http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/RSS.ashxAmerican COP Jan/Feb 2009 PagesFri, 06 Feb 2009 19:39:32 +0100http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=1http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=1www.americancopmagazine.com Gunfight Realities TM $5.95 OUTSIDE U.S. $9.50 January/february 2009 ! N I W AND R E D N I L Y AC 20 P2 20 SLIDE SIG PACKAGE! Rock Rive RiveR R’s AR Rifle/Pistol Combo! Combo ! Policing in combat Deadly DEA FNH’s CorreCtions: offiCer Down! 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See the full line of FNAR rifles at your FNH USA dealer or visit fnhusa.com2009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=4http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=42009 Volume 5, Number 1, issue 21 JAN • FEB www.AmeRicANcopmAGAZiNe.com 52 FeatuRes 38 45 49 51 52 56 4 and rock river lar-15 Pistol. Rock RiveR elite comp Paul G. marKel BootS RoUND-Up Ben douGlas GUNFiGHt ReAlitieS dr. James s. Williams, m.d. 45 Get the right tool for the Job. shooting With X-ray Vision Part iii. The DEA’s Legacy Of Efficient Gunfighting! Policing in the Combat zone. DeADlY DeA BoB PilGrim militARY lAw eNFoRcemeNt miKe lazarus FN’S SelF-loADiNG police mk1 Gary Paul Johnston WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2009 Semiauto Firepower For Street Cops.2009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=5http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=530 36 ColuMNs 16 leAA JamesÊ J.Ê fotis 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 coRRectioNS BrianÊ daWe HiGH tecH BoBÊ daVis oFFiceR SURvivAl sammyÊ reese evoc anthonyÊ riCCi HARD toolS PaulÊ marKel ReSeRveS PerryÊ W.Ê hornBarGer StReet level JohnÊ morrison ReAlitY cHeck ii ClintÊ smith cARRY optioNS marKÊ hanten pRivAte SecURitY edÊ PalumBo ResouRCes 20 72 76 76 SpotliGHt clASSiFieDS AD iNDex 8 78 oN the DePaRtMeNts CoVeR RetURN FiRe iNSiDeR RUmiNAtioNS 49 aÊ CylinderÊ andÊ slideÊ siGÊ P220 74 18 20 32 34 38 45 49 51 52 56 coRRectioNS SoUND oF cRime ReAlitY cHeck BlADe tecH GeAR Rock RiveR Boot BUSiNeSS GUNFiGHt ReAlitieS DeADlY DeA policiNG iN comBAt FN’S cop SHotGUN INCLUDES THE BLACKHAWK! HAWKHOOK AND MAXPEDITION CONDOR II AMERICAN COPª (ISSN 1557-2609) is published bi-monthly by PublishersÕ Development Corp., 12345 World Trade Drive, San Diego, CA 92128. Periodical postage paid at San Diego CA 92128, and at additional entry offices. Subscriptions: One year (six issues) $24.95. Single copies $5.95 (in Canada $9.50). Change of address: four weeks notice required on all changes. Send old address as well as new. Contributors submitting manuscripts, photographs or drawings do so at their own risk. Material cannot be returned unless accompanied by sufficient postage. Payment is for all world rights for the material. The act of mailing a manuscript constitutes the author’s certification of originality of material. Opinions expressed are those of the bylined authors and do not necessarily represent those of the magazine or it’s advertisers. Advertising rates furnished on request. Reproduction or use of any portion of this magazine in any manner, without written permission, is prohibited. Entire contents Copyright© 2009 Publishers’ Development Corp. All rights reserved. Title to this publication passes to subscriber only on delivery to his address. SUBSCRIPTION PROBLEMS: For immediate action, write Subscription Dept., 12345 World Trade Drive, San Diego, CA 92128. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to AMERICAN COPª, 12345 World Trade Drive, San Diego, CA 92128. WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 52009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=6http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=6CrossBreed Holsters LLC. ARE YOU TIRED OF UNCOMFORTABLE HOLSTERS? ARE YOU CARRYING A SMALLER GUN THAN YOU WANT TO JUST SO YOU CAN CONCEAL IT? I got my SuperTuck holster from you for my XD 4” back in February. I use it everyday 10 to 12 hours, sometimes tucked, sometimes not. 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Due to the inherent variables in the reloading of metallic cartridges, verify all published loads with manufacturer’s data. Consult a professional gunsmith when modifying any firearm. produced in the United States. 6 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20092009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=7http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=7PepperBlaster ™ The Future of Pepper Defense PepperBlaster™ is better than ordinary pepper sprays. With a revolutionary delivery system, PepperBlaster fires two powerful blasts of penetrating pepper solution. Effective range is 13 feet and PepperBlaster incapacitates an assailant – human or animal – for up to 45 minutes. PepperBlaster is ideal for college students, joggers, commuters, pet owners and anyone who refuses to be a victim. Faster • Easier • Safer See it in action at www.pepperblaster.com Kimber, Dept. #201 One Lawton Street Yonkers, NY 10705 (800) 880-2418 Caution: Strong irritant. Keep out of reach of children. May be unlawful to own or possess in some states or jurisdictions. Use for any purpose except lawful self defense may be punishable by imprisonment, fines or both. Guardian Angel protected by U.S. Pat. 6,951,070B2. Copyright ©2008, Kimber, Mfg., Inc. All rights reserved. WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 72009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=8http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=8RETURN FIRE you printed a story on a pair of siG pistols customized by tJ’s Gunworks (super siGs, Nov/Dec 2008). it appears tJ truly is a master, as they looked gorgeous. Lowering Standards Your magazine published a very insightful article researched and penned by Dave Grossi (Lowering Standards, Nov/ Dec 2008). It was well written and gave the reader clear warnings about the dangers of lowering hiring and training standards. My department and I do not have a problem with any of the opinions and data presented in this cautionary piece; however we did seriously question the illustration that accompanied the article. A two-page photo spread accompanied Mr. Grossi’s article showing numerous law enforcement badges. All the badges were out of focus, except for one single gold badge — the badge our police officers in Chesterfield County proudly display every day as they place themselves in harms way to protect our citizens. Using our badge and relating it to an article about lowering hiring and training standards was sure to give most readers the impression our police department was associated with this hazardous trend. Nothing could be further from the truth. Chesterfield County, located in central Virginia, has a very professional, community oriented and dynamic Police Department. It’s a Department with a long tradition of excellence, both in the caliber of our personnel we hire and our training standards. This tradition has enabled us to be one of the safest communities in the Commonwealth of Virginia and a leader within the regional law enforcement community. Thank you for allowing us to set the record straight. Colonel Thierry G. Dupuis, MBA Chief of Police Chesterfield County Police Department Chief, I’m going to fall on my sword on this one. It’s our fault and there’s 8 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20092009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=9http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=9no getting around it. As a retired cop, I should have known better. We showed poor judgment in choosing to use that picture showing your agency’s badge in clear focus. Our attempt to illustrate how the problem of lowering standards can affect agencies everywhere by showing a collection of badges was sound, however by focusing on just one the illustration set the wrong tone. I know your agency maintains extremely high standards and would not tolerate anything but the best. Please accept our sincere apology for this oversight. I appreciate your fair and honest letter to us. Roy Huntington Publisher Big Dots You printed a story on a pair of SIG pistols customized by TJ’s Gunworks (Super SIGS, Nov/Dec 2008). It appears TJ truly is a master, as they looked gorgeous. However, I do need to comment regarding the Day-Glo green Big Dot front sight. Enthusiasts have been modifying pistols for years, and we’re flattered someone has taken our product and modified it. But, there is a reason our sights are white. It’s based on human physiology and the way our eyes Introducing a new, one-of-a-kind device for first responders. work in low light. As many of your readers may have noticed, when ambient light begins to fade, all colors become varying shades of gray. In reduced light we no longer use the cones of our eyes, which see color, we start using the rods, which see everything in black or white. Any color other than white simply becomes another shade of gray and appears ® darker than the pure white we use in our sights. The pure white allows you to pick up the sight faster than a shade Introducing a new, one-of-a-kind of gray will allow. device for first responders. As always, thanks for a wonderful Bust A Cap is a rapid entry tool that adapts to your magazine and the opportunity to remind flashlight or baton, providing a tactical advantage and an your readers about the reasons behind effective and safe way to break glass. the design of our product. Bust A Cap is being utilized by cops, Dave Biggers firemen, government agencies and V.P. Sales & Marketing military personnel around the world. XS Sight Systems Ultra Stinger® Stinger LED® Dave, what ever happened to the “as long as they spell our name right” WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM If you are interested in being a dealer or carrying Bust A Cap in your stores or catalogs, give us a call! 20292 Birch Street • Newport Beach CA 92660 • 949.752.8100 • www.bustacap.net 9 ASP® Baton2009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=10http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=102009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=11http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=11RETURN FIRE philosophy? Just kidding, and you are absolutely right in pointing out the reason behind the design. It’s important for our readers to understand that there’s a great deal of thought and testing that goes into refining a the design of a great sight system. I am a huge fan and proponent of the XS Sight system. A number of times I have written that the Big Dot sights are the fastest and best gun fighting sights available today — and cops need a gun fighting sight. When your life depends on getting that shot off first and accurately, nothing compares to the pure white Big Dot. Dave More Lowering Standards Dave, Dave Grossi made many good points in his article (Lowering Standards, Nov/Dec 2008). I would like to offer a few points regarding recruiting standards for law enforcement officers. In the 2000 election candidate George W. Bush refused to answer questions about whether he had used drugs in college. Candidate Barack Obama has published his account of his drug use. The electorate does not see drug abuse as excluding either from attaining the highest office in the land. In the 1960s the typical police academy here in Kansas was four weeks. Today, it’s 16 to 18 weeks. It’s not unusual to find recruits in today’s academies with graduate or undergraduate degrees. Recruits are much better educated today than ever before. Police use of force is much less today than in decades past and fewer officers are killed or injured today. Voters in statewide referendums have indicated approval for relaxing drug laws involving medical uses of drugs. This seems to be part of a more liberal view emerging regarding drug laws. Homosexuality, drug use, bankruptcy and infidelity were all considered disqualifiers for a career in law enforcement at one time, but not today. Nevertheless, there is widespread agreement police officers today are much better educated, trained, and professional than their counterparts in the 1950s or 1960s. Today, many veterans of the first and second gulf wars have chosen law enforcement as a career and this has proven a great asset to the profession as a source for reWWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM TACTICAL DESIGN LABS Any Where… Any Time… Any TEST! DEFINING A NEW STANDARD FOR SAFETY TDL is advancing with new gear for Professionals seeking the Best. Left Hand Holster now available Duty Holsters soon to include the Sig 226 & S&W M&P. M&P. TacTac-light and Concealable holsters coming soon. Professional Comfort System helping officers relieve back pain. www.TDLABS.com 877-783-5227 112009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=12http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=12SPECIAL WEAPONS For a single, precise shot to resolve a situation, it has to be fired from a special weapon. Enter the Savage LE Series. Special weapons. Exceptional accuracy. savagearms.com 12 SARM038 American Cop Half 7-08 A1 1 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2009 4/28/08 4:56:01 PM2009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=13http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=13RETURN FIRE cruits. In the 1960s and 1970s many returning veterans chose law enforcement as a career as well. I join with Dave Grossi in lamenting the declining standards but I cannot conclude the law enforcement profession has suffered as a result. Michael Lee Kobe The drug use issue, homosexuality, infidelity and bankruptcy issues can be argued until we’re all dead and gone. I would feel more than a bit uneasy with a bankrupt, cheating, drug user as my partner. And I could care less if he or she had a PhD in Astrophysics. What we really need to concentrate on is the individual. Years ago DC police lowered standards to the point where known gang members were recruited — and look at some of the former recruiting practices of New Orleans PD. The good-guy cops in those cities (and they far outnumber the bad guy cops) were saddled with working with some of these bottom dwellers all in the name of meeting recruiting quotas. That’s one for the Toro Caca section. Let’s make decisions based on whether the applicant will make a good cop. If drug use by this person shows a significant lack of judgment, then they shouldn’t be a cop. Conversely, if it was a typical experimentation by a curious but temporarily stupid kid, maybe they would make a good officer. A recruiter once told me, “Angels don’t make good cops, but neither do idiots.” I agree with her. Dave Fully adjustable shoulder straps with quick-release buckles. Can be turned around to accommodate rifle buttstock. Plate Carrier Vest Cummerbund panels have internal pockets for supplemental side armor, or for use as storage. (Also available in OD Green) Holds chest plates front and back. Uncle Mike’s mission-adaptable vests. The pinnacle of speed and adaptability, they can be quickly thrown over your existing uniform and feature a wealth of adjustment and customizable options, using the versatile MOLLE system. Insert chest plates front and back (not included) for uncompromising service and protection – no matter the mission. Cross Draw Entry Vest Includes universal holster, two horizontal mag pouches, three M16/M4 mag pouches (2 mags each) and one utility pouch. ©2008 unclemikesle.com Border Patrol Regarding Mr. Grossi’s article in 08BLE4154_Vest_Ad_Final_americancop.indd American COP about the U.S. Border Patrol Academy lowering its standards (Lowering Standards, Nov/Dec 2008), I’d like to clear up a few things. The basic academy has gone from 19 weeks to 12 — not 17 weeks. The reason for this is Spanish Language Training has been removed from the core curriculum so trainees who already speak Spanish can be moved to the field faster. There’s still the same amount of class hours in Law, Firearms, Driving, Physical Techniques, etc. But those who don’t speak Spanish must stay behind for eight WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 1 10/8/08 9:13:24 AM 132009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=14http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=14When everyone is counting on you. You can count on us. BLACK HILLS AMMUNITION INC. PO BOX 3090 RAPID CITY, SD 57709 Phone: 605 .390 .5150 Fax: 605 .348 .9827 14 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20092009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=15http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=15RETURN FIRE additional weeks to learn the language — that makes 20 weeks for them. As for the lower physical standards, it’s a good program. You get out what you put in; if you’re lazy, you’ll get nothing out of it. But if you work hard at it, you can get pretty good results. There are still several weeks of Constitutional Law, and as for plans to get rid of it, I don’t know but wouldn’t think so. And lowering the bar for those coming in? I agree with you completely, it’s just not right to shoot for anything but perfection. I sir, am a product of the new academy. And I must say it was still tough — academically and physically. Was it comparable to the old program? Again, same amount of class time, physical training may have been “easier” because the Instructors had to follow a curriculum — but still challenging. I understand these were not your words but the BP, but I just wanted to give you what I know through experience. Mike S. Thanks for the clarification on the BP Academy and thank you for joining their ranks. I wish you all the best in your new job. It is by far and away one of the toughest in law enforcement. Dave LaRue Tactical Dave, I just did my cover-to-cover of the latest COP and I think you missed a really great product. You must go to the LaRue Tactical web site and review the: Larue Tactical Beverage Entry Tool LT-205. I understand this will take some time to research, but I am sure it will be worth your efforts. John Lochaby Thanks for your suggestion. I’ve used the TBEV LT-205 for a few years now. It’s an essential kit for anyone going into the field. I even have one anodized in red for my Christmas tree. Dave amerICaN CoP Tm welcomes letters to the editor. We reserve the right to edit all published letters for clarity and length. Due to the volume of mail, we are unable to individually answer your letters or e-mail. In sending a letter to american CoP, you agree to provide Publishers Development Corp. such copyright as is required for publishing and redistributing the contents of your letter in any format. Send your letters to return Fire, american CoP, 12345 World Trade Dr., San Diego, Ca 92128; www.americancopmagazine.com; e-mail: ed@americancopmagazine.com. * WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 152009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=16http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=16LEAA JAMEs J. FOtIs thE LAW