http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/RSS.ashxAmerican COP Jan/Feb 2010 PagesThu, 03 Dec 2009 18:19:26 +0100http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=1http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=1Sub-Gun vS. AR-15? $5.95 OUTSIDE U.S. $9.50 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010 Win An FroM CoMBo pACkAge eXCiting H & k! Kit-up YouR Dog Drool AnD K 9 Partnering With atF HoT new duTy HolSTerS SeAt HAir fAilinG To CommuniCATe night Vision foCuS • Surefire • Ar Gold TriGGer • BreAkouT Tool • SAmSon Ar Tool G2G Hi teCH Guide www.AmERicANcopmAgAziNE.com Gift Cop • diGiTAl downfAll2009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=2http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=2STOP THE FIGHT BEFORE IT STARTS. BUILT FOR AMERICA’S FORCES. BUILT FOR YOU. www.fnhusa.com/SLPfight2009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=3http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=3t 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 90002009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=4http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=42010 JAn• feB Volume 6, number 1, issue 27 COvERstOCKPHOtO:JOENOvElOsO. WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 38 feATureS 32 34 38 42 46 48 64 4 18 "HOW'stHAtAGAIN?"steve usher A Failure to Communicate. Dog Drool And seat hair. KIttINGuPfORK-9pete stevens OWNINGtHENIGHtDAve DouglAs night vision For Dummies. IRA-5vs.AR-15john higgs is the 9mm submachine gun Dead? 2009CHRIstMAsGuIdEjohn Connor WHEREtHEbOyZAREtom CrAmer A joint ops Caper: AtF & nopD. At least one's Avoidable. Bust out the plastic pals, We're goin' shopping. tRANsIENt'sfEEtANdMOsquItOsDAve DouglAs WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20102009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=5http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=534 15 ColumnS 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 HIGHtECHjim DonAhue CARRyOPtIONsmArk hAnten PRIvAtEsECuRItyeD pAlumBo OffICERsuRvIvAljohn russo REAlItyCHECKIIClint smith stREEtlEvEljohn morrison CARsANdCRAsHEssuZi huntington reSourCeS 56 68 sPOtlIGHt AdINdEx 22 42 8 15 70 dePArTmenTS on THe REtuRNfIRE GOOdtOGOGEAR INsIdERRuMINAtIONs tHIsCOMbOPACKfROMH&K! Pg 66 66 15 fOCus:G2G 18 fOCus:HItECH 20 HOtNEWdutyHOlstERs 32 fAIlINGtOCOMMuNICAtE 34 KIt-uPyOuRK-9 38 NIGHtvIsION 42 sub-GuNvs.AR-15 46 COPGIftGuIdE 48 PARtNERINGWItHAtf CoVer 20 AMERICAN COP™ (ISSN 1557-2609) is published bi-monthly by Publishers’ 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. 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WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 52009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=6http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=6AMeRiCAn Cop board of directors Thomas von Rosen, CEO; Thomas Hollander; Randy Moldé; Marjorie Young PUblisher Roy Huntington Editor Suzi Huntington Executive Editor Sammy Reese Managing Editorial Assistant Stephanie Jarrell Editorial Assistant Kerin Van Hoosear Art Director Richard & Lisa Stahlhut Production Manager Dennaye Cusick Web Site Manager Lorinda Massey Promotions Coordinator Elizabeth O’Neill Advertising Sales Director Anita Carson Advertising Sales Assistant Dana Hatfield Staff Photographer Joe Novelozo contribUting editors Clint Smith Mark Hanten Ed Palumbo John Russo Dave Douglas John Morrison Jeremy Clough Jim Donahue fmg PUblications americancopmagazine.com Editor: Suzi Huntington Advertising: Denny Fallon, (800) 426-4470 e-mail: denny@americancopmagazine.com Advertising: Delano Amaguin, (888) 732-6461 e-mail: delano@americancopmagazine.com americanhandgunner.com Publisher & Editor: Roy Huntington Advertising: Steve Evatt, (800) 533-7988 e-mail: steve@americanhandgunner.com gunsmagazine.com Editor: Jeff John Advertising: Andrew Oram, (866) 903-1199 e-mail: andrew@gunsmagazine.com shootingindustry.com Publisher & Editor: Russ Thurman Advertising: Anita Carson, (866) 972-4545 e-mail: anita@shootingindustry.com Special editionS fmgpublications.com Editor: Sammy Reese Advertising: Scott McGregor, (800) 553-7780 e-mail: scott@americanhandgunner.com oNLiNE ADvErtiSiNG MANAGEr: Tracy Moore, (888) 651-7566; Fax: (858) 605-0205; tracy@fmgpublications.com CLASSifiED ADvErtiSiNG: Lori Robbins, (800) 633-8001, Fax: (858) 605-0247, classads@fmgpublications.com fMG EASt CoASt SALES: Sig Buchmayr, Buchmayr & Associates 28 Great Hill Rd., Darien, CT 06820; (203) 662-9740, sigbuch@optonllin.net. 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WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20102009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=7http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?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 72009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=8http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=8RETURN FIRE A coffee and chocolate go a long way toward keeping you from having to always go to the barking dog complaints. Thanks again for giving credit to the men and women who dispatch. Multi-Taskers Nice article on the dispatchers. I think they’re a forgotten part of the team. I work for a small agency where we have our officers, dispatchers, ambulance and fire in the same building. Our agency’s dispatchers have to answer phones, dispatch police, fire and EMS, plus deal with walk-ins at the lobby. You want multitasking? Watch them work a major incident with all emergency services out on the call. Amazing. A coffee and chocolate go a long way toward keeping you from having to always go to the barking dog complaints. Thanks again for giving credit to the men and women who dispatch. David P. Firebaugh Laurel Police Department, MT Sometimes all it takes is a short visit to dispatch every now and again. It allows your dispatcher to put a face with a voice and it gives you the opportunity to see how stressful their job is. SH I ALMOST SHOT ELTON JOHN! www.americancopmagazine.com $5.95 OUTSIDE U.S. $9.50 noVemBer/DecemBer 2009 WIN A SureFIre COMBO PACK! You’re A TArgeT: CAn Your Armor TAke IT? Le Mas — Part Deux Pressure Problems? new nIJ Standard Dispatch Vs. Patrol ethICAl MINeFIeldS FOCUS: Cops Or Not — Final Round There’s been a lively exchange of opinions in response to Sgt. Tony Crawford (Return Fire, Sept/Oct 2009). I have to say though; Sgt. Crawford is the minority opinion. Of all the letters I received (dozens) about 90-percent of them were in support of considering corrections officers as cops. What we’ve learned is there are a variety of reasons why COs are or are not afforded peace officer status. Sometimes it’s a training issue, sometimes it’s who legislators included in the state’s penal code, and other times COs are happy just the way they Cars & Crashes: Carbon Motors’ E7 Corrections: Prison Gangs Private Security: Cyber Space Nightmare Hard Tools: FNS 120 Super Scope NOVDEC09COP.indd 1 9/18/09 3:27 PM are. If getting peace officer status in your state or jurisdiction is important to you, you need to speak up to your politicians. State your case and support it with statistics, but don’t just sit there and complain about it. Change will only occur if you do something to make it happen. SH Corrections officers are cops and yes, we do enforce laws. If you think being locked up prevents crimes from happening you obviously know nothing about corrections. These crimes range from murder, 8 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20102009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=9http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=92009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=10http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=10RETURN FIRE rape, drug crimes, assaults, escapes, weapons charges, etc. We do respond to calls and patrol the housing units looking for criminal activity — with little more than keys, cuffs, and a radio — no gun, TASER or OC. These calls may be in response to an inmate fight, medical emergency, or the worst scenario: an officer getting assaulted. In the federal system we’re often outnumbered by 150:1 while working in a housing unit. Granted, we know whom we’re dealing with, but I guarantee your city of 10,000 is not ALL criminals. These inmates are often drunk and armed, much to your surprise. We work eight hours a day with the same criminals officers outside of the wall locked up, and prison doesn’t usually stop their criminal behavior. Law enforcement or not? You make the call. Anonymous Federal Bureau of Prisons Officer Sgt. Crawford typifies the prevailing Neanderthal attitude among “law enforcement” types dating back before the 1970s that corrections officers are still “jailers,” “screws,” and “thugs.” In fact, due to the increase in jail and prison programs, the majority of corrections officers have college degrees. Training for “jailers” used to be “here’s the keys, don’t get yourself killed.” Now, most corrections officers receive better training in unarmed, as well as interpersonal communication skills than their counterparts on the street. Our facility is direct supervision with one officer for every county system. Sgt. Crawford needs to remember he catches them one at a time; we keep them 2,000 at a time. Sgt. Mark Naumann Corrections Bureau Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Crawford from Michigan feels corrections officers are not in the law enforcement family. He seems to be stuck in the street level attitude that an arrest is the only significant part of law enforcement. I have retired after 32 years, 15 as a city officer and detective and 17 as a parole agent. Having seen the system from top to bottom, I believe the arrest is the first step, not the only step in law enforcement. Followup investigation, prosecution, probation, incarceration and parole are all necessary and major factors in law enforcement. Without any one of these agencies, law enforcement could not function. Let all professions in the law enforcement family support each other and hopefully all agencies will cooperate in our ultimate goal of keeping felons off of our streets. We must all respect each other and be a team. We all deal with the same perpetrators. Gary Gatlin Retired Police Officer/Detective & Parole Agent Shame on you Sgt. Crawford for your less than stellar representation of Sgt. Crawford from michigan feels corrections officers are not in the law enforcement family. He seems to be stuck in the street level attitude that an arrest is the only significant part of law enforcement. 64 prisoners, and armed only with a small can of OC and their wits, they control those 64 prisoners. Our jail is also classified as a maximum-security facility, so we house the baddest of the bad the street officers arrest. Before a prisoner becomes an inmate at the state level, he spends time in a county facility until his case is adjudicated. 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Combined2009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=11http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=11the men and women of law enforcement. I’m a corrections officer in a facility that houses on average 400-450 local inmates, DOC inmates and federal inmates. In my “city” I patrol areas “enforcing” such laws as vandalism, assault, rape and attempted murder — same as you do in your city. Your city has a population of 10,000 people to three officers while my city has 400-450 inmates to an average of nine officers. However sir, of your 10,000 people it’s probably safe to say only one percent of them are criminals whereas 100-percent of them are criminals where I work. I train with my weapon, chemical agent, TASER and other less lethal weapons. I also train in self-defense tactics and EVOC courses, as I’m sure you do. When I go out in public and am still in uniform, the general population does not discern between corrections officer and patrol officer, they see my radio, badge and weapon and expect me to act upon a critical situation, which I gladly do. Whether you intended to or not you insinuated corrections officers did nothing more than watch the inmates we house and that’s a gross misrepresentation of what we do. You won’t find a corrections officer who thinks they’re above a patrol officer, but sadly I cannot say the same in reverse in some cases. We’re on the same team here guys, we get enough disrespect from the prisoners — we shouldn’t be getting it from each other. Officer Alondra Bowman Tennessee Corrections Officer I’m a unit supervisor with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice/Parole Di- vision. I have three sex offender officers, one regular field officer and a pre-revocation officer who handles offenders arrested on pre-revocation warrants and conducts hearings. We deal with some real bad guys, yet I must tell you we are not commissioned officers for the State of Texas, as other states have commissioned their parole and probation officers. It wasn’t until 1998 we were even allowed to carry a firearm on duty — and we’re required to purchase, maintain and pay for all aspects of being certified to carry. This only allows us to protect ourselves while in the field because we have no powers of arrest. If an offender with a warrant comes into the office we must call local law enforcement to make the arrest; this can take up to two hours depending on the workload of the local jurisdiction. Still worse, if the offender wants to leave we cannot detain them. This has happened before and we have had one situation where an offender car-jacked a vehicle in the parking lot and caused a high-speed chase that ended in a collision. I realize your publication doesn’t have the power to bring about any change, but bringing these situations to the attention of the law enforcement community can help us work more closely and watch out for each other. Richard Greer Rockwall, Texas Having been on both sides of the fence so to speak, I have to say corrections officers are not cops. I’ve worked as a patrolman and now work as a deputy in the county jail. I no longer enforce laws, I keep and detain those awaiting trial or serving short sentences. Do corrections have the same requirements and training as law enforcement? Are they certified by the state in which they work as a law en- “Glory is something that some men chase and others find themselves stumbling upon, not expecting it to find them.” – Petty Officer Marc Lee THE MARC LEE GLORY KNIFE Model 150 BKSN BENCHMADE.COM ©2009 BENCHMADE KNIFE CO. OREGON CITY, OR, USA MODEL SHOWN: 150BKSN WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 112009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=12http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=12DPMS_SB_0809 11/10/09 12:33 PM Page 1 Made In The USA! Scopes and Mounts Not Included RETURN FIRE forcement officer? Do they take the same oath, what ever that may be? Do corrections officers work with the same population? Sure, but in an entirely different light. I’ve already lost track of the people I previously arrested and brought to jail and am now watching over. I used to go out looking for those who decided our laws didn’t apply to them — now I have them brought to me. Within our department our deputies spend eight to ten years in the jail waiting for a spot to open for a road bid. During that time we merely hold those whom law enforcement has brought to us. Are we law enforcement officers? Maybe. We attend our state law enforcement academy and receive certification 10:53 AM Page 1 This kind of turf war reminds me of what bullet is best, a .40 or .45. it’s not us against us, it’s to serve and try to make the community better, regardless of who you are. saying we are, but we’re doing two entirely different jobs — it’s hold and detain vs. serve and protect. During my time at the jail I am not “on the job.” I no longer hunt, I order take out. Jim Tindal If you apply Sgt. Crawford’s guidelines to CSI, desk sergeants, captains and chiefs, to name a few, I guess none of them are cops. They don’t respond to calls, patrol or look for criminal activity. I’m not sure what difference it makes how out-numbered you are — 60 to 1 for corrections, or 10,000 to 3 for Sgt. Crawford, you can only deal with the call you’re on and that’s all. For that one call you respond to, most of the other 9,995 citizens are home in bed. Many correctional officers attend the same police academy and meet the same guidelines as the state mandates for cops, plus many then go to a correctional academy. I can tell the sergeant many correctional officers do handle calls, patrol, sit on stakeouts, make arrests, look for criminal activity, etc. Some attend the F.B.I. academy and the Federal Law Enforcement training center. They’re on most every task force I’m aware of; Violent Crimes, Narcotics, Gang, Continued on page 17 GET YOUR GUNS GEAR! Team GUNS T-Shirt Nobody ever had too many T-shirts,except us and we need to clear them out. Get this top quality, pre-shrunk 100% cotton T-shirt imprinted with Team GUNS logo on the front and back. (Colors: Ash or Black)(Sizes: M,L,XL,XXL) $21.95 each ($31.95 Outside U.S.) (Price includes shipping) ORDER TODAY! Call Toll-Free 800-628-9818 Order at www.gunsmagazine.com 12 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20102009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=13http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=132009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=14http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=14SPECIAL 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 14 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20102009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=15http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=15G2G GOOD TO GO GEAR TM $ 8.49 Plus S/H 2 Pack For On Orders of 3 Packs Or More FREE Shipping SuRefiRe liGhTS Clint Smith In a marketplace absolutely flooded with gear of all forms it’s good to know of a place where you can go where there’s a constant supply of excellence. Such is the case with SureFire and their illumination tools. SureFire has two rock solid lights in the models A2 Aviator and the T1A Titan. The A2 LED Aviator is a handful-sized light bearing a red and white light capability. With a half-twist of the end cap, the light projects night-vision saving red from four red LED bulbs. With a full-twist, the reds go to the single solid 120 lumen white light. With half-pressure on the end-cap the two-stage pushbutton red comes on, while full pressure brings the white light. The Titan stems from a past, limited edition titanium-bodied light. The new version is more affordable, yet is still a high quality small light platform. The new model still offers the continuously variable LED built in a hard-anodized aluminum body. Weighing in at two ounces and just a bump over 3" long it’s a truly powerful illumination tool for its size, pushing out 70 of those lumen-things. This trick little package is also declared to have a five-minute auto shut off from a certain power range. A new battery at full power runs for about an hour, and battery life varies after that based on the power setting. It’s a great smaller light brought back in a form and price so more