKM barrel pushed the round to 2,047 fps and 12" into PG. An HK Compact punched out the LM at a respectable 1,938 fps.
LM’s 85-grain .45 ACP CQB 4 is the line’s performance champ, espe-cially in a carbine or SMG. The big bore easily eclipses the M 855 NATO round’s muzzle energy and living tis-sue destruction without the over-pen-etration often experienced with the M 855 5.56 round. The HK UMP SMG, with 10.5" barrel pumps the big bore out at 2,604 fps and punches through ¼" T304 stainless steel like it isn’t there. A loss of 150 to 250 fps will oc-cur with 4" to 6" pistol barrels.
ConclusionsIt appears LM has made a quantum leap
in small arms ammunition and the future is here now. It’s imperative this advance in ballistic lethality remains in this country’s arsenal. Regardless of established testing protocols, I have witnessed LM’s ammu-nitions defeat aluminum armor plate, steel plate, soft body armor and literally explode in living animal tissue without creating through-and-through wounds. Within its operational envelope, it will literally trans-form the pistol into a short-range rifle and save countless lives that encoun-ter close quarter threats.
For more info: Le Mas Ltd., (509) 951-4968, [email protected], (501) 960-5487, [email protected]; Perma Gel, Inc, 3227 Countryman Circle NW, Albany, OR 97321, (541) 926-2885, [email protected]; Direct Action Re-source Center, 2402 Wildwood Ave. Suite 600, Sherwood, AK 72120, (501) 955-0007, [email protected]
*
JACOP.indd 50 5/27/09 11:09 PM
52 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2009
1125 Hayes Industrial Dr. • Marietta, GA 30062 • Ph: 770.427.1334 • Fx: 770.427.9011 • Toll Free: 1.800.241.9414
www.truspec.com
New! 24-7 RIP-STOPUNIFORM SHIRT, LS or SS
65/35 Poly Cotton Rip-Stop
The Smart Duty Shirt for the21st Century
New! 24-7JUMPSUIT
65/35 Poly CottonRip-Stop
Self Stores In ItsOwn Compact,
Built-In Bag
New! 24-7RIP-STOP VEST65/35 Poly Cotton
Rip-Stop
Full FunctionCover-Up … AnyTime, Any Place
New! 24-7SHORTS
100% Cotton or65/35 Poly Cotton
Rip-Stop
Cool Enough forWork or Play
New! 24-7COTTON FIELDSHIRT, LS or SS
100% Cotton
It’s RealBusiness Casual,
24-7
24-7PANTS
100% Cotton or 65/35Poly Cotton Rip-Stop
Men’s and Women’ssizes
Better Style, BetterFit, Better Features
New! 24-7POLO SHIRT,
LS or SS
40% PolyesterPique/60%
Combed Cotton
Wicks Moisturewith Features for
Active Cops
Looking for duty apparel that’sfunctional, comfortable andrugged? Tru-Spec’s 24-7 Seriesis the perfect choice on-dutyor off. With a choice of twodurable, super comfortable,easy care fabrics… thesemulti-function garments havejust the right attitude evenunder the toughest conditions.
Tru-Spec-Attitude-AC.qxd:Layout 1 5/19/09 2:45 PM Page 1
politan department, nor am I a small town police chief — nor do I play either role on television. Regardless, I’m not sure what those last two titles have to do with the subject of professional courtesy.
I’ve seen officers in bordering juris-dictions have their “ticket wars” and I agree whole-heartedly with Chief Gran-nis this is indeed the height of unpro-fessionalism. In his letter, Chief Gran-nis says, “Your ‘brothers do not deserve more than any other citizen.” Well chief, sometimes they do, and sometimes they don’t. Unfortunately, it’s not as black and white as you want to make it.
Sometimes they do deserve more — they’re the guys who, like me, put it on the line, by choice, to make our com-munity safer. They’re the ones who’ll be bailing me out someday when I need help. I’ve spent more time with my brother officers than I have my wife. I’ve shared things with them I would never share with her. The relationship of two officers partnered together is in many ways, closer than a marriage. I’d expect a man with your experience to under-stand that. On the other hand, no, they don’t deserve more — because I don’t look upon my citizens as average. These are the people who give me the authority — and they’re the same people who can
ameriCan CoP tm welcomes letters to the editor. We reserve the right to edit all published letters for clarity and length. Due to the volume of mail, we are unable to individually answer your letters or e-mail. in sending a letter to american CoP, you agree to provide Publishers Devel-opment Corp. such copyright as is required for publishing and redistribut-ing the contents of your letter in any format. Send your letters to return Fire, american CoP, 12345 World trade Dr., San Diego, Ca 92128;www.americancopmagazine.com; e-mail: [email protected].
RETURN FIREContinued from page 12
take it away — so how do I balance this?It’s so simple I overlooked it for years,
but a wise old veteran lawman shared it with me. The easiest way for me to do my job is to cut my citizens a break from time to time. Over the last three decades, I’ve stopped doctors, lawyers, firemen, insurance salesmen, dairy farmers, and yes — policemen — for speeding. Did anyone of any specific occupation always get a break? No, they did not. Some got tickets, and others got warnings, and my decisions had nothing to do with their oc-cupation. If I can give a written or ver-bal warning to citizens in my jurisdiction from other walks of life, I can do the same for my brother officers. And yes, it is that simple — at least to me.
Sergeant Jonathan HutsonStephenville, TX
I gotta say, Chief Grannis, I’ve yet to receive even one letter in support of your views. Looks like you’re safe to drive through most other jurisdictions — just like anybody else. SH
JACOP.indd 52 5/27/09 11:09 PM
1125 Hayes Industrial Dr. • Marietta, GA 30062 • Ph: 770.427.1334 • Fx: 770.427.9011 • Toll Free: 1.800.241.9414
www.truspec.com
New! 24-7 RIP-STOPUNIFORM SHIRT, LS or SS
65/35 Poly Cotton Rip-Stop
The Smart Duty Shirt for the21st Century
New! 24-7JUMPSUIT
65/35 Poly CottonRip-Stop
Self Stores In ItsOwn Compact,
Built-In Bag
New! 24-7RIP-STOP VEST65/35 Poly Cotton
Rip-Stop
Full FunctionCover-Up … AnyTime, Any Place
New! 24-7SHORTS
100% Cotton or65/35 Poly Cotton
Rip-Stop
Cool Enough forWork or Play
New! 24-7COTTON FIELDSHIRT, LS or SS
100% Cotton
It’s RealBusiness Casual,
24-7
24-7PANTS
100% Cotton or 65/35Poly Cotton Rip-Stop
Men’s and Women’ssizes
Better Style, BetterFit, Better Features
New! 24-7POLO SHIRT,
LS or SS
40% PolyesterPique/60%
Combed Cotton
Wicks Moisturewith Features for
Active Cops
Looking for duty apparel that’sfunctional, comfortable andrugged? Tru-Spec’s 24-7 Seriesis the perfect choice on-dutyor off. With a choice of twodurable, super comfortable,easy care fabrics… thesemulti-function garments havejust the right attitude evenunder the toughest conditions.