ENFORCEMENt ALLIANCE OF AMERICA. A Time For ChAnge The end of one year and the beginning of a new one is a perfect time to take stock — to assess your living and working environment. It’s an opportune time to reflect on change. Benjamin Franklin is quoted as having said, “When you’re finished changing, you’re finished.” D 16 ecades ago no one could have imagined the widespread impact a case called “Miranda” would have on every American cop. When the first cops were jailed for the “crime” of crossing the invisible line of a suspect’s civil rights, who knew a national trend was being established? A trend where the reality is far greater prison time for the cop than that of the criminal. Change is real in America’s law enforcement community. Not Always Easy Not All Change Is Good ameras are everywhere. Too often, the unblinking eye of the camera puts police actions in a horrible public relations light. “Who cares?” “I’m just doing my job, doing what I was trained to do. What I did was within policy and acceptable standards of conduct.” Well, that’s not enough, not anymore. Not if you want to survive. Darwin said, “It’s not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” Make no mistake, we’re talking Officer Survival — your survival. We need to include surviving changes that have already occurred and proactively driving other changes, especially in the political environment. The other day I watched footage of an officer using his “less-lethal” baton to attempt to overcome active resistance from a guy resisting a lawful arrest. The problem was that the camera lens caught a cop “beat’n down” a man of color. Continued on page 62 C James J. Fotis is a retired officer from New York and the Executive Director of the Law Enforcement Alliance of America (LEAA). LEAA works to promote officer safety issues, defend law enforcement in the media and promote the belief that gun control is not crime control. You can find out more or become a member of the hard-hitting, conservative, unabashedly pro-cop, pro-gun, pro-self defense LEAA by visiting their Web site at www.leaa.org WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20092009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=17http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=17LOSE SIGHT FOR A SECOND AND YOU’RE OUT OF THE FIGHT 4 PM. STOLEN CAR. You need to see everything. everything The shine of a knife, the glint of a gun. You need to see their hands. Good thing your sunglasses aren’t just sunglasses. They’re Revision Hellfly. Made by the leader in ballistic eyewear for the military worldwide. And Hellfly is made for you. High impact protection, state of the art optics, 100% UV and wraparound lenses to keep you covered on all sides. All under one ounce. So you’re ready for the worst, ready with the best. That’s Revision Ready. PROVEN UNDER FIRE* “Any situation can turn bad, quick… Why take a chance with anything other than Revision. It’s not worth the risk.” – Federal Law Enforcement Officer BE REVISION READY www.revisioneyewear.com M I S S I O N C R I T I C A L E Y E W E A R® *12 gauge shotgun, 1-1/8oz #7.5 lead shot, 1,148 ft/s velocity at 16 feet. ©2008 REVISION EYEWEAR LTD. HELLFLY™ AND REVISION® ARE TRADEMARKS OF REVISION EYEWEAR LTD, 7 CORPORATE DRIVE, ESSEX JUNCTION, VT 054522009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=18http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=18CORRECTIONS BEhIND thE FENCE. BRIAN DAWE Officer DOwn n June I watched as 22-year old Federal Correctional Officer, Jose Rivera, was laid to rest in California. Officer Rivera had been on the job a mere 10 months. Officers from across the nation gathered to mourn the tragic loss of yet another CO. His murder, at the hands of an inmate wielding a home made shank, ended this young man’s life far too early. Sadly, it was a very preventable death. This is the second time in a few short years I traveled to I California to honor a fallen brother. On January 10, 2005 California State Correctional Officer Manny Gonzalez met the same avoidable fate at that state’s Chino facility. Annually, over 40,000 assaults on staff occur in our nations prisons and jails and we bury nearly a dozen officers as a result. Many correction departments do not provide the necessary equipment to survive behind the walls. Neither Gonzalez nor Rivera were wearing stab proof vests. fficer Gonzalez’ vest was sitting in the department’s warehouse. California DOC failed to issue it. In the case of Officer Rivera, the Federal Bureau of Prisons doesn’t issue protective vests to staff. Incredibly, they refuse to allow officers to wear one even if they purchase it themselves! Who thought that was a good idea? Stab proof vests won’t stop every attack, nor do they guarantee survival from a vicious assault by an inmate with a weapon. But, survival is greatly enhanced when we are so equipped. 18 o Bad Decisions people pRoBlemS v iolence in our prisons, jails and juvenile facilities is a daily occurrence. With fewer staff available to respond and the resultant increase in response times to these assaults, injuries are far more serious. According to the American Federation of Government Employees, the union representing Federal Correctional Officers, staffing in the federal system is down by 15 percent while their prisons are 25 percent over design capacity. That’s a situation destined for tragedy. In some state systems such as Oklahoma, staffing is down by nearly 30 percent. They are so short staffed on some shifts there’s no one available for the emergency response teams. How many more deaths will it take before these issues are addressed? United States Representative Dennis Cardoza (D-CA) has sponsored HR 6462 the “Jose Rivera Correctional Officer Protection Act.” It’s imperative we Continued on page 67 Brian Dawe is the Executive Director for The American Correctional Officer (www.americanco.org) and the American Correctional Officers Intelligence Network (www.COIntel.net). He can be reached at ACOIN1@aol.com or by calling him at 307-883-9707. WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20092009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=19http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=192009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=20http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=20HIGH tECh BOB DAVIs CUttING EDGE WIDGEts — AND OthER NEW stUFF. The Sound ave you ever noticed the sounds of crime? We all know the obvious one: the loud report of gunshot, the crash of a glass pane shattered by an intruder, or the unmistakable sound of tires sliding on asphalt just before the thud as it collides with a pedestrian. But what about the sounds made by taggers? Not the whispers in the darkness — the sounds of graffiti being applied for H Of Crime PFM — Pure Frigging Magic the 12th time this month on that wall by the park. You’re thinking, “what sound?” The sound of paint escaping from an aerosol container, a unique sound and one that’s called an ultrasonic fingerprint by Cory Stephanson, PhD and CEO of Broadband Discovery Systems (BDS). “It’s a sound you may have never noticed.” “M erlin,” a new antigraffiti detection system made by BDS, a Scotts Valley, California company, easily recognizes this sound along with others. It’s an acoustic based sensor using sophisticated algorithms to detect sounds emitted by aerosol containers — sounds in the ultrasonic range humans cannot hear. Combine this technology with an automated and programmable notification system and you now have the means to catch taggers in the act. If — there’s always an “if” — your agency is willing to have the police officer resources necessary for a rapid response. imply put, Merlin comes in a rugged-ized “black box” designed to look like any nondescript service box. It doesn’t rate a second glance let alone closer inspection. Merlin should be mounted about 15 feet above the ground and near the area requiring surveillance. Merlin’s coverage area is shaped like a cone covering about 160 degrees and a range of about 70'. Multiple Merlins can increase coverage area. Proper placement is crucial for success and with any technology such as this, there’s always Continued on page 68 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2009 S How Does It Work? 202009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=21http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=212009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=22http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=22OFFICER sURVIVAL sAMMY REEsE GEttING hOME IN thE sAME CONDItION YOU WENt tO WORk IN. COLOR R GUNS t’s 0-dark thirty; you’re the first officer on scene at a large noisy party in one of the nicer neighborhoods on your beat. While admiring the nice cars lining the street and avoiding turning your ankle on empty beer bottles, you make it to the open front door of the house. You hear, “Oh shit, it’s the cops.” The homeowner comes to the door and immediately apologizes for the noise. The celebration for a new promotion got a little out of hand. Behind the homeowner you see what looks like a hot-pink revolver in someone’s hand — What do you do? I know what I’d do — I made up my mind a long time ago if someone has a gun — regardless of color or paint scheme — I was going to treat it like a real gun. The toy industry started painting guns very bright colors so kids or adults wouldn’t get shot by cops. The new very realistic looking air soft guns have the tips painted orange. I almost shot a guy who had an airsoft with the tip painted to match the gun. The fake gun painted to look like a real gun got me thinking about what if a bad guy took a real gun and painted the tip orange to get the drop on us. To make matters more confusing gun manufactures are now making guns in toy colors — pink, orange, blue, yellow and red to name a few. Blue and red have been long used colors for training guns. These plastic colored training guns have likely saved countless officers’ lives and I use them when I teach. By removing real guns from role-play and non-live fire training, we greatly reduce the possibility of killing someone with an unloaded gun. 22 What’s Girl Guns your Plan? — Not i I know the colored guns are a marketing scheme to target women shooters. New shooters are good for all of us. So, I find myself conflicted on this issue. I want the gun industry to grow and prosper, but I don’t want good guys to get shot because they can’t differentiate between a real or toy gun. I don’t work a beat anymore, but I am an armed citizen and I still have the same mindset as when I worked the streets. I don’t want any of us to get shot before deciding if the car-jacker’s gun is real or not — just because it’s pink. The time to make a life and death decision may be measured in hundredths of a second. Attorneys and juries will have days, maybe weeks, to tear that decision apart. Send us an e-mail about what you think. Is it a big deal or am I just being nit-picky? Lastly, this is my final officer safety column. My passion for keeping cops alive is still the same; unfortunately, my time is being taken up more and more by my editor duties with the Special Editions. It’s been an honor to be a part of American COP since the premier issue. I’ll be gone from the columns, but you’ll see features from me from time to time. I pass the torch to the capable hands of Sgt. John Russo. His passion for officer safety is equal to mine. It’s probably why we were partners and friends for so long. Never forget rule number one: We all go home at the end of the shift. Semper Fi. * WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20092009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=23http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=232009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=24http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=24EVOC ANthONY RICCI sURVIVING IN YOUR MOBILE OFFICE. Things ThaT Piss Me Off ears ago, I started my lectures with the famous statement “please ask questions and remember there are no stupid questions.” Now I start, “whoever came up with the statement ‘there are no stupid questions’ is really stupid, there are a ton of them. That doesn’t mean you can’t ask them and it doesn’t mean I won’t laugh at you — I probably will.” This is said in my friendliest voice but it’s true, my students have come up with some crazy stuff. Highly paid engineers conduct major studies to improve vehicle safety technology, yet I still hear things like “ABS doesn’t work.” Recently, I had a female Y officer tell me she wishes they’d take airbags out of all cars. She said, “Now they have airbags surrounding the car for a side impact crash. I’m afraid of getting hit by them.” You’d rather perform a high-speed chew of the steering wheel or smash the side window and roof post with your ear? Good thinking. We never think of how many injuries and fatalities are saved by these technologies, yet we speak out without any real knowledge or supporting research. Just because we don’t understand a change or advancement doesn’t mean it isn’t good. I wonder what she does when there’s an eclipse? “I can brake better without the ABS system.” More AwArd winners ow impressive. Think about how fast the ABS system calculates the speed of the vehicle against the rotation speed of the tires. Then think of an exact speed calculation figuring when to unlock the sliding tire, providing better steering traction and then relocking to provide braking. This happens up to 15 times per second independently on each tire. I ask everyone to simulate pumping the brakes with their foot, 15 times in a second — some of them actually try to pump as I count. No one got to 15 pumps in a second yet. Ant-Lock braking systems are getting so advanced they’re starting to sense threshold instead of lock up thereby allowing much more steering control under braking, especially in wet conditions. 24 H I’ll admit, in some ABS vehicles, it feels like its not going to stop. However, passing threshold in a non-ABS vehicle is much less fun. The results are much worse and infinitely more dramatic. Humans can’t beat computers unless the computer malfunctions. Sorry folks, computers malfunction a hell of a lot less than we do. I love this one. What about if you don’t get to the call safely you won’t be able to perform your job? Did you think about that? Cops have to get out of the car quickly. You should practice unhooking the seatbelt and deploying more productively after you safely arrive at your destination. We need to think about how this seatbelt thing works. Is each vehicle system different? Does one unlock by pushing in the front rather than the top or side? How quickly does the belt retract to the holder or is it old and stretched out? If so, know it’ll get caught on your head, shoulder or knee when bailing out — adapt Continued on page 70 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2009 “I may have to get out of the car quickly so I don’t use my seat belt” Anthony Ricci is the owner and president of Advanced Driving and Security (ADSI). He’s been teaching cops to drive for over 10 years. www.1adsi.com.2009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=25http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=25T A C T I C A L F O O T W E A R starring ARMOR-DILLO ABRASION RESISTANCE and BREATHABILITY, LATERAL SUPPORT and EASY ON & OFF co-starring TRACTION and COMFORT, ATHLETIC CUSHIONING, TOTAL FOOT SUPPORT music by ALLOWS FOR CUSTOM FIT story by COMFORT, HIGH DURABILITY 888.476.7700 • www.originalswat.com SEK 90002009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=26http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=26HARD tOOLs PAUL MARkEL EssENtIAL tOOLs FOR thE JOB. PROTECTING ed dots, lasers, four power scopes? Hell, I just got to the point where all of my people are using iron sights correctly. Now they want to use dots and lasers.” Such was the exasperation of one firearms instructor I spoke to recently. I understood his frustration and his point is valid. For many shooting instructors, just getting their people to use their sights correctly is challenging enough. Introduce 21st century gadgetry to the equation and things get really confusing. YOUR MINI IronDot Mount “R From LaRue Tactical LaRue Tactical’s IronDot sight base for the Docter Optic red dot provides substantial protection fpr the optic. ou might consider red dot sights to be just another cool LaRue’s Quick guy gadget and I’d agree if Detach (QD) lever with locking tab there wasn’t a mountain of solidly secures the evidence to the contrary. Dead bad guys, optic to the gun. terrorists and insurgents sent home to meet Allah by American GIs and their red dot sights construct that mountain. I recently picked up a mini red dot sight to try out. Compact red dot sights are relatively uncomplicated and work on the reflex principle. The red aiming dot is projected from the base and reflected off of the specially designed clear lens. They generally operate off a single flat battery and will run constantly for better than a year. Most of you are probably familiar with the Docter Optic he compact size and feather-like weight imminired dot sights. There are also Trijicon branded mini pressed me, but I wondered about its ability to RedDot optics as well as those from Burris and JPoint. take a hit. There are numerous mounting systems “Sure the mini-dot sights are cool, but they’re kind of fragfor the magical little dot sights but most are simile,” so commented a friend of mine. I had to admit from ply bases allowing you to stick it on a gun. Most provide practical/tactical standpoint, he was right. little or no added protection. Then I came across the Mini Red Dot Bases section Y Officer GadGet? T Rhino-Tough Performance WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2009 262009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=27http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=27The flip integral flip-up rear sight eliminates the need for a rear BUIS. on the LaRue Tactical Web site. Just one additional click of the mouse and I discovered a mounting system providing serious protection for the little sights. LaRue calls them the “IronDot” bases. If you are familiar at all with LaRue Tactical products you’ll know they’re rhino-tough. IronDot bases are available for the Docter Optic sights as well as for the JPoint, Pride-Fowler, and Burris FastFire mini-red dot sights. The IronDot bases are constructed with AR/M4 shooters in mind. The base sits just high enough to align with the standard A-frame front sight housing. The mount I worked with was designed for the Docter Optic and had a fold-down back-up rear sight. As you’d expect, the IronDot has a quick-detach lever with the LaRue locking design. The base mounts to any M1913 Picatinny or Weaver-style rail system. The locking lever is adjustable and comes with an adjustment wrench. Installing it onto my personal M4 was a simple process. Zeroing is the next chore and