people can get one. Both these lights are solid additions to the SureFire line of products. For more info: www.surefire.com “QuickStrips solve a significant issue for the defensive revolver, extra ammunition in a flat concealable format. We carry them and recommend them to our clients.” Clint & Heidi Smith Thunder ranch, OregOn Now in .44 Caliber New 5 Round .38 .17HMR .22 Rim Fire .223 .30.06 .30-30 .308 .32/.327 .38/.357 S&W .40 .41 Magnum .410 Shot Gun .44/.45/.460 .45 Auto Rim .45 ACP .475 Linebaugh .480 Ruger .500 Linebaugh .500 S&W 9mm QuickStripTM Pouch AR Gold TRiGGeR $ 19.99 Plus s/h Wraps around belts up to 1 3/4”and is designed for use with one or two QuickStrips™. Available in 3 sizes to fit your QuickStrips™. Black or Coyote Brown Roy Huntington How many of you have an AR? Lots, I’ll bet and I’ll also bet the trigger is classic AR: gritty, long take-up, wobbly and not something conducive to your best work. Am I right? Ronin Coleman, head guy at PACT (famous for timers, scales and all that other stuff), phoned not long ago. “Roy, I’ve got the best AR trigger you’ll ever feel and I’ll bet you anything you agree,” he said in his stream-of-consciousness way, “and it’s really a ‘drop-in’ concept. Honest.” Let’s see, I dared him. So he sent one. And it was, clearly, the best AR trigger I’d ever felt. Short reset (probably the shortest I’ve ever seen), light, crisp and so far, dead-nuts reliable. And I put it in myself, and it worked the first time, and everything fit like they said it would. It turned my “I have it but I hate to shoot it” AR into a “Hey, let’s shoot the AR today” rifle. Is it more accurate? Um, uh … I don’t think so, but I can shoot it better, so it is, sorta’, more accurate. See? It fits any AR that adheres to the Mil Spec list, uses .154" pins and does not have a sear block (like on some Colts). It’s about $279 but grit your teeth and do it for that new AR you probably just bought. For moe info: PACT Inc., www.pact.com WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM Or Call: 877-883-3776 1031 Bay Blvd, Ste V, Chula Vista, CA 91911 Order Online: www.tuffproducts.com 152009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=16http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=16G2G BReAkouT Tool Clint Smith I don’t understand marketing or marketing people, ads with fingers on triggers and leggy chicks throw me a bit. How does it apply? I get asked to look at a lot of things, and the logic behind some of these products — like some marketing ideas — although clearly seen in the eye of the creator, is somehow often lost in translation. Recently I got something even I could understand, called a Breakout Tool. Marketing describes it as a life-saving tool and I can easily see the concept since the tool is well made and equipped with two stout breaker-points for punching glass. Also on board are seat belt cutters, three bright LED lights and magnets to attach the tool to your fender for a tire change for instance. And, the tool clips onto the visor to keep it handy. There are six styles in each of two formats, the “non-cop” versions and the law enforcement versions, with the differences mostly in finish. In all models all the parts making up the tool appear to be high quality and the ambidextrous nature of the tool is a solid selling point. I see a personal defense application for the tool, as in an impact weapon in cases of a close contact confrontation in or around a vehicle, although it might make the marketing folks squeamish. Marketing aside, the Breakout Tool can do what it’s sold for and I put the one I have on Heidi’s truck visor. It’s a good tool and should be in every police car out there. For more info: World Class Safety Products www.breakoutsafetytools.com SAmSon field Tool Visit Us At SHOT Booth#1925 Clint Smith Now and again something truly useful comes along and the new Samson Field Survivor Tool falls neatly into that category. Although not intended to be a depot-level armorer’s tool, it serves its primary target group, the troop/shooter, in the field perfectly. The clever designers came up with useful assets to the device to help service the AR/M4 platform and could be useful to the Robinson/AK type firearms as well. These assets include a straight blade screwdriver with a hook cut to aid in the removal of the firing pin cotter key. There’s a carbon scraper to clean carbon from inside the bolt carrier and a small oil ampoule for emergency lube issues. An adjustable broken shell extractor is in the tool to help clear damaged cases with the heads pulled off, which happens on occasion with dirty chambers or faulty ammo. The base holds two firing pin retention keys, a half-inch hex wrench and a slot for magazine lip adjustment. Also included is a barrel cleaning brush and pull-through cable, which screws into the base. The base screw-in plate helps in handling the cable and brush pull-through procedure. There’s a front sight adjustment tool and a magazine feed lip gauge to reset the lips in case of emergencies in the field. The device, with all the tool parts, is simply inserted into the hollow base of the pistol grip. Once in place the base is rotated to have the oval ring seal it in place. The Samson Field Survivor Tool is a solid piece of gear every AR user could use. For more info: Samson Manufacturing Corp., www.samson-manf.com * 16 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20102009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=17http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=17RETURN FIRE Homeland and help in the planning of events such as the Olympics. They die on the streets and on operations just as LEOs do, handling no knock warrants and high-risk warrant arrests. This kind of turf war reminds me of what bullet is best, a .40 or .45. It’s not us against us, it’s to serve and try to make the community better, regardless of who you are. So following the sergeant’s guidelines, many cops are not, but think they are. C. Peter have had a major vendor relationship fall apart and a contract lost largely because an employee had a case of what Mr. Morrison calls “verbal diarrhea.” Thanks for a great magazine. I look forward to every issue. Greg Smith Thanks for your vote Greg. I can attest to John’s sage advice for newbies — he was my go-to mentor when I was a young rookie tilting at windmills. He was a pleasure to work for and you can bet we’ll have him continue to impart his advice for today’s newest bunch. SH Oops!: A picture was incorrectly captioned (“Is Your Body Armor Junk Or A Jewel, Nov/Dec 2009) on page 42. The portable ballistic shield shown is actually from Protective Products MFAB. For more info: www.body-armor.com 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. Correction * Irate Reader Read the description of the suspect, then look at the artwork (The Day I Almost Shot Elton John, November/December 2009). George M. Tamayo - WD6EJO Huh? What? Am I missing something here? It seems George must be upset because there’s some discrepancy regarding a white hat or a red hat. George: It’s a comedy, a story … a joke, for crying out loud! Who cares what color the hat is? Thank you Captain Obvious for your astute observation. If you’d like your copy of the CARTOON to perfectly match the suspect description perhaps you can find a bottle of White-Out — just remember to color between the lines — neatness counts. By the way, the cartoon is an exact match of the album, Elton John’s Greatest Hits Volume II, but you must have known that already. Ooops … was that my inside voice just then? SH RIFLES THAT RESPOND WHEN YOUR TRAINING TAKES OVER. NEW! Rock river Arms PRO-SERIES ELITE / AR1731 Shown with optional Operator stock Rock river Arms / LAW ENFORCEMENT / LE1070* 2nd Amendment Believers How about that Suzi Huntington and her marvelous comments on the Second Amendment in American COP? She was spot on! During my 21 years in the Arizona criminal justice system I encountered way too many of the “turds” to which she referred so poignantly. It’s too bad we can’t keep all of them permanently locked up. I might also point out I’ve rarely encountered a negative reaction from police officers on the street when they became aware, for some reason, that I was armed. Thanks for the marvelous magazines. Keep up the fine work. Bill Baker Chandler, Arizona Rock river Arms / ELITE CAR A4 / AR1225 NEW! LE Shown with optional Operator stock Home NEW! OPERATOR STOCK Hunt Kudos For Street Level If I can weigh in on whether to have a regular feature for brand new officers, if they’re all as good as this first one by John Morrison, my “vote” is an unqualified yes! His advice is applicable to neophytes in every endeavor. I own a small business and over the years WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM Target EXERCISE YOUR RIGHT at www.rockriverarms.com Or CALL 866.980.ROCK (7625) 172009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=18http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=18HIGH TECH JIM DONAHUE CUTTING EDGE WIDGETs — AND OTHER NEW sTUFF. Digital When Your InformatIon-age Crashes ops have learned how to do things with a computer that were previously never imagined. We perform our own checks on people and vehicles, “write” reports in our cars and send them directly to the sergeant for approval. When some dirt bag in the back seat gives us his brother’s name and DOB, we quickly show him the DMV picture of his relative on our computer screen and call him the liar he is. A really proacThis is a tive traffic cop, formerly known as computer that a “hot pencil” can write and deliver doesn’t work. an electronic citation to an errant Attached is driver in less than one minute. a precursor Heck, we’ve even become pretty to Windows: good at electronic diagramming to The Note Pad. draw crash scenes. When used in We’ve been through shootconjunction ing simulators and trained on with somescenario-based shoot/don’t shoot thing called programs. For those of us fortunate A Pencil, enough, we get EVOC refreshfigures and ers, which may include even words pretty realistic driving will magically simulators. Those appear on The simulators can now Note Pad. Try it! be “trunked” with shooting simulators to create a more complete package. In the hen I’m on the street, I make sure I always have a supply of food post-9/11 days we’ve and water with me — it’s become my new “normal.” Yet, I fear been taught to look for we’re overlooking what could be the worst threat of all. Have new threats and prepare you been at a fast-food restaurant only to be turned away for new challenges. because their computers were down? What about the kid standing behind the counter with his mouth dropped open and eyes at half-mast, trying to figure out how much change to give you because his computer’s crashed and won’t tell him what to do? I’m tellin’ ya, it happens. Imagine ten years into the future, “This is your lucky day. I’m letting you go with a verbal warning instead of a ticket because my car computer is down.” Or, “I’m sorry, I can’t take your vandalism report today. Our computers are down.” Lastly, “Dispatch, I’ll be at the station for a new vehicle, the computer in this one’s down.” I’ve witnessed just such actions first-hand — and it’s not ten years into the future. We’re at risk of having a generation of cops who lose their ability to be police friend of mine, without a computer. It’s a situation we simply cannot afford. Make no who’s an FTO for mistake; I’m a strong advocate of using technology to make cops his agency, shares safer and more effective, but it doesn’t give us the right to abanthis story. When he don the skills we had before computers. Today’s cop training has a rookie, one day each and environment not only allows, this kind of amnesia to set week the computer remains in, we’re encouraging it. off for the entire shift. It’s back to paper for the newPercy the Pencil says, “If it ain’t broke — I mean, when it bie — just to ensure he is broke — I’ll always be there. My system never fails.” knows how to funcPercy’s right, all is not lost when the system crashes. Stay tion in manual in touch with the real cop inside of you. mode. At first, I Downfall! C Time Out W Just Say A No 18 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20102009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=19http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=19thought he was nuts, but I’ve come to see the wisdom of his ways. One agency’s computer system went down for a week. At first, the cops were told to hold their reports until their next workday. When the computers were still down, the administrators decided to pull out the old paper report forms. Of the seven-sheet set, it was discovered they were missing three of the pages. An emergency call to the printer was made. On the third day, with all of the forms in hand, they realized two recruit classes had come on since the agency went “paperless” — solely relying on the computer. The new guys had never seen or been trained on the paper forms which looked nothing like the computer version. Holy crap! Training on manual systems should be part of the FTO process. Tactical Illuminator 125+ Lumens Long Gun Touch Pad Remote Constant or Momentary Operation Shock Suppression System Patrol cars should be equipped with an emergency stash of report forms when — not if — the computer breaks. Keeping all cop's manual skills up to par should be an ongoing process. Periodically, the shift supervisor should order computers turned off for the shift, reverting back to paper for the duration. Patrol cars should be equipped with an emergency stash of report forms when, not if, the computer breaks. We should be tasked with keeping a paper journal, writing down the calls we’re dispatched. We should have to remember how to use an old-fashioned map book and be able to find the call we’re sent on. You get the point. If any of this seems a bit intimidating, then perhaps you’ve allowed yourself to be sucked in by the convenience of the electronic age. Manual skills are perishable and it’ll bite you in the ass if you let them wane. Think of this; a major outage of the cellular telephone network in this country would turn most mobile computers into electronic paperweights. Are you prepared to be the police without your computer? You should — and you must be. The ball’s in your court. InsightTechnology.com Toll Free: 877-744-4802 * WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 192009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=20http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=20CARRY OPTIONs FROM HOlsTERs TO HAvERsACKs. MARK HANTEN HolSTer TrendS w hen a maker sends out a press release about their new wonder holster in plain black leather, made for a Glock 17/22, they’ve just committed themselves to a major game of catch-up, as they must now try to make that same holster for all the other Glocks, Berettas, Smith & Wessons, Springfields — the lot. And they have to make them in basket weave and for the variety of weaponmounted lights. It’s enough to make any holster maker cry uncle. But through it all they seem to manage, and even excel in some cases. Leather & PLeather BattLe It out Bianchi’s classic Model 27 from the “old” days helped to lead the trend toward modern holster design. And yes, Publisher Roy used this one on duty! He is old. Aker’s Blue Line XR-5 features the Aker-Lok system and delivers Level II safety. he trend of making holsters for light mounted weapons is one I really like. I think Safariland’s SLS (Self Locking System) holsters are the leaders in this arena for duty gear. Although not new technology, it’s a very good holster system available for many models Safariland’s and combinations. Safariland’s new ALS 6004 SLS Tacti(Automatic Locking System) incorporates cal Holster a more sophisticated locking system locking into the ejection port of the pistol and is released with a thumb lever. Overall the ALS is a more comprehensive retention system than the rotating hood design of the SLS, but if you need a duty holster for your Sphinx 3000 with an Insight Technologies M3 light carried with the hammer down, the Safariland SLS holster is your best bet. The SLS may offer the widest range of coverage for gun/ light combinations in the industry and are available for virtually the whole line of SIG SAuERs, Colts, H&Ks, Kimbers, with at least one type of light if not more. Many of these are only available in the model 6004 or 6005 SLS Tactical Holsters, which Blade-Tech Eagle Industries’ G-CODE RTI Weapon Mount T LighT MounTed are both thigh rigs. Either of these can be quickly and easily converted to belt carry by attaching the holster to one of Safariland’s universal Belt Loop (uBL) Systems. This is the duty holster I carry my Les Bear 1911 with SureFire’s X-300 light attached and I think it’s a great combination all the way around. There are other great combos available like the BLACKHAWK! SERPA holsters. There are a couple of limitations with the SERPA for carrying light mounted weapons, but the biggest limiting factor is the same as many other promising designs — too few weapon options for some people’s preferences. Another limiting factor is they only accommodate BLACKHAWK!'s Xiphos NT weapon light. Please note I said this is a limiting factor and not a drawback. The Xiphos NT is a great light and does more with one lithium 3v battery than some other lights with two batteries. If you’re carrying one of the most popular handguns used by cops, this combo is a great option worth serious consideration. Another new development includes designs for plain clothes assignments. The Galco Halo is a great example and it offers a simple thumb-snap retention system for reliable drawing in adverse situations. Detectives may need a light mounted holster more Galco’s Halo than patrol cops, who routinely carry a large flashlight on all their calls BLACKHAWK!’s in the dark. SERPA QD System W 20 hile Aker’s new Nightguard Duty Series offers classic leather construction and the ability to tote your duty gun with a light attached, they have other duty rigs too. The Blue Line XR-5 features the Aker-Lok system and delivers Level II safety. Tex Shoemaker is a classic, old-school leather holster maker. How’s this for you: send them your light and tell them what your duty gun is and they will make you a custom duty holster fitting your particular combo. And it gets better. Are you a motor cop used to those classic swivel holsters? Shoemaker can come to your rescue too. The same thing applies about sending them y2009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=21http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=21New Loads for 2010! A stunning breakthrough in personal defense ammunition design. •ThepatentedFTX™ bulletwillexpand reliablyEVERY SINGLETIME! •Optimizedpropellants burnquickly,reduce recoilandlimitmuzzle flashtoprotectnight vision. •Shinynickelcases resisttarnishandgreatly enhancelow-light chamberchecks. Concealed carry and personal defense ammunition is redefined with the introduction of Hornady Critical Defense ammunition. You may have never thought about the effects of fabric and clothing on the performance of personal defense ammo. But clothing — especially heavy clothing — has