Tru-Spec-Attitude-AC.qxd:Layout 1 5/19/09 2:45 PM Page 1
JACOP.indd 53 5/27/09 11:09 PM
54 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2009
27356i27356i27356i27356i27356i27356i27356i27356i27356i27356i27356i27356i27356i27356i27356i
LEAA TEd dEEdS
THE LAW ENfORCEMENT ALLIANCE Of AMERICA.
uns are not the problem — ineffective laws are. Our laws are target-ing precisely the wrong
people, forcing good guys to become easy prey for evil killers.
We must stop this madness before one more innocent life is needlessly
lost. Brave people willing to act can stop rampag-ing killers. We shouldn’t be forced to be helpless when facing evil. Let our precious sheepdogs be armed.
aw enforcement, probably more than any other profes-sion, knows this one truth — evil exists. Whether that
evil is crashing planes with thousands dead, or the death of one little child, cops see evil on a more personal basis than almost anyone else — save vic-tims. The only proven, effective way of stopping murderous evil is violent action. There’s a valuable group — guardians — who will voluntarily put themselves between evildoers and their victims, between the wolves and the sheep. These guardians are, for lack of a better description often called sheepdogs. Whether a cop,
service member, firefighter or civilian, there is something very special about the heart of the person who goes to-ward danger, literally into harm’s way to try and help.
At a high school in Pearl, Mississip-pi, evil showed up ready to kill again. A faculty member grabbed his gun and held the killer at gunpoint. Without fir-ing a shot, this sheepdog kept the death count down to two. The killer’s next planned stop was a nearby junior high school to kill even more.
A would-be murder spree at a middle school dance in Edinboro, Pennsylvania with 240 children present was thwarted when a restau-
rant owner grabbed his shotgun and swiftly acted, stopping the attack and forcing the killer to surrender. This killing spree was stopped at one.
In the mass murder that never happened at Santana High School in Santee, California, evil was confront-ed and stopped early on in the attack. A parent at the school — an off-duty San Diego Police officer — reacted to the emerging threat with his gun, keeping the death toll down to two.
Appalachia Law School, evil killed again. Two sheepdogs — civilian gun owners — went into the jaws of the attack and stopped it cold — without firing a shot. The death toll kept at two.
27356i27356i27356i27356i27356i27356i27356i27356i27356i27356i27356iaw enforcement, probably
more than any other profes-
27356iservice member, firefighter or civilian,
27356i27356iservice member, firefighter or civilian,
27356i27356iservice member, firefighter or civilian,
27356iservice member, firefighter or civilian,
27356ithere is something very special about
27356i27356ithere is something very special about
27356i27356ithere is something very special about
27356ithere is something very special about rant owner grabbed his shotgun and rant owner grabbed his shotgun and
27356irant owner grabbed his shotgun and
27356i27356irant owner grabbed his shotgun and
27356i27356irant owner grabbed his shotgun and
27356iswiftly acted, stopping the attack and swiftly acted, stopping the attack and
27356iswiftly acted, stopping the attack and
27356i27356iswiftly acted, stopping the attack and
27356i27356iswiftly acted, stopping the attack and
27356iEvil Exists
*
Contrasts THINK ON THIS:
11 casualties at the Amish school in Pennsylvania. This adult incarnation of evil methodically killed little girls.24 casualties at the Northern Illinois University attack.39 casualties at the Columbine school incident — no sheepdogs.55 casualties at the murder spree at Virginia Tech — another “gun-free” zone.13 casualties at the Westroads Mall by a fame-seeking killer who wanted to go out in style. Unchallenged, this killer moved through the mall laying waste at will!45 casualties at the Luby’s restaurant massacre in Texas — a would-be sheepdog didn’t have her gun with her (back then it was illegal in Texas).A cretin killed during an Illinois church service when
he took the minister’s life. Illinois is one of only two states left still prohibiting
concealed carry permits for “average” law abiding
citizens.
CONTRAST WITH:Zero dead, six injured at the Tacoma Mall shooting spree.
One armed civilian (there may have been a second) took action to stop the evildoer who told police to “follow the screams.”
A killer’s spree was derailed when an off-duty officer who had his gun and the courage to use it went into harms way at Trolley Square Mall in Utah. Tragically, five innocents were killed. Taking his attack into a posted “gun-free” zone, this pred-ator was stopped from killing many more by an armed sheepdog.
An armed female civilian sheepdog saved lives when she con-fronted evil and shot him at the New Life Church in Colorado.
Need more examples? Recently a workplace attack in Houston, Texas was thwarted with only one injury. The would-be killer was confronted by two employees with guns and permits to carry them. They gave the attacker something else to worry about — incoming rounds. Remember 9/11? Inside a self-defense-free zone — airplanes — the terrorists, armed with box cutters, seized planes they then used to kill thousands. Back then cockpits were gun-free. After 9/11 we tragically learned this policy made the situation more dangerous for everyone except the bad guys.
Stupid LawSG
l
ad bleed 4/25/08 1:44 PM Page 1
JACOP.indd 54 5/27/09 11:09 PM
Stupid LawS
ad bleed 4/25/08 1:44 PM Page 1
JACOP.indd 55 5/27/09 11:09 PM
56 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2009
RESQ-PAKTactical Pocket Gear, LLC
Announcing a line of pocket size trauma (self) treatment kits for the law enforcement, tactical and military community. The vacuum-sealed, lightweight paks are available in three levels, each containing a combination of first aid supplies recommended for different levels of threat. ResQ-PAK includes the latest hemostatic technologies and an innovative, low-cost and easy-to-use tourni-quet/compression bandage. Purchase info is available at www.ResQ-PAK.com.
SPOTLIGHT
AR-15 CLEANING KITIOSSO Products
A new brush kit designed for the AR-15 is now available to take all the guesswork out of cleaning. This kit contains four brushes, the chamber brush, bolt carrier, upper receiver, and a bore brush. The distinctive blue fiber holds its shape well and may be used several times before becoming worn. An AR-10 kit is also available. When used with the Iosso Bore Cleaner and Iosso Gun Oil it will remove nasty carbon burn and all other fouling including copper and lead. The brush kit retails for $16.95 each. For further info, log on to www.iosso.com.
COMBAT APPLICATION TOURNIQUET (C-A-T)
North American Rescue
The C-A-T is a true one-handed tourniquet that completely occludes blood flow of an extremity in the event of a traumatic wound with signifi-cant hemorrhage. It utilizes a durable windlass
system with a free-moving internal band provid-ing true circumferential pressure to the extremity.
Once adequately tightened, bleeding will cease and the windlass is locked into place. A velcro strap is then
applied, securing the windlass to maintain pressure during casualty evacuation. The C-A-T’s unique dual securing system avoids the use of
screws and clips which can become difficult to operate under survival stress or where fine motor skills are compromised. Go to www.narescue.com to see more.