then you are off and running. Gadgetry ≠ Marksmanship While gadgetry is never a fix for poor marksmanship, the truth is red dot optics offer a genuine advantage in dynamic shooting situations. * 27 For More Info: www.laruetactical. com; www.trijiconinc.com; Pride-Fowler; www.rapidreticle.com. WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM2009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=28http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=28RESERVES PERRY W. hORNBARGER DEDICAtION AND PROFEssIONALIsM thAt GOEs BEYOND PAY. uh? What the heck is a KSA? It’s the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities you need to know to do your job effectively. As Reserve/Auxiliary officers who do not practice routine police work on a daily basis, we need to constantly train to maintain our KSAs. A reader recently wrote in the “Return Fire” section that he was a firearms instructor, and the reserve component in his organization didn’t do one-tenth that of training regular officers. Assuming this is an accurate statement, I was a little ashamed when I read it. I was ashamed that a department would think so little of their volunteer cops to not offer more training than that, and ashamed of the members for allowing it. We’ve discussed training previously, but after reading that response, I felt inclined to revisit this area. KSA MAINtENANCE — AKA — tRAININg H hat’s the $64,000 question. In our department, we make every attempt at maintaining the KSA’s our officers need to be effective. We’re required — by state code and department policy — to attend the same Mandatory In-Service Training (MIST) all our officers must attend, which equates to about 40 hrs. of instruction and range time per year. In addition to the MIST training, we also meet monthly and provide some type of class each meeting night. The department is very responsive to our training needs and they understand the adult learning and retention issues. At the beginning of each calendar year, my command staff sits down with the Academy staff and we put together a monthly training schedule. Then InService provides qualified instructors. They also bring in and offer various classes throughout the year (anywhere from half-day to week long classes, depending on the topic) for all officers. Our Auxiliary officers are welcome to attend those as well. 28 T How MucH Is EnougH? ? I believe it would be accurate to say most Reserve/Auxiliary officers work mainly weekends when they’re not bound by their normal jobs and can stay out later into the night. If you’re like me, I may only work two or three weekend nights each month — it’s less than a regular cop works in a week. Many of the things he does are learned and retained by sheer repetition. If we do a given task one time during our shifts each month, is it enough to retain it in our little pea brains? As an example, I process people that I have arrested on warrants almost every time I go out. But each time I do, it seems I have to learn or relearn some new piece of paperwork or process, or maybe I just forgot since the last time. Maybe I’m a little thicker than most, but it seems as if it’s a never-ending battle. If we don’t do the job or train constantly we risk losing those KSAs we once learned. Put some thought in it ach department, based on unit expectations, will have different training needs. If your department uses you to do simple tasks such as directing traffic or only working large events and your members are unarmed, the list of KSAs will be a short one. On the other end of the spectrum, if your department expects you to go out and do virtually the same job a regular cop does, your list will be much longer. Know what’s expected of you and make sure you have the KSA to do your job effectively. Remember each and every time you go out there you’re putting your life and the lives of others in jeopardy if you’re not properly trained. e * WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20092009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=29http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=29The Ruger® SR9® is one of the slimmest, most comfortable and controllable 9mm pistols available today. With an adjustable 3-dot sight system, Picatinny rail, ambidextrous manual safety/ magazine release, and a unique reversible backstrap, the SR9 packs all of the features required by today’s most demanding shooters. FEATURES: • Stainless Steel Barrel • Stainless Steel Slide • High Performance Glass-Filled Nylon Frame • 17+1 or 10+1 Capacity • Overall Weight: 26.25 oz • Overall Length: 7.55'' • Overall Width: 1.27'' Available in Brushed or Blackened Stainless finishes with Black grip frame, or in Blackened Stainless finish with OD Green grip frame. 2008 Manufacturer of the Year ©2008 Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. SR9® RECALL RECALL OF SR9 PISTOLS WITH SERIAL NUMBER PREFIX “330”, VISIT WWW. RUGER.COM/SR9RECALL FOR DETAILS.2009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=30http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=30& i STREET LEVEL JOhN MORRIsON stRAIGht tALk ON sUPERVIsION & LEADERshIP ON thE FRONt LINEs — thE stREEts. layiNG laND MiNes WRitiNG histoRy Starting the new Year right honest mistake you make as little land mines dropping behind you. Some will detonate on impact; some won’t. Most will just lie there waiting to be stepped on. As long as you keep your eyes on your goals and every aspect of your character moving ahead, they’re BEHIND YOU! If you never fall back and never back up, you might take some frags in the butt, but the smoke and noise fades quicker the faster you forge onward. This is one of the worst problems I’ve seen sergeants deal with. My observation has been that it affects honest, altruistic, well-intended supervisors far more than it bothers some of the scumbags-with-stripes in our vocation. They make errors, they sometimes fail, and they occasionally merit and need strong, even severe, correction to get back on the right track. Because they mean well and try hard, when they get whacked for being wrong, they take it too personally — and for far too long. They stew in the juice and wind up pissing in the soup. don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions. People generally make them because they’re taking flak from someone else. Usually it’s over personal habits they enjoy, or even more personally, characteristics of behavior which some other party finds irritating or inconvenient. Either way, resolutions springing from those sources are recipes for failure — and you wind up feeling even worse about yourself. So let’s assume you’re already a fairly squared-away sergeant and you’ve earned the right to feel pretty damn good about yourself. Still, the best three-striper can use some suggestions and reminders now and then. The appearance of a new calendar just happens to be an appropriate time for it — right? So let me offer these with the best intentions, and my best wishes for a memorable 2009. First, think of every possible error, misstep, screw-up and T 30 ry to understand exactly why you were corrected or disciplined, in detail, but don’t expect it to always make sense, or even well-motivated on the part of the lieutenant or captain who laid it on you. You can’t expect everything done by a “superior” to be, well, superior, in conception or execution. That includes discipline meted out. Sometimes all you may glean out of a reprimand is one grain of understanding from a boulder of bullshit. Get whatever No Peeing In The Soup Allowed you can out of it, and refine it down to as simple a lesson as possible. Then, for Pete’s sake, get over it and move on! I never lost a moment’s sleep over getting rid of the ethically, morally or behaviorally unfit, but it killed me to see a supervisor with great potential go wrong because they couldn’t handle being supervised themselves. Take note of this though: the better a cop and sergeant you are, the more delight some people will take in reminding you of a mistake or failure. If this happens, shrug it off; smile and say, “Yeah, I screwed the pooch on that one.” If they can’t pick at your scab because you’ve already healed, they’ll wander away and find a weaker victim. If they persist, try observing with a steady gaze, “Yeah, people who actually do things sometimes make mistakes. Writing Your History Second, try thinking of every day you work as a sergeant as a page in a WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20092009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=31http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=31history book. It’s not an autobiography. It’s written by a staff of observers: your officers, your boss, your peers, the citizens you deal with and the extra-agency contacts you make. And let’s assume unlike many history books, it’s true to the Greek root, “blood truth”: the objective and dispassionate record of you; your words and actions or failures to speak and act. How do you want it to read? By Your Boss “Today I tried to talk to Sgt. X about an apparent slump in selfinitiated activity by the officers on his squad. Although his activity levels are still higher than most others in the division, the raw data suggested an unexplained drop last month. I assumed there was a good reason: inservice training schedules or a special area-enforcement project they were working on — but I never even got the chance to explain. He immediately went on the defensive, as though I was head-hunting, looking for fault rather than an explanation, cutting me off in mid-sentence and launching an attack on the performance of other squads. I had to abruptly remind him who the boss is. Later, I overheard him complaining to another sergeant about me being on some kind of witch hunt. I had to revise my opinion of his maturity.” By An Officer “Today Sgt. X came to line-up in a uniform he would reprimand me for wearing. He was obviously pissed about something, and hey, I’m not a prude, but he was dropping F-bombs left and right and in the middle of briefing he went off about ‘bloodsucking divorce lawyers.’ Man, I hope we don’t have to count on him in an emergency today. I used to think he was rock-solid, but …” I’m out of space, and we’re out of time in 2008. I could fill a book with more examples, but your book — your history book — is more important. I hope the volume labeled “2009” is a best seller. * WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 312009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=32http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=32REALITY ChECk II COUNsEL, WIsDOM, GUIDANCE AND tEAChING. CLINt sMIth Plastic Practice Vehicle drills to include drawing, dismounts and gun handling can be conducted with plastic guns successfully even if you do not have a range to live fire on. robably one of the biggest shortcomings of law enforcement is the lack of training or time in the area of firearms. Mainly, it’s due to budgets, manpower and lack of range facilities. Here, I won’t address the lack of interest from management or officers’ reticence for training on their own time. I’m well aware of the “if the department wanted me to have it they’d issue it to me, pay me for it, or pay me over time” mind set. I admit I did hear a good one the other day as an officer said he didn’t want to attend firearms training because he thought he “would embarrass himself.” I think I’ll let you draw your own conclusions on that one. Personally, I’m pretty much tired of all the lame excuses as to why cops wouldn’t want to be proficient with the tools of their trade. Let’s face it, real cops carry guns and if I were P still a cop today and couldn’t carry a gun I wouldn’t be a cop tomorrow! Another way to look at this is if you’re a cop and don’t want to maintain some level of skill with the firearms you carry, maybe you should get in another line of work. you Can’t Do it all! N ot all departments have a range and not all departments have a firearms training budget. Some departments don’t even have an ammunition budget. In that case, individual officers or small departments might look for ways to train or practice that costs less. For example, vehicle defense drills: seat belt use, drawing firearms inside the vehicle, dismounting with firearms and basic tactics can be addressed without huge money expenditures by the use of dry practice exercises. ry practice is the physical manipulation of firearms when unloaded and in a safe condition. This doesn’t mean officers should point these guns at each other during training exercises. Dry practice is also a wonderful example of a theory that can be mugged by the simple facts of stupidity or carelessness. Cops have been killed by “unloaded,” real guns in training exercises that just plain weren’t unloaded. It’s happened and will continue to do so. WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2009 D DRY PRACTICE 322009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=33http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=33The BLAckHAWk! Tactical leg rig works with the plastic guns allowing for drawing or transition drills practice and training…. safely. This is the BLAckHAWk! 1911 version plastic with a working Xiphos NT light system that could be used to learn basic light use skills and for tactical training. ou’re a problem solver, so here’s a suggestion to solve some problems (lack of training funds, facilities or maybe stupidity). Consider the use of plastic, fake, dummy — you choose the word — guns. They could be used to practice drawing, basic tactics, weapons mounted or hand held illumination tool techniques. Over the last several months I’ve been using (with good results) BLACKHAWK! gray polymer made renditions of the 1911 and Glock pistols in my tutorial blocks on tactics and vehicle defense exercises. This concept deserves consideration when dealing with funding or training site issues. Y A PLASTIC PRACTICE bout now someone is in the “I call bullshit” mode about using plastic guns for training. I didn’t say, nor do I think, using plastic weapons for practice takes the place of real live fire firearms training. And yes, the weight is different and there’s no recoil, noise or muzzle flash. Plastic weapons are not intended to be a replacement — just a supplement or a cost effective tool when there’s a limited or nonexistent budget. Plastic guns for training is a concept, but listed below are some reasons plastic guns are not BS. A REAL PRACTICE not BS guy was dry practicing with his revolver in a jail control room and with his “empty” gun blew the lock out of the towel rack — hell of a shot, but that’s not dry practice. I know an officer who practiced by drawing at images as they flashed on the TV. It’s a good concept when properly executed, except one night he and his “unloaded” gun were drawn into a gunfight of sorts when the image of Matt Dillon drawing flashed on the TV. Who won is still in question as the TV sort of exploded when hit with the “unloaded” .357 Magnum. On the West Coast, a new cop attending a party was answering what he would do in some kind of a bad guy scenario. Drawing his gun, he racked the slide to remove the chambered round and then withdrew the magazine from the gun (yup, wrong sequence). Then after pointing the gun at his head, at the dry snap — which wasn’t — our new cop became unable to get any old cop awards. In the northwest, a newly hired “soon to be” a cop was practicing his fast drawing technique to include pointing his pistol at his wife who just entered the room. Upon the press, the “dry” gun discharged killing his wife. At a Southeastern police academy a few years back, the instructor, while pointing his “unloaded” pistol at a recruit, had the pistol discharge placing a bullet in the chest of the recruit — seems the pistol was in fact, loaded. In the Southwest, two guys working a suggested dry practice routine with unloaded guns in a motel room managed to point the unloaded guns at one another long enough to have one of the unloaded 1911 pistols go off killing one of them. That pistol wasn’t unloaded either. A guy, under supervision, was practicing drawing fast and re-holstering fast (I don’t get the re-holster fast) While holstering, he missed the holster grabbed for the pistol to keep it from dropping to the ground and with his finger on the trigger discharged the gun striking himself in the leg. so What? y ou may not like the plastic gun idea, you may disagree as to the value and or even the concept of a plastic gun, but one thing it isn’t — bullshit. Especially when placed in context to the incidents I listed above. Every one of them could have been prevented by the simple use of a plastic gun. Dry practice is good; it’s even better when done with an empty gun. * For More Info: www.blackhawk.com. 33 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM2009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=34http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=34CARRY OPtIONs FROM hOLstERs tO hAVERsACks. MARk hANtEN iDpA competitioN pAk Blade-Tech’s B lade-Tech continues to put out excellent products and their recent introduction of the Bobbie McGee IDPA Competition Pak is no exception. Before you go off with, “I don’t need no stinking competition holster,” just hear me out. This set-up is an ideal training holster, and for many applications, it’s an ideal carry holster. Plus, it’s packaged to give you what you need: a holster with attachment options and a double mag pouch. The holster is Blade-Tech’s Sting Ray Belt Holster. It’s molded Kydex, and it’s also their most popular. According to your needs, two tension screws allow precise retention adjustment. The top front area is cut out in a speed-cut configuration. This allows an increase in speed when bringing the muzzle up on target, which provides ease of re-holstering. This is an incredibly fast holster. All the edges are nicely finished too, giving it a high quality look and feel not normally associated with a “plastic” holster. Options The IDPA competition Pak includes an excellent holster, double mag pouch and a paddle attachment system. Its not just for competition shooters… T he attachment options for the IDPA Pak are practical and allow several carry options. The holster comes attached to the wide “Sting Ray” belt attachment. The width of this belt loop attachment spreads the load across a nice wide (3.75") area. The belt loop hole size is adjustable to accommodate 1.25", 1.5", and 1.75" belt sizes too, further insuring a secure holster and preventing movement which could bind the gun. Incidentally, I recommend a good gunbelt to go along with any holster setup, and Wilderness Tactical Products’ Five Stitch Instructor’s Belt is an ideal match for this combo. If you opt for concealed carry, a paddle attachment is included in the pak. The paddle is nice and wide, with air vents cut into it to allow circulation. Like the Sting Ray belt attachment, the paddle can be adjusted for two to three angles — it’s