a lot to do with how the bullet expands upon impact. Conventional hollow point bullets clog with fibers and fabric as they pass through clothing which diminishes expansion and causes unreliable bullet performance. Hornady Critical Defense ammunition eliminates clogging with the use of their patented Flex Tip® bullet. Upon entering soft tissue, the tip swells and imparts equal pressure across the entire circumference of the bullet cavity. The result is UnrivaleD bullet expansion and performance everY single Time! FlexTip™technologyguarantees100% reliableperformanceineverysituation. Hornady Critical Defense ammunition is available in these calibers: •380Auto •38Special •38Special+P •9mmLuger Conventionalhollowpointbullets performunreliablywhenencountering heavyfabricorlayersofclothing. ! NEW For 2010 •45Colt •12ga00Buckshot •40S&W •45Auto •357Mag PO Box 1848 Grand Island, NE 68802 308-382-1390 www.hornady.com2009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=22http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=22PRIVATE sECURITY ED PAlUMBO IssUEs AND TRENDs ON THE PRIvATE sIDE OF lAW ENFORCEMENT. Private eyes iring a private investigator is not often contemplated, and rarely acted on by private citizens. Family situations demanding outside, professional assistance to resolve civil or criminal matters are not often met with the formal hire of a recognized, certified private investigator, and for many reasons. Chief among h they’re Watching You those reasons is cost. PI work can be expensive — even a relatively straightforward assignment closed out in a few days, can cost a family several thousand dollars. And there are questions of choice and alternatives; whom should they hire? Where and how should they determine the best and most affordable investigative resource to employ? Often, when a family does desire and decides to invest in private investigation, an attorney will guide the selection process and actually hire the investigator. By extension, while statistics are not plentiful, many experts agree private sector investigation entities are more than likely employed by insurance companies or law firms. reality — not tV ccording to Bureau of Labor statistics, private investigators held about 52,000 jobs in 2006. About 30 percent were self-employed, another 34 percent of investigator jobs were with investigation or security services companies, while 9 percent were in department or other general merchandise stores. The rest worked mostly in state or local governments, legal services firms, insurance agencies or banks. Not all the mentioned jobs require certification as a licensed private investigator; for instance, corporate investigators don’t need to have a license or formal certification. Private sector investigation has reached a level of specialization — some would say sophistication — which Phillip Marlowe or Sam Spade might not recognize. Some areas of expertise not achieved by the Mike Hammers of the world four or five decades ago include computer forensics, civil litigation support, corporate investigations, financial and net worth case management; not the stuff of Sam Spade. While the dedication and craftiness of fictional detectives is never in doubt, their ethical boundaries were, to say the least, elastic. There are essential considerations for a person or family when considering whether to hire a private investigator and, while each is crucial and could be considered a deal-breaker, all should be factored in: Is this necessary? Consult with family, friends, associates in law enforcement, a trusted insurance or financial advisor, and an attorney. Never hire a PI without due diligence, both internal — defining the why — and external, who . a resources Based on guidance, or personal research, insure the potential candidates are respected, licensed professionals. In California, two excellent resources are the California Association of Licensed Investigators (CALI) and the Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureau of Security & Investigations (the licensing entity for California private investigators). California has the most rigorous qualification and testing protocols in the US, including a minimum of 3,000 hours of prescribed investigation experience and education as a minimum threshold. Finances Never engage a PI, or allow your attorney to sign one up before you have a signed document precisely outlining how and when the PI will amass costs and charge you for those services. ltimately, though, things may not work out the way a person or family, originally intends — media coverage for spectacularly failed investigations cases is unending, which is why knowing who you’re hiring is only slightly more important than why. One of the more scintillating such failures was produced — big surprise — by Hollywood. Anthony Pellicano, a ripped-from-a-pulp-novel private eye who made himself an indispensable fixer for Hollywood stars and moguls, was convicted in federal court last year of racketeering, wiretapping and other charges mostly i2009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=23http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=23the circumstances surrounding Michael’s death from a suspected cardiac arrest at his Los Angeles home. Good luck prying the police reports loose from LAPD; while most law enforcement agencies are directed by state and federal law to release arrest and other written reports, this kind of case could embroil a PI, or larger PI team, for years. Private sector investigation has reached a level of specialization — some would say sophistication — which Phillip marlowe or Sam Spade might not recognize. An infamous New England case reverberates more than a decade later. Suzanne Jovin, a college undergrad was stabbed to death off campus on a city street in New Haven. For years the case generated no shortage of ugly headlines, including a “suspect” later declared uninvolved in the case (after much work by private investigation teams hired separately by the suspect and university). In an unprecedented move, Yale university ultimately hired their own private investigators: The heavyweight team of Andrew Rosenzweig, former chief investigator with the New York District Attorney’s Office, and Patrick Harnett, a former commanding officer of the New York Police Department’s major crime squad. At their insistence, the original investigating agency, the New Haven Police Department, finally allowed the state forensics lab to analyze Jovin’s fingernail scrapings for DNA. No significant findings were developed and no new suspect was named. Yale has not made its investigation public, nor explained its secrecy. Knowing your investigator is no guarantee of success, but not knowing your investigator could be precursor to added anxiety and loss. Being prepared, clearly understanding why you need to hire a PI, is infinitely more desirable and makes good business and family protection sense. WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM The latest most comprehensive tool for cleaning AR-15 type rifles. The CRT-15 reamer-end will remove all the carbon from the bolt carrier without cutting any metal. The lathe-end (curved arm) removes the carbon from any bolt tail radius, cleaning the whole radius. Unlike generic form-style tools. DEALERS WANTED LE/MIL Pricing Available 100% USA MADE * Comprehensive AR-15 Carbon Removal 23 order online www.magna-matic-defense.com2009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=24http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=24OFFICER sURvIvAl JOHN RUssO GETTING HOME IN THE sAME CONDITION YOU WENT TO WORK IN. re cops too sensitive? Are we hiring the wrong people or forcing the right ones to suppress the warrior nature we claim we want in a street cop? When I entered law enforcement in the early 1990s, the touchy-feely era was just kicking off. We saw the introduction of diversity training in both the police academies as well as in-service training. Many of us remember feeling all this stuff was literally being crammed down our throats everywhere we looked. After all, we signed on to help people and chase bad guys, not be the next Dr. Phil. The root of the problem was they were never really cut out for the job in the first place. s the 1990s progressed, hiring standards began to change. We were seeing more and more young officers entering the profession with little real life experience; kids who had never lived on their own or held down a real job for any length of time. Not to mention they had never been in a physical fight let alone served in the military. We sent them to police academies mandated to go easy on them. One of our local academies even did away with push-ups for a short time because a recruit’s mother complained about them! Then they hit the street and we wondered why they were struggling in FTO training. When they somehow made it out on their own, we then wondered why they were a sergeant’s nightmare. These were what we called “high maintenance employees,” ones who always needed something or had some issue needing to be addressed. Maybe it was because they always had someone help them take care of their problems — or maybe it was something worse. Often the root of the problem was they were never cut out for the job in the first place. Their heads and hearts weren’t in it. They looked for every reason to stay out of the field or just stay home. I’ve seen young officers repeatedly take time off for stress related to “high incidents” that most old salts would view as “just another day at the office.” I’m not talking about shootings, particularly gruesome crashes, child deaths or serious fights — we’re all sensitive to that stuff. I’m talking about the things we all see on a daily or weekly basis, the things that make this job what it is and separate those who do it from the rest of the sheep. The ability to handle seeing this stuff is one of the defining characteristics of a street cop. 24 a Pansies! ld as If something as mi ses cau e tur pic sh this cra ss you significant distre ong — you’re in the wr rk. line of wo Sometimes you just need to take a Hack-It pill and hack it. he good news is we’re seeing more warriors being hired these days, in large part to all the young soldiers coming back from the war. I’m not saying we should expect cops to be robots and impervious to emotion, but be able to channel the appropriate emotions at appropriate times. To be a good cop, you gotta have a game face. You have to be able to see society at its worst and still be able to bring your best. Your communities count on you for that. When their lives are at their darkest, your arrival often means their salvation — or at the very least some stability in a sea of chaos. Later, when you take off your costume you can take off your game face. This is where you need a healthy outlet from the job. My valued friend and mentor, the late great Sgt. Geoff Galindo, trained thousands of young recruits in the value of emotional survival and always preached the importance of having a life away from the job. You need friends and hobbies away from the job, because it is — just a job. When all’s said and done, it’s your family and friends who really matter. My wife has a good term for it: All-In. Whether it’s work, family, friends, sports or whatever; if you’re going to do it, either be all in or get the hell out of the way for someone who is. So ask yourself now — are you really cut out for this job? Are you All-In? No Man Is An Island T * WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM •2009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=25http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=252009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=26http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=26REALITY CHECK II COUNsEl, WIsDOM, GUIDANCE AND TEACHING. ClINT sMITH did the cop-thing for about a decade and since then have continued to teach firearms tactics and work with law enforcement officers for an additional 30 years. Over the last 40 years some things have changed, yet many things haven’t. It’s often referred to as “100 years of tradition, unimpeded by progress.” For police, there’s always a request to do more with less. The load continues to grow by leaps and bounds with everything from community policing, gang intervention, the drug war, keeping current on all aspects of the law, and my personal favorite: the political correctness and cultural diversity stuff. Someplace in this maze of stuff is the gun-thing, which some cops hold in disdain as a necessary evil, while many others like the idea of being able to defend themselves. Baseline guns for street cops are their personal handguns and although not always the best tool for a fight, are at least with the officer when the fight starts. In response to a short-range threat the officer can be injured or lose their primary gun. This The back-up gun concept isn’t a new one. In the 1950s, brings up the subject of a back-up or Clint’s dad carried this Colt in his duty holster, but kept a second gun. Detective Special in his uniform pocket as added insurance. I bACK-uPGuNs This Renegade ankle rig is Clint’s favorite and a long-time standard for working cops. irst of all comply with your department’s policies. Are you permitted to carry fficers should select a gun a back-up gun, in what format? Second, remember the unwashed village based on what they’re willing idiots think cops carry back up guns only to use them as a throw-down. This to bet their life on — because myth is easy to dispel by properly documenting your second gun with your they might have to. Being on department. These guns do have a place and they work — just ask the California a range almost daily I’m not always a officer who in recent years stopped a club-wielding twit by using his second gun at proponent of small autopistols. If I were a local high school. inclined to use a small auto, I’d use the How and what to carry is another consideration. I have an acquaintance who 9mm caliber as my bottom line. The worked in Los Angeles in a severe undercover mode. He carried two full sized small autos are particularly sensitive to 4506 S&W pistols … and he used them both. Another friend, whose cover unit is recoil-impulse during one-hand operaoften a solid 100 miles away, uses a mini Glock in the same caliber as his primary tion. I’m not saying they can’t be used gun. Even my dad, who started his police career — I’m saying in 1955, carried a Colt Detective Special in his left you damn well front pant pocket while a 4" Official Police filled better hang on his holster in a strong-side carry. to the gun and The subject of caliber always starts a fight withpay attention to in the ranks based upon whats the most effective it while you’re tools. Arguments range from concealability, size running it. And of the gun and caliber, to ammunition/magazine remember, interchangeability. My slow-witted mental process muzzle contact allows for me to consider if I’m going to a second/ to the threat can back-up gun, something significant happened to cause interrupmy “main” gun, therefore I don’t want to go much tion in the operfurther down the handgun-power food chain than ation cycle of a what I started the fight with. A second gun could semiauto pistol be called upon to be used after you’re injured or by pushing the on the ground in a fight, so a major concern is relislide back, out ability. Either hand accessibility is a priority and of battery. And Like most things having to do with personal firebluntly, with many LEOs today being able to stand arms, holsters are very subjective. It may take some it doesn’t take losing some weight, placement of the second gun shopping around and buying (and tossing) some rigs much movemight 2009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=27http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=27Revolvers usually hold less ammunition and are served well by good ammo, so they may be pushed up to more effective levels. Revolvers are not as sensitive to recoil to function properly and they are, across the board in all environments, more dependable. They’re not affected by muzzle contact — if anything, they work better should muzzle contact to the threat occur. Hammerless or bobbed hammers and double action only triggers are best. A personal choice is a S&W 2" Model 327 8-shot .357 magnum loaded with CorBon Pow’R ball .38+P carried in a Five Shot Leather ankle holster. 