SELECT CARRy PACK5.11 Tactical Series
The detachable Pistol Pouch on the chest doubles as a fanny pack and contains a pistol/small electronics holder, an accessory pocket and a mag/knife holder. The padded main compartment safeguards your weapon and allows for rapid gun deployment. Padded spacer mesh with aero foam padding promotes airflow and wicks moisture. On the back is a pocket for a hydration bladder or – if extra protection is desired – a custom-made ballistic panel. Also included are a water bottle pocket, rugged haul handle and lockable zippers. Colors are charcoal/black or khaki/charcoal. Visit www.511tactical.com to see more.
TACTICAL BALLSBrite-Strike Technologies, Inc.
Tactical Balls are innovative distraction tools, which are designed to augment traditional pyrotechnic distraction device. Each battery powered Tactical Ball contains 2 LEDs in a high impact polymer case and are sold in packs of three with a ballistic nylon holster which will attach to a tactical vest or other MOLLE compatible garment. The operating principle is simple - the operator rolls 3 or more into a room and the wobbling light immediately attracts the occupant’s attention. That gives the entry team their 2 or 3 seconds of distraction and diversion, which gets them through the door. To see more, log on to www.brite-strike.com.
BREAKAWAy SUBCAPASP
The BreakAway Subcap is a flexible gasket that seals a car window and acts as a cushion when trying to enter the vehicle with a baton. Window punches require straight-on activation, placing an officer in front of a threat. They can carry the hand through a window and into the interior of a vehicle. The BreakAway is interposed between the cap and handle of an expandable baton. Removing the baton cap exposes the three ceramic pins and at least one will make contact with the tempered glass of a car window, whatever the angle of application. The officer can stand to the side of
a threat, grasp the tip of the baton and easily shatter a vehicle window. For more info visit
www.asp-net.com.
SAMSON FIELD SURVIVORSamson Manufacturing
The Samson Field Survivor is a multi-tool system that has a patent-pending mechanism, which secures inside a pistol grip. It features a broken shell extractor, wire brush for bore cleaning, a cable to pull the brush through the bore, a carbon scraping tool, a feed lip gage, a front sight adjustment tool, a flat blade screwdriver, a feed lip adjustment tool, a gas feed cleaning tool, a cotter pin hook, an ampule of oil, and a strike plate. The tool is necessary for every AR to keep you safe in combat, or in play on the range. It fits all A2 pistol grips and Hogue AR-15 grips. Check it out at www.Samson-Mfg.com.
JACOP.indd 56 5/27/09 11:10 PM
WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 57
C2 TASER HOLSTERTuff Products
Tuff’s Slim Profile Ambidextrous C2 TASER Holster is a practical way to carry your C2 TASER. The clever ambidextrous design, non-stretch thumbreak, and heavy duty 1 3/4" or 2 ¼" stout metal clip is great for outside or inside the waistband carry. The Tuff C2 TASER Holster is available in black nylon, black basket-weave and black plain. New dealers Web coupon code is: QUICKSTRIP40%OFF. Log on to www.tuffproducts.com to see more.
For more information on seeing your product featured in “Spotlight,” contact Delano Amaguin (888) 732-6461.
SHOOTBACK CANNONAIS
The ShootBack Cannon seamlessly integrates “hostile gun fire” from the on-screen threat. The ShootBack is synchronized with scenarios to fire a .68 caliber nylon ball when the suspect on the screen fires. The ShootBack Cannon fires an accurate single round, three-round burst, or fully automatic “hostile fire” at the trainee and is all controlled by the instructor using a joystick. It’s proven to be one of the most immediate and effective training tools. Check it out at www.ais-sim.com.
WINX2 BOOTOriginal S.W.A.T. Footwear Company
This 8” black boot is built with a slip- and oil-resistant outsole (including a unique arch ladder tread for extra grip on rope rappels), riveted steel shank, and moisture-wicking
lining. It has a uniform-code leather and 1000-denier nylon upper, rust-proof lacing hardware, padded ankle collar, rear heel kick-plate, and removable
orthopaedic foot-bed. To help the introduction, each pair includes a limited edition More Bang for the Buck keychain/bottle
opener (while supplies last). It is available in sizes 5-15 with half sizes in 7.5 through 11. 5. Wide widths are available in EEE sizes 8–15, half sizes in 7.5–11.5. For more information, visit www.originalswat.com.
MTF-4TI CHAOS FOLDER
Mantis Knives
With this knife, Mantis took into account what all the folks had been saying about their MF4 “Chaos I and II” models and put it to work in the “Chaos Folder.” It has the most advanced components of any knife out there. The Chaos features G-10 handles, Titanium liners, and the most metallurgically advanced alloy on the market. For more information log onto www.mantisknives.com/.
THE WOLF AND THE SHEEPDOG
The Wolf and The Sheepdog is a fictional book written in a first person, short story format that graphically depicts the experiences of a police officer working the cold streets. Join the au-thor on his journey
from a fresh recruit to an experienced street cop as he deals with a vast variety of Policing calls. Feel the emotions that affect the author as he battles through near death situ-
ations. Learn first hand the personal dramatic experiences created by
dealing with domestic assaults, violence, sexual assault victims and death. The Wolf and The Sheepdog will bring you
into a world that the recruiting posters fail to show. Information on where to pick up
the book is at www.wolfandsheep.com.
OPERATOR GRADESHORT SLEEVE POCKET POLOEOTAC
The polo provides you with a professional look while still being completely functional. It is made from a comfortable yet durable cotton that is both fade and wrinkle resistant. The fabric is preshrunk and washed, making it ideal for embroidery. The left sleeve features a pen pocket and a zippered pocket for small items. The extended shirt-tail keeps the polo in place when tucked. Other features include a three button front placket, durable melamine buttons, sideseam vents at the bottom hem, and a sweat patch on the back. The sleeves offer a wide range of motion without being restrictive or tight. See more at www.eotac.com.
HARD CASE TACTICAL 2AA SECOND GENERATION HANDHELD LIGHTEnergizer
The virtually indestruc-tible Energizer Hard Case Tactical 2AA second generation Handheld Light is a product of evolution with design based on feedback from Military and Law Enforcement personnel and first-responders in the field. It combines six distinct light modes in one lightweight, waterproof product that maintains the rugged durability and long runtimes. It is 5.6x2.2" and has six light modes: bright white, high-intensity LED, red LED, blue LED, green LED, Infrared (IR), and IR strobe. For more info visit www.energizer.com.
JACOP.indd 57 5/27/09 11:10 PM
58 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2009
REALITY CHECK IICOUNSEL, WISdOM, GUIdANCE ANd TEACHING.
CLINT SMITH
The BoP And A BoB
I f I go to town, I go prepared to defend myself — key words —defend myself. No chip on my shoulder, no attitude, no road rage. I just go to town, do my business and then go back to my world. Do you and
your family want to live life this way? Do you need to? I don’t know the answer for you or the scores of vic-tims from Luby’s or McDonald’s, or more recently the more than 150 people in Mumbai — they don’t have the option of a do-over. For many things in life, important things, you only get one chance. You need to consider how you might do them if you ever have to.
