March 2014

POLICE March 2014

Building Leaders

Even if people receive some training, there is more to becoming a leader than taking a class. Training in all its aspects needs to change with the times. But it's a pervasive cultural issue. And it takes time to change a culture.

March 30, 2014

Photo: Mark W. Clark

The New Guard

Capt. Rhonda Lawson, president of the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE), became the first female field captain in the Texas Highway Patrol's history. In her experience, many officers resent competition with minorities for desired positions.

March 30, 2014

Police Product Test: Team Wendy Bump Helmet

A good helmet is an essential piece of kit for any tactical operator. The helmets of today are lighter, stronger, provide better protection, are customizable, and are comfortable. Team Wendy's Exfil LTP Tactical Bump Helmet fits all of these criteria.

March 27, 2014

Photo courtesy of Team Wendy

Knuckling Under

In October the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) released a scathing report that alleged widespread abuse of law enforcement premium pay at the Department of Homeland Security. One day before a Senate hearing on the issue, the head of ICE suspended all premium pay for headquarters and training personnel.

March 25, 2014

Twisted Speech

How in the world did we manage to twist the English language into such a politically correct knot that "gentleman" has become a synonym for "felon," "sociopath," or "terrorist?"

March 25, 2014

Shots Fired: Berks County, Pennsylvania 06/30/2011

Upon their crossing, the trackers noticed that leaves blanketing the side of a steep hill had been disturbed. Regrouping with his K-9, Pagerly gave him the search command and released him again. Jynx appeared to immediately find an odor and began moving rapidly up hill and toward Hawk Mountain Road.

March 25, 2014

Ode to the Belt

The cow skidded down the far emergency lane, and my vehicle creaked and scraped down the other. I slammed on the now stiff brakes and my Chevy ground loudly to a stop, steaming and groaning while I waited for the impact of some approaching vehicle.

March 20, 2014

Illustration: Sequoia Blankenship

Training Outside of the Box

The contemporary use-of-force simulator scenario has become much more of an immersive and realistic experience for the student. All of this technological innovation has led agencies and instructors to re-examine the ways they are using simulators for both recruit and in-service training.

March 20, 2014

Photo courtesy of MILO Range

Vehicle Ambush Training

My agency recently presented an in-service training program on how to handle vehicle ambushes. We tackled the issue by focusing on the only three possible options available when attacked in your vehicle: retreat, run the suspect over, or get out and fight.

March 19, 2014

Photo: Amaury Murgado

Police Cell Phones and Social Media

Unbelievable as it may sound, this was probably the first recorded tactical law enforcement call-out conducted over Facebook. Even though I rarely use Facebook, I knew my officers did and better yet they monitored it. The call-out was successful and the suspect was apprehended.

March 19, 2014

Cell Phones on Duty

Most cops can readily agree a cell phone is perhaps the best new tool an officer can have during his or her patrol shift. Whether it is used to call a victim, a barricaded suspect, or a detective on a major case, a cell phone is a vital asset to the patrol officer.

March 16, 2014

Photo: Mark W. Clark

Pursuit Tracking

The StarChase system uses a patrol car-mounted launcher to shoot a GPS tracking device at a fleeing vehicle. Officers can catch up to the vehicle later without speeding after it.

March 13, 2014

Photo courtesy of StarChase

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