3.5 MOA or 7.0 MOA Red Aiming Dot Models Auto and Manual Adjust Dot Intensity Waterproof to 66 Feet/MIL-STD-810G Rated Available in Black or Tan Holster Platform Top priority for holster consideration is it must be worn where you can access it with either hand and from any position. Cop killers often close-ground with downed officers and shoot them with a muzzle-contact shot in the head. This isn’t pleasant, then again it’s the truth — so if you’re down and have any degree of awareness, you should anticipate the threat will close on you. Be prepared to access the second gun and drain the ammunition supply into the opponent when they’ve arrived in close proximity. Options for carry could be strong side or opposite side trouser pocket, but duty belts usually impede access. Ankle holsters are my favorite, allowing good access with either hand while sitting in the car, but I practice. Will you? Some uniform shirts have front zippers and I’ve seen second guns in holsters under the shirt and on the vest, either underarm or centered. Guns here may add bulk or a bit of discomfort, but a gun isn’t supposed to be comfortable. Department policies and procedures should mandate both qualification and training with second guns, and if yours doesn’t, practice anyway. I know a couple officers who have been in gunfights before and they do not carry small backup guns. Somewhere in this gun equation, cops need to understand a second gun is a tool that can save their life as well as any seat belt, helmet or radio ever made. InsightTechnology.com Toll Free: 877-744-4802 * VISIt US oN the WeB at: aMerICaNCOPMaGaZINe.COM 27 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM2009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=28http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=28STREET lEvEl JOHN MORRIsON sTRAIGHT TAlK ON sUPERvIsION & lEADERsHIP ON THE FRONT lINEs — THE sTREETs. Meditation: You don’t need beads, a Buddha, leotards or the lotus position — but if you gotta have a Buddha, make it a happy one . M orale For SergeantS, it’S a O ver a year ago I wrote about departmental moralebuilding programs — and why they’re doomed to failure. You responded. Then in the May/June 2009 issue I wrote about how sergeants can build their officers’ morale. You responded again. Then came the third wave: sergeants writing to ask what they can do to rejuvenate their own morale. Battered by bureaucratic bullshit, pummeled with paperwork, hounded by ham- Do-it-YourSelF Project mer-headed horses’ asses in the hierarchy, and given impossible goals — oh, yeah; I understand; been there and done plenty of that. Stress comes with the stripes, sergeants; it’s part of the package. Is there anything you can do about it? Absolutely! Just do me this courtesy: read the entire column before you turn the page, okay? Getting inside yourself o matter how much sleep you get now, get more, and better, especially if your sleep is currently ragged and unrefreshing. You might need a pharmaceutical sleep aid. See a doctor about it, and make damn sure you tell ’em you’re on-call 24/7. Tell your family what you’re doing and why: “I’m burning out, and I can’t let that happen.” Hydrate! I wrote about it in the last issue. It’s good advice for rookies and for you. Even very low chronic levels of dehydration seriously affect your judgment and decision-making capability, hence, your morale. Don’t bloat; sip continuously, and cut back carefully, slowly, on caffeine. It’s a good drug taken in moderation. Meditate. We’re not talking about getting into the lotus position and chanting mantras, or gazing stupidly into crystals. Most who do that are poseurs who just want to be seen doing it. Meditation isn’t juju, New Age psychobabble or an esoteric art only mastered by yogis. Properly done, daily meditation and rhythmic breathing can actually alter the topography of the brain and increase the thickness of tissues in the prefrontal cortex. Trust me; it’s important to your concentration, relaxation and handling of stress. Read about it. Google-search fellow sergeant Charles Humes plus “Cop Breathing” and Dave Grossman plus “Combat Breathing.” Go to a Zen Center and ask for help. Find a quiet place and take the time to save your badge and sanity. n Getting outside yourself f there’s nothing quantifiable in your work which shows clear improvement, get it outside of work. It’s important. Go to the batting cages or golf driving range twice a week and whack balls! Whack your frustrations with them! This works particularly well if at first you suck at hitting fast balls or teeing off. You will get better, and see visible results. Another rewarding activity is to religiously practice drawing, malfunction clearing drills and reloading your sidearm. Get a BladeTech Training Barrel or a bunch of dummy rounds and remember, slow makes smooth, and smooth makes fast. Again, you will improve. Do it in a controlled, quiet environment — your garage, maybe. Whatever you choose to do, think of nothing else but that while doing it! I can’t contact him right now, so I i 28 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20102009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=29http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=29CrossBreed Holsters LLC. won’t identify the psychology professor and former POW who taught me this. He was imprisoned and tortured by the Nazis during World War II. Early on, he realized his psyche would be destroyed long before his body gave out. His life consisted of constant beatings, electric shock, sleep deprivation and slow starvation. Escape seemed impossible. Continued life seemed unbearable. When he could hardly organize cogent thought anymore, he explained, he learned to love to hate it. He taunted his captors, laughed and babbled when beaten, pleaded “Oh, shock me again, it’s so good!” and slowly began driving his interrogators insane — literally. He would crouch under the little sliding viewport in his cell door when he heard jackboots clomping down the hall. Instead of opening the viewport and seeing a whipped-puppy prisoner cringing in a corner, they got a madly laughing jack-in-the-box licking the ends of their noses. Frankly, he figured if they killed him for his carnival capers, they wouldn’t get what they wanted: the information in his head. And as long as he could draw breath, he had decided, he could beat these idiots at their own game. He learned to love to hate it. His judgment told him that of all his peers, he was probably the one best able to endure the punishment and blunt his captors’ efforts to kill his spirit; that he was smart enough and mentally tough enough to not only survive, but to conquer. He did this masterfully; so well that ultimately, his captors thought they had turned him into a raving lunatic, and it would hurt the resistance forces’ morale to release him. Ha! They would see what happens to those who oppose the Reich! An hour after the Gestapo dumped him in a public square he was briefing cadre partisans on the prison facility and enemy assets there — and reassuming command. He used the same technique later as a brilliant but unconventional university professor and a semi-pro gambler. Are you not well suited for your job? Are you tough enough and smart enough to do that job and do it masterfully despite — rather than because of — the “support” and “rewards” given you? Are you a police sergeant? If you can’t love it, and you can’t afford to hate it, then learn to love to hate it. Become the leader who laughs at adversity and eats stress like candy — while performing enthusiastically. Respect, regards, and good luck! WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 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. This is the most comfortable holster I have ever had. Holds my XD close to my body and just makes it disappear. It holds the gun firmly, yet easy and fast to draw. Who says you can’t conceal carry a full size gun? They never tried a SuperTuck. I love it! Thanks, IdbI# Why not try a CrossBreed TODAY? Lifetime Warranty! Try-It-FREE-Guarantee! 888.732.5011 www.CrossBreedHolsters.com Operational Mindset, Operational Clothing Rugged, reliable www.eotac.com EOTAC 29 *2009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=30http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=30CARS AND CRASHES sURvIvING IN YOUR MOBIlE OFFICE. sUZI HUNTINGTON HYbrid Or HigH COst? Y I can’t help but snicker when I see this — a Toyota Prius patrol car. Maybe patrolling a college campus is an ideal use for this car, but I don’t think hybrids have a place in the rough and tumble world of standard patrol work. Photo courtesy of Andy McMurray ou may recall I just wrote about what has to be the most well thought out and coolest looking police car to be introduced in a gazillion years, the Carbon Motors E7 (Nov/Dec 2009). Now, true to female persuasion, I’m going to go in the exact opposite direction. Looking at the E7 got me thinking about vehicles used in all aspects of police work — not just patrol. I started wondering what place, if any, hybrid cars have in a police fleet. After much research and review of what’s available, I’m unconvinced hybrid technology is good enough for the rigors of patrol work, but that’s not to say agencies can’t use them in other areas. There have been numerous agencies who’ve made the leap into the hybrid market and there’s a wide cross section of hybrids to choose from. I’ve seen the Toyota Prius, Camry and Highlander, along with the Chevy Tahoe and Ford Escape used as “marked” patrol cars. I still snicker when I think of a Prius as a police car, it congers up images of The Jetson’s cartoon, not of Captain America or anything close to a hero. But it ain’t all about image now, is it? vehicles front-end crashes, even minor ones, can spell death to the car. This is because the majority of them are front wheel drive. Some of them have variable-type transmissions which sounds a little like all-wheel drive, but I think you’ll still have serious issues with front-end collisions. FulFilling a need ost of you are caught in the throws of the incredible shrinking budget. Administrators must continually figure ways to save big bucks, and trust me gas is a huge expense for police agencies. A good place to start making considerable gas savings is in detective units, special units like Recruiting, Traffic or DARE and the administrators themselves. I could never understand why the top brass of my former agency all have full-sized, gas-hog Crown Vic’s assigned to use 24 hours a day. Many of the captains and lieutenants have them too. Do they need them? Absolutely not, it’s a wasteful perk. Most detective units are reactive; following up crime cases, re-interviewing victims and witnesses, presenting cases to the city or district attorney or trolling for the suspect. Detectives even get called out to many crimes scenes, but they don’t need a standard-issue police car. In fact, cars that don’t scream “Police” allow detectives to blend in better and go undetected. What a perfect test ground to see how well hybrids would hold up to the abuse cops (detectives) inflict on cars. M For Patrol? Hybrid cars have higher initial costs per vehicle than their standard counterparts; you’re paying a premium for the 30 technology. None of the hybrid models available from Chevy, Ford, Chrysler or Toyota come with upgraded suspensions to handle to common types of police driving, i.e. pursuits, constant hard accelerations and braking. This translates to either higher maintenance costs to fix a hybrid not built for the abuse or spending extra money to beef up the suspension. The Toyota Highlander specifically says on their Web site the vehicle is not intended for off-road use. What? Why call it an SuV then? Does SuV now mean Sissy utility Vehicle? I don’t get it. What about all that crap patrol cars have in and on them — emergency lights, sirens, push bumpers, mobile computers, video cameras, shotgun and rifle racks, police radios and prisoner cages to name just a few? All those goodies are already out there and fitted for standard cop cars (hint: it’s why they’re so big), but not for the hybrids. Now you’re looking at having to modify or make from scratch ways to put all this stuff into the hybrid, which means more money just to 2009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=31http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=31TesTed. Proven. selecTed. M&P Pistols: .45 ACP, .40 S&W, .357 Auto, 9mm The American-made Smith & Wesson M&P pistol is proving itself by winning department testing and evaluations across the country. Designed with the very latest in precision, accuracy and fit – the full Military & Police series gives our Nation’s Finest a tactical advantage they can depend on. smith-wesson.com/mp NASDAQ: SWHC THE LINE OF DUTY MADE IN THE USA2009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=32http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=32" ? n I a g a T a H T ow’s "AHFAilure To CommuniCATe Steve usher ’m a seasoned, okay, salty 26-year veteran of two major California law enforcement agencies. I’ve worked many aspects of the job — corrections, K-9, narcotics, traffic, auto theft, community policing — the list goes on. But, I still work patrol and get enormous satisfaction out of that drive to jail. That being said, I have an issue with something insidious still affecting all of us today. Recently, I was tasked with yet another stolen vehicle report. Just another car we’ll find up on blocks somewhere. The case comments indicated Getting a meet with another unit should include officers from neighboring there was suspect info, so I figagencies — so everyone’s on the same page. ured I could do a little follow up of my own rather than just handing over the report to a detective. The possible suspect lived in a remote area within my beat and I was going to simply drive around in the hopes of catching him. But I had a funny feeling about the victim and suspect, so I did a little research before starting out. I contacted the victim — an innocent tweaker — and realized he’d probably just lost his meth-rental. The victim said I should know the suspect because, “All my guys were just here looking for him, all cammo’ed up with machine guns’n shit.” He went on to tell me about a raid on his house the local SWAT team conducted, in search of my lowly car thief. With the new information, I ran the guy through Sheriff’s records and the results were an eye opener. unbeknownst to me, my agency and even the local PD, my run-of-the-mill car thief was actually a heavily armed The hand-off; a 5-minute meet could turn into a suspect wanted in multiple ATM “smash and grabs,” vehicle gold mine of valuable information. thefts and a large gun shop burglary in which 40 guns were stolen. Word on the street is my suspect, his brother and an- ing his 9-year old niece. other P.O.S. were going to “shoot it out with the cops.” We need to know these things. My point is we need to communicate. We need to share our intel much more than we do. Knowledge is power, the more we share, the “stronger” we all are. We all have buddies at adjoining agencies. Give them your Critical Seconds BOLO flyers, booking photos and printouts. Talk to them; Here we had three different agencies all working the same communicate with them about “who’s hot and who’s not.” general area, with only a few select cops knowing the danger The info you share just might save a cop’s life. You might be lurking. I also get tired of hearing allied agencies on the scan- able to closeout a good case or catch wind of a critical piece ner (another invaluable piece of officer safety equipment) put- of evidence needed in your case. The crook that’s been so ting out BOLOs for real-time crimes, and my guys getting the hard to catch might just be signing your ticket book. info 20-30 minutes later. How much safer and more effective After this most recent event, I intend to set up a bi-weekly, or could we be if we worked more closely together? monthly “intel meeting” between our local agencies. I want to Picture this: I cite a guy for 75 in a 55 and later learn he include all agencies, including Fish and Game, Forestry LEOs, just gutted his wife on the kitchen floor. Or, the guy with State Parks and even Fire Department investigators. When it the burned out taillight is known for moving a half-pound comes to officer safety and catching bad guys, the more the merof white dope at any given time, and I just turned him loose. rier. Let’s not allow poor communication to cost us What about the guy with expired registration that’s molest- another officer death or let another butt-head walk. I * 32 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20102009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=33http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=332009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=34http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=34Joplin units are equipped with a sensor that monitors the interior heat of their patrol cars. If it gets too warm for the dog and the officer is gone, it can open windows, start an automatic cooling fan in the rear, beep the officer and even start an alarm audible around the vehicle. This can avoid the tragedy of a dog’s death after over-heating in a closed patrol car — it’s happened. Rugged and spacious, the K-9 partner’s area in a Joplin K-9 unit shows off the water container and the auto-opening door feature. The officer can activate it from outside during a stop. When we asked, the Joplin guys opened trunks and all kinds of training gear came tumbling out. It takes lots of support gear to keep everyone trained and at their peak — and the time to devote to it. Again, the nylon gear seems to deliver good service, is light and easy to maintain and is popular with most K-9 officers. There’s nothing wrong with helping to establish some esprit de corps with special insignia or unit designators. Part of the emergency cooling system installed on Joplin K-9 units. It can do double-duty to cool the rear anytime. 34 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20102009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=35http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=35Kitting up For Since your hands are basically full all the time, good thought has to be given to equipment placement on your duty belt. dog drool And Seat Hair Pete Stevens K9 are an absolute must. Some administrators think these uniforms don’t have that same “professional look,” but from a practical and tactical standpoint, they make sense. You’ll be dragged through the woods and canyons, climb over fences, and crawl under houses — anywhere your dog goes, you must be able to follow. Your uniforms need to take way more abuse than the typical wool or wool-blend costumes worn by the average patrol cop, thus a cotton BDu-type of uniform works best. I’ve tried all sorts of different brands of BDu and found I 35 ome get your dog.” Those are the words you’ve been waiting to hear for so long. All those countless hours of being the K-9 units chew toy and sweating it out in the bite suit have paid off. You’ve just been told you’re now one of the elite. Every unit considers themselves “elite” but have you ever heard of another agency ask to borrow a motor cop to search a building for a bad guy or have a school resource officer sniff a car to look for dope? Many people have tried to become cops and never lived the dream. Out of the chosen few selected to protect our streets with a gun, you’ve been given a rare opportunity to handle a highly trained canine partner. You’re a team — handler and dog. From this point on, you and your dog will be placed in harms way more than the average cop. Time and time again it’s the K-9 guys who confront armed suspects after their partners locate them. But before you even think about putting your partner in the back seat, you’re going to need a few things. Here are some things that work well for me. Hopefully, through my trial and error it’ll save you some time and money. “C Dress For Success Sgt. Chad Dininger and his dog “Ikar” are members of the Joplin, MO K-9 unit. In Chad’s case, he’s wearing “dress” uniform and standard duty gear. Some of the officers wear nylon gear and BDUs. By the way, Ikar can open his own car door from the outside and get in. Ikar was also our cover model! Check out www. americancopmagazine.com “Web blast” to see him do the door trick. Having been accepted into this new clique in law enforcement you have to dress the part. K-9 units are one of the few units who are really expected to get down and dirty — literally. It all starts with getting into the K-9 car. No matter how much vacuuming you do, there’s going to be dog hair and lots of it. Dog hair is going to cover your uniform, no doubt about it. Good sets of utility uniforms with cloth badges and nameplates WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM2009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=36http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=36really like the uniforms from 5.11 Tactical. As one of my supervisors recently put it, “They actually thought about it when they designed this stuff.” The pants are comfortable and durable. The waistband has a little give, and for a husky guy like me it makes for a better Monday after spending my days off catching up on pizza and beer. The back pockets are deep enough for a reward toy and the gusseted crotch makes the “blow out” a thing of the past. The shirts have nice wide shoulders and vents. Plus they have these really cool pockets for stuff. The big thing for me was the price, around $100, but custom tailoring of the sleeves to make your arms look bigger is extra. They’re machine washable too, which is another “must,” because you’re going to get muddy, hairy and covered in the occasional glob of dog slobber. They’re wash-and-wear most of the time, but it’s okay to give them an occasional dry cleaning to keep them looking neat and crisp. Just because you work with a dog doesn’t mean you have to