When Heidi and I got married we made a deal — I would go anywhere with her on vacation she wanted to go so long as I could eventually walk home if I had to. I’m quite the adventurer, huh. We’ve traveled a few places in the world, but I like America best. I’m always amused when people say, “Well I was in Rio de Janeiro and got mugged and my Rolex was taken at gun point.” Hmmm … let me think on this: Rio, Rolex, Robbery — makes sense to me. So if you travel the world today, even to peaceful India or somewhere
like that, you might be in harm’s way. *
I’m Outta Here
Bug Out PlanRecent events in the world again
show the susceptibility of people to the whims of others. This is especially evident when they rely
on other people to defend them — who often won’t or can’t protect them — and more importantly, putting themselves in positions they can’t defend. All of you know — and the U.S. Supreme Court ruled — police are not in place to protect you individually, but are in place to pro-tect society at large. Most slow people still haven’t figured that out, whining, “Well I called the police, but they didn’t come right away.” Duh.
All the tactical guys I know have “BoBs” or Bug-out-Bags. It’s up to you what you
want in your bag. Where you are, what your job is and whom you’re bugging out from is different than me. I’ve got the BoB-thing and understand it, as I think most of you do. More important to you and your family is a “BoP” or Bug-out-Plan. You can apply this BoP anywhere from Iran, like in the sand, to Iraan, Texas. Simply, it’s
to develop plans to vacate wherever you are now — in the next 30 seconds — and be able to do it whenever you need to.
It’s not all that different than the “what if” game you should be playing with your coworkers. The only difference is it’s being applied to your private life. As an example, Heidi and I go to the Red Robin restaurant at The Mill in Bend, Oregon. We go in, sit down and before anything else, decide what door we’re going out if something goes wrong — first choice, second choice — you get the point. We already know who’s carrying what gun and where it is. We already know we’ll meet at the truck in the parking lot if we get separated. See the plan forming? If anything goes wrong we get up and we leave — now. What qualifies as going wrong? There’s unusual yelling, something is thrown, a gun shot, a knife is drawn — I don’t mean on, to or directed to or towards us — I mean anywhere in the restaurant. Period. But what about the Luby’s massacre in Killeen, Texas, or the McDonald’s massacre in San Ysidro, California? Yup, they’re proof we don’t live in a lily-white world — and the need for BoP’s.
The BoP And A BoB
Awant in your bag. Where you are, what your job is
BOP plans: Have at least
some plan in mind if the crap
hits the fan. And make sure
everyone involved knows
what it is.
Maxpedition: Maxpedition’s Doppelduffel is a great “Bug-out-Bag” if you need one. His Publish-er-Immenseness Huntington lived out of one for ten days in Africa not long ago.
As Connor says, “The police are only minutes away when seconds count,” so you just might have to deal with your problem for some time, on your own, before the cops come.
The World Trade Center should show most people the planet is not safe — whatever that means — even the United States. Although we “small town people clinging to our guns and religion” are made fun of, I’d rather be in Southern Oregon then in downtown Chicago. I’ll take my place over any big city because I know which is more dangerous, but
not everybody can or wants to live in the woods. When I travel, I go with a different mindset and a different plan than most others. When I get on a plane, I sit down, fasten the seat belt and I read the safety/emergency card. I’ve had people look at me weird and ask if I thought I was going to survive the crash. I usually say, “Probably not, but if I do I’m going to know where the hell to go to get out of this thing — will you?”
The SureFire Scout Light® was designed with one thing in mind, winning fights. It’s cut from Mil-Spec hard- anodized aluminum, and its compact size means you have less to carry and more room left on your rifle. The Scout Light uses a microprocessor-controlled LED to blast 120 lumens of white light through a beam-focusing TIR lens
for extended reach. It comes standard with a pushbutton switch as well as a plug-in remote tape switch, and it’s virtually immune to the effects of shock and recoil. The Scout Light Kit (see below) comes equipped
with infrared capabilities.
M600C tan model shown
M600C (Tan or Black) The M600C Scout Light (pictured left) comes with KX2C LED head and includes pushbutton switch, tape switch, Picatinny rail mount, Velcro®
pads, alcohol prep pads, manual, and two 123A lithium batteries.NSN: 6230-01-525-4109 RFI READY
M600C-KIT01 (Tan or Black) The M600C Scout Light Kit (not pictured) comes ready for infrared use too. This kit includes KX2C LED head, pushbutton switch, tape switch, Picatinny rail mount, Velcro® pads, alcohol prep pads, manual, and two 123A lithium batteries as well as the infrared-producing LU60A incandescent head with the FM63 infrared filter.NSN: 6240-01-532-4180 RFI READY
JACOP.indd 58 5/27/09 11:10 PM
The SureFire Scout Light® was designed with one thing in mind, winning fights. It’s cut from Mil-Spec hard- anodized aluminum, and its compact size means you have less to carry and more room left on your rifle. The Scout Light uses a microprocessor-controlled LED to blast 120 lumens of white light through a beam-focusing TIR lens
for extended reach. It comes standard with a pushbutton switch as well as a plug-in remote tape switch, and it’s virtually immune to the effects of shock and recoil. The Scout Light Kit (see below) comes equipped
with infrared capabilities.
M600C tan model shown
M600C (Tan or Black) The M600C Scout Light (pictured left) comes with KX2C LED head and includes pushbutton switch, tape switch, Picatinny rail mount, Velcro®
pads, alcohol prep pads, manual, and two 123A lithium batteries.NSN: 6230-01-525-4109 RFI READY
M600C-KIT01 (Tan or Black) The M600C Scout Light Kit (not pictured) comes ready for infrared use too. This kit includes KX2C LED head, pushbutton switch, tape switch, Picatinny rail mount, Velcro® pads, alcohol prep pads, manual, and two 123A lithium batteries as well as the infrared-producing LU60A incandescent head with the FM63 infrared filter.NSN: 6240-01-532-4180 RFI READY
JACOP.indd 59 5/27/09 11:10 PM
60 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2009
from sticking to you and underneath that, a thin plastic membrane to protect the pistol from perspiration. Exquisite fin-ishing touches include the ostrich mouth band and loops.
Soft, floppy, inexpensive, shapeless clip-on IWB holsters are not recom-mended for normal concealed carry be-cause they don’t hold the gun as well as a molded holster. They’re not as secure as belt-anchored holsters, and don’t allow for a safe, easy re-holster. Nonetheless, they have their place. When I need to carry off-body — such as in a briefcase or backpack — I slip one in. Bianchi’s #6 fits the bill perfectly. It keeps the trigger area covered, preventing pens, keys or other stuff from causing problems. And should the need arise I can still clip it inside my waistband.
Shoulder HolsterScorned in some circles, these holsters
are a great option if you do a lot of sitting, such as driving. When the non-gun side carries a spare magazine and a light, they can also be the quickest of “grab and go” systems. Contrary to Hollywood belief, horizontal shoulder holsters should be worn high, up near the armpit, not dangling around like grandma’s unharnessed you-know-whats. The Galco Miami Classic is just that — a classic shoulder holster. It’s well made, fits comfortably, performs well, and its “spider harness” lets the straps ar-ticulate with your movement. You’ll want to balance the load of the gun with stuff like that extra mag and light I previously men-tioned. Galco’s UCII carries two magazines and a light there.