personal preference. Similarly, the paddle “hook” can be adjusted for a range of belt widths. The double mag pouch is injection molded and it comes with the nice wide Sting Ray belt attachment. As with the holster attachments, this attachment can be adjusted for belt width too. So, there you have it. A well thought out combo pack that will accommodate several needs, from range use to concealed carry. Oh yeah, you can use it for IDPA competition too. ince I’m talking about Blade-Tech, there is another thing they make you should know about. Molle-Loks. Molle-Loks are compatible with any Molle type web gear and are a major upgrade from Molle-clips and other attachment systems for pouches and holsters to all types of vests, packs, belts and other load bearing gear. Molle-Loks are constructed of a hard proprietary polymer, which is strong and rugged. Their simple design allows them to be manipulated without tools, yet they’re strong enough to be considered permanent when locked in place. They come in two sizes to accommodate large and small accessory pouches. These little gizmos, in conjunction with Blade-Tech’s Tek-Lok system, are just about all you could ever need to attach a huge assortment of pouches, holsters, sheaths, and other gear. Talk about getting your shit together … For More Info: www.blade-tech.com. s Molle-Loks Too * Molle-Loks don’t require any tools for attachment to molle gear, yet they are rock solid. WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2009 342009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=35http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=35® •••• K•T S•N•• •••• WWW••••••••••• • ••••••••••••• • •••• ••••• •• ••• •••••• •••••••• •• ••••• ••••••••• • •••• •••••• •••••••••• ••••••••••••2009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=36http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=36PRIVATE sECURItY ED PALUMBO IssUEs AND tRENDs ON thE PRIVAtE sIDE OF LAW ENFORCEMENt. INTELLIGENCEGATHERING I o, who gathers corporate intelligence, and why? Traditionally the typecasting of business intelligence was a rather bland way of describing — or not describing — corporate espionage, a great subject for a different column but truly not the same as intelligence–gathering: Legitimate intelligence collection and analysis is something all forward-thinking companies must engage in, and there is nothing illegal or illicit in these endeavors. (Easy to assume, so long as the practitioner is not a criminal to begin with, and understands the mission, based on a clearly delineated and distributed corporate legal and ethics policy.) Where do companies find “intelligence”? Although Google is the easy answer — or YouTube, or FaceBook, depending on your individual age and relative intelligence — there are many sources, but still unanswered is why. Why look? What are you looking for? The plain answer is anything that makes you smarter and better able to quickly adapt or respond to changes in the marketplace. That’s right, marketplace. In the private sector there should be no doubt that all efforts are expended on one thing — building and implementing new ways to sustain and increase profits. And to make it more obtuse for the lay reader, some companies develop intelligence for internal use and others for sale. For example, according to many sources, including a recent book by Tim Shorrock, “Spies for Hire: The Secret World of Intelligence Outsourcing” (Simon & Schuster), our government out-sources as much as 70% of its intelligence budget, or more than $42 billion a year, to a plethora of corporate vendors. 36 S illegAl or illiCiT Ñ no Black Ops ecause of accelerated privatization efforts post9/11, these companies are participating in covert operations and intelligence-gathering activities previously considered “inherently governmental” functions reserved just a few short years ago for agencies like the CIA. Whether America is ruled by an “intelligence-industrial complex”, as Shorrock and others on the left ascribe, whose allegiance is not to the taxpaying public but to a cabal of private-sector contractors, is a matter of opinion. But the fact that such intelligencegathering is done by so many NGO entities with official sanction, can be unsettling at times. And what of the internal processContinued on page 71 ntelligence-gathering as both a phrase and a discipline can be misleading to many. That may be intentional, since many practitioners and professionals within the intelligence “community” would rather obfuscate than clarify; it’s in the nature of what they do and who they are. Were it that easy and simply navigable for anyone, there wouldn’t be much point in having dedicated agencies and institutions to oversee collection and analysis. The larger question, faced by public and private sector security is what intelligence should be gathered, and why. Another way of looking at it, from a senior executive’s vantage point, is to what purpose are we expending dollars to collect intelligence? Where is the return on investment? We live or die by this mentality on the private side. It’s not an easy question. Even more difficult is trying to explain to that executive — assuming for a moment we are private sector security professionals demanding budget increases to beef up our current spend numbers — why “we” need to gather intelligence in the first place and how such activity makes us a smarter, better, more nimble corporate actor than our primary challengers in the marketplace. B WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20092009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=37http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=372009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=38http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=38Paul G. Markel Photos: Pittman, inc. 38 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20092009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=39http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=39Rock Rive RiveR R e lite comp And l AR-15 pistol A lthough I cannot predict what tomorrow will bring, I feel safe in stating the Black Rifle is currently in its hayday. At no other time in history have there been so many companies producing AR platform rifles and accessories. The American gun buyer has so many choices available that the decision as to what type of self-loading 5.56mm rifle to purchase can be a bit daunting. Well folks, I’m not going to make your life any easier because I have two more models to report on. Several years ago I was attending a shooting school with a friend. We were discussing black rifles and he recommended Rock River Arms. At the time they were just starting to make waves in the market. About a year or so later I finally got around to working with one of their 5.56 rifles and was impressed by what I found. There are several reasons why black rifle sales are booming; one is the growing popularity of the “Three Gun” matches. Shooters compete with pistols, shotguns, and fast-cycling rifles. The AR platform is hands down the rifle of choice by these competitors. Appreciating the market for such a long gun, the folks at RRA put together a factory model with several of the features that “gunners” were adding to their rifles as after-market accessories. Let’s take a closer look by starting with the heart of any firearm. LAR-15 Elite comp The Action The Elite Comp is built upon Rock River’s LAR-15 lower receiver. The LAR15 is a standard AR as it’ll accept original magazines and parts. It is semi-automatic and operates with the traditional gas-impingement design. Into the lower receiver RRA has installed one of their excellent trigger mechanisms. Of the many black rifles I’ve had the opportunity to work with, Rock River seldom disappoints when it comes to the trigger. controls The bolt-catch and magazine release button are standard. The safety switch is RRA’s “Star” design. It offers a more positive feel than the norm. Ambidextrous WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 392009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=40http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=402009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=41http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=41Rock Rive RiveR R LAR-15 Pisto PistoL L2009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=42http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=4242 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20092009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=43http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=43safety levers can be ordered as well. Protecting the trigger is an over-sized “winter trigger guard.” While you may not be planning to shoot your rifle in the snow, many shooters do wear gloves and this gives you a bit more room. and the grip is black Ergo grip. If you so desire you can order either or both in OD green. LAR-15 A4 Pistol While it is hard to argue, the design is not a novelty. The AR-pistol has become very popular with the American gun buying public. These are not rifles cut down in size. They’re manufactured from the ground up as pistols. Rock River has several models available and the one we’ll look at here is the A4 with a The Upper Moving to the upper receiver, we have a flat-top rail. The model I had to test out included a standard charging handle/latch combination. The larger Badger and “Gas Buster” charging handle latches are available and recommended as options. Surrounding the barrel is one of the most unique features of this rifle. RRA has installed a “Half Quad Free Float Mid-length” handguard. This component is machined aluminum and has four accessory rails up front and a smooth grip area to the rear. Sights for the rifle include a PADS flip up rear sight and an RRA flip up front sight. The rear sight has windage adjustments and offers multiple apertures including large peep, small peep, and notch. The front sight is quarter click adjustable for elevation like most modern ARs. Naturally, one of the most important parts is the barrel. As this is an “Elite” rifle, RRA has spared no expense and installed a 16" Wilson chrome-lined barrel with a 1:9 twist. Out at the muzzle they mounted an interesting compensator. This muzzle device vents propellant gases out of the sides but also directs them forward at an angle, thus pushing the rifle straight back into the shooter’s shoulder. Wrapping up our look at the outside, we have some “cool guy” furniture on the butt-stock and the grip. The stock is a MagPul CTR retractable version WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 7" barrel. Again, at the heart of the gun is an AR-style lower receiver. The controls are basically identical to its big brother carbine. The major difference is that instead of a fixed or retractable stock there’s simply a buffer tube attached to the rear of the lower receiver. Regarding unique features, the A4 pistol has a very comfortable Hogue pistol grip. Up front surrounding the barrel is an aluminum Quad Rail for accessories. The muzzle brake is a NATO spec 432009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=44http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=44birdcage design similar to those found on the Government M4 carbine. The forward gas block has a rail but no sights. Range Time My first chore was to zero in both weapons. Benching the Elite Comp, I set to firing at 100 yards on a Dirty Bird Target. I love these targets for zeroing as you can see the shot holes so clearly. Spotting with a set of binoculars, it took me about a dozen rounds before I was shooting comfortably within the ten-ring. The Elite Comp’s barrel is relatively heavy for a carbine and it held consistently tight groups. Using the included iron sights there was no trouble making 100 yard head shots on a paper silhouette. Rock River guarantees the gun to 44 shoot 1.5 MOA. Should you decide to mount an optic this carbine will shoot as advertised or better. For the A4 pistol I mounted my own EOTech Holosight on the forward portion of the flattop receiver. This time I decided to zero at 50 yds. With my son, Jarrad, spotting for me I was able to get the red dot optic hitting center mass in twelve rounds. Resting the pistol on my range pack, keeping shots clustered in tight “X” ring groups proved effortless. the new 20 round mags from Brownell’s for the pistol. My tac vest holds eight mags and so with it loaded down, and mag number nine in my hand, I started my function test with the Elite Comp. In a period of about fifteen minutes the Rock River carbine consumed a bit more than 250 rounds of ammo. The barrel was hot and the factory lubricant was smoking off of the gun. Not once did the weapon fail to feed, fire or cycle improperly. For one last magazine I stood back about ten yards and drilled holes in the silhouette as fast as I could get back on target. Function was again flawless. The tactical muzzle brake, plus the fact the carbine weighs eight pounds, tamed felt recoil and I was able to get back on target very quickly. The only real issue I had with the gun was that after about five magazines the aluminum forend was too hot to hold with a bare hand. Personally I wear gloves for most all of my rapid shooting. The BLACKHAWK! SOLAG gloves I had on were leather and Kevlar mix so my hands were protected. If the gun were mine, I’d order the Badger extended charging handle latch. Other than that I’d take it as is. The A4 pistol was a hoot to fire. The muzzle blast is an attention getter. I had guys from two bays over peeking around the berm to see just what was making all that racket. It comes as no surprise that the muzzle flip was considerably more than with the carbine, however, it wasn’t too severe. Jarrad and I fired a few magazines worth at varied distances. The addition of the EOTech sight was a bonus. As soon as the red dot was in the silhouette, you fired and were rewarded with a solid hit. Right Time I don’t have to tell you the time is right to purchase an AR-style rifle. The market is filled with excellent choices and the guns from Rock River Arms are right up there. The Elite Comp is a solid carbine for any use. If you are a fan of the Three Gun sport, it should serve you well. There is no doubt the AR pistols are unique. They’re fun to shoot and the LAR-15 A4 proved accurate and reliable. Time For Fun With the sights set it was time for the fun stuff. One of the benefits of having my son on the range with me was that he could help me fill magazines. I took a dozen thirty rounders and a couple of * For More Info: www.rockriverarms. com, www.birchwoodcasey.com, www. brownells.com, www.blackhawk.com. WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20092009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=45http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=45ROund-uP GET THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE JOB O ur job requires many tools and we all know some tools are better suited for specific jobs. So when it comes to your feet don’t scrimp. We don’t wear tennis shoes, loafers or sandals — cops wear boots. We jump fences, scale high objects, chase suspects, walk beats, stand for extended periods of time and sometimes, we fight. We’re carrying around an extra 30 lbs of gear all day and need support for our ankles and feet. We need excellent traction for every terrain; boots are the right tool for the job. In the dead of night, the only people on the streets are cops, crooks and donut makers. Your job is to catch those who would harm or steal from others. Boots need to be silent. When it’s raining cats and dogs and BOOTs BEN DouglAs you’re chasing down some parolee, your boots should be lightweight and provide traction. Also, we are our government’s most visible representatives, you’ll be in front of cameras and around the chief so your boots should take a hell of a shine. We’re fortunate enough to have a job that changes from day to day. My department employs over 2,000 officers. We have Patrol, K9, SWAT, Harbor, Recruitment, Mounted, and Beach officers. Our region encompasses desert, mountains, beaches, and everything in between. One boot isn’t the answer for our officers, nor is there one boot that’ll handle every environment. We have different feet and different needs based on our assignments. Redback YPBFSE 8". 45 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM2009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=46http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=46BLAckHAWk! Warrior wear ZW7 7". Danner Pursuit XcR 8". rain while maintaining silence under conditions necessary for stealth. The side zipper makes putting the boots on a snap. Notice the waterproof barrier. The ZW-7 are well thought out and built to last. Magnum Magnum’s Elite Spider is a super boot. It comes with a side zipper system, which incorporates a lining to keep it watertight. It’s extremely lightweight and grips well. If you can call a boot athletic, this is it. I feel like I could do a long run in this pair and just keep going. Perfect for the SWAT academy. I wore them while working the beach team and walked the 3 mile boardwalk for 4 months, the mesh webbing helped keep my feet cool and comfortable. Magnum calls the leather on this boot “full grain action leather” — whatever that is, I like it. At the end of the day I wipe them down, shine them up and am ready for court. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of boots to choose from. From the traditional and updated Danners and Australia’s Redback boots, to high tech examples from Ridge, Magnum, 5.11, BLACKHAWK!, Original Swat and Oakley, there are literally hundreds of boots to choose from. Each one has a special purpose. BLAckHAWk! As one of the most diverse and successful law enforcement focused companies out there, BLACKHAWK! products never disappoint. Their Warrior Wear ZW-7 Side Zip boots are no exception. These were the standard issue for all range staff at the Shooting Industry Master’s Tournament. Each of the staff laced up a brand new pair on day 46 one and went to work. Most of us never tried these boots before but we all loved them. The ZW-7s are constructed with a Vibram sole and utilize water resistant Codura and leather in the uppers. Codura helps with weight, breath-ability, and water resistance. The Vibram sole serves a dual role with large lugs for gripping tricky terMagnum Elite Spider 8". Danner Everyone knows Danner for its plain toe dress boot — a longtime mainstay for military and police alike — they’ve served the LE community well. What you might not know is Danner makes some really impressive tactical boots too. The Pursuit XCR 8" boot is a phenomenal example of what a company like Danner can do with their years of experience. Among the litany of high performance materi- WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2009 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM2009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=47http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=47Ridge Ghost Zipper. Original SWAT SEk 9000. their favorite pair to tennis shoes to walk the show, the Redbacks still kept my feet feeling great. Semi dressy or blue jeans and a tee shirt — they looked great. Simple, stylish, and quick to get on and off, this is one of my favorite boots. Original SWAT My department’s SWAT team allows members to wear shoes aimed directly at tactical application. Original SWAT covers those officers well. The first thing I noticed when als used in its construction, Danner pulls out all the stops and uses GOR-TEX to build the upper; this helps tremendously with breath-ability. If you work in a hot environment or just need the extra air circulation around your foot, this is your boot. Danner is very well known for their quality, comfort and durability. My first pair of Danners performed above my already high expectations. What surprised me most was how much shock absorption was built into it. After jumping a few fences, and choosing the quick way down from some high places, I was glad I was wearing Danners at the bottom. Redback Sometimes we need a traditional looking, plain style and all around good boot. I found it in the Redback. Their speed lace system really works. Footwear can cause or exacerbate back problems. Redback has developed an anatomic insole that supports the foot in all situations. I didn’t wear this boot on patrol, but I wore it at Shot Show 2008. I walked all three separate, enormous halls 10 hours each day. Then when the day was over, I wore them at night. I walked from meetings, to restaurants, to casinos, to the hotel room. No problems. When others gave up and put on WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM the SEK 9000 came out of the box was the lack of a full grain leather toe area for shining. Instead, the upper toe is coated with a high grip and dull black surface great for low crawling. It provides grip where and when you really need it. Developed by a former German GSG9 team member, the SEK 9000 provides every advantage. You might just 5.11 ATAc. call the “tactical laces” non-fray but we don’t work in marketing. A “Vibram” multi-tread sole assures stability in any terrain and the built in arch reinforcements aid in rappelling. These boots were stiff when I first put them on and took about 2 days to properly break in. Once they were ready they felt great for all day wear. 5.11 5.11 is one of those brands that doesn’t sit on its laurels. They continually develop new and better products and the ATAC side zip boot is no exception. This is another boot you could wear running a race. It’s honestly the closest thing to a running shoe because of its extra-light, cushy, agile and overall excellent grip. Fortunately, the grip doesn’t come at the cost of squeaks on 472009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=48http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=48Ridge. smooth surfaces. The side zipper on the ATAC doesn’t just loosen the boot to allow you to wedge your foot in. Even if you have ridiculously shaped feet, like mine, you’ll be able to get into this boot and be ready for business ricky-ticky. The hidden pocket is another nice touch; I put a small pocketknife in there. Oakley When Oakley first introduced their SI Assault Boot a few years back the reception was lukewarm. Most people thought the boot would be all show and no go. Wow, were they wrong. Oakley is famous for cool design, but they don’t forget the science. The AsOakley S.I. Assault 6". sault boot does look extremely cool, but underneath it’s a formidable boot. Oakley uses a vulcanized rubber sole for excellent traction providing excellent grip and resistance to squeaking on slick surfaces. The upper is constructed entirely of supple, high-grade leather. Using such great materials pays off in spades when you put the boot on for the first time; it’s almost as if someone has broken it in for you. With great looks and stellar performance, Oakley has, once again, done it right. Ridge Ridge boots are a newcomer to the duty boot arena, but their designers come with significant background in LE boot design. After ten years in business Ridge has many innovative designs that push the envelope of what we are used to seeing. The Ghost boot is a prime example. When you take these boots out of the box you might wonder where the laces go. Except for at the very top, there are no metal eyelets where you’d traditionally put laces. In their place are double stitched Xs and if you look toward the tongue you’ll see the nylon loops where the laces go. These loops are silent, extremely tough and aid in speedy lacing. Lacing the Ghost is a onetime job — it has one of the best zipper designs out there. The zipper curves toward the toe ending just a couple inches from the toe. If you need to get your boots on and off fast, this is for you. At the end of the day you may not be all that interested in getting the boot off fast, as they are exceptionally comfortable due, in large part, to their air soles and tru-fit insoles. All around great boots are rare. From excellent materials to tough construction, these boots pull it all off well and keep your feet happy at the same time. For More Info: www.blackhawk. com; www.danner.com; www. magnumboots.com; www.oakley.com; www.originalswat.com; www.redbackboots.com; www.ridgeoutdoors.com. * 48 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20092009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=49http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=49ShOOting with Dr. James s. Williams, M.D. X-ray ViSiOn Part iii A few years ago a cop I trained was involved in a shooting. He shot his opponent twice, center of mass, then lowered his muzzle to assess the effect as his department had trained him to do. Surprisingly, his adversary’s reaction to the 9mm JHP bullets that had shredded his chest was to charge. The cop, an IDPA champion shooter, executed a “Bill Drill,” placing 6 shots into his opponent’s mediastinum as fast as he could hit. His attacker staggered, but continued to offer violence. The cop raised his sights and, 3D-visualizing the brainstem deep inside his attacker’s head, fired one last bullet finishing the fight. His shooting was exemplary: a 100 percent hit ratio — nine out of nine shots in vital zones. Yet, by following his department’s protocol to “shoot two then assess,” he almost lost the fight. When asked why he fired nine times, he replied, “Eight shots weren’t enough, and ten would have been too many.” Cops training on two-dimensional targets on a square range may not have fared so well. Since this cop had learned to visualize target anatomy from any presentation, he had hard-wired his learning through quality reality-based training and had trained to fight through unexpected reactions. Therefore, he was able to go home to his family at the end of his shift. I’m a doctor. I’m a shooter. I’m a trainer. But I’ve never gunFighT reAliTies been in a gunfight. I’ve been shot, and although a valuable lesson in survival, it’s not the same as winning a gunfight. From the earliest days of development of Tactical Anatomy training, I’ve sought input from cops who’ve won gunfights. One of the things I’ve heard time and again is that the experience stirs a deep hunger for more better and realistic training. Each cop has an element of luck in his victories and he doesn’t want to leave anything to chance if he finds himself in another fight. Their experiences led to the incorporation of the most realistic gunfighting simulations into Tactical Anatomy training. We can discuss anatomically correct hit zones forever, but until students actually put their sights on a humanoid target under realistic conditions and place shots where they count, the job isn’t finished. Winners Win If you read the history of fighter airplanes and pilots, you’ll find a common thread from WWI to WWII and beyond. From Manfred von Richthofen to Chuck Yeager, high-scoring aces repeated the observation that most pilots that got shot down were rookies. The German air force determined in WWI that if a pilot survived three aerial combats, he was likely to become an ace. The trick was surviving those first three dogfights. Cops who’ve learned gunfighting the hard way, such as 49 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM2009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=50http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=50Charles Askins, Bill Jordan, and Jim Cirillo, similarly noted cops who win two or three gunfights invariably go on to more victories. Their experience in the crucible of combat gives them an edge on less experienced opponents. Cops who’ve come out on top in two or more gunfights in today’s politically correct world are often yanked from patrol duty. No department wants to be accused of allowing “killer cops” on the streets, even though that might be exactly what’s needed. So how is a cop supposed to experience winning the two or three gunfights he’ll need to survive the next one? Reality Based Training Reality based training allows rookies to win their first three gunfights without the real risk of being killed. Using realistic scenarios where a video projection or real person role-plays an offender, we can teach recognition of cues and appropriate reaction to a deadly threat. The computer operator or role player can “branch” his behavior depending on the trainee’s actions, which effectively simulates the dynamic nature of these encounters. Tactical Anatomy training uses two levels: computer simulations, and force-on-force exercises. Unlike most RBT training, which is designed to train and test the full spectrum of police behavior and intervention, our scenarios are all deadly force scenari- os — this is graduate school, not basic training. Tactical Anatomy RBT is like batting practice for baseball players. We focus on one aspect of police response only: effective shot placement. computer Bad Guys Lt. Col. Dave Grossman convincingly argues violent video games have taught today’s youth how to kill. Armed forces and police trainers have found using computer simulations does indeed help personnel learn to effectively fight. Computer simulators provide highly realistic learning opportunities. I’ve used a variety of simulators including FATS among others. I prefer IES’s Range 3000 and MILO simulators due to flexibility of programming and particularly the live-fire versions, allowing trainees to use duty sidearms for maximum realism. IES developed scenarios with anatomically appropriate target zones for my classes. Computer simulators allow you to run more students through a greater number of realistic targeting situations in three hours than any training modality. This translates into faster, more easily retained learning due to the compressed timeframe. It also allows you to discover weaknesses in your firearms training. At a 2006 Instructor class composed of experienced trainers, students were directed to “shoot two, then assess.” They did so. These skilled marksmen were surprised when many didn’t hit a vital target zone until their third, fourth, or fifth shot. “What lesson could be drawn from this?” I asked. A seasoned veteran in the back row growled, “Teaching our people to shoot two, then assess is gonna get them killed.” Force-On-Force Training Simulator training is great, but it pales in comparison to what’s accomplished in a second training day utilizing force-on-force. Taking lessons learned, we put them to the penultimate test: fighting real guys with real guns. The training is modified, firing non-lethal training ammo along with protective equipment. But, it’s close to the real thing. Increasingly difficult targeting angles are employed: up a flight of stairs, down from a window and a role-player charging with a knife. The objective is to hit vital target zones from any angle. By incorporating varying angles, movement, Continued on page 60 50 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20092009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=51http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=51Bob Pilgrim A E D Y L DEAD A s an FBI agent, I was fortunate to be “loaned” to the DEA for three years in a training capacity. My tactical training and survival unit was supervised and populated by some of the finest agents I’ve ever known. Three of its members, Chuck Franklin, Victor Cortez and Frank White were legends. Not Invented Here Syndrome The Bureau’s Firearms Training Unit (FTU) consisted of many talented and dedicated agents, but was plagued with a stagnating attitude of the “not invented here syndrome.” They were reluctant to even consider outside ideas especially from the private weapons training sector. Fortunately the DEA believed in training and frequently sought knowledge outside of the organization, resulting in the discovery of a lot of good ideas out there. As a result, DEA’s tactical and firearm’s programs were enriched and moved into the 21st century. As a Marine returning from Vietnam, a veteran federal investigator told me, “If you want action on regular basis, join DEA. They get into more gun battles with desperate dopers than any other agency and they have some of the toughest agents in the business. They kick butt all over the world.” After two infantry tours and an extended advisory billet in SE Asia I wasn’t interested in more run and gun. After becoming an FBI agent instead, I discovered the DEA admonition was true. It’s even reflected in the differences for new agent Academy dress. DEA candidates dress like Darth Vader, with black BDU trousers, black combat boots and gray golf shirts. FBI agents look like models for the Lands End catalog. The NARCO hunters approach training with a military mindset. Students double time everywhere and stand when an instructor enters the classroom. They’re told it’s not a question of if, but only when you will exchange rounds in anger with a criminal — some within weeks of a field office assignment. — Fiftyone federal agents have been killed in the line of duty. International Battles And Terrorism DEA Unit Chief Frank White, a Silver Star awarded airborne veteran of Vietnam, had six gun battles to his credit before arriving at Quantico. He also took over Operation Snowcap, which sent Special Operations trained DEA agents to fight cocaine production and shipment in Latin America. DEA agents are also wearing body armor, helmets and carrying assault rifles into the jungles of SE Asia and poppy fields of Afghanistan to take America’s war on drugs to the sources of production. Drugs and terrorism go hand in hand and DEA is intimately involved in fighting entities financing logistics and operations through drug sales. DEA agents have developed some of our most outstanding counter terrorism informants. Where The Action Is The Data I thought it might be interesting to compare DEA’s stats with NYPD’s experiences in 2005. In 2005, NYPD had 35,000 members. While some may accuse me of comparing apples to oranges, I thought it would be an engaging exercise if only for academic purposes. Time Of Week As the week ends, Thursday saw the most shootings for DEA with 13 and Sunday was a close second with 12. So much for those critics that claim government workers shut down for Continued on page 64 51 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM2009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=52http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=52CourtesyÊ ofÊ USÊ Army,Ê PhotoÊ By:Ê SgtÊ BrandonÊ Aird Military Law Enforcement Mike lazarus L 52 CourtesyÊ ofÊ USÊ Army,Ê PhotoÊ By:Ê SFCÊ EricÊ Hendrix aw enforcement is a challenging and rewarding career. It doesn’t matter if you work in Mayberry or Gotham; the challenges are remarkably similar — just on a different scale. I’ve worked as a cop for a municipal agency in Southern California for the past 18 years. I’m also a solider in the Army Reserve and working for the US Army’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID) as a Special Agent. Currently I am deployed in Afghanistan and we are the principal investigative agency. Our duties vary from protection details for the high-ranking members of the Department of Defense to investigating all felonies with a nexus to the US Military. While the fundamentals of Law Enforcement remain the same, the “combat zone” cre- ates unique challenges. I find myself enjoying these challenges and this type of police work. The best way to describe what we do is to take one part Major Crimes Unit detective, one part CSI, one part SWAT and then do the job while camping. Everyone’s Armed One of the first things I realized is everyone is armed — the enemy, the soldiers, most civilian contractors and the local population — everyone. Good cops always believe the person they are dealing with is armed — here it’s reality. It would be unusual to see someone walking around without a gun. For the Afghans, it’s the AK-47 and derivatives. For the Americans, WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20092009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=53http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=53“the best way to describe what we do is to take one part Major Crimes unit detective, one part Csi, one part sWat and then do the job while camping.” it’s a M-16 or M-4. Almost everyone who comes to my office is armed, typically with a rifle. I’ve had suspects come to my office for interrogation carrying a light machine gun. And I wouldn’t want them to travel to the office without it. It’s simply too dangerous to travel unarmed while in theater. Response This brings me to the next big difference. Responding to calls in the States, I can get in a car and drive. Fifteen minWWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM utes would be a long response time. Here, I travel mostly by air, with a helicopter being my preferred method. So far I’ve flown on eight different types of aircrafts and this month alone I took three trips requiring air travel to get to a crime scene. I’ve convoyed in armored SUVs and HMMWVs as well. My personal record for getting to the scene of a fatal shooting is three hours. That was accomplished by hitching a ride with the Quick Reaction Force helicopters on standby for response to troops under fire. Other times it’s taken days. In large part it depends on weather and threat level. As a street cop, I’d never consider the notion I can’t respond to a serious crime because the weather is bad. Here that’s not at all uncommon. Many times I have gone to catch a helo or plane someplace only to learn the aircrafts are grounded due to incoming storms. And of course, once you get to the crime scene, there’s no guarantee of getting back anytime soon. Again, if flights are unavailable or di532009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=54http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=54verted — you’re stuck. I’ve slept on more than a couple of floors cradling neatly wrapped up