October 2014

POLICE October 2014

Smartphone Case Management App

For any incident you likely use different methods to record interviews, take notes, transcribe them, write reports, take pictures and video, and then upload everything to your agency's server. QueTel's Mobile Traq lets you do all this via an app on the smartphone you already use.

October 29, 2014

The 5 Biggest Miranda Myths

Some myths that have sprouted from Miranda have shown so much inertia that the Supreme Court has had to keep coming back to try to knock them down. Here are five of the most persistent.

October 28, 2014

Photo: Mark W. Clark

In-car Video: Eyes on the Road

Here's a look at some of the latest in-car video systems for law enforcement operations.

October 28, 2014

CopTrax PHOTO: Stalker

The Myth of the Unarmed Man

If you don't believe media bias plays a role in how Americans interpret use of force by law enforcement, try this simple test. Do a Google search for "police officer kills unarmed man." I did and I got 179,000 results. Searching for "unarmed man attacks police officer," I got this message: "No results found."

October 27, 2014

Understanding Graham v. Connor

The 1989 case of Graham v. Connor is an example of how the actions of one officer can start a process that establishes law. Using the Graham standard, an officer must apply constitutionally appropriate levels of force based on the unique circumstances.

October 27, 2014

Findings from Graham v. Connor determine the legality of every use-of-force decision an officer makes.

Beyond CIT

When it comes to the mentally ill, many police departments are finding themselves reluctantly cast as community "caregivers of last resort." Two agencies in Southern Arizona have developed a better way to respond.

October 24, 2014

Photo: Bryn Bailer

Inside the Mind of a Cold Case Detective

The first thing a good investigator, especially a cold case investigator, needs to know is that you can't base your conclusions on past experiences because those experiences are not foolproof. The only way to solve a decades-old murder is through hard work.

October 21, 2014

Photo: iStockphoto.com

SIG Sauer P224 DA/SA Subcompact Pistol

A quick glance at the P224 dispels any doubts you may have about its heritage. Its looks, feel, and heft scream "P226," although when you pick it up the differences are immediately evident. The P224 is lighter, smaller, and sports a shorter barrel than either the P226 or P229.

October 16, 2014

SIG Sauer P224 DA/SA Subcompact Pistol PHOTO: Paul Budde and Becky Leavitt

Learn or Die

It seems continuing to learn stops the forgetting process, which is important because in our profession forgetting can have dire consequences. How many times have you watched a video of an officer getting hurt and thought, How did he forget to keep proper positioning? or Why did she stop watching the hands?

October 16, 2014

Illustration: Sequoia Blankenship

Concerns of Police Survivors Healing Hearts

Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) welcomes with open arms those who have suffered the tragedy of a loved one or coworker dying in the line of duty. The organization offers support through specific programs tailored to meet the needs of everyone from children to in-laws to fellow officers as well as staying connected with informal phone calls and e-mails year-round.

October 13, 2014

Zoe Stahl and husband Brian at a C.O.P.S. siblings retreat. Zoe's brother Andrew Esparza was Brian's friend and coworker. Photo: Zoe and Brian Stah

Stopping Fatal Trends

According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, in the first half of 2014 officer fatalities increased 31% over the same time period in 2013. The only thing we can do is train for the unexpected, and prepare ourselves for that one day that may never happen.

October 7, 2014

Photo: iStockPhoto.com

Responding vs. Reacting

Reacting is guided primarily by emotion and responding is influenced by logic. In this context, it's not hard to see which one of the two is more beneficial to law enforcement officers.

October 7, 2014

A professional and experienced officer responds rather than just reacting. He or she stays cool and in control. Photo: Amaury Murgado

Page 2 of 3