Paddle HolsterA well-made paddle holster can be
nearly as secure and stable as a good belt holster, and you’ll come to appreciate the quick on off capability. Frequently, I use a Fobus Evolution 2 paddle rig. It’s just as body hugging and secure as my old and now discontinued, more expensive favor-ite. I know some very serious pros that use them, and we all appreciate the low price.
Ankle RigsWhile ankle rigs aren’t the fastest or
most accessible way to carry a self-defense handgun, they do help you so you don’t violate rule one of a gunfight, “have a gun.”
Most makers offer one version or an-other, but the key is security since you may find yourself running, climbing or fighting on the ground and you don’t want to lose the gun. As a matter of fact, if you’re on the ground, sometimes an ankle holster is the best kind to have since you can usually get to it with either hand.
Roy Huntington, Publisher of COP
CoNCEalEd CaRRyContinued from page 45
MEC-GAR is proud to offer Ò OptimumÓ - our newand unique series of high capacity flush-fit pistolmagazines.The new design of the magazine housing andinterlinked magazine components, together witha special Anti-Friction Coating offer far superiorperformance even in difficult operationalenvironments.The increased firepower of MEC-GAR Ò OptimumÓmagazines can be further raised by an optional Ò PlusTwoÓ adapter. Ò Plus TwoÓ is a new set of hollowbutt-plate and inner base to raise the capacity of theMEC-GAR Ò OptimumÓ magazine by 2-rounds andstick out only 5/8Ó from the butt of the pistol!Available For: Beretta 92FS 9mm 18rd / 20rd
Beretta 96FS .40S&W 13rd / 15rdPara-Ordnance P14 .45ACP 14rdSIG P226 9mm 18rd / 20rdSIG P226 .40S&W 13rd / 15rdSpringfield XD 9mm 18rdSpringfield XD .40S&W 13rdTaurus PT92 9mm 18rd / 20rdTaurus PT100 .40S&W 13rd / 15rd
ÒO PTIMUMÓ. .. THE WORLDÕ S BEST MAGAZINES
WorldÕ s Finest Magazines
Mec-Gar USA, Inc., 905 Middle Street, Middletown, CT 06457Tel: (800) 632-4271 Fax: (860) 635-1712 www.mec-gar.com
JACOP.indd 60 5/27/09 11:10 PM
62 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2009
carried a Renegade all during his duty years and continues to this day. “I’ve found the surgical elastic construction with genuine sheepskin lining to be comfortable, very secure, yet still easy to get to. They wear out in about a year of daily carry, but at only around $40, it’s cheap insurance,” he said.
Still, shop around if you elect to carry this way. It’s great as a “second” gun sys-tem, and may work for you as a primary method in some situations. It may take a few tries before you get one you like but keep quality of construction and security at the top of your list.
Pocket HolstersSpeaking of back up guns, if you
carry one in your pocket, you’ll need a pocket holster for several reasons. You don’t want to stick your finger inside the trigger guard as you access the gun. You want to keep the gun orientated properly and keep it from printing and you don’t want anything working its way into the trigger guard. Pocket holsters come in a variety of materials and there are plenty to choose from. The new DeSantis Su-perFly is made of sticky rubberized fabric with a removable flap to further break up the gun’s outline. This might be the best soft pocket holster yet.
Why Didn’t I Think Of That?If you don’t want to or can’t carry your
gun — or just think of your spouse — there are other options. Michael deBethencourt, a martial arts-improvised weapons-snub-nosed revolver guru dreamed up a pretty spiffy way to carry such things as a knife, small OC canister or small light — horizon-tally — on your belt. He took wide elastic material, made a tube with a pull-tab, and there you go. These ingenious devices hold your knife, light and OC on your belt com-pactly. Access is quick and “re-holstering” a breeze. Don’t try to make your own, they’re easily affordable through J.S. Holsters.
BeltsIf the magazine is the heart of the pis-
tol, the belt is the heart of your concealed carry system. You must use a proper gun belt — one hefty enough to support the weight of the gun — and match the belt width to your holster’s slots. My favor-ite is the Frequent Flyer belt from Wil-derness Tactical Products. It’s infinitely adjustable for that “just right” fit, doesn’t look like a gun belt, and comes in all three gun belt widths as well as several colors.
For more info: www.bianchi-intl.com; www.desantisholster.com; www.findesigns.com; www.fist-inc.com; www.fobusholster.com; www.usgalco.com; www.garritysgun-leather.com; www.jsholsters.com; www.thewilderness.com
*
JACOP.indd 62 5/27/09 11:10 PM
WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 63
*
match-grade barrel as standard issue in the new model. The frame, slide and even the match barrel are serial numbered the same. This assures that what you have is the way the pistol was built from the factory. The ac-tual barrel length is 4.5" with a slide length being 7.5" overall.
Inside The FrameThe trigger is much different than
the parent XD system. Mechanically it might be the same, but the Super Sport gig definitely applies to the trigger. The new trigger breaks clean and has a very good reset. Historically, people who first shoot the XD talk of the trigger-slack-out, fire, reset, and then a bunch of slack-out mode again. The new XD(M) works that way but the trigger system is much cleaner both in the break and reset.
DisassemblyI like the XD grip safety because it
could help pre-empt many of the poly-mer pistol accidental-negligent-stupid-you-pick-the-word discharges. We all know it takes an idiot to do this. Then again there are more idiots being grown on a daily basis, so why have anything that helps the stupid ply their trade?
All of this leads to the fact the new XD(M) can be cleared, unloaded, and with the slide to the rear, the disassem-bly lever can be rotated up, the slide lock released and the slide comes forward off the frame, without having to pull the trigger to do so. So there.
Carrying And ShootingThe XD(M) comes in a very stout
carrying case that should raise the bar on the boxes factory pistols are shipped in. It’s a good pistol and it’s shipped in a high quality solid properly fitting box.
If you know me, you know I shot the pistol. As a matter of fact, I shot the pis-tol a lot and it always worked, and it is way beyond exceptionally good enough to defend yourself with.
I think the morphing of the parent XD pistol into the new upgraded and differ-ent XD(M) is a very good thing. Points of interest on the XD system have been changed correctly to make improve-ments — yet not break that were already correct. Springfield has done a great job of making a great pistol morph into a po-tentially even better pistol by their work on the XD(M).
After successfully using the standard Springfield XD a significant amount over the last year, and now being able to use the new Springfield XD(M), well, if the XD is a Chevelle, then the new XD(M) is definitely the Super Sport.
NEW Xd(m)Continued from page 43
JACOP.indd 63 5/27/09 11:10 PM
64 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2009
should be worn in front of the hips and each of these pieces should be acces-sible by both hands in most of the po-sitions we’re usually in — including sitting seat-belted in a cruiser. What is life-critical equipment? Your gun, OC, cuffs, magazines, baton, TASER, and communications. It’s in this order he specifies they be carried, from right to left for a right-handed officer. And before you get your skirts up you’re your heads, no, your gun shouldn’t be worn in front of your hips. Leave it at your hip where your can most naturally draw it. Where’s the light, pouch-car-ried knife, gloves, cell phone, or donut holder? Since these aren’t life-critical, or time-critical to access in the middle of a struggle, they can be carried be-hind the hips. The only equipment Bob wants to see over the spine though, is a glove pouch, where it can pad that area during a fall. Since I prefer uni-form pants with cargo pockets, some non time-critical items can be carried in them.
