June 2009 Issue

Very few officers are receiving adequate low-light training. That's dangerous for the health of the officers, and it leaves the agencies they work for open to potentially devastating lawsuits if an officer should shoot an innocent bystander in a low-light incident.

Many municipalities have planned and exercised disaster response plans for a large flu outbreak. However, the biggest challenge will be preventing panic among an anxious public and soliciting its cooperation to preserve the common good.

Rifle manufacturers are now making a variety of rifles specifically designed for patrol and SWAT operations. Here's a quick look at some of the long guns now available for service in law enforcement.

When it comes to gear and gadgets for duty applications, many of us are drawn to the coolest, most expensive items. That's true of weapons and it's true of weapon accessories such as optics. But do we really have to have the priciest gear to achieve our mission? Maybe. Maybe not.

For some 15 years now, American police officers have been joined on patrol by in-car video systems that document their interaction with the public. Now, at least four companies have developed, are marketing, or plan to market body-worn video systems to law enforcement officers.

With all of the duty holsters available today, it's amazing to think the only option for police officers used to be black leather. Now there's also laminate, nylon, and all manner of synthetics. For finish there's basketweave, plain, or high gloss. Not to mention increasingly innovative retention devices in holsters from level 1 to 3. Here's a selection of holsters for duty carry encompassing all of these variations.

You are always on video. The only question that you have to ask yourself is whose video it will be?

To the experts, this naked fellow was shot excessively at close range even after he had raised his legs in surrender…that's right, his legs.

Kahr Arms just introduced a new subcompact pistol chambered for the .380 ACP cartridge. Weighing less than a pound loaded and only .75 inches wide, this new pistol is small and light enough that it should serve just about anyone's deep concealment and/or backup needs.

These 10 Zero gloves kept my coworkers' hands warm in cold conditions did not overheat or make their hands sweat in warmer conditions.

Pruitt had to go on the offensive. His mind went to his backup gun, which he kept in his uniform pants. He reached for it.

Today's law enforcement officers carry more gear on their belt than ever before. Not only are all of these items heavy, the holsters they're held in are difficult to move when necessary. That's why Safariland has developed two simple locking systems that allow you to add or remove various holsters on your duty belt or MOLLE loops without rearranging other items in the process.

The major contributing factor to pedestrian injuries and fatalities has nothing to do with the motor vehicle. Unsafe pedestrian actions are the major cause. Yet jaywalking enforcement remains an extremely low priority in most police departments.

If you unexpectedly end up on the ground, you will be forced to make aggressive efforts to retain your firearm. Unfortunately, many law enforcement trainers focus on standing weapon retention techniques, which creates a training gap that leaves officers vulnerable when they find themselves in a ground fight.

After Apr. 19, officers and agencies could incur liability for vehicle searches incident to arrest that do not fall within the Gant guidelines.