Special Units: Page 388

Revision Introduces Photochromic Hellfly Ballistic Sunglasses

Revision Eyewear, a leading supplier of ballistic protective eyewear to law enforcement and military worldwide, marks its debut in light changing lens technology with the Photochromic Hellfly Ballistic Sunglass.

Six Shot in Drive-By at Texas Southern University Rap Event

University spokeswoman Eva Pickens said university officials were told that the shootings, which occurred at about 8:30 p.m. at Cleburne and Tierwester, near the East Garage, were gang-related.

Reputed Gang Member, Wanted for Attack on L.A. Deputies, Arrested in Mexico

An alleged Whittier gang member wanted in an attack on two Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies nearly nine years ago has been arrested in Mexico, authorities announced Monday.

New Trend in Drug Smuggling: Juvenile 'Mules' Who are U.S. Citizens

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers arrested the teenagers, all U.S. citizens, on Thursday and Friday at the San Ysidro and Calexico ports of entry. Agents seized roughly 17 pounds of marijuana and just over a pound of brown heroin, worth an estimated $38,000, officials said.

Heat Killed New Orleans Police Dog Left in Car, Report Says

A New Orleans police dog left unattended in a police vehicle in late May died from shock likely associated with heat stroke, after ripping up the car's seats in a desperate attempt to get out, according to a report obtained by the Metropolitan Crime Commission.

NJ Corrections Losing Ground Against Prison Gangs

New Jersey corrections investigators say they're losing ground in the fight against prison gangs, because they lack the manpower and funding, the Star-Ledger reports.

Elbeco Receives Wisconsin Award For Work with Disabled

Elbeco Incorporated has received the 2009 State Use Program Partnership Award for its work with Headwaters, Inc., a not-for-profit work/rehabilitation center that helps people with developmental and physical disabilities find gainful employment. Elbeco and Headwaters partnered on a contract to provide the State of Wisconsin with correctional officer uniforms.

(L-R) David Dumke, Chairman of the Wisconsin State Use Board; Mary Hardtke, Executive Director of Headwaters, Inc.; David Lurio, President of Elbeco, Inc.

Tactical Robots

If you think robots are just for bomb disposal, think again. Police robots are often used to handle IEDs, but they can be used in other arenas that are inhospitable to humans. Robots can be used to reach a barricaded subject or hostages and carry information or evidence back out without sending an officer into the line of fire. They can also provide enhanced surveillance and deploy lethal or less-lethal weapons.

Tactical Systems' HD can handl;e rough terrain, climb common household stairs and tow up to a 300-pound load. It also has a range of 1,200 feet and an on-board video system that can capture eight hours of footage using a pan/tilt infrared video camera that operates in low-light conditions. It can capture images up to one mile away (line of sight).

Armored Rescue Vehicles

In the past decade, a new wave of commercial ARVs specifically built for law enforcement has hit the market. Few agencies could afford these big-ticket items prior to then, so initially the expense made it slow-going for the police armored vehicle industry. Then 9/11 changed law enforcement's attitude, and the formation of the Department of Homeland Security and its grant programs led to unprecedented funding for local law enforcement equipment, including ARVs. Responding to this increased demand, ARV manufacturers are developing the next generation of ARVs to meet the needs of contemporary tactical officer.

Lenco produces the B.E.A.R. (Ballistic Engineered Armored Response). The B.E.A.R. is built on a commercial truck chassis, using commercial parts, that makes it mechanic-friendly and brings warranty support from the manufacturer. The vehicle features certified hardened steel armor and ballistic glass that's capable of multiple hits, blast-resistant floors, specially designed gunports, roof hatches and multiple ingress/egress doors. The B.E.A.R.'s larger size allows up to 15 personnel to be transported and 25 to 30 persons to be evacuated. This is an ARV with multiple uses, including emergency/hostage rescue, TEMS, etc. The interior compartment is capable of housing the logistics needs of most SWAT teams.

California Releasing Parole Violators Early

California prison officials, facing severe overcrowding and a financial crisis, have been releasing inmates who were serving time for parole violations before they finished their scheduled terms.

Fugitive Mexican Politician is Tied to Gang Targeting Police

Last week, Julio Cesar Godoy was a congressman-elect. This week, he is a fugitive.

L.A. to Sever Ties with Prominent Gang-Intervention Agency

Los Angeles City Hall officials are preparing to sever ties with one of the more high-profile gang intervention organizations in South L.A., a decision the agency head decried as "an injustice" -- even dangerous because of the agency's success in reducing violence between rival gangs. The city's Gang Reduction & Youth Development office plans to end its contract with Unity T.W.O. Inc. at the end of the month.

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