evidence, waiting for a flight back to the office so it can be booked into the evidence locker. If that’s not bad enough, people are plotting to shoot down the aircraft or blow up the vehicle you’re riding in. or help with forensics. It’s not going to happen. Once on scene, you’re on your own and have to do it all. I consider myself fortunate when I can simply communicate back to the office to provide updates or get advice on an investigation. A Different World We work with a variety of different nationalities but predominantly with the Afghans. Cultural differences abound. What we’d consider a serious crime in America is the norm and part of the culture here. One of our agents recently Who You Gonna call Forget about backup or specialty units. There are only a small number of CID Special Agents in country. We can’t get to a crime scene and request back up 54 interviewed a middle aged Afghan man who unashamedly admitted he was married to and having sex with a twelveyear-old girl. Opium and hashish are the area’s largest cash crops and are grown in abundance. True, the official word from the Afghan government is they want to stop this, but, because it’s such a large part of the culture, it’s nearly impossible. Afghan police officers have shown up for major operations under the influence of these drugs. I’ve personally walked into a guard tower, where the WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20092009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=55http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=55Afghan security guard was smoking hash. It’s just that prevalent and a part of the culture. Many people do not see it as being wrong or detrimental. Another cultural oddity to get used to quickly is wide spread corruption among the Afghan officials. From the cops to the courts, it seems almost everyone has a price. It was suggested if the Americans wanted to get convictions on more crimes, we could pay the courts. Likewise, if an Afghan is charged with a crime, he can often pay his way to release. It’s difficult to know who to trust WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM and who might sell you out to the Taliban. The Afghan national government is working on these issues but because it’s so culturally ingrained, it’s going to take years and possibly a full generation, before these behaviors are considered taboo instead of the norm. Stay On Your Toes We live and work in austere conditions. Your quarters might be a tent, a wooden hut, or simply a clear space on the floor. It depends on what’s available at the scene. Back in the States, when you get off work, you’d have a reasonable expectation that you’re safer at home than on the job. There’s no off-duty here. The base I am stationed at has come under rocket attack, mortar attack, small arms fire, and ground assault. I certainly won’t leave the base without full body armor, helmet and M-4 rifle. While some places in country are obviously safer than others, there are no locations in the country immune to attack by enemy forces. I guess that’s why they call it a Combat Zone. * 552009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=56http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=56FN’s selF-loaDiNG A Semi-AUtomAtic s an LAPD Academy recruit in 1963, one of my instructors was Jim Doerghty. Jim was one of the most memorable men I ever knew. He just happened to be the first husband of Norma Jean Baker — Marilyn Monroe, as you no doubt know her. Much more important to me was that he was a “gun guy.” His specialty: the police shotgun. Jim was fond of the old politically incorrect LAPD slogan, “If someone was worth shooting, they were worth shooting good!” He also stressed if a cop expected trouble on a call, he should always take the shotgun. Back then, the LAPD issued the 12 gauge Remington Model 10 “riot” gun, a slide action repeater, later replaced by the Ithaca Model 37 and more recently the Remington Model 870 — or pump action guns. Why? Virtually all agencies felt semi-automatic shotguns were too unreliable or too complicated. That rule has changed. Today there are a number of self-loading shotguns that are at least as reliable as “pump guns.” One of them is FN’s Self Loading Police MK 1. a Bad History One reason self-loading shotguns got a bad name regarding reliability was they were ammunition sensitive. Different ammo makers make 2.75" 12 gauge that aren’t actually 2.75" long. Combined with the way many agencies have traditionally treated their shotguns and ammo “semi-auto shotgun reliability” was an oxymoron. While these problems are still very real, self-loaders have come a long way. I tested a prototype of the FN Self Loading Police MK1 in 2001 at Gunsite Academy; I’m fairly familiar with it. That early gun was made by Winchester, which as everyone knows, is owned by FN and like many Winchester designs, FN now makes its version. This new shotgun can be had with an 18" smooth bore barrel or a 22" rifled barrel. The smooth bore comes with an improved cylinder choke tube and another that’s half-modified. It also has a wrench to remove and replace the chokes, and a pair of sling swivels and a second gas piston. One piston has a black ring in the front denoting use with heavy loads, and the other a red ring for use with light loads. The catalog shows a M1913 rail atop the receiver with a set of LPA Sights. Our sample came with a cantilever rail permanently mounted on the rear of the barrel and extending back over the receiver. The rail clears the top of the receiver by a few thousandths of an inch and can be pushed down to return to its original position when released. At the front of this rail’s base is a folding rear sight aligned with a red fiber optic front sight. Piston Powered The FN Self Loading Police MK1’s piston is of the short stroke type, transferring energy to a round operating rod 56 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20092009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=57http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=57SHotGUN FoR copS PoliCe Mk1 Photos: Robbie Barrkman Gary Paul Johnston — BUIlT-IN RElIaBIlITy aND MUCH, MUCH MORE WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 572009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=58http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=58called the “gas sleeve.” On the rear end of this sleeve is a protrusion FN calls the “positioning rod.” This makes contact with and drives the bolt carrier to the rear. It’s very well designed to positively lock the bolt when in battery. For those interested in locking systems, the bolt is of the tilting type much like that of the FN-FAL rifle, but this one tilts up to lock into the extension of the barrel. FN’s MK 1 comes with a “one length” magazine tube we’d normally call extended. It holds six rounds in the case of the smooth 18" barrel …well, sort of. You see, this model holds six rounds of 2.75" shells and five rounds of 3" Magnum shells. With the 22" rifle barrel version, it holds eight rounds of 2.75" and seven rounds of 3" Magnum ammo. The guns weigh in at 7.7 and 8.2 pounds, respectively. chokes And Piston Tubes Here’s a CAUTION: Never fire full power loads with the piston tube with the RED ring for use with light loads. Unless you intend to do a lot of shooting with only light loads, leave the standard piston in the gun. If you mix light loads in, use the occasion to practice malfunction drills (should they occur) such as a failure to feed, eject or fully close the bolt. As far as screw-in chokes go in police shotguns, I’m not a big fan. First, anything that’s screwed in can unscrew. Second, who’s doing the screwing? Will they know which choke to use for what purpose? Then again, maybe I’m just stupid, but my rule is the KISS principle — Keep It Super Simple. I’d establish which choke tube works best for lead buckshot and slugs, or whatever ammunition the gun will use for general duty, and Loc-Tite it in the muzzle. Loading On the right front side of the receiver below the cocking handle is the bolt release. If the bolt group is pulled back when the gun is empty, it will lock in this position and only by depressing the bolt release will it unlock to slam into battery. To load the gun with the bolt to the rear, first make sure the safety is ON by pushing it all the way to the right. Then simply drop a round into the ejection port and depress the bolt release. The gun will automatically feed the round into the chamber. To load the magazine tube the bolt must first be closed. Then simply push each round up into the bottom of the 58 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20092009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=59http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=59receiver and forward into the magazine tube where each one will lock in place. If the chamber was not loaded first, pull back the cocking handle and release it to feed and chamber the first round from the magazine. The bolt will never lock to the rear when there are rounds in the magazine. After the first round is fed from the magazine into the chamber, another round may be loaded into the magazine from below to give the gun a maximum compliment of rounds. Shots Fired As with most self-loading shotguns, this one is quite pleasant to shoot even with full power 2.75" loads. This is because the action is locked only for a millisecond and the cycling of the bolt group soaks up much of the felt recoil, even with slugs, but the recoil pad also helped here. Where 3" loads were fired, the recoil was naturally more, but this gives the user the option of which ammunition to use to meet specific needs or preferences. The MK 1 is also pleasant to carry, thanks to its aircraft alloy receiver. It’s just 7.7 pounds empty and about 8.4 pounds loaded. Since the bolt locks into the steel barrel extension, the alloy receiver is an excellent idea. But being aircraft alloy, it’s almost as tough as steel anyway. My sample proved totally reliable and produced good spreads with buckshot out to 25 yards with all ammunition tested. However, some brands did hold better than others, such as Hornady TAP buckshot with its controlled release wad. In the slug department, I had no trouble hearing the audible “whack” of these heavy lead projectiles hitting my steel torso Action Target at 100 yards with the gun rested on my pickup truck. At 50 yards, offhand standing, I surprised myself by putting five slugs into under 4". However, the new sabot slugs do much better in rifled barrels and only perform fairly in smooth bores at close range when nothing else is available. If you’re one who likes optics on shotguns, any of the reflex sights should work fine on the FN’s cantilever rail. I tried both the new Aimpoint Comp M4 and Micro T-1 and the EOtech Model 553. I found them to be much faster than open sights for targets out to 25 yards and beyond. However, the bright red fiber optic front sight also works extremely well for me where there is ambient light. For a sling I used a simple strap, as the SLP MK1 comes with only conventional sling mounts. That’s as good as anything for a general duty shotgun, but for serious tactical work, I’d opt for a sling from Blue Force Gear or Wilderness Tactical, and either company can furnish a special adapter for use on this gun. The new FN Self Loading Police MK1 is a shotgun of the highest quality and is very simple to operate. If your agency is considering using a self-loading shotgun, it should definitely consider this one. * For More Info: www.fnhusa.com; www.aimpoint.com; www.blueforcegear.com; www. eotech-inc.com; www.thewilderness.com. WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 592009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=60http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=60SHootiNG witH x-RAY Let the COUNTDOWN begin. Continued from page 50 “THE ELITE” CONCEALABLE CARRIER low light and time pressure, we more closely approximate the four-dimensional dynamics of real gunfights. Grim Realities I try to inject as much reality into my training programs as I can. This includes exposure to the possibility of being shot and injured in a gunfight, and how to appropriately respond. I give cops the straight goods on medical realities. Studies show the chance of dying from handgun GSWs is about 20 percent and cops shot by felons’ handguns face a mortality risk of less than 10 percent. However, cops who stop fighting when wounded are at a very high risk of being murdered by their adversaries. In my training programs I show graphic photos and video dramatizations of gunshot wounds. This isn’t optional. It’s intended as psychological innoculation against a future eventuality. If a cop is shocked into immobility by the sight of a GSW in the middle of his first firefight, he may not be able to continue the fight. Exposing students to this material and training them in dealing with GSW’s may prevent them having a lethal “deer-in-theheadlights” experience. This approach is used in hospital disaster simulations. Studies show that first responders, EMTs and hospital staff who’ve successfully managed patients in stage makeup and bleeding ketchup, perform superbly when the real deal occurs. We should be training cops for gunfight injuries the same way. PROTECT AND SERVE WITH PEACE OF MIND. 1202 McGhee Lane Jacksboro, TN 37757 phone (866) 517-1113 AL WA YS KNOW HOW MANY ROUNDS ARE LEFT A T A GLANCE. WITH THE NEW Goals The goal of every deadly force trainer should be to teach where to shoot to win the fight, how to beat his adversary by getting inside the bad guy’s OODA loop, and how to finish the fight regardless of injury to himself or his fellow officers. My friend Chief Jeff Chudwin says, “We are sworn to serve and protect, but before we can serve, we have to protect.” These training methods will prepare your officers well in performing the critical tasks of protecting those they serve. CDMag. HOT Show Visit us at S Booth #9081 WWW.COMMANDARMS.COM * 60 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20092009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=61http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=612009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=62http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=62leAA Continued from page 16 I suspect the only reason the video clip’s release in the media wasn’t accompanied by screams for prison for the cop was because the officer and arrestee were the same race. The fact remains, it looked bad. The public doesn’t see the carefully delivered strikes, as was taught in training: targeting the area on the outside of the leg, around the major muscle area. They don’t see blows aimed at spots that inflict less damage or chosen to lessen the force in an effort to protect the suspect. The downside of baton blows is that they don’t quickly overcome the active resistance of a determined suspect. Often, strikes to target areas require repeating to gain compliance/overcome resistance. Even though textbook approved, perfectly delivered baton strikes look bad to the eye of the camera and seem even worse when observed by unknowing members of the public — the same folks who will make up the jury at your criminal trial. It becomes even more volatile when a media seeks to exploit a story rather than to educate or inform and instead fan the flames of passion. Order Your Copy While Supplies Last! ONLY $9.95 (outside U.S. $17.95) Working For Good change America’s police community has to come together and get active. New technologies such as TASER must be adopted and used. Older and less effective techniques which are likely to get cops brought up on charges need to be phased out. Law enforcement needs to demand that politicians and legislators make changes to the laws so good cops simply trying to make the world a little safer, don’t face prison for making a simple mistake. In this new year let’s work together to drive some change benefiting both the public and law enforcement. Let’s make sure the change that occurs makes it easier for cops to do their job and “survive” in the process. We can’t let one more cop be sacrificed at the altar of political correctness, misinformation, media distortion or bias. For More Info: www.taser.com. Call Toll-Free Mon-Fri 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. PST 888.732.2299 Order at www.GUNSmagazine.com P.O. Box 502610 • San Diego, CA 92150-2610 Look Inside: » Glock 21SF » M&P Torture Test » Old West Movie Guns » S&W .460 MAG. » WWII Bolt Guns » Plus Much More * 62 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20092009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=63http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=63Get all six of these Special Editions and Save $14.70! Individually they’d cost you $59.70. You can get them all through this offer for only $45.00! 