look like you sleep with one. A good security holster is a must if you find yourself with a handful of dog and suspect at the same time. Note the wellplaced light and cuff case and nylon gear. Jumpsuits are also very practical, especially for call-outs when there’s little time to fuss with getting dressed, just step in and zip up. 5.11 Tactical also makes a pretty high-speed jumpsuit with keepers already sewn in. Another perk is the jumpsuit acts like a big pair of suspenders by taking some of the load off of your hips. One major drawback to any jumpsuit is when you need to, uh, you get the picture, it’s a rodeo. Happy Feet In the K-9 world of getting down and dirty, your academy dress shoes just ain’t gonna cut it. Some officers elect for comfortable athletics-inspired utility boots from makers like Magnum or Oakley. And there are plenty of other fine boot manufacturers, too many to list. Personally, I love my Oakley Assault boots, they’re probably the most comfortable boots I’ve ever worn, but their one big drawback is they’re not waterproof. You may think it wouldn’t matter until you’ve stepped in a stream while doing an area search and feel a refreshing rush of water across your toes. Then, about ten minutes later as the mud seeps through to your feet, you’ll wish your boots were waterproof. Getting a proper fit is critical too. Super cool boots everybody else is wearing doesn’t mean they’ll fit your feet. Why is fit so important? Because ill-fitting boots can cause all kinds of problems from blisters to bad backs, all of which are painful and can get very expensive to fix. Do your homework, find a place where you can try on lots of different makes. And while you’re at it, make sure you get a pair that lace up higher than your ankles. This is to protect you not only from twisting your ankle during a canyon search, but also from bugs and snakes. Joplin pD K-9 Suzi Huntington Thanks to Joplin Poluce Department for helping us illustrate this article. Where the hell’s Joplin? It’s about a 35 square mile city with a PAWpulation of approximately 50,000 in the southwest corner of Missouri. JPD has about 110 sworn officers, which may sound like a lot for the size of the population, but on any given weekday the population can swell to over 200,000. JPD formed their K-9 unit over 20 years ago when there was a growing trend toward using dogs to help combat serious drug problems. There are five K-9s on JPD, three of which directly work with the Special Enforcement Unit while the other two are assigned to patrol. The SEU is a proactive unit whose mission is to work with the community 36 Our thanks to the Joplin, PD and their K-9 unit for helping with this article. (L-R) Off. Adam Brannin and Ace; Off. Dustin Holt and Ricky; Corp. Gabe Allen and Gunner; Sgt. Chad Dininger and Ikar and Off. Travis Walthall and Takoa. Handsome fellows … um, ah … the dogs, we mean. to find creative solutions to crime trends. Okay, that’s the politically correct 2009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=37http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=37I’ve found Bianchi and BLACKHAWK! make pretty damn sturdy and light weight web gear. I wear a plain nylon duty belt, but if your administration insists your gear look like leather, make sure you check out Bianchi Accumold Elite. Bianchi was first to introduce molded nylon gear and then they followed up with the Elite series, which incorporates a leather-like material over the molded nylon, so it looks like leather, but is significantly lighter (good for your back) and is more resistant to scrapes and gouges. It’s available in plain or basket weave. Juggling Lights And Guns Within the first couple of nights of working your dog you discover you really have your hands full. You have to hold a leash, flashlight and sidearm, all at the same time. And yes, the hand holding the leash is going to be moving all over the place so either your gun or flashlight will be moving with your partner. It’ll be like performing a juggling act while trying to maintain control of your dog. Add into that mixture a good adrenaline dump and you can see the ensuing train wreck. This could be a problem, but won’t be if you attach a weapon-mounted light to your gun. The technology has gotten amazingly smaller and lighter, yet brighter than ever. All the usual cop light makers have excellent weapon mounted lights and in all different price ranges. Having a gunmounted light will enable you to have your weapon and blinding light pointed at a threat while keeping a solid grip on your partner. But . One of the biggest mistakes handlers make is thinking the weapon-mounted light is their primary light source. It’s not and should never be considered in this It’s work for the cops who are training the dogs, but for the K-9s, it’s all fun. Here, Off. Nick Jimenez demonstrates the bite sleeve. Sometimes, standard “leather” gear may not be appropriate. Dog hair and drool can be hosed off of nylon-based gear. WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM manner. It would mean making a traffic stop (at night) and asking to see a motorist’s license all the while they’re looking down the barrel or your gun because your using that light as your primary light source. If your agency says no to weapon-mounted lights, check out the Liberator from FirstLight; it’s designed to allow you to turn it on and off while maintaining a good grip on your partner. Here’s one final suggestion, keep an extra complete change of clothing in your trunk. This includes underwear, socks, t-shirt, and an extra pair of boots if you have them. Remember, we get the call when somebody turns on the idiot switch. We’re usually the more aggressive and pro-active cops out there. You’re going to get dirty, and I mean really dirty. There’s going to be a time when you’re going to need to change your entire uniform, I guarantee it. Let the pretty boys work in motors and SWAT; they get paid extra to polish their bikes and work out — we get paid extra to pick up dog crap. * 372009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=38http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=38Dave Douglas Night Vision For Dummies The Zeiss NV5.6X62T* any of us believe night vision equipment was initially developed for uS military forces during the Vietnam War — part of that’s true. The first usable NV devices were developed around 1939 by Allgemeine Elektrizitäts-Gesellschaft (German Electricity Company). Some sources say as many as 50 German Panther Tanks were equipped with night vision by the end of the European campaign in WWII. WWII Germany equipped some Sturmgewehr 44 assault rifles with their “Vampyr” man-portable system. The soldiers were called Nachtjäger or night-hunters. It wasn’t something you’d want to want to carry on a rapidly evolving SWAT mission. To operate this earliest of “man-portable” Generation 0 devices you’d need to carry a 30-lb battery for the light and a second smaller battery for the image converter. The light was a 35-watt tungsten spotlight with an infrared filter. The battery system was strapped to a pack frame and the light and scope attached 38 M to the rifle. It wasn’t something to pull out of your gear bag and head off to kick in a few doors. Technology Marches On The uS, British and Russian Armies were in parallel development of Gen 0 devices and actually deployed some units near the end of the war. The Korean War saw increased use of Gen 0 NV, but it wasn’t until Vietnam the next great leap into Gen 1, or true starlight equipment occurred. Previous iterations were active devices requiring an infrared light source, but with the starlight systems there was no need for an external light source. Gen 2 NV equipment incorporated a micro channel plate consisting of a wafer manufactured from thousands of hollow glass tubes. A single wafer boosted light amplification to 30,000 times, but by increasing the wafers they found they could achieve amplification of 1,000,000 times. Gen 3 was accomplished by adding a micro thin layer of aluminum oxide and a gated power supply. Some manuWWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20102009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=39http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=39Through the lens of the ITT NEPVS-14 you can see others around you and they can see you if they’re similarly equipped. You can’t beat the safety gain of being able to see your cover and them being able to see you in a rapidly evolving situation. ATN’s NTOA Appproved 6015-WPT renders the image you see in black and white vs. green and white. It provides lots of contrast and the image is crisp. facturers lay claim to Gen 4 systems. Mostly they’re highly refined Gen 3 tubes. Only one successful Gen 4 tube has been manufactured but the failure time for the device doesn’t meet military specs. And, since they (uS Army Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate) are the governing body The ITT NEPVS-14 is a world-class performer. Its intensifier tube and optics are second to none setting the bar high for all others to aspire to. ITT Night Enforcer NEPVS-14 monoculars are manufactured with commercial Pinnacle image tubes and utilize the same optics, housings, assembly, and testing used in ITT military systems. It’s designed for the individual officer in a variety of groundbased night operations, ranging from the extreme tactical to basic surveillance. WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM dictating the names of the generations you’ve got to go with the assumption, there’s no Gen 4 — yet — or at least that’s what they’re telling us. Frankly, I have a vision of a bunch of scientists in white coats wearing Merlin hats and conjuring up these devises with incantations and spells. Let’s just chalk it up to PFM (pure frigging magic). ATN’s New Stuff ATN (American Technologies Network Corp.) is a major player in the Law Enforcement and Military markets. A number of their products have achieved NTOA (National Tactical Of392009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=40http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=40ATN’s NVM14-3P matches up perfectly with EOTech or other one-to-one electronic scopes. As long as the scope has a night vision setting for the red dot or reticle you’re good to go. Their weapons mount adapter provides easy on/off capability. ficer’s Association) approval through a thorough testing regimen. ATN’s NVM14-3P is reasonably priced and LE-grant friendly. It’s a device at home in almost any division of your department. It’s tough enough to be used by tactical teams for observation or a weapon-mounted configuration with an EOTech or other similar sight. It’s great in a surveillance mode allowing investigators to “own the night” while observing in almost total darkness. Patrol is usually the last to enjoy these technological advances as normally they go first to the tactical guys and then the special investigative units. That’s a tragedy. Patrol is where the NVM14-3P would really shine. Canyon searches, searching abandoned buildings, dark alleys or mines would all be made easier, safer and more effective. The NVM14-3P is equipped with an infrared illuminator to make extreme low-light or no-light work in those mines and abandoned structures a piece of cake. NTOA recently approved ATN’s 6015-WPT. The WPT designates 40 White Phosphor Technology. Instead of the green and black display of most every other starlight system you see in black and white. Officers testing units using WPT reported significantly more detail and overall better contrast. The ranges of shades were similar to viewing under a full moon. ATN says that WPT better discriminates shades of intensity between white and black than between green and black. This results in better contrast and depth perception than the green phosphor NVGs. ITT Night Enforcer ITT is definitely the big dog on the street. They’re one of the few actual manufacturers of intensifier tubes. ITT’s tube production is aimed mostly at military markets, but some of the MIL-SPEC tubes trickle-down to law enforcement. Les Hodges at ITT told me intensifier tubes meeting the highest level of military specification go to aviation units. The next level down goes to the ground troops and just below that are the tubes allocated to law enforcement. But, because the standards are so high, the LE tubes are hardly distinguishable from the military stuff. Everything is the same, they’re made at the same time and on the same machines as the MIL-SPEC tubes, it’s just the grading that makes them LE tubes. Below that the tubes are sourced to commercial vendors for their NV devices. ITT’s Night Enforcer NEPVS-14 is essentially the same product as the military’s AN/PVS-14. It weighs only 12.4 oz including the battery. The system can be used hand held, helmet-mounted or weapon-mounted. This is a true GEN 3 device. It uses ITT’s thin film system and the power supply is auto-gated. It incorporates almost all the technology developed for the GEN 4 project. Insight Technology Thermal imaging takes NV to a new level. There is no need for light — none at all. Thermal imaging reads the differences in temperature. This is where those guys in the Merlin hats come in WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20102009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=41http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=41Retired LAPD SWAT Officer Larry Simms helped out posing as a sniper in the woods. During a pitch-black night with no moon and hiding in what shadows were there, the Insight Tech Gear MTM easily picks out the threat in the white-hot mode. If you look closely you can see he’s using an NV equipped AR. The only way standard NV could see this threat is with an IR illuminator and that would give away your position. — the device develops an image from those differences. Insight Technology’s Insight Tech Gear division offers the MTM (Mini-Thermal Monocular). It’s the smallest handheld thermal imaging device available on the commercial market, but don’t let the diminutive size fool you. It’s a powerhouse of features and performance. A truly remarkable feature of the MTM is its ability to provide the user with resolution so fine you can recognize faces at up to 25 meters. That feature alone makes this device a must have for every tactical team planning on working during darkness and I do believe that covers just about every one of them. Investigative units also have a similar need for facial recognition, but patrol has the greatest need. Searches in dark places are a function patrol officers perform with regularity. The MTM is so sensitive it even picks up footprints in the grass or dirt and when weather — light rain or snow — renders other NV systems useless, the MTM’s thermal imager punches right through it. It will even take photos in real time and store up to 160 of them. sive look at their brand new night vision scope. It’s a high-performance NV device featuring a GEN 2+ amplifier tube with 20,000X light amplification. It’s easy to use and delivers an exceptionally high image quality. It also features a reticle usable for range estimation. The NV 5.6X62T* performs well during moonless nights, but the image quality increases significantly during a full moon. Whether you’re hunting two or four legged predators, scouting, working to spot poachers or simply observing the “nocturnal” denizens of street life, its state-of-the-art optoelectronics far surpass the low light performance of even the best traditional binoculars. The simple to use rangeestimation reticle is designed for metric units of measurement. If you know the size of a target, you simply bracket it between the lines in the reticle to determine distance to the target. It’s an old but very easily used method that will surprise you with its accuracy. The NV 5.6X62T* is also equipped with an integrated IR light source that helps you make the shadow areas disappear. * For more info: www.atncorp.com www.nightvision.com www.insighttechnology.com www.zeiss.com Zeiss Victory NV 5.6X62T* The folks at Zeiss gave us an excluWWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM ATN’s NVM14-3P stuffs a great deal of power in a compact package. 412009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=42http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=42IRA-5 The IRA-5 goes head-to-head with the AR-15. Who’s the winner? VS. AR-15 T 42 he concept of a submachine gun came about as a result of the pitched battles fought between large numbers of soldiers during WWI. It didn’t take long for someone to figure out an effective way to kill hundreds of enemy troops at close range, packed into narrow, deep trenches was to fire lots of bullets in a very short period of time. In the confined trenches, where fighting was mostly at conversational distances, it made sense to use weapons that were short, light, and handy, firing lots of low-recoil ammunition very quickly. And so, in a primitive and somewhat limited way, the submachine gun was born. Only one, however — the German MP18 — was produced in quantity near the end of the war. Between the two world wars, submachine gun development took off in a big way in most of the European nations. They were relatively easy to mass-produce, and gave conscripted civilians serious personal firepower and a big boost to their confidence. By the time WWII was in full swing Germany had its MP40 (9mm), Britain had the Sten (9mm), America was producing Al Capone’s Thompson and the M3 Grease Gun (both in .45 ACP), and the Soviet union had it’s PPSh-41 (7.62 x 25mm). By the 1950s, the fledgling nation of Israel was under attack from its neighbors and fielded the legendary uzi (9mm). By the mid 1960s, Germany’s Heckler and Koch was producing their MP5 (9mm), arguably one of the finest submachine guns ever produced. The MP5 became a favorite of police SWAT teams in many countries, and elite counter-terrorist teams such as Germany’s GSG9, and Britain’s Special Air Service (SAS). GSG9 soldiers were successful in storming a hijacked airliner at the airport in Mogadishu, Somalia in 1977. The SAS used their MP5s to great effect when they assaulted the Iranian Embassy in London in 1980, killing five of the six middle-eastern terrorists who were holding hostages inside. Both examples highlight the effectiveness of the submachine gun in close quarters. Enter The AR Clearly, the MP5 has had a stellar career as a short range, dynamic gun-fighting weapon, where a single, precision shot to the brain box or a short, controlled burst to the center of mass is required to shut down a bad guy. And let’s not overlook the advantages of stealth offered by the attachment of a suppressor. But in recent years the pistol-caliber MP5 has fallen out of favor with many SWAT teams, to be replaced WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20102009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=43http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=43Iron Ridge Arm's AR-15 is a sophisticated, state of the art weapon. Features such as an Eotech Holographic Weapon Sight, Noveske flash suppressor and SureFire Vertical Foregrip give it a decided advantage over the IRA-5. Funny thing though, nobody who shot both weapons felt the IRA-5 was “not enough gun.” Go figure …. Is the 9mm suBmaChIne gun DeaD? John Higgs by the short-barreled AR-15 platform chambered for the more powerful 5.56 NATO round. One of the arguments prompting the change is in conventional buildings, the standard 9mm ball ammunition actually over-penetrates internal walls and doors and can endanger innocent people. In contrast, the faster, lighter 5.56mm bullet tends to break up on impact, and penetrates less than the slower, heavier 9mm. When we think of the MP5 as a pistolcaliber carbine with selective fire capability, the advantages of light-weight, compactness and accuracy to greater distances than a pistol, and a high-capacity magazine dictates it fills an important niche in serious gun-fighting. Most users seem to eschew the full-auto capability except for laying down suppressive fire. One of our testers, Dan Henderson (a former Department of Energy Special Response Team officer) explained how the DOE trained WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM Anyone familiar with an AR platform would find Iron Ridge’s AR comfortable to manage. 