It’s not just the placement, it’s also how it’s placed. Bob has specific, researched, and demonstrable reasons for wanting the baton at a certain forward angle. He wants the OC-oriented in a particular way, in the pouch for fail-safe ambidextrous access. The TASER must be in a cross-draw po-sition to facilitate either-hand Cavalry-draw capability, etc.
No More GrungeIn looking at my own set up, I was close
to the Hindi system. I moved my equip-ment to Bob’s specifications and it made a lot of sense — and no BS — I feel safer be-cause of it. There are pieces of equipment I can now access with both hands and the ra-dio mic is something I probably wouldn’t have figured out on my own. I think this system should be taught to recruits, and strongly encouraged for all cops. If there’s to be a variation from it, you’ll have to make a very convincing argument.
When I undertook the assignment to write this article, I found I had to upgrade my duty belt and baton. Do yourself a favor, upgrade to the modern equipment now on the market. I went with a BLACKHAWK! rig because I know the guys who designed it have years of big-city, real-life, street-cop ex-perience. Putting it on was like wearing modern workout apparel instead of the same sweatshirt I wore in high school.
Well done Bob, it’s this kind of work that keeps cops safe.
For more info: Bob Hindi, www.batoncap.com;BLACKHAWK!, www.blackhawk.com
*
HINdI SySTEmContinued from page 41
Lifetime Warranty!Try-It-FREE-Guarantee!
I got my SuperTuck holster from you for my XD 4” back in February. I use it everyday 10 to 12 hours, sometimes tucked, sometimes not. This is the most comfortable holster I have ever had. Holds my XD close to my body and just makes it disappear. It holds the gun firmly, yet easy and fast to draw.Who says you can’t conceal carry a full size gun? They never tried a SuperTuck. I love it! Thanks,
ARE YOU TIRED OF UNCOMFORTABLE HOLSTERS?ARE YOU CARRYING A SMALLER GUN THAN YOU
WANT TO JUST SO YOU CAN CONCEAL IT?
ARE YOU TIRED OF UNCOMFORTABLE HOLSTERS?ARE YOU CARRYING A SMALLER GUN THAN YOU
WANT TO JUST SO YOU CAN CONCEAL IT?
Why not try a CrossBreed TODAY?
www.CrossBreedHolsters.com
CrossBreed Holsters LLC.
888.732.5011888.732.5011 Will you be readyif he shows up?
Will you be readyif he shows up?
THE #1CHOICE FOR SELFDEFENSE
605.347.4544 • 800.626.7266 • corbon.com
Premier Products fromPremier Products from
Imitated But Never Equaled
• Reliable Feeding• Medium Penetration
• Reduced Recoil• High Velocity
• Reliable Feeding• Medium Penetration
• Reduced Recoil• High Velocity
JACOP.indd 64 5/27/09 11:10 PM
WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 65
There are manychoices in
clothing today.
What do theexperts wear?
WWW.EOTAC.COM
“If you need clothing to wear daily that looks good and yet at the sametime supports and protects the use of your equipment for individualpersonal protection you would be well served to take a good look atEOTAC clothing.”
Clint & Heidi SmithThunder Ranch
JACOP.indd 65 5/27/09 11:10 PM
66 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2009
THIS PACKAGE!WIN!WIN!
QUESTIONS
QUESTION 1HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE IN YOUR DEPARTMENT?A) fEWER THAN 100B) 100-499C) 500-1,000D) 1,000-4999E) 5,000 OR MORE
QUESTION 2HAvE YOU EvER SERvED IN ANY BRANCH Of THE UNITED STATES ARMED fORCES?A) ARMYB) AIR fORCEC) MARINESD) COAST GUARDE) NATIONAL GUARD
66 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2009
A legACy X9 ComBAT lIghT ANDBe-whArNeD kNIFe Duo rouND ouT ThIS ToppATrol pACkAge!
THIS PACKAGE!WIN!WIN!WIN!WIN!WIN!WIN!
QUESTION 1HOWOWO MANYMANYM PEOPLE ARE IN YOURYOURY
A A llegegACACy X9 y X9 ACy X9 ACACy X9 ACCComBAT lBAT lBAT IghTT
ND
y X9 y X9 ghT
wITh
ACCeSSory
pouCheS!
QUESTION 3WHAT IS YOUR HIGHEST LEvEL OfACADEMIC ACHIEvEMENT?A) HIGH SCHOOL GRADB) SOME COLLEGE EXPERIENCEC) 2 YEAR DEGREED) UNDERGRADUATE DEGREEE) MASTERS DEGREE
QUESTION 4WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES DO YOU HAvE fOR YOUR DEPARTMENT’SOvERALL BUDGET?A) APPROvEB) PLAN/SUBMITC) MAKE RECOMMENDATIONSD) NONE
JACOP.indd 66 5/27/09 11:10 PM
WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 67
cop JULY/aUg 2009:
SampleNaME ___________________________________
aDDRESS _____________ CITy, STaTE, zIp____________
EMaIl aDDRESS _______________________
If I wIN, plEaSE ShIp My pRIzE ThROUgh:
DEalER ___________________________________
aDDRESS _____________ CITy, STaTE, zIp____________
phONE ( ) ____ - ________ STORE hOURS __ aM __ pM
TO ENTER CONTEST: Use a postcard (no envelopes, please) and answer the four questions on the left and follow the sample shown on the right. Send to AMERICAN COP Dept. X4, P.O. Box 501930, San Diego, CA 92150-1930. You can also enter on our Web site www.americancopmagazine.com. Entries must be received before September 1, 2009.
Limit 1 entry per household. This contest is open to individuals who are residents of the United States and its territories only. Agents and employees of Publisher’s Development Corporation and their families are excluded from entering. Contest void where prohibited or restricted by law. Winners must meet all local laws and regula-tions. Taxes and compliance with firearms regulations will be the responsibility of the winners. Winners will be notified by CERTIFIED MAIL on official letterhead. No purchase necessary to enter.
BLACKHAWK! has built a world-wide reputation for tough combat and patrol gear. Today’s street cops frequently encounter situations demanding the same kind of
performance the military has expected in their gear for years. The S.T.R.I.K.E. Bandoleer offers the ability to customize the accessory pouches, holster and even the fit of the bandoleer itself for particular needs. BLACKHAWK!’s Speed Clips are fast and easy to apply, yet hold any MOLLE-type gear securely — exactly where you want it.
The included accessories offer mag holders, a light holder, a SERPA holster for a 1911 and other pouches you can fill with equipment for your particular mission. for a patrol cop, especially one with a rifle, the S.T.R.I.K.E. offers you the ability to have immediate access to emergency equipment and ammo simply by tossing it over your shoulder. Included security straps hold the S.T.R.I.K.E. to your belt to help keep it in place. And it’s a great way for a plain-clothes officer to have “real” duty gear at hand if they need it.