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(outside U.S. $85.00) Order your copies today while supplies last. Call toll-free 888.732.2299 Mon-Fri 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. PST Visit us at www.americanhandgunner.com or www.gunsmagazine.com PO Box 502795 • San Diego, CA 92150-2795 You will find something in each of these issues to use at home or in the field.2009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=64http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=64DeADlY DeA Continued from page 51 the weekend. Friday was third with 10 incidents. Compared to NYPD with 123 incidents in 2005, Saturday was their most active with 24 occurrences. Time Of Year The beginning of colder weather ushered in the majority of armed encounters with September accounting for ten gunfights followed by eight in May. December grabbed the three spot with only six. Obviously, in some parts of the world where these battles took place our winter is their summer. NYPD experienced 16 shootings in October and July was next with 13. Time Of Day/Night The vast majority of the gunplay, or 42 engagements, occurred during the day while the remainder took place at night. While most peoples’ work day was ending, DEA was just getting started and managed to contact violent suspects 17 times between 1601 and 2000 hrs. From there on to midnight, another 11 were accommodated, but 0801 to 1200 actually garnered second spot with 12. The Big Apple’s finest got most of their trigger time on the graveyard shift from 0400 to midnight with 38. Involved Weaponry Handguns dominated as the agents’ weapon of choice during emergency response in 49 incidents. The 5.56x45mm rifle or carbine over-shadowed the 9mm sub guns in 26 and six incidents respectively. Shotguns still enjoy life in the DEA and were broken out for six engagements. However, long guns were used to fire more rounds in anger than handguns with 176 versus 157 respectively. Sub guns came in a distant third with 64 directed at hostiles and shotguns launched the contents of 16 shells at suspects warranting deadly force. NYPD used pistols in 156 conflicts, revolvers in 4, and submachine guns and shotguns in one each. Bad Guys Armament Conversely, the bad guys opted for pistols or revolvers and peppered the LEOs with 11 rounds, followed by some type of rifle/carbine with seven shots and 64 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20092009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=65http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=65shotguns accounting for four. Man’s Best Friend? Dogs figure prominently in these confrontations and when I was working with the DEA, 25 percent of the shootings involved K-9s. In 2007 there were 31 encounters with dogs and 75 shots were fired. Three years ago, NYPD officers fired 93 rounds at the land sharks. Dreaded Search Warrant DEA still encounters most of their resistance during the execution of search warrants followed by arrest situations with 25 and 10 discharges respectively. careless Gun Handling Unintentional discharges reflect poorly on the weapons discipline of any agency. Unfortunately, they are the second most prevalent cause of weapons firings in DEA — noting an increase from 2006 to 2007 by a factor of five. DEA agents caused eight, and four were attributed to other personnel for a total of 12. Ten handguns and two rifles were involved. Most occurred during care and cleaning and unloading procedures prior to firearms storage. Eight involved Glocks and one each with a Colt Commander and Smith and Wesson revolver. NYPD had 25 “accidental discharges.” Mobile Weapon Vehicles were used by suspects in 10 assaults and the majority occurred during buy/bust ops. Deadly force was employed primarily in cases where the suspects were able to defeat the attempted vehicle containment techniques. Lessons Learned We shoot at people not cars. The car may be the target, but the person operating it is the X - ring. With the small arms available to law enforcement, the automobile is a virtual armored vehicle and the suspect enjoys a substantial amount of projection. Except for bonded ammunition, 5.56x45mm is not effective on auto glass and steel. A fleeting target, vehicle glass must be compromised first before rounds can be effective against suspects. The only time the Israeli police use full automatic fire from shoulder weapons is when they encounter a hostile moving vehicle. Gather intelligence and plan ahead for K-9 avoidance and or humane neuWWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM P.O. Box 370 Barrington, IL 60011 • Tel: 847-277-7258 Fax: 847-277-7259 • Email: customerservice1@dsarms.com tralization. Use non-lethal means if possible. Firing at a relatively small, rapidly moving and highly determined threat invites potential fratricide. No matter how experienced you are, no one is above safety and safe weapons handling. Treat all guns as if they are loaded all the time. Check and recheck and keep your finger off the trigger unless you are preparing to fire. Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction or in the direction that it will do the least amount of damage should it go off. Never dry fire in the office and never dry fire when live ammunition is present. Search warrants are particularly dangerous, because the fruits of the crime must be seized to make the case or culminate in an arrest. As a result, speed is often essential after the element of surprise is derogated. Speed can sacrifice control and lead to tactical mistakes that are advantageous for your adversary. Instead, try to gather enough evidence by other means and serve an arrest warrant instead. Careful. Hurry. * 652009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=66http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=662009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=67http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=67coRRectioNS Continued from page 18 contact our Congressional Representatives and ask they sign on in support of this critical legislation. A one-minute phone call may very well save a life. Resolutions to these situations are often out of the hands of line staff, this isn’t one of those instances. We can make a difference by gaining support for this legislation. Unfortunately, not everyone agrees. Here’s an email received from a retired Lieutenant on this very topic: “Have you ever had to wear one of those vests for 8-16 hours? They are hot and cumbersome and if the convicts know you’re wearing one they are smart enough to know where to stick you other than where the vest covers! These vests should be worn as optional equipment only! Yes, after Fred Baker was murdered in NJ at Bayside, I had to wear a vest for the rest of my career and hated the damned thing! And, by the way, a vest would not have saved Fred Baker as he was shanked from his neck into his chest cavity, which is not protected by these vests! I would only support vests as optional equipment, not mandatory equipment.” CALL 1(800)SA2-1911 “the MAG GUIDE people”™ when only the BEST will do! ORDER DIRECT and SAVE! $36.95 “E-Z Fit Hi Grip”® Safety .250 radius-Series 70 & 80 .220 radius S70 for Springfield Mil-Spec “PalmSwel”/Standard (jig available) Lanyard Loop Mainspring Housing Gov’t Model & Officers’ Model. Stainless or Blue Flat or Arched 20LPI Smooth available in flat only. Lanyard Loop Mag Guide Gov’t Model & Officers’ Model. Stainless or Blue Flat or Arched 20LPI Smooth available in flat only. $46.95 Prices starting at $17.50 S & A Custom 1911 Grips Exotic Woods & Micarta Standard & Slim Line DD, FC & Smooth $88.95 Color Catalog Available Same Day Shipping Appropriate shipping charges Dealers Welcome 100% Customer Satisfaction P.O. Box 299 • Copeville, Texas USA 75121 (800) SA2-1911 • Fax (972) 853-0526 www.smithandalexander.com Hours: M-F, 9am-5pm CST Aftermath I disagree. First, we are not often standing still giving inmates a clear shot at our vital organs or the opportunity to pick and choose where to stab us. Most of us are taught selfdefense and know how and where to stand when in close proximity to an inmate. Second, our prisons and jails are war zones as evidenced by the numbers of assaults and murders occurring every year. Some outdated vests are hot and cumbersome, however the newer versions are more user friendly and light weight. I’d like to offer a compromise to any officer who agrees with our retired friend; let’s ask our spouses, our children, our parents and our siblings if they feel we should wear a protective vest on the job. After all, they’ll be the ones left to deal with life once we’re gone. Please call your member of Congress and ask them to support HR 6462. Your call may save the life of one of our fellow officers. * WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 672009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=68http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=68HiGH tecH Continued from page 20 a chance of false alarms. According to Dr. Stephanson a few unexpected results were discovered during real world beta testing with agencies in California. One surprise was that the sound emitted by certain water sprinklers triggers the sensor, but that’s been resolved. Others include sounds from leaking gas meters, (I think we want to know about those too!), or the hissing of air brakes on tractor-trailers. cost Of Vandalism Once Merlin recognizes the sound of paint being sprayed, it immediately notifies other devices such as phones and pagers — up to 10 of them. Within a few seconds, usually less than five, you, your communications center and whomever else you want, receive a message from Merlin regarding a crime in progress. Meanwhile, our taggers are busily creating their “masterpiece,” typically under the cover of darkness, using a canvas that costs taxpayers a trunk full of money to fix. So, you’ve received a notification and you’re on the way to the scene using a planned tactical response eliminating potential escape routes. Please, no engines revving at 6,000 rpms to be heard a mile away. And, if you’re smart about it, you’ve got a suspect in custody before you can spell V-A-N-D-A-L-I-SM on your report. While it’s true we’re just talking about “vandalism” when so-called “real crime” is going on, consider this: in the US alone, the annual cost of graffiti abatement is estimated between $10 and $12 billion. That’s billion with a ‘B’ … a very big ‘B.’ The money spent by the government to clean up and repair the damage is diverted from more worthwhile projects or maybe pay raises. The connection between tagging, gangs, claimed territory and violent acts is well documented. For the first time in my 30 years as a cop, we have access to a technology that can proactively identify this crime in progress. Using BDS’ Merlin Acoustic Sensor to attack this growing problem just makes sense. * For More Info: www.broadbanddiscovery.com. 68 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20092009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=69http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=692009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=70http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=70evoc World’s Finest Magazines MEC-GAR is proud to offer “Optimum” - our new and unique series of high capacity flush-fit pistol magazines. The new design of the magazine housing and interlinked magazine components, together with a special Anti-Friction Coating offer far superior performance even in difficult operational environments. The increased firepower of MEC-GAR “Optimum” magazines can be further raised by an optional “Plus Two” adapter. “Plus Two” is a new set of hollow butt-plate and inner base to raise the capacity of the MEC-GAR “Optimum” magazine by 2-rounds and stick out only 5/8” from the butt of the pistol! Available For: Beretta 92FS 9mm 18rd / 20rd Beretta 96FS .40S&W 13rd / 15rd Para-Ordnance P14 .45ACP 14rd SIG P226 9mm 18rd / 20rd SIG P226 .40S&W 13rd / 15rd Springfield XD 9mm 18rd Springfield XD .40S&W 13rd Taurus PT92 9mm 18rd / 20rd Taurus PT100 .40S&W 13rd / 15rd Mec-Gar USA, Inc., 905 Middle Street, Middletown, CT 06457 Tel: (800) 632-4271 Fax: (860) 635-1712 www.mec-gar.com Continued from page 24 and overcome. Every hand has a function and when you’re approaching your destination our left hand is unbuckling as your right hand is putting your car in park. You’re getting out just as quickly as if your seat belt was never on in the first place – time it. Yes, the damn belt gets caught on your duty rig. Okay, that can happen but if you practice deploying, you’ll be ready and able to deal with the occasional hook up. Maybe even relocate whatever is getting hooked up if possible. Do not hook the belt around the back of the seat. It won’t protect anything other than the back of your seat. We worry about going home to our families at night — there may be a psycho out there with a gun, but statistics show many more officers are killed behind the wheel of a car than anywhere else. Don’t worry about getting out before you get there safely. As the sticker says: “arrive alive.” “OPTIMUM”. THE WORLD’S BEST MAGAZINES “I Get Better Tire Grip With Under Inflated Tires.” Sitting still, it does look like there’s more rubber touching the road. The faster the tire starts to rotate the more the tire will be pushed up toward the middle — causing the outer edges to be in contact with the road and nothing else. There goes the more adhesion theory. Properly inflated tires provide the ability to hold back more vertical load, thereby keeping more rubber on the road. With correct inflation the tire’s sidewalls will not roll as much and your vehicle will feel much more stable. “Airbags Suck” Yes they do … but bouncing your head off the dashboard, steering wheel or windshield sucks way more. Call me crazy but I will take an airbag over gnawing on the steering wheel any day. Remember Drivers Ed-101? In a crash there are actually three crashes: vehicle stops, body hits the next hard object, and internal organs smash up against your outer shell. The airbags come out around 200 mph in order to be in place before the second crash. This may be loud and scary but it’s far from a bad thing. Air bags are your friend and new technology is getting much more reliable. 70 * WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20092009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=71http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=71pRivAte SecURitY Continued from page 36 es: research and intelligence collection efforts accomplished by corporations in their own behalf (i.e. not for external consumption or commercial use)? Foundations for this begin with protecting assets, a key element in the larger global business framework. And if you haven’t quite caught on from the media, everything in life is now global, irrespective of time and place. If your people and physical spaces are not secure, staying profitable can be a very tricky, often dangerous, endeavor on the global platform. Managing Risk Cisco, for example, has a division within it’s corporate finance structure called Global Risk Management, encompassing everything from traditional physical security operations to the more esoteric Enterprise Risk Management group, by far the more interesting and compelling story for this discussion. The emphasis for this conclave made up of diverse representatives from legal, engineering, communications, critical infrastructure, customer advocacy and, of course, sales, is Uncle Mike’s® Slimline holster features triple PRO-3 Triple Retention on defining the risk atmosphere in retention technology Duty Holster uncharted waters — a Lewis and Clark that keeps your gun Weapon retention can be expedition if you will — in advance out of the wrong hands, the difference between life of the company’s emerging markets but still allows you to and death. 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Constructed of high strength composite, steel and aluminum materials, these consoles are up to 30% lighter than other manufacturer’s consoles. The molded console design offers no sharp edges or corners to provide occupant safety and a clean appearance. RAM integrates a patented Twist Out feature allowing quick access to radios or switches for quick change-outs or repairs. With a wide variety of vehicle leg kits, these consoles will fit a wide variety of vehicles with ease. To learn more please visit: www.ram-mount.com/mount/toughbox_mount.htm. AmBush Bobster Eyewear Bobster Eyewear has designed the latest ANSI Z87 certified eyewear, the Ambush. Its sharp looking black nylon frame wraps around the face and eyes giving extra protection while having removable closed cell foam that creates a seal around the eyes. The temples can easily be changed to an adjustable strap to convert into a goggle giving extra security for your eyewear to stay in place. The shatterresistant polycarbonate lenses have anti-fog coating and provide 100% UVA/UVB protection. For additional information call (800) 603-2662 or view the Web site at www.bobster.com. BAsE lAyER shiRt Woolrich The Woolrich Elite Series Base Layer garments are extremely comfortable and functional. They feel like ultra-soft cotton, but offer the wicks moisture away from the skin and allow water vapor to pass through the wool fiber without losing thermal properties. Using 100 % Merino wool, each piece optimizes heat transfer during physical activity, keeping your body dry. Featuring superior to cotton or polyester, with greater breathability, temperature regulation, moisture control and inherent antimicrobial properties, they keep comfortable in hot environments or sub-zero temperatures and they absorb and neutralize unpleasant odors. For more visit www.woolrich.com. PD30 Fenix Outfitters The Fenix PD30 is a compact with an incredible output of up to 220 lumens. The new design features ergonomic styling, an anti-roll body, and an improved strike bezel. Along with an improved tail switch with momentary-on capability and with its 6 modes of output (including a disorienting strobe), the PD30 is the perfect light for all applications. For more information, log on to www.fenixoutfitters.com. 72 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20092009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=73http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=73For more information on seeing your product featured in “Spotlight,” contact Delano Amaguin (888) 732-6461. liGht FoR liFe 5.11 Tactical In early 2009, 5.11 Tactical‚ will release the revolutionary new Light for Life UC3.400 flashlight. It recharges in 90 seconds, uses environmentally friendly ultra-capacitors rather than batteries, and is rated for 50,000 charge/discharge cycles with virtually no degradation. The $169.99 Light for Life UC3.400 produces 270 lumens of peak output, 90 lumens in standard mode and has a 90-minute runtime. While supplies last, 5.11 is offering free “Light for Life” t-shirts by mail-in postcard with every purchase. Visit www.511tactical.com to learn more and find your local 5.11 Dealer. hEllFly BAllistic suNglAssEs Revision Eyewear MalkoFF lite tM M60 Tactical Design Labs, Inc. Tactical Design Labs, Inc. is proud to partner with Malkoff Devices as a distributor of their LED Flashlight Bulb replacement. In keeping with TDL’s mission, “Creating the Best for the Best,” this simple drop-in insert can triple light output to 200+ lumens! The Original Malkoff Lite TM M60, “Built Like a Tank,” is better, brighter and stronger with a 50,000 hour life. It fits SureFire’s and Cabela’s 6V and 9V. For more information visit www.TDLabs.com or call (877) 783-5227. Designed for law officers but built to stringent military specs, Revision Eyewear’s Hellfly Ballistic Sunglasses are a new breed in performance eyewear. Flawless optics, weightless comfort and “don’t mess with me” attitude are all packaged in a sleek wrap-around frame. What’s more, these sunglasses aren’t just sunglasses. This military-grade eye armor catches shrapnel, can stand up to a shotgun blast and survives any scenario the streets throw your way. Revision Hellfly Sunglasses are available in nine frame and lens color options and retail for $99.99 MSRP. QuiQlite PRo Dual leD QuiqLite Whether you’re a Police officer, Firefighter, Paramedic, etc … the New QuiqLite Pro Dual LED is the perfect hands-free 100% concealed light source that clips into your uniform shirt pocket QuiqLite Pro’s Dual LEDs easily overcome poor lighting conditions for your reading and writing needs – just clip QuiqLite Pro onto your pocket and you’re ready to go. The dual adjustment, rotating light “arm” adjusts to your perfect lighting angle. QuiqLite Pro is now equipped with a New Safety Strobe providing 50+ hours of continual light for those hazardous situations when you need to be seen. oPeRatoR GRaDe taCtiCal PaNts EOTAC The new Operator Grade Tactical Pants from EOTAC are one of the most versatile and durable mission ready pants available. Using the proprietary Tacti-Fit sizing system, the EOTAC pants are designed around the end