432009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=44http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=44Iron Ridge Arms MP5 ran well, but had no full-auto capability. It’s a liability for the shooter who’s legally and morally responsible for every round he fires, and the final resting place of each bullet. spray and pray is hard to defend in court. to manipulate the MP5 trigger on full-auto to fire two-round-presses. It’s basically the same as firing a double-tap in semiauto mode. Hollywood-style full-auto is useful, but it empties the magazine quickly. Perhaps most significantly for law enforcement and civilian self-defense, it’s a liability for the shooter who’s legally and morally responsible for every round he fires, and the final resting place of each bullet. Spray and pray is hard to defend in court. The 9mm frangible showed no sign of breaking up on commercial drywall. " Testing And Ammunition We tested a semi-auto IRA-5 against a semi-auto AR-15. The IRA-5, manufactured by Iron Ridge Arms uses genuine H&K parts on a new receiver manufactured by Iron Ridge. Even the barrel is the standard 8.75" submachine gun part, not a civilian-legal aftermarket 16" barrel. This makes the Iron Ridge model a Short Barrel Rifle (SBR) subject to National Firearms Act regulations. The SBR AR-15, also built by Iron Ridge Arms, has a 7.5" barrel. We chose this rifle because it has a barrel approximately the same length as the MP5 and is used by some law enforcement officers. Incidentally, Iron Ridge will accept MP5s The 5.56 FMJ completely penetrated the car door and keyholed on exit. 44 from departments looking to trade up to the AR-15 platform. To gauge how “handy” the two weapon systems were, we measured and weighed both guns. The IRA-5 with fixed-stock measured 26.75" compared to the AR-15 at 25.5" (stock collapsed) and 28.5" (stock extended). Loaded, the IRA-5 weighed approx. 6 lbs, 14 oz; the AR-15 loaded weighed approximately 9 lbs, 3 oz, giving it a slight advantage to the IRA-5. Our goal was to compare the two weapons for accuracy, ease of handling, penetration and fast semi-auto shooting. We compared the 9mm and 5.56mm cartridges for penetration in objects that might be encountered in a typical close engagement: interior walls and a typical car door. For consistency one shooter conducted all shooting from an unsupported kneeling position at a range of 15 yards. We felt this might be a reasonable representation of a real life encounter, rather than a typical bench rest position at 50 or 100 yards. We fired three types of ammunition in the IRA-5: standard 115 gr. 9mm FMJ, 124 gr. Speer Gold Dot HP and 9mm frangible designed for use in indoor ranges. In the AR-15 we fired two types of ammunition: standard 55 gr. FMJ and mil-spec AA40 frangible am- " WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20102009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=45http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=45The Iron Ridge Arms Short Barrel Rifle (SBR) IRA-5 would be familiar to anyone with experience with similar submachine guns. munition. All firing was done in threeround strings and we made an honest attempt to balance speed and accuracy, as would be expected in a real firefight where all shots must be contained in the bad guy. Groups were mostly in the 2-3" range, with one 4" flyer in both of the groups shot with frangible ammo. Penetration Surprises We shot one three-round group from each weapon into the car door at 15 yards, using each type of ammunition. We expected the 5.56 FMJ rounds to shoot through-and-through, which they did. They also tumbled, as evidenced by the neat keyholes in a piece of cardboard placed about three feet behind the car door. But we didn’t expect the AA40 frangible rounds to also shoot right through the door, although they appeared to fracture as they exited. If ever we assumed that frangible is the Latin word for breaks up on car doors, we were wrong! The three 9mm groups also offered interesting results: all shot right through the car door. In fact, the frangible seemed to leave the largest exit hole in the sheet metal. With an approximate muzzle velocity in the 1,200-1,300 fps range, we did not expect the round to stay intact long enough to exit. We also conducted tests on a piece of simulated internal wall using 5/8" commercial-grade drywall in a 2x4 frame. We used the same conditions as the car door and we kept the piece of cardboard from the first test to see if any rounds keyholed exiting the drywall. As we expected the 9mm FMJ rounds zipped right through the drywall with no evidence of keyholing. This supports what many say about the cartridge having too much penetration for safety in typical house-clearing operations. The 5.56 FMJ also went right through both sheets of drywall, but did keyhole as they exited the second layer. The SBR IRA-5 was light and acWWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM curate with easy to manipulate controls. Double-taps are a breeze, although I was reminded it’s necessary to get a firm grip on the pistol grip and fore-end and then “torque” my elbows down almost to the six o’clock position. This helps prevent the second shot in each pair from consistently drifting about 3" to the right of the first shot. I didn’t have the same concern when I shot the AR-15; double taps an inch or two apart were pretty easy. upon examination, our test IRA-5 is identical to the original with one exception — the stamped receiver is clipped and pinned, with the selector removed to conform to regulations for a semi-auto receiver. Even though this model fires only in semi-auto mode, Iron Ridge has preserved the three symbols found on the original: S (Safety), E (Semi-auto), and F (Full-auto). The fit and finish is excellent, and the gun ran with 100-percent reliability, as did the AR-15. Still Fills A Niche So is the SBR IRA-5 still a viable weapon? In a word — yes. It’s battlefieldaccurate, reliable and the simple controls make it easy to manipulate. Most people can probably shoot it better than a pistol Continued on page 50 The 9mm frangible from the IRA-5 zipped right through the car door. The 5.56 frangible grouped well and also went through-and-through. 452009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=46http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=46American COP’s John Connor 2009 Christmas D id it again, didn’t you? Back on December 26, 2008, you made that note on the July 2009 page of your calendar, “PFC.” You never thought you’d forget it stood for “Prepare For Christmas.” But when June rolled around, you asked yourself, “WTF? Private First Class? Plenty Fulla Crap? Pickup Fried Chicken?” You BuST ouT THe PlASTiC, PAlS — we’re Goin’ SHoPPinG! Gift Guide went with choice #3 and a six-pack, didn’t you? No problem. We did the hard part, finding these gift suggestions and checkin’ ’em out. Now it’s up to you to go online for details, and yes, break down and buy ’em. Don’t worry; some can be ordered gift-wrapped and sent two-day. Okay; maybe overnight. We know you. There’s somebody on your list you owe big-time; for your badge, your butt, whatever … The 18-XRAY automatic, a superb Darrel Ralph design executed perfectly by Meyerco Knives is swift, safe and strong, with a unique opening and unlocking action. WWW.DARRELRALPH.COM A couple years ago there was only one. Now there’s a tough, tasteful tactical pen for any hand, any homie at WWW. BENCHMADE.COM. Try not to do all your shopping there, but if you do, you’ll be fine … You may already have a pair of Revision Eyewear’s cool, featherweight and military-level protective Hellfly glasses, but you don’t have their new light-adjusting auto-darkening Hellfly Photochromic’s — yet. Go ahead, get a pair, give a pair. WWW.REVISIONEYEWEAR.COM Give your buddy who’s gone through a bagful of flimsy flashlights the LightForLife UC3.400, okay? Now go find out why the name is 100-percent accurate. WWW.511TACTICAL.COM 46 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20102009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=47http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=47Buying clothing can be risky, but not if you’re giving a great, comfy, gun-concealing vest from WWW.EOTAC.COM Choose from Tactical, Discreet and Field styles. Like the color choices offered, you can hardly go wrong. For your partner who carries his active-shooter supplies in a paper bag and a sack that once held lug nuts, there’s the Active Shooter Bag by Maxpedition, designed to hold everything needed to get into action fast! See two versions and lotsa color choices at WWW.MAXPEDITION.COM Going formal doesn’t mean you or your pals have to leave your cop identities behind. Find high-quality law enforcement cufflinks and studs at WWW. CUFFLINKS.COM and prove even patrol-trolls can wear tuxedos …. There are cops on your list who need to “get a grip,” y’know? Get 'em nice ones, in wood, polymer or aluminum, personalized with their initials or cool insignia at WWW.GUNGRIPS.NET Yeah, you can get “Punisher” or “Hitman” grips for yourself …. Here’s a trio of terrific gifts from WWW.BLACKHAWK.COM The new, more powerful Gladius Maximis multi-function tactical light, the handy HawkHook rescue tool, and the stout, sharp Pointman Automatic, all winners! For your giftee who never has the right holster, and whose pockets are always stuffed with cop-junk, tell him he can organize all of 'em neatly and even look metro-cool wearing the multi-functional Avenger GunPack from WWW.ELITESURVIVAL. COM When he tells you in March how much you need one, remind him — you gave him his! * WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 472009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=48http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=48A Joint Ops Caper: ATF & NOPD Where the Boyz are In this joint operation, ATF and NOPD used innovative tactics to bring down a gang that was terrorizing residents of a housing project. TOm CrAmer Y ou didn’t mess with the Cutt Boyz. They controlled half of the B.W. Cooper Housing Project in New Orleans, as well as the residents who lived there. They peddled heroin and cocaine; they robbed, assaulted, and murdered — all in broad daylight. “There was this one guy who got shot 17 times under his car,” said Special Agent Ray Connor of ATF’s New Orleans Field Division. “Two guys started shooting him, so he got under his car and they kept on shooting him under his car. This happened in late afternoon. I guess it was around dusk. What’s worse, there were little kids standing there watching it happen.” “The gang was protecting and maintaining their reputation through violent crime,” said Special Agent Mike Eber- hardt, also of the New Orleans Field Division. “Murder and attempted murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, everyone was scared to death of these guys.” As well they should have been. In 2001, close to 30 shootings occurred within “Back of Town” (pronounced Back-aTown by the locals), the five square block area of the projects owned by the Cutt Boyz. Meeting The Enemy The New Orleans Police did their best to keep the violence down, but it was a losing battle. “The locals had little, if any, respect for the police, and in many instances had great contempt for them,” Eberhardt explained. “Everyone had a friend or family member who’d been arrested, and these arrests were often viewed as unfair or unnecessary. This fostered a distrust of the police. It was a major hurdle we had to overcome during our investigation.” “There was a separation between the two cultures,” Connor observed. “No one wanted to talk to the police.” And so the mayhem continued. The Cutt Boyz did as they pleased, knowing no one in their neighborhood would dare come forward as a witness against them. Terrified of the gang, distrustful of the police, the residents of Back-a-Town were truly prisoners in their own backyards. Back in 2001 Connor was a New Orleans cop who was familiar with the culture of Back-a-Town. It wasn’t until a few years later he made the decision to join ATF, so it made perfect sense for him to be teamed up with Eberhardt to go after the Cutt Boyz organization. In November of that year, the team of New Orleans Police Detective Ray Connor and ATF Special Agent Mike Eberhardt got into their silver 2002 Crown Victoria and drove straight into the Cutt Boyz’ home turf. Little did they know they’d be spending the next two years of their lives there. Continued on page 52 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010 They don’t just check FFL licenses — ATF agents are often in the field, hands-on making arrests. 482009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=49http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=492009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=50http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=50ira-5 vs. ar-15 Continued from page 45 and with a barrel about twice the length of most pistols; it’ll enhance velocity and decrease muzzle flash. Arguably, noise is less than an AR-15, and noise can be a concern in some circumstances. At a trade show a couple of years ago, I overheard a senior uS Navy officer (who was examining a carbine chambered in 5.56mm) remark, “Shooting one of these inside a steel ship is loud enough to take the paint off the walls.” Of course, the 9mm cartridge does allow for excellent noise suppression with a good quality suppressor; better than the 5.56mm round. But is the AR-15 “better”? I think most people would agree overall it is, for most applications, and the SBR IRA-5 fills a niche between pistol and carbine. Like many subguns over the past several decades, the IRA-5 design inspires confidence in shooters who don’t have extensive training. But until better bullets are designed, the 9mm ammo won’t penetrate body armor, but will over penetrate in many mediums — important things to consider before making your choice. * For More Info: www.ironridgeguns.com 50 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20102009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=51http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=51The Hottest Selling On-Duty/Off-Duty Apparel On The Market. 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Shop online or in our retail store. 4864 ASH STREET | FOREST PARK, GA 30297 | 404-366-0631 | (FAX) 404-366-0065 www.tacgear.com2009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=52http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=52Where The Boyz Continued from page 48 “We made no secret about who we were or why we were there,” Eberhardt said. “We told the residents we were there to help them. And we told the Cutt Boyz we were there to put them in jail.” But how do you build a case against a criminal organization if none of their victims will talk to you? “We spun our wheels for maybe three months,” Eberhardt said. “We weren’t getting anywhere. We were getting stonewalled.” “We were knocking on doors and trying to talk to people,” Conner said. “But nobody was talking. One lady actually told us: ‘If they see you standing on my porch, I’m gonna die.’” “That, right there, told us our approach wasn’t going to work,” said Eberhardt. But what approach would? Getting To Know You The two investigators decided on the total immersion approach. “We needed to win their trust,” Connor explained. “To do that, we needed to become part of the community.” A plan of attack had at last materialized — Connor and Eberhardt would become a perpetual presence — by simply “hanging out” and doing nothing. They’d eventually come to be seen not as cops, not as intruders, but as “Ray and Mike.” At least that was the idea, but would it work? “We spent nearly every day in that project,” Eberhardt said. “For months we didn’t ask anyone about anything crime-related. We didn’t ask them any questions. Little by little, they started to trust us. We wanted them to know we were there to help them, and protect them.” It took many months, but gradually the residents of Back-a-Town began to loosen up, and open up. Their fear began to subside, and their trust in the two investigators began to build. Slowly but surely, Connor and Eberhardt’s stock was going up. As they casually cruised the streets of Back-aTown, they began to notice a change. “We’d be driving around, and people would wave at us,” Connor said. “That’s when we knew we were getting somewhere.” “After a while, we knew everything that was going on,” said Eberhardt. “We were in the loop. If something happened, people would call us and let us know.” The New Orleans cop and the ATF special agent had become such permanent fixtures even the Cutt Boyz began to regard them as an inescapable part of the scenery. “It was a weird situation,” Connor said. As the months rolled by, the duo’s patience and persistence began to pay off. 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Cage #12238 800-741-0308 brownells.com Source Code: CEY 52 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20102009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=53http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=53859-301 EXPERIENCE OUR SHOOTING COMMUNITY! The Cheaper Than Dirt Community is the place for shooting enthusiasts! No other Commerce site has our product selections, the most comprehensive and current data available in one place, and a complete Resource Center: Complete listing of: GunShows, FFL Dealers, Shooting Range Finder, Shooting Events, Gun Clubs, Firearm Training Facilities, Instructional Videos, How to Articles, Hunting Guides and Resorts, Schematics, Firearms History, and Blue Book of Gun Values Data M4 Tactical Duostock Coyote Tan ARR-456 $119.97 Visit our new Forums for the latest in firearm news and legislations. 