California Copper Theft Investigation Leads to Arrests of 140 on Assorted Charges
In response to a rash of copper thefts, two Northern California police departments—San Jose and Santa Clara—set up a year-long sting investigation that resulted not only in arrests for copper theft but offenses ranging from bombmaking to car theft.
In response to a rash of copper thefts, two Northern California police departments—San Jose and Santa Clara—set up a year-long sting investigation that resulted not only in arrests for copper theft but offenses ranging from bombmaking to car theft.
"We just thought it was going to deal with all the copper that was being stolen," San Jose police officer Jermaine Thomas told the San Francisco Chronicle. "Soon enough it went from copper to guns, then stolen vehicles, and then drug transactions."
The two departments worked with the Santa Clara County district attorney's office to set up a recycling business front in Santa Clara called Jose Clara Co-op. Word soon spread on the street that Jose Clara would take anything, no questions asked.
Local criminals sold the co-op a stolen cars, illegal guns, methamphetamine, stolen driver licenses, and even cell phone-detonated bombs.
Police say that they did business with 278 people at the co-op and only two had legal business.
More Training
Safariland Solis Rethinks Concealable Duty
What if Level I retention didn’t require a full duty rig? Safariland’s Solis delivers trusted ALS security in a streamlined OWB platform built for administrative and plainclothes professionals who need protection without the bulk.
Read More →
Two-Officer Tactical Doorway Entry Techniques
Entering a room during active-threat situations requires communication, coordination, and disciplined tactical movement. In this video, trainers from the United States Deputy Sheriff’s Association demonstrate critical room entry concepts, including fatal funnel awareness, team coordination, and safe tactical movement.
Read More →
High Compressed Ready Explained | Muzzle Control For Room Entry
In this video, Mike Willis, law enforcement national training and program director for the United States Deputy Sheriffs’ Association, demonstrates the high compressed ready position and discusses muzzle control during room entry.
Read More →
Built for Patrol: How One Police Chief Fixed Communication, Boosted Visibility, and Changed the Culture
Patrol work hasn’t changed—but the expectations on officers have. See how one police chief helped officers get the right information at the right time, improve patrol visibility, and strengthen trust without adding complexity or surveillance. This real-world story shows how patrol-driven technology can make the job safer, smarter, and more effective—starting on day one.
Read More →
Why Attend the DroneSense Innovation Summit by Versaterm?
Let’s hear from Ryan Bracken, head of product, about why your agency should send someone to the first annual DroneSense Innovation Summit by Versaterm in April.
Read More →
Caswell Live Fire Spins Off from InVeris
Caswell Live Fire has spun off from parent company InVeris, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of Caswell’s founding. Over the past 100 years, Caswell has developed pioneering solutions that support military, law enforcement, and commercial clients worldwide.
Read More →
When Do You Transport a Wounded Officer Instead of Waiting for EMS?
Thumbnail for video series POLICE Topics, Tactics & Tips with a yellow headline that reads When Do You Transport a Wounded Officer Instead of Waiting for EMS?
Read More →
How to Pick Your High-Risk Stop Location for Tactical Advantage
Hear veteran trainer Mike Willis, of the United States Deputy Sheriff’s Association, explain several considerations that can help you wisely pick your best spot to initiate high-risk or felony traffic stops.
Read More →
Coffee Break with Police Experts: Using Your Patrol Vehicle for Cover
In this video, hear from Dustin Mowery, a product specialist at Team Wendy, as he discusses how to best use a patrol vehicle for cover.
Read More →
Preventing Blue-on-Blue Shootings
In this video, Mike Willis, law enforcement national training and program director, United States Deputy Sheriff’s Association, discusses how to prevent blue-on-blue shootings.
Read More →