user. The Action Waist has side elastic panels for freedom of movement. The gusseted crotch allows for a greater range of mobility. Ten strategically placed pockets maximize functionality. A double layer of fabric over the knees offers added durability. The pants are available in cotton canvas or lightweight cotton rip stop. See all the Operator Grade products from EOTAC at www.eotac.com. WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM the aRChaNGel Pro Mag The Archangel 5.56 Ruger 10-22 carbine stock package is both exciting and new from Pro Mag. The standard Archangel package includes a dual picantinny rail free float forearm, a barrel accessory with rail and bayonet lug, and upper and lower receiver housing with collapsible stock tube and the new position butt stock. Constructed entirely from lightweight military/aerospace specification reinforced polymers, the Archangel accepts all high capacity .22 long rifle magazines. An Archangel makeover package is also available for the Ruger Charger Pistol. Neither the Ruger 10-22 nor the Ruger Charger is included in the Archangel package. Contact Pro Mag at (800) 438-2547, or visit them on the Web at www.promagindustries.com. 732009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=74http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=74WIN! THIS PACKAGE! sig P220 CYLindeR and sLide — QUeStioNS QUeStioN 2 How many pairs of boots do you currently own for duty wear? A) 1 B) 2 c) 3 D) 4+ 74 QUeStioN 1 How much decision-making ability are you given regarding your duty boots? A) i have to buy one specific approved boot model B) i can choose the brand as long as the boot fits agency regulation c) i have to buy one of several approved boot models from a specific company D) i have to buy boots from one of several approved companies e) i have free rein to choose any boot QUeStioN 3 what do you value most in a boot? A) comfort B) Appearance c) low cost D) protection from the elements e) Quality QUeStioN 4 where did you purchase your last pair of duty boots? A) on-line from a manufacturer’s web site (original S.w.A.t Boots, Danner Boots) B) on-line from a Dealer’s web site (l.A. police Gear, officerstore.com) c) Sporting Good Store/Retail Store D) catalog Maxpedition condor II the Condor II hydration backpack is the dramatically improved second generation of Maxpedition’s military assault daypack, It’s been upgraded with amenities for daily use in mind while not compromising the integrity of rugged battlefield construction. A square with rounded top design, the Condor II can hold over 1,950 cubic inches of gear. One removable Y-shaped top strap and four quick- WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20092009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=75http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=75inCLudes The BLaCKhaWK! haWKhOOK and MaXPediTiOn COndOR ii ylinder and slide takes the renowned .45 ACP sig sauer P220; long known as a workhorse for Cops around the world and puts their reliability package twist to it. Directly from Master Gunsmith Bill Laughridge, owner of one of the premier custom gunsmithing houses in the world, Cylinder and slide. “I thought we’d keep it simple as well as affordable for most cops. Just do a nice little upgrade that’ll make the pistol work more reliably and a touch more accurately. the 11-degree barrel muzzle crown always adds accuracy. An improper crown allows gases pushing the bullet down the bore to vent from under the bullet on the low side of the muzzle crown. this tips the bullet and because it’s spinning, causes the bullet to wobble. You’ll be amazed just how much better the accuracy gets after we re-crown. Radius and polishing the breech face and center rail just lets the pistol cycle more smoothly and easily. this cuts down on the energy it takes to cycle the pistol thus making it more likely to function when dirty or dry. I radius the extractor to allow the rim of the cartridge to slide under the extractor and to not allow a sharp edge to dig into the rim, slowing or stopping the feed. setting the tension to the proper pressure on the case rim assures of more reliable extraction and ejection of the fired case. Polishing the feed ramp obviously makes the rounds feed more reliably and with less energy loss to the slides forward motion. smoothing the DA pull just allows the officer to deliver a more accurate first shot. We didn’t change out any of the factory springs or reduce their power. the improvement on the magazine well bevel just allows a larger, smoother opening to speed up a reload during one of those extended gun battles that you guys seem to get into once in a while. We test fire the pistol to be sure it functions and shoots to point of aim.” C BLAckHAWk! HawkHook BLACkhAWk!’s new award winning hawkhook is a versatile convenient and affordable rescue tool you can keep with you 24/7. It features a folding blade that includes a recessed cutting edge capable of safely cutting seat belts, parachute cord or webbing, a straight serrated cutting edge, a glass breaker, a flat screwdriver/pry tip, a bottle opener and a wire stripper. the multi-function blade locks open with a frame-lock mechanism in the handle. It also has solid stainless steel panels and a textured plastic scale for a secure grip. the unique glass breaker design on this tool is used with a hammer-like motion keeping your hand away from sharp glass during window breaching. release lateral compression straps secure contents and takes strain off the durable Ykk #10 zipers. Wide shoulder straps with high breathability backing provide superb cooling characteristics. Its load bearing capacity can be expanded greatly with other Maxpedition modular pockets added to the front or side PALs attachment points using Malice Clips. the hydration compartment is compatible with most aftermarket hydration systems. WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM TO ENTER CONTEST: Use the card found in this issue or a postcard (no envelopes, please) and answer the four questions on the left and follow the sample shown on the right. Send to AMERICAN COP Dept. X1, P.O. Box 501930, San Diego, CA 92150-1930. You can also enter on our website www.americancopmagazine.com. Entries must be received before March 1, 2009. Limit 1 entry per household. This contest is open to individuals who are residents of the United States and its territories only. Agents and employees of Publisher’s Development Corporation and their families are excluded from entering. Contest void where prohibited or restricted by law. Winners must meet all local laws and regulations. Taxes and compliance with firearms regulations will be the responsibility of the winners. Winners will be notified by CERTIFIED MAIL on official letterhead. No purchase necessary to enter. cop Jan/feb 2009: NaME2009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=76http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=76AMERICAN COP Classified ads $2.00 per-word per insertion. ($1.50 per-word per insertion for 3 or more) including name, address and phone number (20 word minimum). Minimum charge $40.00. Bold words add $1.00 per word. Copy and rerun orders must be accompanied by PAYMENT IN ADVANCE. NO AGENCY OR CASH DISCOUNTS ON LISTING OR DISPLAY CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING. All ads must be received with advance payment BY NO LATER THAN THE 1st of each month. Ads received after closing will appear in the following issue. Please type or print clearly. PLEASE NOTE*** NO PROOFS WILL BE FURNISHED. Include name, address, post office, city, state and zip code as counted words. Abbreviations count as one word each. Mail to AMERICAN COP CLASSIFIEDS, 12345 World Trade Drive, San Diego, California 92128. note:Ê WeÊ noWÊ haVeÊ disPlayÊ ClassifiedÊ adsÊ inÊ BothÊ GunsÊ maGazineÊ andÊ ameriCanÊ handGunner.Ê asKÊ forÊ ourÊ neWÊ rateÊ Card,Ê orÊ callÊ (858)Ê 605-0235. Decals gungrips guns for sale gunsmiTHing insTrucTion leaTHer misc miliTary surplus opTics police eQuipmenT iNDex action Target aLS Technologies aSP, Inc. al mar Knives Buffer Tech Bushnell Bust a Cap Benchmade Brownells Black Hills ammunition BLaCKHaWK! CrossBreed Cylinder & Slide Command arms DSa, Inc. DeSantis Holsters elite operator FNH USa Glock Inc. Galco Int. Iosso Products Kahr arms Kimber 76 oF aDverTISerS 70 12 2 64 67 13, 71 9 15 71 14 37 6 68 60 65 31 6 3 19 11 68 15 7, 80 Lifeline armor m4 Carbine, LLC magpul Industries maxpedition mossberg mecGar USa original SWaT officerstore.com Pearce Grip Pro mag Industries revision eyewear rick Hinderer rock river arms Smith & alexander Smith & Wesson Sturm, ruger & Co. Savage arms Springfield Safariland Tactical Design Labs Tops Knives XS Sights The companies listed have featured advertisements in this issue. look to them first when you are ready to make a purchase. 60 14 35 23 9 70 25 8 27 64 17 13 27 67 21 29 12 79 7 11 31 62 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20092009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=77http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=77INsIDERRUMINATIONS Continued from page 78 Who do we see in the aftermath of the storm? Louisiana National Guard troops patrolling all over the hurricane damaged area. And just what do they have in their hands? — Colt M4 carbines. Their weapons are fully dressed out with Aimpoint red dot sights, vertical fore-grips, retractable stocks, etc. Except — you guessed it: no magazine. They didn’t even insert an empty mag to fake it. Highly trained U.S. military personnel, the ones we look to for the defense of the nation are patrolling the streets with empty weapons. Don’t give me the “they are only re- Toro Caca (cont.) INsIDERRUMINATIONS servists” excuse. These men and women are serving in the Global War on Terrorism every single day. I know many reservists with combat records to rival any “regular” Army trooper. What message are we sending here? PFC Jones can be trusted with a live, loaded weapon on the streets of Ramadi or Baghdad. But when it comes to stopping looters and lawlessness in New Orleans he can’t be allowed a loaded weapon, because it’s just too dangerous? Why are these troops there? If it’s just to pass out food and blankets then lock the guns up in the armory, at least they won’t rust. If a man — a soldier — can be trusted to carry a weapon, surely he can be trusted with ammunition for it. Would you put a cop on the streets of Detroit, Chicago, or more appropriately New Orleans with an empty gun? A Colt M4 carbine: $1500, an Aimpoint Comp M2 sight: $450, carrying an empty weapon on patrol: Priceless, or more appropriately Ridiculous. But even more appropriately, it’s a load of steaming Toro Caca only the government could generate. SIGHTMARk ScOPES Sightmark’s 8.5-25x50 and 3-9x40 tactical riflescopes are two very fine scopes. I got to look at the 3-9x40, but I got to use the 8.5-25x50. I was really impressed especially considering cost is as much as $1,000 less than some other tactical optics out there. They use cutting edge glass and lens coatings to assure their product stacks up with any other tactical instrument on the market. Precision multicoated optics are the distinguishing feature of the Sightmark tactical riflescope line; these multicoated lenses offer an extremely clear view for easy target acquisition in both bright and low light situations and they’re nitrogen filled for waterproof and fog proof operation. Sightmark’s tactical line features oversized windage, elevation and focusing adjustment knobs for easy adjustment in the field. But, for that additional level of accuracy the 8.5-25x50 comes with locking mechanisms on the windage and elevation adjustments ensuring the scope stays zeroed. This along with the internally illuminated mil-dot reticle allows highly accurate shots over a wide range of distance. The scope will do its job — now it’s up to you. WEATHERTEcH FLOORLINER DIGITALFIT After years in patrol working the beach and a stint in the backcountry foothill areas, I came to appreciate keeping the floorboard of my black and white hooptie clear and clean. We get all sorts of ugly stuff on our boots. Tracking that crap into our mobile office is inevitable. MacNeil Automotive’s WeatherTech FloorLiners DigitalFit are the answer and I wish I had them in my patrol days. MacNeil’s talented designers and engineers have worked their butts off to develop some of the most advanced floor protection systems available. The WeatherTech FloorLiner DigitalFit accurately and completely lines the interior carpet. Digital laser measurements of the interior surface assure a perfect fit. High-Density Tri-Extruded (HDTE) material provides a rigid core for strength and a tactile feel to the surface. These liners have surfacing channels that carry fluids and debris to a lower reservoir. Once fluids and other scum and skutt become trapped in the reservoir, it’s kept away from your boots and uniform. Then all that stuff can be easily removed from the liner over the doorsill. Now you can keep your mobile office beautiful and2009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=78http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=78DAVE DOUGLAs INsIDER RUMINATIONS ican COP Magazine. It will now be in the hands of my longtime friend and partner, Roy Huntington and with my great friend Sammy Reese. When I retired from San Diego PD I had no intention of taking another job. That was over three years ago. I retired, took one day off and started at American COP the next day. It’s been fun and I do believe we’ve built a high quality magazine for street cops — something they can count on to provide critical information, to make their job easier and to better assure they come home safely after every shift. It’s by cops for cops. I will, however, not go lightly into that great beyond where former editors go; I’ll continue to write for COP and other magazines in our family, like Guns and American Handgunner. I’ll also keep taking photos for our magazines. So, keep reading COP and the others, I need the money as I can use a new more powerful ATV with a new gun carrier. I’ll name it Rocking Chair. other group of elite Airborne troopers. They were on foot patrol but their M4’s were slung across their backs. “What gives?” I asked. “We aren’t allowed to hold on to our weapons. It looks too ‘menacing.” I was told. So, troops of the elite 82nd Airborne Division not only can’t be trusted with loaded weapons, they can’t even be allowed to hold on to them as they might appear menacing. Menacing to whom, the gang members and looters running rampant in New Orleans? That was 2005. It’s now three years later and you’d think we might have learned a little something in that time. Nope, not as far as the Army brass is concerned. Nearly three years to the day Hurricane Gustav came roaring ashore and again tore up the Pelican State. t was with all the best intentions I moved to Colorado. With a high-speed Internet hook-up I could easily do the magazine “remotely.” That was the case — until I got here. I failed to correctly evaluate the time-management issues or take into account some environmental concerns. Editing this magazine takes a great deal of time and concentration, but all this hunting, fishing, hiking and other extremely important tasks like cleaning up after the elk and deer on my property along with protracted ATV outings, I can no longer put the time in to keep up the quality you expect. My ability to concentrate here in Southwestern Colorado is severely compromised. It’s the damn quiet. There’s no constant din of the freeway, construction projects or neighborhood family squabbles — that’s truly unnerving. I’ve come to a decision; I am resigning as the editor of Amer- I Toro Caca Guest Toro Caca by: Paul Markel Priceless Or Ridiculous? One has to wonder whether the Ad Execs over at MasterCard knew what they were starting years ago when they introduced their “Priceless” commercials to the world. The advertisements tugged at the heartstrings and touched the American consumer. Like all good pop culture, the MC Priceless ads spawned thousands of parodies. For several years now, our email inboxes have been filled with spoofs passed on to us by friends, coworkers, and family members. However, unlike the MC ads that were touching, the spoofs generally depict strange, outrageous, or flat-out stupid behavior. They aren’t so much INsIDERRUMINATIONS priceless as they are ridiculous. You’d think as Americans we’d grow and learn from our experiences. Immediately after Hurricane Katrina hit and plunged New Orleans into urban chaos, thousands of police and military personnel wrere dispatched to restore order. I was there and saw it happen. Posse Comitatus not withstanding, U.S. Military units were on the streets and in the air over the Crescent City. I was dismayed to see squad formations from the 82nd Airborne Division walking around with empty (unloaded/no magazine) M4 carbines in hand. When I asked why they were unloaded a soldier told me, “We aren’t allowed to have any rounds on us. Our squad leader has the ‘security’ rounds.” The situation went from dumb to dumber. A week later I 2009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=79http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=792009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=80http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF09/?Page=80The SIS Custom™ .45 ACP features a stainless steel frame and slide, match grade barrel and trigger, night sights with cocking shoulder, premium KimPro II ® finish and SIS slide serrations. The choice of LAPD’s finest. The LAPD™ Special Investigation Section - SIS - is an elite plain-clothes unit specially trained in surveillance. SIS Detectives frequently stake out violent criminals and depend on their pistols even more than tactical team members. Based on LAPD SWAT’s satisfaction with their Kimber pistols, SIS asked Kimber to create a family of 1911 .45 ACPs that met both their high standards and unique requirements. SIS pistols are now available to the public in limited numbers. The full-size SIS Custom RL ™ (left) has an integral Kimber Tactical Rail ™ for flashlight mounting. The SIS Ultra ™ (center) has a rounded frame and mainspring housing, and a 3-inch barrel makes it ideal for backup or concealed carry. The SIS Pro™ (right) combines a full-length grip with a 4-inch barrel, perfect for duty or concealed carry in a belt holster. The choice of America’s best. www.kimberamerica.com For information on products and dealer locations please send $2 to: Kimber, Dept.151 One Lawton Street, Yonkers, NY 10705 Information is also available at (800) 880-2418 Use and store all firearms safely and lawfully. Kimber pistols and rifles are shipped with a California approved cable lock. Proper use of the cable lock is encouraged at all times. ©2008 Kimber Mfg., Inc. All rights reserved. Names of other companies, products or services may be the property of their respective owners.2009-02-06T19:39:32+01:00