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America's Ultimate Shooting Sports Discounter 1-800-421-8047 Visit our website for the largest selection of ammunition, magazines, and shooting gear.2009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=54http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=54of information about the Cutt Boyz’ various criminal activities. The residents of Back-a-Town had, at last, begun to talk. “We spent all of 2002 rounding up witnesses and collecting cold case evidence from previous crimes the New Orleans Police had already worked,” Connor explained. “The police had collected a lot of evidence already, but they saw all these crimes as separate incidents — a murder here, a kidnapping there. “We saw them as a bigger picture,” he continued. “We saw them as one long crime spree carried out by a criminal organization.” Take Down Day As the hot summer of 2003 wore on in New Orleans, Connor and Eberhardt came to the conclusion the endgame was nearing. After nearly 20 months, they’d finally collected the evidence they needed to put the Cutt Boyz out of business. “In August of 2003 we indicted 11 suspects,” Eberhardt said. “We indicted the core group. We got them on a number of Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering charges.” With major assistance from the New Orleans Police Department, each of the suspects was taken into custody quickly and quietly, without incident. No dramatic take-downs. No flashing lights and sirens. “All of them knew this day was coming,” Eberhardt observed. “We told them it was coming. They just didn’t know what day it would be.” Eleven Cutt Boyz are now in federal prison. “Two of them were facing the death penalty if convicted at trial,” said Eberhardt. “These two eventually pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy charges and five separate murders. Both received multiple life sentences.” “Another went to trial and was found guilty of one murder and three attempted murders, including the shooting of his girlfriend in the eye,” Connor said. “He was sentenced to two life terms in prison.” Three Cutt Boyz received 25 years each for their participation in various murders and the narcotics conspiracy. Lesser players received sentences of between seven and 20 years. “We were a good team,” Eberhardt said of his old partner, Ray Connor. “Ray’s laid back; he doesn’t get riled up easily. I’m more high-strung. So we kind of played off each other.” Connor agreed. “Mike’s very aggressive,” he said. “I’m much more diplomatic. Mike’s not diplomatic.” For More Info: www.atf.gov SERE 2000™ 3.6” Blade Al Mar Knives Our Sere 2000 knives are handmade to exacting tactical standards, assuring the highest tactical knives in existence. Perfection m o r e Mini SERE 2000™ 3” Blade * l e a r n @ w w w . a l m a r k n i v e s . c o m Tom Cramer is with the Office of Public and Governmental Affairs at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 54 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20102009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=55http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=552009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=56http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=56SPOTlIGHT Command Arms Accessories (CAA) mGriP Point Blank Body Armor drAGon fire VeST These ambidextrous grips are positioned at a balancing point on the rifle providing a comfortable no slip carry option. Three different models provide the user with their choice of magazine grip. The curved magazine grip (MGRIP) provides the shooter with a curved surface with ridges to grasp. The lightweight 3.2 oz grip mounts easily to any Picatinny rail with a vice like screw tightened clamping mechanism and provides the operator with a comfortable forward grasp. See more at www.commandarms.com. Introducing one of the most advanced tactical vests with performance-driven features led by an innovative critical contour cut with edge-to-edge ballistic coverage. The vest’s cutting-edge design and state-of-the-art ballistic technology simultaneously deliver unparalleled levels of protection and maneuverability with split second adaptability. The internal plate retention system provides for improved weight distribution and a better center of gravity. Log onto www.pointblankarmor.com to learn more. SS-BTSGm2 Pro-Tech Mobile Solutions SecureStor behind the seat dual gun rack mounts behind the front seat on the hump and is secured to the front seat bolts and the rear seat support member. The SS-BTSGM2 will hold a variety of shotguns and assault rifles with its adjustability and ease of installation. A charging handle guard prevents charging the weapon while secured. Slots on the bracket allow flashlight, radio speakers and other equipment to be mounted out of the way. Available with or without gun locks. Models custom designed for: Ford Crown Victoria, Expedition and Explorer, Chevy Impala, Tahoe/Suburban and Dodge Charger. Visit www.pro-techmobile.com to learn more. SAfe CHAmBer indiCATorS Ammo-Safe, Inc. Introducing an innovative line of firearm safety devices that are color-coded and caliber specific for handguns, sub guns, long guns and shotguns. These plastic “chamber blockers” or “safe chamber indicators” render firearms safe while allowing full cycling, dry firing, and holstering of your own weapon. A bright, flexible strip extends out of the barrel to give the immediate visual indication of safety. Ammo-Safe is easy to see and easy to use with no alterations to your firearm. Visit them online at www. ammo-safe.com or call (401) 467-9723 for more information. SuPer Tool 300 Leatherman This fall, Leatherman will be bringing back Super Tool with plenty of new and upgraded features. The new Super Tool 300 (ST300) will continue the long tradition of preparing the working man and DIYers alike, for the expected and unexpected. The new ST300 has more than 10 years of compiled customer feedback and engineering expertise in every feature. Each one is designed to address the user who demands strength, quick access to tools, and comfort for tough jobs. Check it out at www. leatherman.com. nd5 lonG diSTAnCe lASer loCATor Laser Genetics Introducing the first high-powered, hand held laser light built for civilian use. One hand, thumb control quickly adjusts laser beam diameter and illumination intensity. The high power laser beam may be collimated down and concentrated to cast an intense, highly visible beam of light able to be seen at distances up to 5 miles for signaling or search and rescue operations. Adjusting the ND5’s collimator to a more open setting increases the diameter of the beam to fully illuminate objects up to 400 yards or even a trail for night hiking. This light causes no typical “night blindness” and provides illumination completely suitable for night work with the least amount of eye adjustment. Check it out at www.lasergenetics.com. 56 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20102009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=57http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=57For more information on seeing your product featured in “Spotlight,” contact Delano Amaguin (888) 732-6461. winGmAn PATrol BAG 5.11 Tactical Introducing the essential system to organize your daily tools; a true car seat organizer and a classic patrol bag in one. The Wingman Patrol Bag expands vertically for fast access to contents. It secures to your front passenger seat with a seat-belt pass-through and head-rest strap, so the bag stays in place when you hit the brakes. The Wingman Patrol Bag efficiently stows extra mags, citation book, gloves, a 5.11 Lined Packable Jacket, eye protection, cuffs, first aid supplies and more. The bag is priced from $69.99 and measures 18.5x13.25x10.5". Log onto www.511tactical.com. mAGnum Reversible Hi-Viz Jacket Magnum’s Reversible Hi-Viz Jacket lets you choose when you’re incognito until you want to be seen. This highly waterproof and breathable jacket conceals two side zippers for access to your sidearm, two zipper pockets and two hidden Velcro pockets for plenty of storage for everything you need in the field. Stay under cover in the fully adjustable and reversible hood so you can see out at every angle yet find protection from the elements. When you’re ready to be seen, just turn your jacket inside out for an ANSI II certified reflective jacket and hood. MSRP $150. See more at www.magnumbootshop.com. deCAl GriP Magpul Decal Grip panels are pre-cut to fit and offer either a soft rubber cobblestone grip or a grittier, more tactile sand grip. These panels easily attach to the frame and slide for a superior grip without increasing bulk for everyday/everywhere on/off duty carry, and are excellent in all kinds of weather. They are resistant to solvents and oils and are easily replaced or removed. For more information visit www.decalgrip. SrT SerieS NcStar NcStar introduces the SRT Series which is the industry’s 1st ever rubber armored, blue illuminated scope with an integrated red laser. The SRT Series is offered in a variable power 3-9x42, and a fixed power 4x32 with 3-reticle options of Mil-Dot, P4 Sniper, and Rangefinder. This scope offers the added option to use both the laser with the illuminated reticle (5 levels of intensity) simultaneously, or the laser alone. For more info visit www.ncstar. com. durTAC TACTiCAl GloVe Wiley X Eyewear The new Wiley X DURTAC glove offers users the most advanced protection in the field. This new glove features injection molded thermoplastic knuckle and individual finger protectors for superior impact and abrasion resistance. The advanced design also includes a synthetic leather palm for maximum durability and breathability, together with an ergonomically shaped palm patch. A reinforced thumb provides added durability for this high-wear area. Most importantly, Wiley X adds a silicone print on the thumb and index fingers, for increased grip where it matters most and superior weapon control. For more information contact Wiley X Eyewear at 7491 Longard Road, Livermore, CA 94551, (800) 776-7842 or visit online at www.wileyx.com. THe ArT of THe TACTiCAl CArBine 4-Disc DVD Set The Art of The Tactical Carbine Volume 2 takes carbine operation to the next level. This 4 Disc Set has over 5 hours of live fire class instruction, dynamic drill breakdowns, extensive gear discussion, weapons manipulation, and mindset methodologies necessary to survive when things go wrong. Drawing on their vast combat, competition, and instructional experience around the globe, instructors Travis Haley and Chris Costa push advanced students to their failure points and prove that even the most advanced shooters have the ability to improve and excel. Log onto www.magpul.com to check them out. 57 winX2 ColleCTion Original S.W.A.T. The 8" black boot collection is built with slip- and oil-resistant outsoles, riveted steel shanks, rust-proof lacing hardware, padded ankle collars, rear heel kick-plates, and moisture-wicking linings. The new Side-Zip model features a zipper with a Velcro secure t2009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=58http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=58SPOTlIGHT new dimenSion PoPlin SHorT SleeVe SHirT The Force Our New Dimension Shirt combines aggressive styling with performance features such as stretch poplin and twill fabrics and silicone permanent creases. Added length to the sides helps to keep shirts tucked. This shirt is extremely comfortable and easy to maintain. It features pleated-pockets, scalloped flaps with hook and loop closure. The silicone permanent creases maintain a neat and professional look. And added Length to the sides help keep shirt tucked. With a mechanical stretch for increased fit and comfort, the shirt is designed to accommodate body armor. Log onto www. theforceonline.com for more information. PHoToCromiC eyewAre Revision Eyewear Introducing an all purpose-built eyewear for military, law enforcement and tactical clients worldwide. They deliver the highest standards of protection, optical clarity, durability, compatibility and comfort. Major clients include all services within the US Military, the Canadian Department of National Defense, the Belgian Ministry of Defense, the Swiss Department of Defense, and the Netherlands Armed Forces. For more information, visit www.revisioneyewear.com, write info@revisioneyewear.com, or call (603) 436-1748. T-5000 reSPirATor Clyns Brands The T-5000 respirator with Triosyn, an EPA registered technology, is the only NIOSH approved P95 disposable respirator with a broad-spectrum antimicrobial layer. The adjustable straps and nosepiece deliver a comfortable and secure fit and can provide superior protection for up to 12 hours. In addition, a charcoal layer filters smoke and nuisance orders. To learn more log onto www.clynsbrands.com. 1911 GriPS GB Diamond Grips Each set of grips is made as part of a very small production run, in shop right here in the US, from carefully selected hardwoods and other beautiful and durable materials. Each set is fitted and final sanded by hand, and given a hand-rubbed oil finish to enhance their natural beauty while protecting them from the handling and exposure. They are built to last a lifetime with a minimum of care and maintenance. They’ll be passed along to the next generation of sportsmen. To learn more get online at www.gbdiamondgrips.com. SiderloCk TriGGer SIDERLOCK Introducing an additional safety trigger designed for Glock pistols which replace the original trigger to offer a safer and more secure blockade of the firing action but without altering the performance. With a push on the safety pin a sliding pin acts to block or release the movement of the central pivot of the trigger, whereby avoiding an accidental discharge when the slide is in the block position, and behaves exactly as the original Glock trigger when in the release position. For left-handed shooters, simply remove and invert the safety pin using the tools and instructions provided with the SIDERLOCK trigger. For more info visit www.siderlock.com. TASER The X12 is a dedicated less-lethal shotgun due to the proprietary patent-pending shell casings, which interface with the Radial Key Ammunition bolt face. Those two features of the X12 will not allow for a lethal shotgun shell to be fired from the gun. It features a 18.5" custom twist rifled barrel to optimize the performance of the low velocity, with a TASER Yellow forearm and stock. The X12 has a 4+1 round capacity and adjustable Ghost Ring sights with a rubber stock pad and sling mount taps. Check it out at www.taser.com. X12 H-SerieS HAnd-Held THermAl imAGer Flir Introducing the thermal imaging camera, built for law enforcement, featuring four times the resolution of other systems. Suspects can’t hide their heat, so operators can see them clearly in total darkness, and through smoke and dust. H-Series thermal cameras provide tactical advantages, making nighttime operations safer and more effective than ever before. Learn more at www.flir.com. 58 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20102009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=59http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=59carry opTions Continued from page 20 11mm Short caliber with a WWII-era surplus tank light, your quest for a duty rig is over. Kydex And Plastic For dress rigs I love leather, and exotic leather is even better. There’s nothing quite like an alligator rig to show appreciation for a fine firearm. I still cringe when I see a plastic holster on a leather belt, but from a practical perspective, tough-as-nails materials like plastic and Kydex continue to prove their value in solid holsters that work well on the job. A wide range in duty assignments allows for many occasions where nylon web belts are the norm and perfectly suited for these rugged holsters. for dress rigs i love leather, and exotic leather is even better. There’s nothing quite like an alligator rig to show appreciation for a fine firearm. One of my favorite makers of these types of holsters continues to be Blade-Tech. They make quality gear and have a huge assortment of options. Many of their attachment systems are interchangeable so you can opt for several different ways to carry the holster. Also, at least in the Kydex holsters, they can fit just about anything. If you need a thigh rig for a S&W .460, they can do it. They can hook you up for just about any gun your agency would dream of letting you carry, and then some. And old pal Bianchi was the first to introduce accurate, molded synthetic in their Accumold line. They carried it to the next step with their Accumold Elite, a high quality molded leatherlook synthetic which continues to be extremely popular with uniformed officers. Bianchi offers many duty holster options in this line. 