The Legacy X9 Combat Light manages the maximum output you can have in a 9-volt light. At 120 real lumens, its one hour run-time assures you the back-up when you need it most.
BLACKHAWK!’s Be-Wharned tactical folder has an aggressive, stainless steel wharncliffe-style blade and is designed by Michael Janich specifically for duty carry. This is a tool you can rely on to get you out of a tough situation — if it’s needed. It’s arguably one of the most functional utility patterns every developed!
www.blackhawk.com
wIN ThIS BlACkhAwk! S.T.r.I.k.e. BANDoleer
A legACy X9 ComBAT lIghT ANDBe-whArNeD kNIFe Duo rouND ouT ThIS ToppATrol pACkAge!
S.T.S.T.S.T.BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBANDANDANDANDANDANDAND
cop JULY/aUg 2009:
SampleNa
SampleNa
SampleME
SampleME
SampleSample ___________________________________
SampleaDDRESSSampleaDDRESSSampleSample _____________ CSampleSampleITSampleSampley, SSampleSampleITSampley, SSampleITSampleSampleTSampleSampleaSampleSampleTSampleaSampleTSampleSampleTESampleSampleaSampleTESampleaSampleSample, SampleSamplezISampleSamplep____________SampleESampleESampleSampleMSampleSampleaSampleSampleISampleSamplel SampleSampleaDDRESSSampleSample _______________________SampleIf I w
SampleIf I w
SampleIN
SampleIN
Sample, pl
Sample, pl
SampleE
SampleE
Samplea
Samplea
SampleSE
SampleSE
SampleS
SampleS
Sampleh
Sampleh
SampleI
SampleI
Samplep
Samplep
SampleM
SampleM
Sampley p
Sampley p
SampleMy pM
SampleM
Sampley p
SampleM
SampleRI
SampleRI
Samplez
Samplez
SampleE
SampleE
SampleT
SampleT
Sampleh
Sampleh
SampleROU
SampleROU
Samplegh:
Samplegh:
Sample ___________________________________
p____________
TO ENTER CONTEST: Use a postcard (no envelopes, please) and answer the four questions on the left and follow the sample shown on the right. Send to AMERICAN COP Dept. X4, P.O. Box 501930, San Diego, CA 92150-1930. You can also enter on our Web site www.americancopmagazine.com. Entries must be received before September 1, 2009.
Limit 1 entry per household. This contest is open to individuals who are residents of the United States and its territories only. Agents
carry. This is a tool you can rely on to get you out of a tough situation — if it’s needed. It’s arguably one of the most functional utility patterns every developed!
www.blackhawk.com
TO ENTER CONTEST
most functional utility patterns every developed!
www.blackhawk.com
JACOP.indd 67 5/27/09 11:11 PM
68 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2009
INDEXoF aDvertiSerS
The companies listed have featuredadvertisements in this issue. look to them
first when you are ready to make a purchase.
Aimpoint 61Al Mar Knives 15ALS Technologies 14Benchmade 11BLACKHAWK! 49Buffer Technologies 50Copquest 48CORBON/ Glaser 64Crimson Trace 19CrossBreed Holsters LLC 64Cylinder & Slide, Inc. 63D.P.M.S. 52DeSantis Holster 48DSA Inc. 12Elite Operator 65Elite Sports Express 21Galco Gunleather 21Glock, Inc. 31
Hallmark Cutlery 65Hornady Manufacturing 9Insight Tech Gear 33Kahr Arms 62Kimber 72LA Police Gear 2M4 Carbine LLC 65Magpul Industries Corp. 51Maxpedition Hard-Use Gear 55Mec-Gar USA, Inc. 60MPT Industries 11MTM Molded Products 33Officerstore 8Original SWAT 3Pearce Grip 50ProMag Industries 62Revision Eyewear 27Rick Hinderer Knives 23
®
Fo r mo re i n f o rma t i o n v i s i t s i g s a u e r . c om
Exceptional Performance and Reliability!
®
Full length gas piston
Folding buttstock for portability and concealability 30-round AR
integrated connecting polymer magazines
The SIG556 rifle delivers unmatched
reliability with virtually no cleaning
or maintenance. At the very core of
SIG556 is a stainless steel upper
housing that completely encloses a
hardened steel monoblock.
Threaded to a cold hammer forged barrel, this
unique design provides an ultra rigid platform
delivering unparalleled accuracy and performance.
Gas volume is regulated by a two position valve that
practically eliminates carbon build-up and firing
residue, insuring reliable function under the most
extreme conditions.
Mini Red Dot Sight optional
Ridge Outdoors USA, Inc. 52Rock River Arms 23Safariland 6Savage Arms 14Shooter’s Choice 11SIG SAUER 68Smith & Wesson 29Springfield Armory 71Streamlight 10Sturm Ruger & Co. 25SureFire 59The Wolf & The Sheepdog 63Thunder Ranch 17TOPS KNIVES 60Trijicon 7Tru-Spec 53Winchester Ammunition 19XS Sights Systems 50
JACOP.indd 68 5/27/09 11:11 PM
WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 69
INSIdERRUMINATIONS Continued from page 70
dOINg thENuMbERs
Show And TellEd Nowicki, Executive Director of ILEETA, and real old-timer Chicago cop from
the 60s and 70s, is working on a new book. With a working title of American Blue — he’s asking for a little help from you — he wants to hear your war stories. They
can be funny, sad, terrifying, strange, whatever, so long as they’re true. Ed’s a good guy and a good friend, so if you’re interested in this project send your stories to Ed via email, as an attached MS Word (.doc) document. Send to [email protected] or call him at (262) 279-7879 for additional information. All royalties from American Blue will be donated to the National Law Enforcement Museum, which will begin construction the fall of 2010.
I’ve never been a big proponent of plastic training guns. Everybody knows they’re fake so training becomes sloppy and nothing like reality. Blade-Tech’s already ad-
dressed this issue for handguns with their Training Barrels — and now they’re using the same technology for rifles. New
for the AR-15 and M4 is the Rifle Training Bolt, allowing you to use your real gun for training — safely. They’re super easy to use; simply remove your factory bolt and insert the bright yellow training bolt — even a fresh out of training SWAT guy can do that — hut, hut. They’re about $20, pretty dang cheap for real training. www.blade-tech.com
bEyONd tACtICAL bLACk
yes, there is life beyond tactical black. Check out this handsome Al Mar knife, the Eagle Classic, with bone handles on it. Actually, they’re called Honey Jigged Bone handles, but I like the fact this is a classic folder that
isn’t screaming cop. This is the kind of knife gentlemen would carry — for dinner out or on a date or whatever — when you’re wearing something besides your work uniform. But I show it to you along side the Payara tactical black knife, which you can find in the Gear Hogs article. Maybe you like both of them, I do. www.almarknives.com
Petite Poker Roy says I have an extra Y chromo-
some because I like so many guy-things — guns, knives,
fast cars, motorcycles — the list goes on. But if I can have the guy-thing — only girl-sized — even better. Benchmade has girl-sized their tactical pen and I really like it. It’s a lot like their full-size tactical pen, only smaller. I can stuff into a small purse — or small jeans — or your eye socket. It’s only about 4-1/2" long and uses a Fisher Space Pen refill. I highly recommend these for ladies — guys, are you listening? www.benchmade.com
*
INSIdERR
UM
INAT
ION
S
7.3 MILLIONPEOPLE UNDER CORRECTIONAL
SUPERvISION, INCLUDING PROBATION, PRISON, jAIL OR
PAROLE IN 2007.