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 59 “OPTIMUM”. THE WORLD’S BEST MAGAZINES Another Place To Carry Another trend I like is starting to make its way into tactical teams and under cover teams using long guns as a primary weapon system. This trend WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM2009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=60http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=60moves the pistol up onto the heavy body armor or load-carrying vest. Not everyone embraces this idea, but those in the military have seen there’s an application for it. Primarily, it dramatically improves the availability of the handgun while you drive or are otherwise seated. It also allows for the rapid donning of all your vital gear in one quick “grab-n-go” for an active shooter type deployment. Regardless of the application, several you may have to use last year’s technology a while longer and be patient while the manufacturers catch up. good tactical gear makers are making MOLLE-type holster attachment plates for this purpose. My favorite set-up is the BLACKHAWK! S.T.R.I.K.E. CQC platform with a SERPA holster. With the SERPA Quick Disconnect System, the holster and gun can be securely moved from a belt or thigh holster platform to the chest platform in seconds. Another BLACK HILLS AMMUNITION INC. PO BOX 3090 RAPID CITY, SD 57709 Phone: 605.348.5150 Fax: 605.348.9827 60 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20102009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=61http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=612009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=62http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=62good option along these lines is Eagle Industries G-CODE Kydex holster and their RTI MOLLE Claw/RTI Wheel attachment system. They sell a kit with an attachment plate on a belt slide, thigh rig and the MOLLE attachment allowing for the quick reconfiguration some missions may warrant. It’s Your Choice New materials and innovative ideas are being introduced as the manufacturers continue to struggle with a huge range of preferences and needs. Depending on your particular gun preference you may have to use last year’s technology a while longer and be patient while the manufacturers catch up. Or, you can carry a Glock 17 or 22 and take advantage of the first wave of the newest technology. It’s why we call it carry options. * For more info: BLACKHAWK!, www. blackhawk.com; Blade-Tech, www. blade-tech.com; Eagle Industries, www.eagleindustries.com; Galco, www.usgalco.com; Safariland, www. safariland.com; Aker, www.akerleather.com; Gould & Goodrich, www. gouldusa.com; Tex Shoemaker, www. texshoemaker.com; Bianchi Intl., www.bianchi-intl.com SUMME R 2009 • VolUM MbER E 1 • NU 1 62 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20102009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=63http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=63Order Your Copy While Supplies Last! ONLY $9.95 (outside U.S. $17.95) Order at www.americanhandgunner.com 888.732.2299 Mon-Fri 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. PST Call Toll-Free A LOOK INSIDE: • Improvised Weapons for Self Defense • Using Cover Properly • Non-Lethal Protection • Common-Sense Concealed Carry • Gunsite Basics • Plus Much More P.O. Box 502610 • San Diego, CA 92150-2610 WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM AH_1/2HZ_PersDef09.indd 1 3/18/09 8:37:58 AM 632009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=64http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=64Transient’s Feet And Mosquitoes AT LEAST OnE’S AvOIDAbLE logging through the swamps of New Guinea, infested with malaria-bearing mosquitoes hunting the illusive, horribly aggressive and dangerous New Guinea black striped crakigator and writing a ticket on the interstate have absolutely nothing in common — right? Well think again trooper; mosquitoes cause more deaths worldwide than any other insect. Yes, most of them occur in places we’d never go but, malaria and yellow fever have and will again happen right here in the good old uS of A. A few years back the San Diego area experienced an outbreak of malaria caused by mosquitoes stowing away in the belongings of illegals from Central America. In my youth, (about a hundred years ago) I remember the sprayer trucks pumping out great clouds of DDT in my Philadelphia neighborhood due to a large outbreak of yellow fever in nearby New Jersey. Dave Douglas S (Thiamine) to be a huge turn off; much the same as we find the smell of a transient’s feet to be. They are repulsed and are repelled by the smell. Simply put, in the eyes of bugs hoping to snack on you — you stink. Bye-Bye Beriberi Each Mosquito Patch contains 300mg of Thiamine. The need for this vitamin was discovered principally through its deficiency syndrome, beriberi. The disease was found in the Far East but became prevalent during the 19th Century. Thiamine functions as part of an enzyme, thiamine pyrophosphate, which is necessary for energy production, carbohydrate, fat and alcohol metabolism as well as nerve cell function. Your body needs and can only absorb a certain amount of this vitamin; the excess is excreted through your sweat glands, and mosquitoes don’t like it at all. The transdermal patch should be applied to a non-hairy part of the skin — a problem for some of us, but that’s why you have a razor. Put it on at least two hours prior to any exposure. It’s clear, so it blends in with any skin color. You can bathe and swim with the patch and you can even remove it after 24 hours and it will still be effective for another 12 hours. What’s not to like here? No biting flies, gnats or mosquitoes and you’ll never get beriberi either. Sounds like a win-win to me. Patent Pending You Stink All the dangerous stuff aside, mosquitoes are a pain in the butt and a nuisance we can avoid. The most common means of avoidance is spraying yourself down with deet or some other form of methyl-ethyl-bad-shit. What if there was an easy, natural way of protecting yourself? Would you give it try? AgraCo, from Norristown, PA, has a way of protecting you with a vitamin patch. It seems many biting insects like mosquitoes, gnats and biting flies find vitamin B1 aMerICaNCOPMaGaZINe.COM 64 * For more info: www.agraco.com WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20102009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=65http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=652009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=66http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=66WIN! THIS PACKAGE! quEstION2: dOEsyOuRdEPARtMENtOR AGENCyOffERsuffICIENttRAINING WHENNEWEquIPMENtIs INtROduCEd? (A)yEs (b)NO (C)sOMEtIMEs quEstION3: dOEstHECOvERAGEORAdvERtIsINGOfPROduCtsAssIstyOuIN MAKINGPuRCHAsINGdECIsIONs ORRECOMMENdAtIONs? (A)OftEN (b)sOMEtIMEs (C)RAREly quEstION4: AREyOutHINKINGOfsIGNINGuPfORANON-lINECOllEGE dEGREE? (A)yEs (b)NO (C)WOuldlIKEMOREINfOAbOutIt (d)CuRRENtlyENROllEd 66 Complete your duty "kit" with these top-quality tools! quEstIONs quEstION1: dOEsyOuRdEPARtMENtOR AGENCyRECEIvEINPutOR fEEdbACK fROMtHEENdusERsOfEquIPMENtPRIORtOItsPuRCHAsE? (A)yEs (b)NO (C)sOMEtIMEs The Combo Pack has the folding tool, tactical folding knife and AAApowered LED light. WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20102009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=67http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=67H The H&K 1420 features Benchmade’s patented ambidextrous Axis Lock and G-10 handles. Win this eXCiting CoMBo PaCKage FroM h&K! The H&K Model 1430 is a modified drop point with liner-lock handle system. Photo: Joe Novelozo &K is known the world over for their unparalleled fighting guns. The MP-5 is iconic in the police world and has virtually become the symbolic firearm of any special operations unit. H&K has teamed up with renowned knife maker Benchmade to offer H&Kmarked knives and tools for the LE community. The “Combo Pack” is a unique “all-in-one” way to equip your duty bag with back-up or primary go-to tools, lights and knives. The Multi-Tool has the entire compliment of tools you might need, all in a handy folding plier and pouch. There’s even a series of attachments to handle a wide-range of fasteners. The light is a powerful LED with up to 10-hours of run-time at 70 lumens — all from common AAA batteries! Not having to rely on expensive lithium batteries all the time can be a real advantage on a daily-use light. The ComboEdge black-oxide coated AUS8-blade folder is a great primary or back-up blade. The 420J stainless steel handle assembly is rugged and feels solid in the hand. But if you need one knife, you probably need more, so H&K has added two more top-quality folders to the mix! The H&K Model 1430 Liner-Lock is a Snody design and offers an aggressive, modified drop-point design, nylon resin overlay handle with heavy texture on the bolster area and scallops on the remainder for an enhanced grip. There’s a removable carry clip and the 2.97" blade is made of classic 44C stainless steel. The H&K 1420 Axis carries a brawny 3.4" 154CM stainless blade and is also a Snody design. The ambidextrous Axis Lock mechanism allows weak- or strong-handed operation and is swift and sure. The modified clip-point supplies superior cutting power and control doing detail work. A movable carry clip, flat black G-10 handles and proven Benchmade/H&K quality make the 1420 an easy choice for a primary carry knife for both self-defense/back-up duty or routine patrol chores. And don’t forget to show your H&K colors with the included hat and shirt! For more info: www.hk-usa.com; www.benchmade.com TO ENTER CONTEST: Use a postcard (no envelopes, please) and answer the three 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 Web site www.americancopmagazine.com. Entries must be received before March 1, 2010. 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 2010: nAmE ___________________________________ ADDrESS _____________ CITy, STATE, ZIp____________ EmAIL ADDrESS _______________________ If I wIn, pLEASE ShIp my prIZE ThrOUgh: sample 67 DEALEr ___________________________________ ADDrESS _____________ CITy, STATE, ZIp____________ phOnE ( ) ____ - ________ STOrE hOUrS __ Am __ pm WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM2009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=68http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=68CALL 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) AMERICANCOP 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: We noW hAve DisplAY ClAssiFieD ADs in Both guns mAgAZine AnD AmeriCAn hAnDgunner. Ask For our neW rAte CArD, or call (858) 605-0235. 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 INdEx Al Mar Knives ALS Technologies Inc. AmChar Wholesale Benchmade Knife Company Black Hills Ammunition Inc. BLACKHAWK! Brownells Buffer Technologies Cheaper Than Dirt Copquest CorBon/Glaser CrossBreed Holsters LLC Cylinder & Slide Inc. D.P.M.S. DeSantis Holster EOTAC Fail Zero FNH USA GLOCK Inc. Hornady Manufacturing Inc. Insight Technology Insight Technology International Training Inc. Iosso Products Kahr Arms Kimber Mfg. Inc. Kimber Mfg. Inc. KnifeKits.com 68 OF ADVERTISERS 54 14 54 11 60 13 52 54 53 19 6 29 27 12 6 29 11 2 9 21 19 27 63 59 50 7 72 15 The companies listed have featured advertisements in this issue. Look to them first when you are ready to make a purchase. AccEssoRiEs BAdgEs BElts THE BELTMAN makes sturdy, top quality, DUAL LAYER, Bull Hide belts for dress wear, concealed carry, or competition. Options include: Horse, Shark, Elephant, Velcro, tapering, stiffeners, etc. Handmade in three widths, and five colors from $69.95, any length! Catalogue - $3.00 (refundable) PO Box 1302, Apex, NC 27502. 919-387-1997. www. thebeltman.net. M4 Carbine LLC Magna-Matic Defense Magnum USA Magpul Industries Corp. Maxpedition Hard-Use Gear Mec-Gar USA Inc. National Sheriffs’ Association O.F. Mossberg & Sons Officerstore Original SWAT Pearce Grip ProMag Industries Rick Hinderer Knives Rock River Arms S.H.O.T. Show Safariland Savage Arms SIG SAUER Smith & Alexander Inc. Smith & Wesson Springfield Inc. SureFire LLC Thunder Ranch TOPS KNIVES Tru-Spec Tuff Products Brand XS Sight Systems 60 23 55 33 25 68 62 23 8 3 52 16 64 17 61 7 14 10 59 31 71 49 65 52 51 15 62 collEctoRs EmBlEms & iNsigNiA gRips gUNs FoR sAlE iNstRUctioN lEAthER misc optics policE EqUipmENt WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 20102009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=69http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=69INsIDERRUMINATIONS Continued from page 70 o you have a compact or subcompact gun — maybe kept at home for the family while you work graves? Well, your gun’s about to get even better. Streamlight introduced it’s new TLR-3 in June; a super-light, super bright LED light specifically designed for small guns. The TLR-3 weighs in at a mere 2.3 D IncreDIble ShrInkIng lIghtS INSIDERRUmiNAtioNs doinG tHe nuMbeRS OffICERsfElONIOuslyKIllEd. WEREWEARINGbOdyARMOR. OftHOsEWEREKIllEdWItH fIREARMs. sHOtINtHEHEAdORNECK. AvERAGEAGEOffElONIOusly KIllEdOffICER. AvERAGEyEARsOfExPERIENCE. OffICERsKIllEdACCIdENtAlly. OftHOsEWEREKIllEdINAutOMObIlECOllIsIONs. WEREstRuCKbyvEHIClEs. KIllEdINMOtORCyClECOllIsIONs. AvERAGEAGEOfACCIdENtAlly KIllEdOffICER. AvERAGEyEARsOfExPERIENCE. Source: The FBI report, 2008 Law Enforcement Officers Killed And Assaulted. For more info: www.fbi.gov/ucr/killed/2008index.html WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM ounces, is only 2.7" long and has a run time of up to 1.5 hours on a single 3-volt CR2 lithium battery. And it cranks out 90 lumens, but I don’t suggest shining it in your eyes to see if I’m telling the truth or not. It comes with five different “keys” to allow you to fit it to a variety of handguns — and yes, you can even use it on your full-size gun if you want. Guess that means you should get two …. www.streamlight.com 41 32 Tight Budget? 29 20 39 10 68 39 13 6 f you’re in the market for a knife, but don’t have a lot to spend, let me introduce you to my friends at Hallmark Cutlery. They carry the uzi line of knives and I’ve got to say, uzi makes a hell of a knife for very little money. For instance, the “Delta” and “Echo Tanto” models shown here have blades made from 8CR14 stainless steel that’s been hard-coated gun metal grey. Each has black G-10 handles and comes with a pocket clip for easy carrying. The Delta’s blade measures 3-7/8" while the Echo Tanto comes in at 3-1/4". At $37.50 and $35.00, these knives will get plenty of poking, stabbing, cutting and prying done without breaking the bank. www.hallmarkcutlery.com i 38 11 kay, I admit it; I have a thing for pens. Not just any ordinary, find it at the drug store kind of pens — they smear and leak too much — I’ve got it bad for nice pens. Just ask any of my former squad mates what writing instrument I used on-duty. They’ll tell you it was a Mont Blanc. And I never lost it; unlike countless junk pens the department supplied. O Write In Style I know you’re all familiar with Wilson Combat; they make fine custom guns, knives and leather gear. They recently introduced their interpretation of a tactical pen and they made it in standard Wilson style. It’s built tough, made from hard-anodized aircraft grade aluminum alloy with stainless steel fittings, a spring quality stainless steel pocket clip and finished in matte black, green or gray Armor-Tuff coating. Nonetheless, it has an understated elegance, uses a Schmidt ballpoint ink cartridge and has a machined pattern on the case that looks stylish. Don’t be deceived, that pattern is really meant to keep your hand in place should you need to use it as a weapon. Leave it to the Wilson shop to make such a nice Tac-Pen. I’ve carried mine on several trips and have never had a problem with TSA. www.wilsoncombat.com * 692009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=70http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=70sUZI HUNTINGTON INsIDER RuMINAtIONs Legislators are still looking for that “Pie in the Sky” fix for everything . when simply enforcing existing laws would work fine. WAsTiNg resOurCes ctober 12, 2009 – Caulifonya Governator Ahnuld Schwarzenegger signs AB 962, a bill created to “keep deadly ammunition out of the hands of criminals, gang members and violent felons.” The bill’s author, Assemblyman Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) said during the press conference touting this sweeping new, gang-focused legislation, “Bullets are the lifeblood of guns. Guns don’t kill people, bullets do.” Huh? What? If you’re gonna rip off a catchy tag-line, the least you should do is think about what you’re saying. Yes, the bullet will be part of the method of death, but it’s still the human shooting said bullet who is doing the killing. And the last time I looked, there were already a myriad of laws on the books to deal with killers — especially gangsters and repeat offenders. In signing the bill, Gov. Schwarzenegger was surrounded by the usual suspects of political hangers-on; LAPD Chief Bratton and LASO Sheriff Baca and a group of uniformed officers from various police agencies. Several from this crowd gave “thank you speeches” not unlike speeches you’d expect at the Academy Awards (yawn). The substance of this bill will require vendors of handgun ammo transfers and sales to keep a log of information, store the ammo in a safe and secure manner (away from thievin’ hands) and requires the sale or transfer to be made face-to-face (online sales will be illegal). What they conspicuously didn’t mention was purchasers would be required to give a thumbprint, just as required for buying a gun. Now rewind to October 13, 2007 (Friday the 13th, no less), the governator signs AB 1471, the Crime Gun Identification Act of 2007. This stupid, feel-good law mandates as of January 1, 2010 (right now) gun manufacturers must microstamp (laser engrave) characters to identify the make, model and serial number of all new models of semiautomatic handguns on two or more locations of the gun, one of which is the tip of the firing pin. The other likely spot would be the breech face. In theory this information would be transferred to the cartridge casing when the gun has been fired. There are several problems with this technology and how the law was written. The bill’s language makes it almost impossible to implement because the technology/process is patented under NanoMark Technologies and the attorney general has to be able to certify it (the technology) was available to more than one manufacturer unencumbered by any patent restrictions. Oops. Houston, we’ve got a problem here. The other hurdle is the microstamping must work 100-percent of the time and we all know there are no guarantees anything will work 100-percent of the time. These are just two shining examples of the stupidity that has Déjà vu All Over AgAin o INSIDERRUmiNAtioNs taken over California. But California has not cornered the market on this craziness either, many other states have and will continue to follow suit. It’s like watching a herd of lemmings jumping off a cliff. Lawmakers, in their zest to make the air-sucking masses of sheeple feel better, clamor to pass new, ridiculous-to-implement laws. Sometimes they even acknowledge the difficulty faced with trying to make the new laws work, but with the stroke of a pen it becomes our problem — the taxpayer, that is. With every new feel-good law what lies in its wake is an astronomical amount of money that could’ve been put to much better use. I’d suggest if legislators (and courts) truly want to make our streets safer from violent felons and gang-bangers, they fix the damn prison and parole systems. Enough already with trying to rehabilitate these miscreants who refuse to behave. And while they’re at it, get back to actually enforcing the death penalty — stop dickin’ around with appeal after appeal. I think the process should be limited to one chance, Lord kn2009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=71http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=712009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=72http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanCop/ACJF10/?Page=72Ultra CDP II™ pistols in .45 ACP & 9mm have 3-inch barrels & weigh just 25 ounces. The Best Defense. The Custom Defense Package–CDP–from Kimber. The Pro CDP II™ .45 ACP has a 4-inch barrel and full-length grip. At just 28 ounces, it is easy to carry & conceal. CDP pistols are powerful, accurate and absolutely dependable. Built in the , they feature night sights and 30 lines-per-inch Kimber® Custom Shop™ checkering on the frontstrap and under the trigger guard for a positive grip. , Slides are machined from stainless steel and aluminum frames wear KimPro II™ a premium finish that is self-lubricating and extremely resistant to the elements. All have a match grade barrel, chamber and trigger. Adding these features during production reduces their price by over $500, giving them incredible value. See them in action at www.kimberamerica.com. Carry the best. Carry a Kimber. The Custom CDP II™.45 ACP has a 5-inch barrel and weighs only 31 ounces. It is the nest full-size 1911 carry pistol available today. CDP pistols feature match grade barrels, night sights and a Carry Melt treatment that rounds & blends edges to prevent snagging on clothing or holsters. The Choice of America’s Best. www.kimberamerica.com For information on products and dealer locations please send $2 to: Kimber, Dept. 252 One Lawton Street, Yonkers, NY 10705 Information is also available at (800) 880-2418 ©2009 Kimber Mfg., Inc. All rights reserved. Kimber names, logos and other trademarks may not be used without permission. Names of other companies, products and services may be the property of their respective owners. Kimber firearms are shipped with an instructional manual and California-approved cable lock. Copy of instruction manual available by request.2009-12-03T18:19:26+01:00