1.8 MILLIONIN 1980.
2.3 MILLIONINMATES IN fEDERAL, STATE
PRISONS AND LOCAL jAILS 2007.
1.5%INCREASE fROM BEGINNING
Of 2007.
1:198RATIO Of US RESIDENTS
IMPRISONED IN A fEDERAL OR STATE PRISON IN 2007.
6,572INCREASE Of fEDERAL PRISON-
ERS IN 2007.
5,250INCREASE Of STATE PRISONERS
IN fLORIDA IN 2007.
2,457INCREASE Of STATE PRISONERS
IN KENTUCKY IN 2007.
1,945INCREASE Of STATE PRISONERS
IN ARIZONA IN 2007.NOTE: all DaTa fROM U.S. DEpT. Of JUSTICE
Real Trainer
W ith today’s crappy economy many of you
are facing budget cuts, hiring freezes and are having to make-do with existing gear — if it’s even provided. You’d like a rail-mounted flashlight for your gun, but you only have a little bit of money to spend, LaserLyte can help, for around $80. Their FlashLyte can be mounted on any firearm with a rail system and the three LED lights put out 25 lumens of light for about 1-1/2 hours. We can’t all have the new-est, most expensive stuff out there — this light is good value for not a lot of moola. www.laserlyte.com
WW ith today’s
tight Budget light
JACOP.indd 69 5/27/09 11:11 PM
70 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2009
SUZI HUNTINGTON
INSIdERRUMINATIONS Continued on page 69
INSI
dERR
UM
INAT
ION
S
There’s been a lot of spirited commentary on the issue of professional courtesy in our pages recently. Most everyone weigh-ing in on the subject has examined the topic with a good amount of common
sense. But let’s look at courtesy — or rather, discourtesy — a little more closely. And I’m talking about the kind of cour-tesy we should be extending to everyone we deal with.
I received a letter from a man whose anger and contempt for police was clearly visible. His words poisoned from a few interac-tions with his local gendarmes — interactions, which probably didn’t even register on the cops courtesy radar — but ended up leaving one family hurt and angry to the point of believing all cops are uneducated, knuckle-dragging dolts. Now I’m not going to get all high and mighty and claim I was a perfect officer — never lost my cool at someone, never stacked charges just because the guy pissed me off, never behaved like I was queen of the Grumpy Forest — because that would be a lie. I will say, however, this man’s disdain for cops struck a chord with me; it was the slap back to reality I remember getting from other citizens when I’d behaved badly.
Do The Right ThingJust as we’re trained to look at body
language, we must remember we telegraph many of our own thoughts and attitude to the general public. From the roll of our eyes when someone interrupts our lunch break to ask a “stupid” question to the “dead eyes” look my husband said I got when I was irritated with someone. That’s being discourteous on my part, and it’s wrong. It can be more pervasive too, like conduct-ing a prolonged traffic stop on someone who dared honk at you because you were sitting through a green traffic light. Or yelling at a girl — instead of helping her — who’s managed to get lost in the wrong part of town. The right responses to these
examples is to give a quick wave (with all your fingers) and then move on, and take a little time to help the girl get her
bearing — or maybe even give her a ride. Doing the right thing isn’t always the easiest thing to
do — especially when we spend most of our time pointing out other people’s faults.
This may seem like small stuff to most of you, and it is when you consider the number of
times cops find themselves clearly on the wrong side of
the law — being arrested for DUI, drugs, sex crimes, domestic
violence and even murder. But the small stuff occurs much more often
and is the bigger picture by which peo-ple judge us — that’s right — they judge
us. And we judge each other in the same manner. There’ve been many times when I thought cops were jerks because they were being bullies for no particular reason, or they were spending more time trying to get out of taking a report, than if they’d just taken the damn report and done their job.
Bad Hair DayI’ve been to too many cop funerals,
seen too many battered and maimed bodies, consoled too many families who’ve been dealt
a serious blow — I’ve seen firsthand too much of man’s inhumanity toward man — but none
of that matters to the guy I stop for a traffic vio-lation. And I shouldn’t expect him to understand
all the bad baggage I may be carrying around with me. All that junk should be left back at the station house door. His only concern is how much the ticket is going to cost, how it will affect his insurance and whether I was a turd, or decent and fair.
We owe it to the communities we police to suck it up — to always take the high road, to
be courteous — even when they’re interrupt-ing our day. Being nice and doing the right thing doesn’t take any more time than being
snotty or going off on someone. In fact, it usual-ly will use much less time because you won’t have to justify the merits of your own stupidity when the lack-of-courtesy complaint comes in.
I wish I’d learned this earlier in my career.
INSIdER RUMINATIONS
It’s NOT About you
JACOP.indd 70 5/27/09 11:11 PM
CDP pistols feature match grade barrels, night sights and a Carry Melt treatment that rounds & blends edges to prevent snagging on clothing or holsters.
The Custom CDP II™ .45 ACP has a 5-inch barrel and weighs only 31 ounces. It is the � nest full-size 1911 carry pistol available today.
The Pro CDP II™ .45 ACP has a 4-inch barrel and full-length grip. At just 28 ounces, it is easy to carry & conceal.
©2009 Kimber Mfg., Inc. All rights reserved. Kimber names, logos and other trademarks may not be used without permission. Names of other companies, products and services may be the property of their respective owners. Kimber firearms are shipped with an instructional manual and California-approved cable lock. Copy of instruction manual available by request.
Ultra CDP II™ pistols in .45 ACP & 9mm have 3-inch barrels & weigh just 25 ounces.
CDP pistols are powerful, accurate and absolutely dependable. Built in the Kimber® Custom Shop™, they feature night sights and 30 lines-per-inch checkering on the frontstrap and under the trigger guard for a positive grip. Slides are machined from stainless steel and aluminum frames wear KimPro II™, a premium fi nish that is self-lubricating and extremely resistant to the elements. All have a match grade barrel, chamber and trigger. Adding these features during production reduces their price by over $500, giving them incredible value. See them in action at www.kimberamerica.com. Carry the best. Carry a Kimber.
The Best Defense.The Custom Defense Package–CDP–from Kimber.
The Choice of America’s Best.
www.kimberamerica.com For information on products and dealer
locations please send $2 to:
Kimber, Dept. 252One Lawton Street, Yonkers, NY 10705
Information is also available at (800) 880-2418
The Pro CDP II™ .45 ACP has a 4-inch barrel and full-length grip. At just 28 ounces, it is easy to carry & conceal.
The Custom CDP IIThe Custom CDP IIThe Custom CDP II™ .45 ACP .45 ACP .45 ACP has a 5-inch barrel and weighs only 31 ounces. It is the � nest full-size 1911 carry pistol available today.
JACOP.indd 72 5/27/09 11:11 PM